Exposure to atmospheric radon

We measured radon (222Rn) concentrations in Iowa and Minnesota and found that unusually high annual average radon concentrations occur outdoors in portions of central North America. In some areas, outdoor concentrations exceed the national average indoor radon concentration. The general spatial patterns of outdoor radon and indoor radon are similar to the spatial distribution of radon progeny in the soil. Outdoor radon exposure in this region can be a substantial fraction of an individual's total radon exposure and is highly variable across the population. Estimated lifetime effective dose equivalents for the women participants in a radon-related lung cancer study varied by a factor of two at the median dose, 8 mSv, and ranged up to 60 mSv (6 rem). Failure to include these doses can reduce the statistical power of epidemiologic studies that examine the lung cancer risk associated with residential radon exposure.

Thermochemical Properties (D degrees0 and IP) of the Lanthanide Monohalides

Thermochemical data for the lanthanide monohalides have been combined with recent ligand field theory calculations (A. L. Kaledin, M. C. Heaven, R. W. Field, and L. A. Kaledin (1996). J. Mol. Spectrosc. 179, 310) to estimate the dissociation energies and ionization potentials for all LnX (where Ln in Ba through Lu, and X in F, Cl, Br, or I) molecules and the dissociation energies for the LnX+ ions. Owing to the negligible involvement of the core-like 4f electrons in bonding, the dissociation energies and ionization potentials of all LnX molecules, where Ln in Ba through Lu, and X in O, S, F, Cl, Br, or I, should vary with Ln atom in a simple linear manner, provided that corrections are made for differences in f-orbital occupancy between the LnX molecule and the free Ln atom or between the LnX molecule and the LnX+ molecular ion. We provide such a model here and, in so doing, correct several inconsistencies in the thermochemical data. Based on thermochemical data (A. A. Kitaev, I. S. Gotkis, P. G. Val'kov, and K. C. Krasnov (1996). Russ. Chem. Phys. 7, 1685) and recent spectroscopic observations (M. C. McCarthy, J. C. Bloch, R. W. Field, and L. A. Kaledin (1996) J. Mol. Spectrosc. 179, 251), a revised value for the ionization potential of DyF, IP(DyF) = 5.85 +/- 0.06 eV, is proposed. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Double-Resonance Spectroscopic Studies of Core-Penetrating Rydberg States of CaCl

Six core-penetrating Rydberg series have been assigned in the CaCl molecule by a combination of double-resonance spectroscopic techniques. Two 2Sigma+ series, with approximate quantum defects (delta) of 0.51 and 0.25, have been observed with effective principal quantum numbers (n*) in the range of 5-8 using the D2Sigma+ state as the resonant intermediate state for REMPI and/or ion-dip detection. A third 2Sigma+ series with delta approximately 0.84 and a 2Delta series with delta approximately 0.95 have been observed with n* = 16-18 using the A2Pi3/2 state as the resonant intermediate state for preparation of v+ = 1 vibrationally autoionizing states. Two additional series in the same region with delta approximately 0.90 and 0.07 are tentatively identified as the expected core-penetrating 2Pi series. Vibrational assignments have been confirmed in many cases on the basis of isotope shifts between the 35Cl and 37Cl isotopomers. The ion-dip and REMPI spectra display linewidths systematically broadened by predissociation. In addition to the assigned core-penetrating series, both the REMPI and the ion-dip spectra display some sharper features that have not yet been assigned. These sharper features most likely arise from perturbations of optically "bright" core-penetrating states by nominally "dark" higher-l core-nonpenetrating states. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

The Predissociation Mechanism for 2Sigma+ Rydberg States of CaCl

This work summarizes experimental results from recent ion-dip spectroscopy studies of CaCl and from previously unpublished optical-optical double-resonance work with specific regard to predissociation processes of 2Sigma+ Rydberg states in the low n* (n* = 7, IP - En* = 2240 cm-1) region. A single repulsive state (assigned as 2Sigma+) was found to be responsible for all observed predissociations of 2Sigma+ Rydberg states. The n*-dependent internuclear distances of the intersections between Rydberg states and the repulsive 2Sigma+ state were determined through the use of trial-and-error Franck-Condon calculations. Values of energy-descaled electronic matrix elements governing the Rydberg left and right arrow repulsive state interaction were obtained from the measured linewidths (0.6 < Gamma < 1.2 cm-1) and computed Franck-Condon densities. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.

Spatial variation of residential radon concentrations: the Iowa Radon Lung Cancer Study

Homeowners and researchers frequently estimate the radon concentrations in various areas of the home from a single radon measurement often performed in the home's basement. This study describes the spatial variation of radon concentrations both between floors and between rooms on the same floor. The geometric mean basement and first floor radon concentrations for one-story homes were 13.8% and 9.0% higher, respectively, as compared to their counterparts in two-story homes. The median first floor/basement ratio of radon concentrations for one-story homes was 0.60. The median ratios between first floor/basement and second floor/basement for two-story homes were 0.51 and 0.62, respectively. The mean coefficient of variation for detectors placed on the same floor was 9.5%, which was only 2.6% higher than the mean coefficient of variation found for collocated (duplicate) quality control detectors. The wide individual variations noted in radon concentrations serve as a reminder of the importance of performing multiple radon measurements in various parts of the home when estimating home radon concentrations.

The 4(3)Pig and 6(3)Pig States of Na2: Observation and Assignment

Two 3Pig states of Na2 have been observed in the 35 000-38 000 cm-1 energy region by pulsed perturbation facilitated optical-optical double resonance (PFOODR) fluorescence excitation spectroscopy and assigned to the 5dpi and 6dpi (the fourth and sixth according to the energy rank at Re) 3Pig Rydberg states, respectively. Molecular constants and RKR potential curves are reported. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.

Retrospective temporal and spatial mobility of adult Iowa women

Human exposure assessments require a linkage between toxicant concentrations in occupied spaces and the receptor's mobility pattern. Databases reporting distinct populations' mobility in various parts of the home, time outside the home, and time in another building are scarce. Temporal longitudinal trends in these mobility patterns for specific age and gender groups are nonexistent. This paper describes subgroup trends in the spatial and temporal mobility patterns within the home, outside the home, and in another building for 619 Iowa females that occupied the same home for at least 20 years. The study found that the mean time spent at home for the participants ranged from a low of 69.4% for the 50-59 year age group to a high of 81.6% for the over 80-year-old age group. Participants who lived in either one- or two- story homes with basements spent the majority of their residential occupancy on the first story. Trends across age varied for other subgroups by number of children, education, and urban/rural status. Since all of these trends were nonlinear, they indicate that error exists when assuming a constant, such as a 75% home occupancy factor, which has been advocated by some researchers and agencies. In addition, while aggregate data, such as presented in this report, are more helpful in deriving risk estimates for population subgroups, they cannot supplant good individual-level data for determining risks.

Residential 222Rn exposure and lung cancer: testing the linear no-threshold theory with ecologic data

In most rigorous epidemiologic studies, such as case-control and cohort studies, the basic unit of analysis is the individual. Each individual is classified in terms of exposure and disease status. However, in ecologic epidemiologic studies, the unit of analysis is some aggregate group of individuals. Summary measures of exposure and disease frequency are obtained for each aggregate, and the analyses focus on determining whether or not the aggregates with high levels of exposure also display high disease rates. The ecologic study design has major limitations, including ecologic confounding and cross level bias. Cohen has attempted to circumvent these limitations by invoking the linear no-threshold theory of radiation carcinogenesis to derive aggregate "exposures" from individual-level associations. He asserts that, "while an ecologic study cannot determine whether radon causes lung cancer, it can test the validity of a linear-no threshold relationship between them." Cohen compares his testing of the linear no-threshold relationship between radon exposure and lung cancer to the practice of estimating the number of deaths from the person-rem collective dose, dividing the person-rem by the number of individuals in the population to derive the individual average dose, and then determining individual average risk by dividing the number of deaths by the number of individuals in the population. We show that Cohen's erroneous assumptions concerning occupancy rates and smoking effects result in the use of the wrong model to test the linear no-threshold theory. Because of these assumptions, the ecologic confounding and cross level bias associated with Cohen's model invalidate his findings. Furthermore, when more recent Iowa county lung cancer incidence rates are regressed on Cohen's mean radon levels, the reported large negative associations between radon exposure and lung cancer are no longer obtained.

Laser Transient Absorption Spectroscopy of Bromomethylene

We report the observation and assignment of new high-resolution spectra of the A1A" <-- X1A' transition of bromomethylene, HCBr, obtained by transient laser absorption spectroscopy at near-infrared wavelengths. The 2(1)0 band of HCBr (nu0 = 11 957 cm-1) and the 2(2)0 band of DCBr (nu0 = 12 349 cm-1) have been observed for both naturally occurring isotopes of bromine. The c-type rotational branches of the Ka = 0 <-- 1 subbands have been assigned in detail. Other subbands have been partially assigned, but their detailed rotational quantum number analysis has not yet proved possible. Their presence does, however, indicate that the molecule exhibits nonlinear rotational structure in these vibrational levels, in contrast to what was found for the A1A" (0, 2, 0) level of HCBr (nu0 = 12 786 cm-1) [B. C. Chang and T. J. Sears, J. Chem. Phys. 105, 2135-2140 (1996)]. Analysis of the rotational structure in the spectra reported here has required a reassessment of certain rotational assignments of that previous work. We now find that the lower singlet state is isolated; there is no evidence of triplet state perturbations. Rotational constants derived for the ground state of all the naturally occurring isotopomers were used to estimate structural parameters. A barrier to linearity for the A1A" state, 13 590 cm-1 above the zero point level of the ground X1A' state, is estimated. Copyright 1998 Academic Press.

Temporal and spatial variation of waterborne point-of-use 222Rn in three water distribution systems

Three water supply systems in Iowa were studied to examine temporal variation of 222Rn at the point of entry and the point of use. For the three towns, 71, 9, and 0% of the maximum point-of-use 222Rn concentrations were significantly higher than the point-of-entry 222Rn concentrations. Homes connected to older water mains in two of the towns had higher 222Rn concentrations than those connected to newer water mains. In one town, the waterborne 222Rn concentrations in the home were related to the home's location along an old water main. The increase in 222Rn concentrations, after the water leaves the water plant, were attributed to radium deposits in the water distribution system. In addition, the water plant's radium laden iron filters contributed 7 Bq L-1 and 60 Bq L-1 of 222Rn to the finished water in What Cheer, Iowa, and Wellman, Iowa, respectively. Backwashing schedules in the water treatment systems greatly affected point-of-entry 222Rn concentrations. The results of this study have important implications for 222Rn sampling, required for regulatory compliance.

Iowa survey of waterborne 222Rn concentrations in private wells

The major objective of the survey was to describe the distribution of waterborne 222Rn concentrations in Iowa's private well-water supplies. Well-water samples were obtained and analyzed for 222Rn from a random sample of 352 Iowa wells. The well-water 222Rn concentrations for the well sites were lognormally distributed and ranged from background concentrations to 87 Bq L-1, with a median value of 12 Bq L-1. The arithmetic mean 222Rn concentration for the sites was 16 Bq L-1 +/- 13 Bq L-1. The geometric mean 222Rn concentration was 12 Bq L-1 with a geometric standard deviation of 2.2. Over half of the samples (52%) exceeded 11 Bq L-1. Both well depth and indoor air 222Rn screening levels correlated with waterborne 222Rn concentrations; however, these correlations had very little predictive value. Glacial drift aquifers tended to have the highest 222Rn concentrations, although there was significant variance of 222Rn concentrations within all the aquifer classifications. In light of the estimate that 370 Bq L-1 of 222Rn in water may lead to 37 mBq L-1 in indoor air, the contribution of well-water derived indoor air 222Rn is minimal compared to ground sources in Iowa.

Laser Frequency-Modulated Spectroscopy of a Laser-Guided Plasma in Sodium Vapor: Line Positions for NaH (A1Sigma+-X1Sigma+), Na (9-13d and 11-14s), and Ar (5p-4s)

Laser frequency-modulated (FM) spectroscopy has been used as an axial probe of a laser-guided electric discharge in sodium-argon vapor contained in an optically accessible metal heat pipe oven. Absorption measurements in the region 23 106-23 881 cm-1 provided accurate line positions (&plusmn;<0.006 cm-1) for 141 transitions in the v' = 3-8 <-- v" = 0 and v' = 5-9 <-- v" = 1 bands of NaH (A1Sigma+-X1Sigma+). In addition, 18 transitions of Na (3p to 9-13d and 11-14s) and 10 of argon (5p-4s) were measured. Analysis of the spectrum indicates that perhaps all absorption signals are due to neutrals NaH, Na, and Ar and are observed via "population" modulation. Copyright 1997 Academic Press. Copyright 1997Academic Press

Predicting end-of-test semen quality in bulls prior to performance testing

The first objective of this study was to determine if serum concentrations of specific hormones (testosterone, progesterone and androstenedione) in bulls at the start of performance testing could predict semen quality at the end-of-test when used in a multivariate model. The second objective was to evaluate other clinical measurements (breed, age, body weight, hip height and scrotal circumference) for predicting end-of-test semen quality. End-of-test semen quality was related to steroid concentrations and several pre-testing measurements, including age, body weight, hip height and scrotal circumference (SC). Combining the 3 steroid concentrations into a predictive test had a sensitivity of 0.6 and specificity of 0.5 at its most accurate point. The repeatability of the test result was extremely low (r(2) = 0.16; P < 0.05). In multivariate analyses, breed and start-of-test SC remained significant predictors of end-of-test semen quality (P < 0.05) while the other variables were nonsignificant (P > 0.1), suggesting that start-of-test SC was the most accurate predictor of end-of-test semen quality. Removing bulls at the start-of-test that had scrotal measurements of less than 20 cm, 24 cm, 28 cm or 32 cm resulted in sensitivities and specificities of 0.19, 0.94; 0.41, 0.81; 0.64, 0.56; and 0.94, 0.12, respectively. No cut-point had both adequate sensitivity and specificity. Because clinical tests were correlated, combining the tests to improve accuracy was not justified.

The Fluorescence Excitation Spectrum of HCO &Btilde;2A'-&Xtilde;2A', 000 Band

The rotationally resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectrum of the HCO &Btilde;2A'-&Xtilde;2A' transition in the 000 band is observed under thermalized conditions. The formyl radical is produced from acetaldehyde photolyzed at wavelengths 310 or 308 nm. Some spin-splittings of the spectra are resolved. About 988 transitions to Ka' </= 3 and N' </= 24, approximately 94% of the observed lines, are assigned in this work including weak DeltaKa = &plusmn;2 transitions that become allowed because of the effects of axis-switching. Copyright 1997Academic Press

Occupational exposure of water-plant operators to high concentrations of radon-222 gas

Water-plant operators may be exposed to high airborne radon-222 (222Rn) concentrations created when 222Rn gas transfers from water to air during the water treatment processes. To evaluate this hazard, we placed yearlong alpha-track radon detectors in 31 water plants. The geometric mean of the annual average airborne 222Rn concentrations was 3.4 pCi L-1 (126 Bq m-3), with a maximum of 133 pCi L-1 (4921 Bq m-3). We assessed the short-term temporal variability of 222Rn by monitoring four water plants continuously for a 3- to 6-day period. Cumulative working level months were estimated for the time workers were in the water plants. Because airborne 222Rn concentrations in water plants can reach levels considered unsafe for underground miners, it would be prudent to monitor airborne 222Rn concentrations in water plants which aerate water as part of their treatment process.

Residential radon-222 exposure and lung cancer: exposure assessment methodology

Although occupational epidemiological studies and animal experimentation provide strong evidence that radon-222 (222Rn) progeny exposure causes lung cancer, residential epidemiological studies have not confirmed this association. Past residential epidemiological studies have yielded contradictory findings. Exposure misclassification has seriously compromised the ability of these studies to detect whether an association exists between 222Rn exposure and lung cancer. Misclassification of 222Rn exposure has arisen primarily from: 1) detector measurement error; 2) failure to consider temporal and spatial 222Rn variations within a home; 3) missing data from previously occupied homes that currently are inaccessible; 4) failure to link 222Rn concentrations with subject mobility; and 5) measuring 222Rn gas concentration as a surrogate for 222Rn progeny exposure. This paper examines these methodological dosimetry problems and addresses how we are accounting for them in an ongoing, population-based, case-control study of 222Rn and lung cancer in Iowa.

Frequency-modulation spectroscopy with transform-limited nanosecond laser pulses

We demonstrate high-quality FM spectra with nanosecond laser pulses. Transform-limited pulses with FM sidebands are produced by pulsed amplification of a phase-modulated cw laser. The pulses can be shifted to the UV by nonlinear mixing. We report both initial experiments on I(2) and what is to our knowledge the first observation of a far-UV transition by FM spectroscopy, at 214.5 nm. Major advantages of this method include (1) spectral resolution of the order of 0.001 cm(-1), (2) better-defined optical phase, and (3) a much smaller and more easily detected modulation frequency, ~500 MHz. The absorption sensitivity is ~10(-4), and considerable further improvement is expected.

Use of performance ratios to calculate the economic impact of thin cows in a beef cattle herd

OBJECTIVE

To determine gross income lost that was attributable to thin cows in a beef cattle herd, to estimate the cost of added nutrition necessary to prevent thin cows in the herd, and to determine the financial outcome of the improved nutritional practices.

DESIGN

Prospective, observational study.

ANIMALS

Four hundred and twenty-two Santa Gertrudis cows and their calves.

PROCEDURE

At pregnancy examination in the fall of 1992, cows were assigned a body condition score (BCS), using a scale of 1 (emaciated) to 9 (obese), and the ratio of the productivity of BCS-3 and BCS-4 cow groups (thin cows), compared with the mean productivity of BCS-5 and BCS-6 cows (cows in good condition), was determined. Measures of productivity evaluated included pregnancy rates, weaning weights, and prices per hundredweight of calves. The performance ratios of BCS-3 and BCS-4 cows were multiplied by the mean gross income of BCS-5 and BCS-6 cows to calculate their gross income. This was then subtracted from the mean income of BCS-5 and BCS-6 cows to estimate the amount of lost gross income per thin cow. The cost of a nutritional program that would prevent thin cows in the herd was subtracted from the lost gross income of the thin cows to yield the amount of increased net income that could be generated from a nutritional program that would maintain cows in the herd at a BCS of 5 or 6.

RESULTS

Cows with a BCS of 3 were 0.48 as productive, and cows with a BCS of 4 were 0.74 as productive as the average of the BCS-5 and BCS-6 cows combined. Each BCS-3 cow generated $215.06 less, and each BCS-4 cow generated $107.53 less gross income than the average gross income of BCS-5 and BCS-6 cows. The added cost of nutrition that would have reconditioned BCS-3 and BCS-4 cows to a BCS of 5.5 was $91.48/BCS-3 cow and $43.67/BCS-4 cow. Implementation of the reconditioning nutrition program the previous fall would have resulted in an extra net income of $123.58/BCS-3 cow and $63.86/BCS-4 cow, received over a 2-year period. The 262 thin cows in the herd accounted for a total net income loss of $19,897.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

The time of pregnancy examination is a strategic intervention point to estimate the past negative economic impact of thin cows and to implement a plan to prevent these losses in the future. Pregnancy examinations should be performed at least 100 days before the beginning of the calving season, and thin pregnant cows should be sorted into a special group and fed a reconditioning diet that will improve their body condition to an average BCS of 5.5 by the onset of the calving season.

Vertebral fracture associated with trauma during movement and restraint of cattle

Two female Limousin calves in a group of 68 calves suffered fractures of a lumbar vertebra subsequent to moving through a chute and being restrained to facilitate administration of vaccines. One calf collapsed as it exited the chute, whereas the second calf collapsed 10 minutes after it was released from the chute. Both heifers were euthanatized. The fractures, of the first lumbar and of the third lumbar vertebral bodies, respectively, were not associated with mineral imbalances. Fractures were determined to be the result of calves attempting to escape through a gap formed by erosion of the area beneath a gate in the holding pen of the corral system. By moving cattle in such a way as to bypass the gate, further injuries were avoided. The calves described here underscore the importance of the use of corral systems appropriate for cattle of various sizes and the necessity of maintaining properly repaired corral systems to prevent injuries to cattle.

Radium-bearing pipe scale deposits: implications for national waterborne radon sampling methods

A point-of-use waterborne radon-222 (222Rn) survey of a small Iowa town was performed to determine the cause of unnaturally high waterborne 222Rn concentrations in the municipality. The source of the elevated 222Rn concentrations was a newly discovered reservoir of waterborne 222Rn originating from distribution-system radium-226 (226Ra) adsorbed internal pipe scale deposits. Because the proposed national drinking water regulations for 222Rn require sampling at the origin of the distribution system rather than at the point of use, the proposed scheme for collection of water samples may not represent actual consumer waterborne 222Rn exposure in all cases.