bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Popliteal vein compression syndrome: obesity, venous disease and the popliteal connection
Authors: Lane R J , Cuzzilla M L , Harris R A , Phillips M N 
Published: September 2009

Objectives Obesity and venous disease are commonly encountered together. The aetio- logical relationship, however, has not been clear. Popliteal venous compression (PVC) has been encountered both on ultrasound and venographically. In this study, patients with symptoms and/or signs of chronic venous hypertension with PVC were investigated and the relationship to obesity was defined. Methods A total of 89 patients were included in the study, of which 49 limbs were classified as having PVC defined as a greater than 90% reduction in the maximum internal diameter (ID) of the popliteal vein (POPV) with knee locking. Forty consecutive limbs with venous disease with no evidence of PVC were used as controls. The body mass index (BMI) of each group was calculated and the clinical symptoms and signs were documented. After the failure of conservative treatment, 30 of the 49 underwent open popliteal decompression. Results Patients with PVC were found to have a BMI of 34.6 ± 6.2 compared with 25.3 ± 3.0 of the controls. The POPV ID in the PVC group before and after knee locking changed from 11.7 ± 5.0 to 1.0 ± 2.1 mm, respectively. Postoperatively, the POPV ID before and after knee locking changed from 10.2 ± 2.2 to 9.0 ± 1.5 mm, respectively. At 16.2 ± 12.1 months follow-up, all the major clinical parameters improved at a statistically significant level. Conclusions There appears to be a relationship between obesity, chronic venous disease and PVC. POPV compression syndrome may clarify the previously unexplained venous presentations. Surgical decompression provides good results in patients unresponsive to conservative treatment.
Oxygen Fire Hazards in Valve-Integrated Pressure Regulators for Medical Oxygen
Authors: Forsyth Elliot T. , Newton Barry E. , Chiffoleau Gwenael J. A. , Forsyth Brad 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
In recent years, medical oxygen regulators that incorporate a cylinder isolation valve have increased in popularity. These devices, often called valve-integrated pressure regulators (VIPRs), essentially combine several components into one highly compact manifold design, typically including a fill valve, shut-off valve, residual pressure valve, regulator, and relief valve. Combining these components into a single manifold block presents unique oxygen fire hazards that can differ greatly from those found in the stand-alone versions of the components. In order to avoid fires, these hazards must be understood and addressed in the design of the VIPR. This paper presents the most common oxygen fire hazards found in VIPR devices as well as the ASTM analysis and testing methods used to qualify a new design, specifically considering oxygen compatibility of materials, toxicity of combustion products, ignition mechanisms, and reaction effects of a fire.
The Hispanic Mortality Advantage and Ethnic Misclassification on US Death Certificates
Authors: Arias Elizabeth , Eschbach Karl , Schauman William S. , Backlund Eric L. , Sorlie Paul D. 
Published: September 2009

Objectives. We tested the data artifact hypothesis regarding the Hispanic mortality advantage by investigating whether and to what degree this advantage is explained by Hispanic origin misclassification on US death certificates. Methods. We used the National Longitudinal Mortality Study, which links Current Population Survey records to death certificates for 1979 through 1998, to estimate the sensitivity, specificity, and net ascertainment of Hispanic ethnicity on death certificates compared with survey classifications. Using national vital statistics mortality data, we estimated Hispanic age-specific and age-adjusted death rates, which were uncorrected and corrected for death certificate misclassification, and produced death rate ratios comparing the Hispanic with the non-Hispanic White population. Results. Hispanic origin reporting on death certificates in the United States is reasonably good. The net ascertainment of Hispanic origin is just 5% higher on survey records than on death certificates. Corrected age-adjusted death rates for Hispanics are lower than those for the non-Hispanic White population by close to 20%. Conclusions. The Hispanic mortality paradox is not explained by an incongruence between ethnic classification in vital registration and population data systems.
The Efficacy of HIV/STI Behavioral Interventions for African American Females in the United States: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Crepaz Nicole , Marshall Khiya J. , Aupont Latrina W. , Jacobs Elizabeth D. , Mizuno Yuko , Kay Linda S. , Jones Patricia , McCree Donna Hubbard , O'Leary Ann 
Published: September 2009

Objectives. We evaluated the efficacy of HIV behavioral interventions for African American females in the United States, and we identified factors associated with intervention efficacy. Methods. We conducted a comprehensive literature review covering studies published from January 1988 to June 2007, which yielded 37 relevant studies. Data were analyzed using mixed-effects models and meta-regression. Results. Overall, behavioral interventions had a significant impact on reductions in HIV-risk sex behaviors (odds ratio [OR] = 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.54, 0.75; n = 11 239; Cochrane Q32 = 84.73; P < .001) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs; OR = 0.81; 95% CI = 0.67, 0.98; n = 8760; Cochrane Q16 = 22.77; P = .12). Greater intervention efficacy was observed in studies that specifically targeted African American females used gender- or culture-specific materials, used female deliverers, addressed empowerment issues, provided skills training in condom use and negotiation of safer sex, and used role-playing to teach negotiation skills. Conclusions. Behavioral interventions are efficacious at preventing HIV and STIs among African American females. More research is needed to examine the potential contribution of prevention strategies that attend to community-level and structural-level factors affecting HIV infection and transmission in this population.
Risk Assessment and Screening for Sexually Transmitted Infections, HIV, and Hepatitis Virus Among Long-Distance Truck Drivers in New Mexico, 2004–2006
Authors: Valway Sarah , Jenison Steven , Keller Nick , Vega-Hernandez Jaime , Hubbard McCree Donna 
Published: September 2009

Objectives. We examined sexually transmitted infection (STI), HIV, and hepatitis virus prevalence and risk behaviors among truck drivers. Methods. We asked participants about their risk behaviors, and we screened them for STIs, HIV, and hepatitis infections. We used logistic regression to identify factors associated with outcomes. Results. Of the 652 enrolled participants, 21% reported sex with sex workers or casual partners in the prior year. Driving solo (odds ratio [OR] = 15.04; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.92, 117.53; P = .01), history of injection drug use (IDU; OR = 2.69; 95% CI = 1.19, 6.12; P = .02), and history of an STI (OR = 2.47; 95% CI = 1.19, 5.09; P = .01) were independently associated with high-risk sexual behaviors. Fourteen percent of participants reported drug use in the previous year, and 11% reported having ever injected drugs. Participants tested positive as follows: 54 for HCV antibodies (8.5%), 66 for hepatitis B anticore (anti-HBc) antibodies (10.4%), 8 for chlamydia (1.3%), 1 for gonorrhea (0.2%), 1 for syphilis (0.2%), and 1 for HIV (0.2%). History of injecting drugs (OR = 26.91; 95% CI = 11.61, 62.39; P < .01) and history of anti-HBc antibodies (OR = 7.89; 95% CI = 3.16, 19.68; P < .01) were associated with HCV infection. Conclusions. Our results suggest a need for hepatitis C screening and STI risk-reduction interventions in this population.
Relationship Between Alcohol Use and Violent Behavior Among Urban African American Youths From Adolescence to Emerging Adulthood: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Xue Yange , Zimmerman Marc A. , Cunningham Rebecca 
Published: September 2009

Objectives. We examined developmental trajectories of alcohol use and violent behavior among urban African American youths and the longitudinal relationship between these behaviors from adolescence to emerging adulthood. Methods. Our sample included 649 African American youths (49% male) followed for 8 years. We assessed violent behavior and alcohol use by asking participants how often they had engaged in each behavior in the preceding 12 months. Growth curve analyses were conducted to identify the developmental trajectories of the 2 behaviors and to explore the longitudinal relationship between them. Results. Violent behavior peaked in middle to late adolescence and declined thereafter, whereas the frequency of alcohol use increased steadily over time. These developmental trajectories varied according to gender. Among both male and female participants, early violent behavior predicted later alcohol use, and early alcohol use predicted later violent behavior. Moreover, changes in one behavior were associated with changes in the other. Conclusions. Our results support a bidirectional relationship between alcohol use and violent behavior. Efforts to reduce one problem can be expected to reduce the other. Programs and policies aimed at reducing violence or alcohol use among adolescents should take into account this relationship.
Left Too Early: The Effects of Age at Separation From Parents on Chinese Rural Children's Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression
Authors: Liu Zhengkui , Li Xinying , Ge Xiaojia 
Published: September 2009

Objectives. We examined the effect of age at separation from parents on symptoms of anxiety and depression among children in rural communities in China whose parents migrated to cities in search of employment opportunities during the country's rapid economic development. Methods. Students in 3 rural areas, Anhui, Chongqing, and Guizhou (N = 592; age = 10–17 years), completed questionnaires that asked about symptoms of state and trait anxiety, as well as depression and age at separation from parents. Results. Children who were separated from parents at a younger age had more symptoms of anxiety and depression. This effect was especially pronounced for children who were separated from their mothers or from both parents. Conclusions. China's explosive economic growth appears to exact a significant toll on left-behind children's mental health, particularly on children whose parents left early in their lives. The unintended consequences of the economic boom on child development need to be further examined in prospective studies.
Impact of Drainage Networks on Cholera Outbreaks in Lusaka, Zambia
Authors: Sasaki Satoshi , Suzuki Hiroshi , Fujino Yasuyuki , Kimura Yoshinari , Cheelo Meetwell 
Published: September 2009

Objectives. We investigated the association between precipitation patterns and cholera outbreaks and the preventative roles of drainage networks against outbreaks in Lusaka, Zambia. Methods. We collected data on 6542 registered cholera patients in the 2003–2004 outbreak season and on 6045 cholera patients in the 2005–2006 season. Correlations between monthly cholera incidences and amount of precipitation were examined. The distribution pattern of the disease was analyzed by a kriging spatial analysis method. We analyzed cholera case distribution and spatiotemporal cluster by using 2590 cholera cases traced with a global positioning system in the 2005–2006 season. The association between drainage networks and cholera cases was analyzed with regression analysis. Results. Increased precipitation was associated with the occurrence of cholera outbreaks, and insufficient drainage networks were statistically associated with cholera incidences. Conclusions. Insufficient coverage of drainage networks elevated the risk of cholera outbreaks. Integrated development is required to upgrade high-risk areas with sufficient infrastructure for a long-term cholera prevention strategy.
Water Pipe Tobacco Smoking Among Middle and High School Students
Authors: Barnett Tracey E. , Curbow Barbara A. , Weitz Jamie R. , Johnson Tammie M. , Smith-Simone Stephanie Y. 
Published: September 2009

Objectives. We examined prevalence rates of water pipe tobacco smoking among young people as a first step in assessing the health implications of this form of tobacco use. Methods. We examined water pipe use with data from the 2007 Florida Youth Tobacco Survey, which assessed tobacco-related beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors among the state's middle and high school students. Results. Four percent of middle school students and 11% of high school students reported ever having used a water pipe. Adolescent boys were significantly more likely than adolescent girls to use water pipes, and African American adolescents were significantly less likely than adolescents from other racial/ethnic backgrounds to do so. Those who indicated ever having tried cigarettes and those who reported positive attitudes toward the social nature of cigarette use were more likely to have tried water pipes. Conclusions. Water pipe use appears to be widespread among middle and high school students. Further research is needed to assess the health risks associated with water pipe tobacco smoking as well as young people's attitudes toward this form of tobacco use.
Recommendations From a Research Consultation to Address Intervention Strategies for HIV/AIDS Prevention Focused on African Americans
Authors: Purcell David W. , McCree Donna Hubbard 
Published: September 2009

Despite substantial federal resources spent on HIV prevention, research, treatment, and care, as well as the availability and dissemination of evidence-based behavioral interventions, the disparate impact of HIV on African Americans continues. In October 2007, 3 federal agencies convened 20 HIV/AIDS prevention researchers and care providers for a research consultation to focus on new intervention strategies and current effective intervention strategies that should be more widely disseminated to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic among African Americans. The consultants focused on 2 areas: (1) potential directions for HIV prevention interventions, defined to include behavioral, community, testing, service delivery, structural, biomedical, and other interventions; and (2) improved research methods and agency procedures to better support prevention research focused on African American communities.
Improving Patrons' Meal Selections Through the Use of Point-of-Selection Nutrition Labels
Authors: Chu Yong H. , Frongillo Edward A. , Jones Sonya J. , Kaye Gail L. 
Published: September 2009

Objectives. We examined changes in meal selection by patrons of university food-service operations when nutrition labels were provided at the point of selection. Methods. We used a quasi-experimental, single-group, interrupted time-series design to examine daily sales before, during, and after provision of point-of-selection nutrition labels. Piecewise linear regression was employed to examine changes in the average energy content of entrées and a paired t test was used to detect differences in sales across the periods. Results. The average energy content of entrées purchased by patrons dropped immediately when nutrition labels were made available at point of selection and increased gradually when nutrition information was removed. There was no significant change in number of entrées sold or in revenues between the 2 periods. Conclusions. Use of nutrition labels reduced the average energy content of entrées purchased without reducing overall sales. These results provide support for strengthening the nutrition labeling policy in food-service operations.
Pregnancy as a Window of Opportunity for HIV Prevention: Effects of an HIV Intervention Delivered Within Prenatal Care
Authors: Kershaw Trace S. , Magriples Urania , Westdahl Claire , Rising Sharon Schindler , Ickovics Jeannette 
Published: September 2009

Objectives. We sought to determine whether an HIV prevention program bundled with group prenatal care reduced sexually transmitted infection (STI) incidence, repeat pregnancy, sexual risk behavior, and psychosocial risks. Methods. We conducted a randomized controlled trial at 2 prenatal clinics. We assigned pregnant women aged 14 to 25 years (N = 1047) to individual care, attention-matched group care, and group care with an integrated HIV component. We conducted structured interviews at baseline (second trimester), third trimester, and 6 and 12 months postpartum. Results. Mean age of participants was 20.4 years; 80% were African American. According to intent-to-treat analyses, women assigned to the HIV-prevention group intervention were significantly less likely to have repeat pregnancy at 6 months postpartum than individual-care and attention-matched controls; they demonstrated increased condom use and decreased unprotected sexual intercourse compared with individual-care and attention-matched controls. Subanalyses showed that being in the HIV-prevention group reduced STI incidence among the subgroup of adolescents. Conclusion. HIV prevention integrated with prenatal care resulted in reduced biological, behavioral, and psychosocial risks for HIV.
Health Insurance and Mortality in US Adults
Authors: Wilper Andrew P. , Woolhandler Steffie , Lasser Karen E. , McCormick Danny , Bor David H. , Himmelstein David U. 
Published: September 2009

Objectives. A 1993 study found a 25% higher risk of death among uninsured compared with privately insured adults. We analyzed the relationship between uninsurance and death with more recent data. Methods. We conducted a survival analysis with data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We analyzed participants aged 17 to 64 years to determine whether uninsurance at the time of interview predicted death. Results. Among all participants, 3.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.5%, 3.7%) died. The hazard ratio for mortality among the uninsured compared with the insured, with adjustment for age and gender only, was 1.80 (95% CI = 1.44, 2.26). After additional adjustment for race/ethnicity, income, education, self- and physician-rated health status, body mass index, leisure exercise, smoking, and regular alcohol use, the uninsured were more likely to die (hazard ratio = 1.40; 95% CI = 1.06, 1.84) than those with insurance. Conclusions. Uninsurance is associated with mortality. The strength of that association appears similar to that from a study that evaluated data from the mid-1980s, despite changes in medical therapeutics and the demography of the uninsured since that time.
Pushing the Limit: High-Rate-Artificial-Lift Evaluation for a Sour, Heavy-Oil, Thermal EOR Project in Oman
Authors: Lanier G. H. , Mahoney M. 
Published: September 2009

Summary
Petroleum Development Oman LLC (PDO) currently operates a sour, heavy-oil (14°API) field, which has produced since 1976 from a naturally fractured carbonate reservoir located in the northern region of the Sultanate of Oman. Further field-development options have been evaluated recently, and the preferred concept will be based on thermal-assisted gas/oil gravity drainage (TAGOGD). To achieve this enhanced-oil-recovery (EOR) mechanism, steam will be injected into the reservoir and will eventually increase produced-fluid temperatures higher than 200°C during the projected life of the project.
A key objective for the project will involve significantly increasing the field's ultimate recovery using high-rate oil producers capable of initially delivering a gross rate per well greater than 1000 m3/d. To achieve these well offtake rates and field ultimate-recovery objectives, highly deviated and near-horizontal well trajectories will be implemented for the planned oil producers. This paper will provide a brief background of the TAGOGD recovery mechanism, anticipated reservoir conditions, and particular challenges, including a summary of the evaluation of various artificial-lift technologies and the preferred method to help enable this thermal EOR project achieve the desired objectives.
U.S. Trade Relations with Arab Countries: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Malkawi Bashar H 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Arab countries have adopted market economy principles and pursued policies designed to strengthen their economies. The cornerstone of Arab countries' long-term economic objectives has been to increase trade and support economic growth via regional and global integration. To this end, Arab countries are attempting to broaden their engagement in the multilateral trading system by joining the World Trade Organization (WTO). In addition, some Arab countries entered into trade arrangements with the United States (U.S.) to foster economic development, attract investment, and develop peaceful relationship. These trade agreements carry several implications for local economies.The purpose of this paper is to examine the implications of the trade agreements signed between the U.S. and Arab countries on the economic and legal regimes of the latter. The paper will proceed in two main parts. The first part analyzes the preferential trade arrangement known as "Qualifying Industrial Zones" created between the U.S on the one hand and Jordan, Israel, and Egypt on the other hand. It discusses the general rules of qualifying industrial zones program and the impact of these zones on local production and employment. The second part discusses trade agreements concluded between the U.S. and Arab countries. The emphasis will be on the U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement as it is considered the template for future agreements signed between the U.S. and other Arab countries. The paper analyzes the most important provisions of the U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement and their implications. Then, the paper will analyze trade agreements between the U.S. and other Arab countries. The paper argues that, while current trade programs between the U.S. and those Arab countries analyzed in the paper required difficult reforms in their domestic laws and led some negative consequence, on balance; these trade programs increased trade and created employment opportunities.
Towards a Subaltern Theory of Human Rights
Authors: Onazi Oche 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
This article aims to provide the justification for a subaltern theory of human rights. It explains the desirability of interpretative strategies that reveal the role, knowledge, contributions and sources that depict subaltern human rights perspectives. In particular, it considers the work of Boaventura de Sousa Santos, whose various writings directly or indirectly address the central issues relating to human rights from these perspectives. It subsequently explores the relationship between Santos and other protagonists, such as Upendra Baxi. These perspectives are then correlated with the view that the optimism for subaltern human rights may seem an insurmountable challenge given that this is hinged on the possibilities of a relationship with law. The justification or indeed legitimacy of subaltern views of human rights rests squarely on the degree to which such claims can be concretized into law. For instance, the state-centric nature of international human rights law is closed to initiatives that fall beyond its scope. As a consequence, the final preoccupation in this article is to propose the deconstruction of human rights into a plural discourse of its law and jurisprudence. This, to me, rests on the possibility of extrapolating a view of human rights from the notion of legal pluralism. The article is structured into the following parts. The first fleshes out an understanding of the subaltern concept. The second part locates the subaltern within the context of Santos' work on globalization; here, an attempt is made to correlate the relationship between globalization and human rights, particularly from the perspectives of the subaltern. The third part considers the loose connection of previous sections with the prospective theory of subaltern human rights and, ultimately, how legal pluralism supports this endeavor.