Precision of measurements with arbitrary confidence levels when samples are counted equal to or longer than blanks by computer codes.

Past computer solutions for confidence intervals, both in paired counting and when the sample is counted an integer number of times more than the blank, are extended to computing the precision of the measurement. The blank count and the contribution of the sample to the gross count are assumed to be Poisson distributed. While the standard deviation and the probability density function of the net count are readily computed, the name and properties of the probability density function are unknown.

Improved confidence intervals when the sample is counted an integer times longer than the blank.

Past computer solutions for confidence intervals in paired counting are extended to the case where the ratio of the sample count time to the blank count time is taken to be an integer, IRR. Previously, confidence intervals have been named Neyman-Pearson confidence intervals; more correctly they should have been named Neyman confidence intervals or simply confidence intervals. The technique utilized mimics a technique used by Pearson and Hartley to tabulate confidence intervals for the expected value of the discrete Poisson and Binomial distributions.

Radon treatment controversy.

In spite of long traditions, treatments utilizing radon-rich air or water have not been unequivocally embraced by modern medicine. The objective of this work is to examine factors that contribute to this continuing controversy. While the exact mechanism of radon's effect on human body is not completely understood, recent advances in radiobiology offer new insights into biochemical processes occurring at low-level exposures to ionizing radiation.

Facts and controversies about radiation exposure, part 2: low-level exposures and cancer risk.

In this 2-part article, the authors address the need to put in perspective the risks of radiation exposure in the rapidly changing field of radiology, considering the current state of knowledge of effects at low levels. The article is based on the content of the refresher course RC 516 presented at the Radiological Society of North America's 2005 annual meeting. In part 1, the authors presented a brief review of epidemiologic studies, a discussion of typical radiation doses experienced in medicine by both patients and professionals, and the description of practical approaches to reduce unnecessary exposures.

Facts and controversies about radiation exposure, part 1: controlling unnecessary radiation exposures.

In this 2-part article, the authors address the need to put in perspective the risks of radiation exposure in the rapidly changing field of radiology, considering the current state of knowledge of effects at low levels. The article is based on the content of the refresher course RC 516 presented at the Radiological Society of North America's 2005 annual meeting. After a brief review of epidemiologic studies, part 1 contains a discussion of typical radiation doses experienced in medicine, by both patients and professionals, and it concludes with a description of practical approaches to reduce unnecessary exposures.

Disparities in adherence to recommended followup on screening mammography: interaction of sociodemographic factors.

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine disparities in adherence to screening mammography and, specifically, to investigate whether race/ethnicity, education, age, health insurance, and family history of breast cancer (FHBC), as unique factors and in interactions, influence adherence to recommended follow up on screening mammography.

Design: The study involved retrieval and analyses of data collected by the Colorado Mammography Project (CMAP) for 167,232 diverse (82.8% White, 3.