12
frnpamrmenct of hearing was averagedlor the two
ears as tollows: the decibel loss for cach of seven
frequencies (200, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 4000, aod
7000) tn each ear was averaged lo vive a mean
frequency loss in decibels for the two ears.
Cardiovascular Changes.
|. Systolic and diastoliv Aloud preosures were obtained with the standard aeronod cull-type sphygmiomanometer ‘Two
readings were ubtained, and the average value
was used. There was no basic or adjusted leved of
physical activity such as resting for a standard
period prior to the readings. Pressures were taken
on the left acm with the subject supine during the
course of the physical examination.
2. The degrees of peripherad arterwsclerovis and
redinad antertoscderosts were scored on a U to 4+ scale
‘The fortner was estimated by palpation ofthe
peripheral arteries, the later by viewing the retina
with an ophthalmoscope.
Neuromuscular Function. Neuromuscular function was measured by having the subject depress
the hey of a hana*tally ty pe of blued cell Counter
4s Iany Gunes as possible in the period of one minule. The total number of depressions represented
the score.
Hand Strength.
Hand strength was measured
by a Smedley hand dvnamameter.* The spring
tension of the hand grip was measured in kilograms. Phe maxitnum squeeee strength in the
donunant hand in three tries was recorded.
Handling of Date.
Because ofsex differences,
some of the above criteria were evaluated separatelyfor che twosexes, these were baldness, neurorauscular function, and hand strength.
In order that the estimated and measured data
could be compared and combined, both types of
data were converted lo a percentage scale. The
estimated values 0, 1+, 2+.3+4,and 4+ were pre-
sented also as @, 25, 50, 75, and 100%, respectively.
In the case of the measured data, the values assoctaled with least aging were taken as zero percent
tsomeumes the highest reading, as with hand
strength, sometimes the lowest, as with hearing
loss), and those indicating most aging as | U0.
Vhe data were examined on both an individual
basis and a population basis. A mean age score
was obtained lor each individual by averaging all
combined exposed and unexposed populauons,
these were plotted, and a curve was drawn according tu the best tte by eve. A curve was obtained in
the same wayof the 5-vear group means of the
individual mean age scores, The combining of
scores Into 5-year age groups was dane to reduce
pussible errors duc to the uncertainty of the exact
age of some individuals.
Laboratory Procedures
Hematological Examinations. Two complete
rouune blood counts were done, about a week
apart, and a third was dune on persons showing
abnormalities.
White blood counts, red blood
counts, and Price-Jones curves (for determination
ol red cell size distribution) were obtained with
the electronic Coulter, which proved verysatisfac tory and time-saving for this type of held examination. Differential counts were performed in the
usual manner after staining with Wright's Aud.
Platelet counts were done by phase microscopy,
and hemoglobin was determined by the cyanhemoglobin technique wich the Lunitron colorimeter. Serum proteins were determined with the
Hitachi refractometer. Blood and serum samples
for the studies described below were collected in
the field, kept under refrigeration, and shipped by
aur to the varivus laboratories in the United States
tor analysis.
Urine Analyses.
Routine urine analyses were
carried out on ail people receiving physical examinations. These included determinations ofpratern and hyperglucosuria by reagent paper strips. *
In all cases showing positive tindings, the urine
was centrifuged and the sediment examined microscopically. in the four cases showing positive
urine sugar tests, fasting blood specimens were obtained and analyzed for blood sugar at the Naval
Dispensary on Kwajalein,
Serum Cholesterol.
Serum cholesterol was
determined in blood samples drawn trom exposed
and unexposed Rongelap people, and also in
about 70 blood samples from people at Urirtk
Island and 63 from people at Majuro Atoll. These
analyses were dune at the National [nstitutes of
Health by Dr J.H. Bragdon and Mr. J.C. Lauter.
ComplementFixation Tests. Scrum samples ub-
lus percent test values. In studying population
tained from 163 expased and unexposed Rongelap
trends, means were cale ulated for each criterion
by 3-yeu age groups (in invst cases) inebudimg
people were trazea and sent to the Nauonal Insti-
"COM Stocdtiny Gompans Cbacaue it
tutes of Health tor various exanunations. Gom"C tiestex, Nantes Clanpaatiy dee
PUReiad dt) Iednaiia