Three atmospheric dispersion experiments involving oil fog plumes measured by lidar

The Wave Propagation Lab. participated with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in a series of experiments with the goal of developing and validating dispersion models that perform substantially better that models currently available. The lidar systems deployed and the data processing procedures used in these experiments are briefly described. Highlights are presented of conclusions drawn thus far from the lidar data

Efficacy of Various Interventions for Achieving Target HbA1C Levels for Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus and on Exogenous Insulin

Objective: To learn the rates at which patients at UT Family Medicine–St. Francis (UTFM–SF) with type II diabetes mellitus are being prescribed recommended medications—namely metformin, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1RAs)—whether these rates correspond to the severity of hyperglycemia (as indicated by HbA1C level). A secondary goal of the study was to investigate if HbA1C levels are being checked at recommended intervals. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted using records of patients seen at the clinic in the previous four years between the ages of 18 and 65 who had visits with ICD 10 codes for type II diabetes mellitus (E11) and long term insulin use (Z79.4). Patients with an HbA1C result from January 1, 2018 or later and a chart history of an insulin prescription were selected for further analysis. Results: 234 patients met the search criteria and were divided into three groups based on an average of the three most recent HbA1C labs: Below the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommended HbA1C of 7% (n=40), between 7% and the insurance quality metric goal of 9% (n=66), and above 9% (n=128). A chi-square test revealed there was no significant association between HbA1C group and the rate of prescription of metformin (2-sided, p=.631), SGLT2 inhibitors (P=.221), or GLP1RAs (P=.223); a chi-square test also showed there was no association between group and the number of medications prescribed (P=.236). A one-way ANOVA revealed no statistically significant differences between group with regards to frequency of HbA1C checks (P=.295). Conclusion: Patients at UTFM–SF with lower levels of glycemic control are not receiving significantly different treatment from patients who demonstrate better glycemic control—they are not being prescribed recommended medication classes at a different rate, they are not having medications combined at a different rate, and their HbA1Cs are not being monitored differently. Increased utilization of metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, and GLP1Ras, as well as quarterly HbA1C checks, are necessary to bring diabetic care at UTFM–SF more in line with ADA recommendations

Sensory Aids Research

Contains reports on three research projects.National Institutes of Health (Grant MH-04737-02)National Science Foundation (Grant G-16526)United States Air Force, Electronic Systems Division (Contract AF19(628)-258

Cognitive Information Processing

Contains reports on two research project.National Institutes of Health (Grant 1 PO1 GM-14940-02)National Institutes of Health (Grant 1 P01 GM-15006-01)Joint Services Electronics Programs (U. S. Army, U. S. Navy, and U. S. Air Force) under Contract DA 28-043-AMC-02536(E

Cognitive Information Processing

Contains reports on four research projects.National Institutes of Health (Grant 1 P01 GM-14940-01)National Institutes of Health (Grant 1 PO1 GM-15006-01)Joint Services Electronics Programs (U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Air Force) under Contract DA 28-043-AMC-02536(E

Comparative Direct Analysis of Type Ia Supernova Spectra. IV. Postmaximum

A comparative study of optical spectra of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) obtained near 1 week, 3 weeks, and 3 months after maximum light is presented. Most members of the four groups that were defined on the basis of maximum light spectra in Paper II (core normal, broad line, cool, and shallow silicon) develop highly homogeneous postmaximum spectra, although there are interesting exceptions. Comparisons with SYNOW synthetic spectra show that most of the spectral features can be accounted for in a plausible way. The fits show that 3 months after maximum light, when SN Ia spectra are often said to be in the nebular phase and to consist of forbidden emission lines, the spectra actually remain dominated by resonance scattering features of permitted lines, primarily those of Fe II. Even in SN 1991bg, which is said to have made a very early transition to the nebular phase, there is no need to appeal to forbidden lines at 3 weeks postmaximum, and at 3 months postmaximum the only clear identification of a forbidden line is [Ca II] 7291, 7324. Recent studies of SN Ia rates indicate that most of the SNe Ia that have ever occurred have been "prompt" SNe Ia, produced by young (100,000,000 yr) stellar populations, while most of the SNe Ia that occur at low redshift today are "tardy", produced by an older (several Gyrs) population. We suggest that the shallow silicon SNe Ia tend to be the prompt ones.Comment: Accepted by PAS

Enhancing Collaborative Practices with Preprofessional Occupational Therapists and Early Childhood Special Education Student Teachers: A Pilot Study

This article presents the Collaborative Design Model as a tool for developing collaboration and self-efficacy for preprofessional educators and service providers. As student populations continue to become more diverse, preprofessionals entering the classroom must be prepared to collaborate with colleagues effectively and efficiently to address the variety of needs presented in the classroom. Little research exists on the collaboration among preprofessional teachers and preprofessional occupational therapists. The proposed model provides a method for supporting preprofessionals in collaborating to meet the needs of students at risk for or with disabilities. Initial pilot findings suggest the Collaborative Design Model could potentially increase self-efficacy and collaboration skills for preprofessionals working in the classroom

Cognitive Information Processing

Contains research objectives and reports on one research project.National Institutes of Health (Grant 1 PO1 GM-14940-01)National Institutes of Health (Grant 1 PO1 GM-15006-01)Joint Services Electronics Programs (U. S. Army, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Air Force) under Contract DA 28-043-AMC-02536(E