University of California, Berkeley

Studies have shown the importance of executive functions (EFs) and spatial and relational reasoning for fraction understanding; however, few studies have examined them simultaneously. We analyzed two datasets to examine how these domain-general skills contribute to performance in fraction magnitude comparison and number line estimation tasks. In Study 1, third graders (n=84) completed working memory and cognitive flexibility tasks, a standardized test of relational reasoning, a whole number line estimation task, and two fraction tasks-fraction comparison and estimation. Cluster analysis showed that participants formed two clusters based on fraction task performance, with one cluster outperforming the other on both tasks; logistic regression showed that working memory and prior knowledge predicted the odds of being classified to the higher-performing cluster. In Study 2, we applied the same analysis to sixth graders (n=57), who completed an inhibitory control task, patterning word problems, a standardized math achievement test, and fraction tasks. Results showed the same higher-performing and lower-performing clusters, with prior knowledge (achievement test) as the significant predictor. Results provide initial evidence regarding the joint roles of these skills; however, given the heterogeneity in the measures and designs, which limit direct comparison across our samples, more research is needed to clarify how domain-general and domain-specific skills contribute to fraction understanding.

Cytokines dimerize two receptor chains to activate Janus kinases and STAT transcription factors that regulate immune cells but have therapeutic liabilities. We engineered “Trikines” to compel cis formation of three-chain cytokine receptor complexes at the cell surface that induce bespoke STAT transcriptional signaling programs optimized for therapeutic efficacy. Designed Trikines co-activated pSTAT5 and pSTAT3 signatures distinct from any natural cytokines, by assembling trimeric combinations of Interleukin-2 (IL-2), Interleukin-10 (IL-10), and Interleukin-21 (IL-21) receptors. An IL-2-based-Trikine restrained terminal differentiation of T cells, promoted stemness, and enhanced durability of tumor control without toxicity. Unexpectedly, an IL-10-based Trikine induced immune infiltration into poorly immunogenic tumors, showing striking efficacy in small cell lung cancer and pancreatic cancer models. Trikines obviate the need for cell engineering to customize STAT signatures for immunotherapy.

Existing positively tuned ASAP-family voltage indicators such as ASAP4e exhibit superior photostability compared to the negatively tuned ASAP3 and ASAP5, but signal-to-noise ratios for spike detection remained similar to ASAP3. To improve spike detection by positively tuned ASAP indicators, we performed multiple rounds of structure-guided saturation mutagenesis of an ASAP4e predecessor while screening directly for faster responses. One variant, ASAP6c, demonstrated ∼100% increases in fluorescence in response to single action potentials in both one-photon and two-photon imaging in vivo, achieving a 3-fold improvement in signal-to-noise ratios over ASAP4e.

LGBTQ+ older adults have a higher anticipated need for residential long-term care. A rise of recent anti-LGBTQ+ bills has raised new concerns about discrimination. This study analyzes 9 laws in the United States that explicitly protect LGBTQ+ residents in long-term care by identifying and comparing the law's scope of coverage, jurisdictional variations, training and compliance requirements, and enforcement. This community-engaged study incorporates a qualitative content review and comparative analysis of all 9 laws explicitly protecting sexual and gender minorities in residential long-term care in the United States. This study examines 8 bills of rights and 1 antidiscrimination law explicitly protecting sexual and gender minorities in residential long-term care. The research team identified and reviewed policy language in all 9 laws explicitly outlining rights for LGBTQ+ residents in residential long-term care and employed directed content analysis to analyze and compare data. The analysis of US laws with explicit protections for LGBTQ+ long-term care residents reveals substantial differences in definitions, scope of protections, training standards, and enforcement mechanisms that provide varying levels of protection. Overall, these bills shared similar structures that allowed for robust comparisons regarding to whom the law applies, what the law does, and how the law is enforced. However, protections varied widely with inconsistent definitions, training, and enforcement, creating significant gaps and opportunities to best serve LGBTQ+ residents in long-term care. By comparing all 9 laws aiming to protect sexual and gender minorities in residential long-term care, this study illuminates strengths and challenges posed by these laws, and opportunities for refinement moving forward that could further alleviate concerns about discrimination toward LGBTQ+ residents in long-term care.