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Research suggests peer imitation can be taught using systematic procedures and can be embedded into ongoing play contexts with preschool-age children. However, additional research is needed to test procedures that may increase levels of peer imitation with toddlers with disabilities and in generalized contexts. We used a multiple probe across participants research design to evaluate the effectiveness of progressive time delay (PTD) to teach peer imitation to preschoolers with disabilities during a play activity with a peer. We also examined the efficacy of PTD in a generalized context (i.e., new peers, implementer, and materials). Visual analysis indicated a functional relation between PTD and unprompted peer imitation; however, generalization was variable across participants. Our results support previous research indicating PTD is effective in teaching children with disabilities to imitate their peers.

Cobalt is one of the main components of metal hip prostheses and cobalt nanoparticles (CoNPs) produced from wear cause inflammation, bone lyses and cytotoxicity at high concentrations. Cobalt ions mimic hypoxia in the presence of normal oxygen levels, and activate hypoxic signalling by stabilising hypoxia inducible transcription factor 1α (HIF1α). This study aimed to assess in vitro the functional role of HIF1α in CoNP induced cellular cytotoxicity. HIF1α, lysosomal pH, tumour necrosis factor α and interleukin 1β expression were analysed in THP-1 macrophages treated with CoNP (0, 10 and 100 μg/mL). HIF1α knock out assays were performed using small interfering RNA to assess the role of HIF1α in CoNP-induced cytotoxicity. Increasing CoNP concentration increased lysosomal activity and acidity in THP-1 macrophages. Higher doses of CoNP significantly reduced cell viability, stimulated caspase 3 activity and apoptosis. Reducing HIF1αactivity increased the pro-inflammatory activity of tumour necrosis factorαand interleukin 1β,but had no significant impact on cellular cytotoxicity. This suggests that whilst CoNP promotes cytotoxicity and cellular inflammation, the apoptotic mechanism is not dependent on HIF1α.

The phallic glans of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is the distal termination of the semen-conducting sulcus spermaticus and during copulation has the closest, most intimate mechanical interactions with the female urodeum, the middle cloacal chamber that contains the opening to the vaginal passages and oviducts. However, the details of this interface leading to insemination and gamete uptake are unclear. Here, we: (1) histologically characterize the underlying tissue types and morphologically quantify the shape changes associated with glans inflation into the copulatory conformation, (2) digitally reconstruct from MRI the 3D shape of functional tissue compartments, and (3) diffusible iodine-based contrast-enhanced computed tomography image the copulatory fit between male phallus and female cloaca. We discuss these results in relation to tissue type material properties, the transfer on intromittent forces, establishing potential copulatory lock, inflated glans volume scaling with body mass/length, the mechanics of semen targeting and insemination, and potential female cryptic choice impacting multiple clutch paternity. In part, this study further clarifies the phallic morphological variation observed among crocodylians and begins to investigate the role(s) these divergent male forms play during copulation interacting with female cloacal forms to increase reproductive success.

Young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) demonstrate fewer and less varied play behaviors than children with typical development. This article describes two studies designed to increase two aspects of play complexity—diverse play actions and sequential play actions—in a child with ASD. In Study 1, we use a multitreatment single-case design to compare the use of the system of least prompts with contingent reinforcement for diverse play or all play. In Study 2, we used a multiple probe design to examine the relation between the system of least prompts with contingent reinforcement and the child’s use of play sequences. Across both studies, the complexity of play increased when specific aspects—diversity or sequences—were prompted and reinforced; however, the maintenance of effects were variable.

Background: Studies on posttraumatic growth (PTG) among bereaved youth are rare; outcome studies on how to facilitate PTG among this population are even more scarce. Objectives: This study examined the addition of trauma-informed care to bereavement interventions to foster PTG in youth attending a weekend-long bereavement camp. Method: A total of 105 participants completed standardized measures of posttraumatic growth and posttraumatic stress disorder after which 52 of the participants took part in a camp session. Ninety-five of the participants from both groups were post-tested four weeks after the camp session. Results: Multiple Regression showed that PTG scores were significantly greater at posttest for the treatment group. No significant changes in PTSD were found in either group, although the presence of dissociative symptoms decreased significantly among campers in the treatment group. Conclusions: Findings suggest trauma-informed care may increase posttraumatic growth among youth coping with loss. Implications for future studies and clinical practice are discussed

The crocodylian phallic glans is the distal inflatable structure that makes the most direct contact with the female cloacal and associated reproductive tract openings during copulation. Therefore, its form and function directly impact female tissue sensory interactions and insemination mechanics. Compared to mammals, less is known about glans functional anatomy among other amniotes, including crocodylians. Therefore, we paired an ex vivo inflation technique with magnetic resonance imaging 3D-reconstructions and corresponding histological analyses to better characterize the morphological glans restructuring occurring in the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) at copulation. The expansion of contiguous inflatable spongiform glans tissues is variably constrained by adjacent regions of dense irregular collagen-rich tissues. Therefore, expansion shows regional differences with greater lateral inflation than dorsal and ventral. Furthermore, this enlargement elaborates the cup-like glans lumen, dorsally reorients the glans ridge, stiffens the blunt and bifid glans tip, and putatively works to seal the ventral sulcus spermaticus semen conduit groove. We suggest how these dynamic male structures may interact with structures of the female cloacal urodeum and how these morphological changes, in concert with the varying material properties of the structural tissue compartments visualized in this study, aid copulatory gamete transfer and resulting fecundity. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Nile crocodile glans inflation produces a reproductively relevant copulatory structure directing insemination and female tissue interactions. Pairing magnetic resonance imaging 3D reconstruction with corresponding histology effectively studies functional anatomy.

Objective: This study evaluated the effects of dexmethylphenidate on problem behavior during functional analyses conducted across dexmethylphenidate and placebo conditions for a child with multiple...

Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC) system is common in all modern jet engines. In jet engine, the simplest control system is to produce desired engine thrust by changing the fuel flow. Since in flight engine thrust measurement is practically not possible, engine low pressure shaft rotational speed (N1/NL), engine pressure ratio (EPR), or exhaust jet temperature (EJT) has been effectively used as an indicator of the engine thrust. In this paper, the model used is twin spool turbofan engine. If any fault occurs in N1 sensor, the entire engine operation will be affected. Since there exists a unique aerodynamic relationship among the spool speeds, if any fault occurs in N1 sensor, engine thrust can be controlled with a certain amount of degradation using high pressure spool speed (N2/NH).Both soft and hard failures are detected using kalman filter, range, rate and comparison techniques. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated by means of simulations.

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare alcohol dependence severity in patients with severe alcoholic liver disease (ALD) with that in heavy drinkers without liver disease. Methods: Short alcohol dependence data and lifetime alcohol questionnaires applied to unselected heavy alcohol drinkers (>60 units/week (M) or 40 units/week (F) for >5 years) with either (a) decompensated ALD (patients n = 136) or (b) no evidence of serious liver disease by clinical, biochemical and ultrasound evaluation ('controls' n = 148). Results: The SADD alcohol dependence severity score (range 0-42) in patients with ALD was >28 (severe dependence) in 36 cases (26%); slightly higher than that in heavy-drinking controls taken as a whole; similar to that in controls who were seeking healthcare but higher than that in controls who were not; and lower than that in controls who attended specialist alcohol services. In ALD patients and controls, the SADD score was higher in those with three or more heavy-drinking first-degree relatives than in those with none. In multiple regression analysis, the SADD score showed independent associations with young age, clinically manifest alcohol dependence, seeking healthcare and the presence of multiple heavy drinking relatives, but not with ALD. Conclusions: Alcohol dependence severity in patients with ALD varies and tends to be lower than that in heavy drinkers seeking treatment at alcohol treatment centres but is not as low as implied in some previous studies. Alcohol dependence severity is associated with young age and family drinking history but is not specifically associated with the development of liver disease.

This paper reports how, through reflective collaboration between two students, a practitioner and a health lecturer, prospective professional nurses can develop and implement effective strategies to deal with emotionally challenging situations. Using the example of unexpected child death, issues affecting the support for the student provided in both clinical and formal educational settings are explored. The ability to apply a previous learning experience in a further critical situation was found to be dependent on cultural and contextual changes. Following on from the student experience it is demonstrated how learning about emotionally challenging situations can be achieved through reflection in conjunction with supportive processes provided by both practice and education. A supportive network in place for practitioners supporting students needs to be facilitated through mechanisms such as clinical supervision. The new Diploma in Nursing curriculum is examined for its potential to provide a seamless transitional support network from early student experience to experienced practitioner and throughout a career of life-long learning. There is a need for research that critically examines whether the developing system of reflection in education and practice is effective in helping students learn about emotionally challenging situations.