bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Building brand loyalty through individual stock ownership
Authors: Schoenbachler Denise D. , Gordon Geoffrey L. , Aurand Timothy W.
Published: November 2004

Building brand loyalty has become more important, yet more difficult to achieve in today's marketplace. This research investigates a possible avenue for building brand loyalty that is not directly related to the marketing of the product – attracting individual investors in the brand's corporate parent. A survey of over 500 individual investors revealed that individual investors do tend to buy brands from companies in which they hold stock, and investors may buy stock in a company because they have experience with the brand. In contrast with brand loyalty, where consumers will not buy competitive offerings, individual investors indicated they would buy competitive offerings, suggesting that stock ownership is more likely to lead to repeat purchase behavior, but not brand loyalty.
Influence of price endings on price recall: a by‐digit analysis
Authors: Schindler Robert M. , Chandrashekaran Rajesh
Published: November 2004

Although it has been proposed that recall processes play a role in the retail sales effects of 9‐ending pricing, substantial effects of price endings on the level of recalled prices has not been demonstrated. With an improved testing procedure, it is found that the level of a set of prices with low ending digits (such as 1 or 2 in the dollars place) is more likely to be overestimated in recall than the level of equivalent sets of prices with high ending digits (such as 6, 7, or 9 in the dollars place). The results of the study support the role of left‐to‐right processing of price information and point out some consequences for retailers of the use of low numbers in price‐ending digits.
A redesign of a road traffic accident reporting system using business process simulation
Authors: Greasley Andrew
Published: November 2004

Business process simulation (BPS) is used to evaluate the effect of the redesign of a police road traffic accident (RTA) reporting system. The new system aims to provide timely statistical analysis of traffic behaviour to government bodies and to enable more effective utilisation of traffic police personnel. The simulation method is demonstrated in the context of assisting process change enabled by the use of information systems in an organisation in which there had been a historically mixed pattern of success in this activity.
Short‐term effects of benchmarking on the manufacturing practices and performance of SMEs
Authors: St‐Pierre Josée , Raymond Louis
Published: November 2004

Facing increased competitive pressures due to globalisation and increased quality requirements from their customers, small and medium‐sized manufacturers must increase their productivity and their competitiveness in order to survive and prosper. One way of evaluating the attainment of this goal is to compare a firm's business practices and performance with those of a group of comparable firms, or with those of firms that are recognised for their excellence – that is, to “benchmark” the organisation. As management challenges have increased in complexity, benchmarking has become a strategic tool for organisations, both large and small, and for governments seeking to assist them. However, given a lack of empirical research, little is known as to the actual impacts of benchmarking. With this in mind, the present study sought to test a model of the relationship between benchmarking, the adoption of advanced manufacturing systems, and the performance of small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). The model was tested with data from 102 Canadian manufacturing SMEs that have participated in a benchmarking exercise.
Experimental design in fiber optic sensor development
Authors: Chen Xiaopei , Zhang Yan , Pickrell Gary , Antony Jiju
Published: November 2004

In this paper, experimental design techniques are utilized to understand sources of variation in an optical fiber sensor design and development project in a university research setting. Application of the Taguchi method of robust design assisted fiber optic sensor development in a cost‐effective and timely manner. According to the analysis, compensation of the source of the variation identified in the experimental design results was achieved on a new design concept of a multiplexed optical fiber sensor. The experimental results and conclusions not only are suitable for this sensor structure, but also are useful for other fiber optic sensors based on the technique of Fabry‐Perot interferometry.
Serum Concentration of IL‐18 Correlates with Disease Extent in Young Children with Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Hon Kam Lun Ellis , Leung Ting Fan , Ma Kwok Chiu , Wong Chun Kwok , Wan Helene , Lam Christopher W. K.
Published: November 2004

Abstract:  Interleukin (IL)‐18 is a pleiotropic cytokine that plays an important role in both type 1 (Th1) and type 2 (Th2) helper T lymphocyte‐mediated immunity. Previous studies have suggested that IL‐18 may be an inflammatory marker for atopic dermatitis (AD). The purpose of our study was to test whether the serum concentration of IL‐18 is a useful inflammatory marker for assessing AD severity in young children. Nineteen AD patients with a median age of 2.2 years (interquartile range 0.7–4.6 years) were recruited. The severity of AD was clinically determined using the Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index. Their SCORAD score was 23.9 (range 18.6–34.8). Serum IL‐18 levels were determined by sandwich enzyme immunoassay. The median serum concentration of IL‐18 was 394 pg/ml (interquartile range 204–612 pg/ml). Serum IL‐18 levels correlated with SCORAD scores (r = 0.502, p = 0.029) and their extent component (r = 0.633, p = 0.004). When compared with mild disease with low SCORAD scores, the serum concentration in moderate to severe disease was significantly higher (p = 0.014). We concluded that serum IL‐18 concentration is elevated in young children with AD. It may be a useful inflammatory marker that correlates with the extent component of AD in particular, and differentiates mild disease from more severe disease when used for assessing AD severity in young children.
Spacing and Competition Between Planted Grass Plugs and Preexisting Perennial Grasses in a Restoration Site in Oregon
Authors: Huddleston Russell T. , Young Truman P.
Published: November 2004

Planting native species into restoration settings where other natives already occur is a common practice. However, the competitive consequences of such plantings are rarely studied. Planting density also affects restoration costs. Here we examined the effects of established individuals of Lemmon's needlegrass (Achnatherum lemmonii) on plugs of bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata) and Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis) in a restoration site in Oregon. All three of these grasses are local native perennials. Plugs were planted at 6, 12, and 18 cm from established A. lemmonii bunchgrasses and also in plots without A. lemmonii neighbors. Plug survival was uniformly high, averaging more than 98%. Plugs planted at 6 cm from established grasses showed significantly lower growth and reproduction than plugs planted at 18 cm, which had similar values to plugs not planted in the vicinity of A. lemmonii. These results suggest that interplanting distances of as little as 18 cm were sufficient to greatly reduce competitive effects on newly planted plugs, at least in early establishment at this site.
Restoration Efforts for Plant and Bird Communities in Tallgrass Prairies Using Prescribed Burning and Mowing
Authors: Van Dyke Fred , Van Kley Sarah E. , Page Christy E. , Van Beek Jodi G.
Published: November 2004

Recent losses and fragmentation of tallgrass prairie habitat to agriculture and urban development have led to corresponding declines in diversity and abundance of plants and birds associated with such habitat. Mowing and burning are alternative management strategies for restoring and rejuvenating prairies in fragmented landscapes, but their specific, comparative effects are the subjects of ongoing evaluation. We compared the responses of plant and bird communities on four sets of mowed, burned, and untreated sites of small (3–10 ha), fragmented tallgrass prairies at the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge (DNWR), Iowa, U.S.A., during May–July in 1998 and 1999. Species richness and diversity of plants, resident grassland birds, and communities of birds associated with grassland edges (edge species) were independent of treatment. Although not affecting species richness and diversity in plant communities, mowed sites ranked lower in total plant coverage and total forb coverage than burned sites or untreated sites. In contrast, untreated sites had more coverage by shrubs, suggesting that mowing and burning did retard shrub encroachment. Overall, abundance and diversity of plants and birds were generally insensitive to management strategies. Small, fragmented sites of rare habitat may not respond in the short term to management treatments and may not be capable of supporting highly diverse communities, no matter how intensively manipulated. It is more probable that diversity of native prairie communities can be enhanced and restored only through long‐term efforts, acquisition of large land units capable of supporting stable populations, and deliberate reintroduction of species of high conservation value.
Influence of Mycorrhizal Inoculation, Inundation Period, Salinity, and Phosphorus Availability on the Growth of Two Salt Marsh Grasses, Spartina alterniflora Lois. and Spartina cynosuroides (L.) Roth., in Nursery Systems
Authors: McHugh J. Murray , Dighton John
Published: November 2004

Restoration of salt marsh ecosystems is an important concern in the eastern United States to mitigate damage caused by industrial development. Little attention has been directed to the mycorrhizal influence on plantings of salt marsh species to stabilize estuarine sediments and establish cover. In our study, seedlings of two salt marsh grasses, Spartina alterniflora and Spartina cynosuroides, were grown in soil with a commercial, mixed species inoculum of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Plants were grown in experimental “ebb and flow” boxes, simulating three levels of tidal inundation, to which two levels of applied phosphorus (P) and two levels of salinity were imposed. After 2.5 months, S. alterniflora was poorly colonized by arbuscular mycorrhizae, developing only fungal hyphae and no arbuscules, but S. cynosuroides became moderately colonized. Mycorrhizal inoculation marginally improved growth and P and nitrogen (N) content of both plant species at low levels of P supply but significantly increased tillering in both plant species. This factor could be beneficial in enhancing ground cover during restoration procedures. Greater P availability increased the mycorrhizal status of S. cynosuroides and improved P nutrition of both plant species, despite a reduction in the root‐to‐shoot ratio. Increasing salinity reduced mycorrhizal colonization of S. alterniflora but not of S. cynosuroides. Growth and nutrient content of S. alterniflora was improved at higher levels of salinity, but only increased nutrient content in S. cynosuroides. Increased duration of tidal inundation decreased plant growth in both species, but tissue P and N concentrations were highest with the longest time of inundation in both species.
Plasticity of the different neuropeptide‐containing nerve fibres in the tongue of the diabetic rat
Authors: Batbayar Bayarchimeg , Zelles Tivadar , Vér Ágota , Fehér Erzsébet
Published: November 2004

Abstract  Common oral complications of diabetes mellitus are xerostomia, impairment of taste, atrophic lesions of the tongue, leukoplakia, lichen oris planus, and tumours, which might be the consequence of chronic inflammation and changes in innervation. In this work, we examined the density of different neuropeptide‐containing nerve fibres immunohisto‐ and immunocytochemically in the root of the control and diabetic rat's tongue. Quantitative analysis showed that the number of immunoreactive (IR) nerve fibres was decreased after 1 week of the streptozotocin treatment, which was prevented by immediate insulin treatment. However, after 4 weeks duration of diabetes, the number of all investigated IR nerve fibres increased significantly (p < 0.05), which was further enhanced by the delayed insulin treatment. The numbers of substance P (SP) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide IR perikarya were also increased by insulin treatment. The electron‐microscopic investigations showed that some of the nerve terminals from diabetic animals were found in degeneration. After 4 weeks duration of diabetes, the number of inflammatory cells as well as the mast cell/nerve fibre contacts was also increased. The immunocells also showed IR for SP and neuropeptide Y in the diabetic rats. The insulin treatment decreased both the number and the immunoreactivity of these cells. The increased synthesis and/or regeneration of neuropeptide‐containing nerves might indicate the plasticity of nerve fibres in diabetes mellitus, which might happen as a consequence of the changes in the level of neurotrophic factors released by increased number of inflammatory cells or as an effect of insulin.
Laplace Plane Analysis of Impedance Between Acupuncture Points H-3 and H-4
Authors: REICHMANIS MARIA , MARINO ANDREW A. , BECKER ROBERT O.
Published: November 2004

The frequency dependence of the skin impedance between two acupuncture points (H-3 and H-4) was determined by Laplace plane analysis of the time domain response to an input voltage perturbation. Both the resistance and capacitance between the acupuncture points differed significantly from the corresponding controls, thus supporting the interpretation of the acupuncture system as an information transfer network.
Physiological Effects of Stimulation at Acupuncture Loci: A Review
Authors: REICHMANIS MARIA , BECKER ROBERT O.
Published: November 2004

Recent studies reporting significant physiological effects associated with electrical and manual stimulation at several traditional Chinese acupuncture loci are reviewed. Other reports on the anatomy and electrical properties (DC resistance and potential, AC impedance) of these sites indicate that many are significant local skin resistance minima and may also be points of locally more positive DC potential. Further investigation of the basic properties of the acupuncture system and its mode of action is fully warranted by these preliminary findings.
Reception of Acupuncture by the Scientific Community: From Scorn to a Degree of Interest
Authors: BOWERS JOHN Z.
Published: November 2004

This article presents a comprehensive review of the clinical phenomenon of acupuncture. The historial development of this technique, in China, in other parts of Asia, and in the West is discussed. Contemporary advances in acupuncture applications, such as anesthesia and in the treatment of drug addiction are reviewed. Up-to-date material regarding current physiological theories of acupuncture's mechanism is included. Acupuncture is seen as presenting of challenge to the scientific community which is moving from a posture of scron to justifiable interest.
First Experience of a Rehabilitation Centre for Schizophrenics in a Developing Country
Authors: CHAUDHRY MOHAMMAD RASHID
Published: November 2004

The mental health services in Pakistan are still at the elementary level. There are only a few mental hospitals to look after the psychiatric needs of the country. The discharged patients from the mental hospitals find great difficulty in rehabilitating themselves in the community, particularly when the period of hospitalization has been long. This article discusses a new approach in psychiatric rehabilitation which is relevant to the needs of developing countries.
Changes in Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) and Cortisol Levels in Drug Addicts Treated by a New and Rapid Detoxification Procedure Using Acupunctuure and Naloxone
Authors: WEN H. L. , HO W. K. K. , WONG H. K. , MEHAL Z. D. , NG Y. H. , MA L.
Published: November 2004

Plasma ACTH, cortisol, and cyclic-AMP levels of eleven heroin addicts were determined before and after treatment with a fast detoxification procedure using acupuncture and electrical stimulation (AES) together with the administration of limited doses of naloxone. At the end of the treatment period, the average plasma ACTH, cortisol, and cyclic-AMP level rose 130,83 and 24 percent, respectively. In view of the appearance of mild withdrawal signs during this method of treatment, the observed increases in ACTH and cortisol levels probably reflect the inability of AES to suppress withdrawal symptoms induced by naloxone completely. The mechanism underlying this new method of treatment is discussed in relation to AES's ability to stimulate the secretion of endorphisms.
Effects of the Third (Aqueous) Extract of Ginseng on the Cardiovascular Dynamics of Dogs During Halothane Anesthesia
Authors: CLIFFORD DONALD H. , LEE DO CHIL , KIM CHONG YUL , LEE MYUNG O.
Published: November 2004

An electromagnetic flowmeter probe was chronically implanted around the ascending aorta in a group of dogs. Subsequently, ten dogs were lightly anesthetized with halothane (0.75%), and a third (aqueous) extract of ginseng (40 mg/kg) was administered intravenously. Five dogs were anesthesized without the administration of ginseng.

Eleven cardiovascular variables including cardiac output, stroke volume, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, pulse pressure, central venous pressure, total peripheral resistance, pH, PaCO2, PaO2, and base deficit were compared. The cardiac output, stroke volume, and central venous pressure were decreased significantly, while total peripheral resistance was increased significantly following ginseng.
Effects of Ginseng on the Performance of Nurses on Night Duty
Authors: Hallstrom Cosmo , Fulder Stephen , Carruthers Malcolm
Published: November 2004

The effects of ginseng in fatigued night nurses were assessed by self rating scales for competence, mood and bodily feeling, objective tests of psychophysiological performance, hematological and biochemical tests. The results were compared to placebo and normal daytime work. Night duty impaired performance in all mood scales and most of the bodily feeling scales. Ginseng improved the self rating scales for competence, mood and performance in one of the psychophysical tests. Some variables of bodily feeling improved and others were rated as worse on ginseng. Compared to placebo, ginseng had no effect on the blood tests.
Mental Stimulation of Acupuncture Point Zusanli (ST-36) for Rise of Leukocyte Count: Psychopuncture
Authors: Milovanović Miomir , Milovanovic Aleksandra Novaković
Published: November 2004

In this experiment we treated the possibility of mental stimulation or psychopuncture of one acupuncture point, Zusanli (St-36). The first day the experiment subjects were stimulated by needle acupuncture at Zusanli. The second day subjects were stimulating this point mentally, trying to produce the "Teqi" phenomenon by suggestion. Leukocyte count was registered both days each hour for five hours. On the basis of the present data, it is seen that the stimulation of an acupuncture point is possible without mechanical stimulation, i.e. with only mental stimulation. We think that this opens many new possibilities in research and therapy.
An Electrical Probe for the Localization of Superficial Sensory Nerves
Authors: Kano T. , Cowan G. , Smith R. H.
Published: November 2004

Recent work in our laboratory has indicated that the production of afferent impulses on peripheral nerves is essential to electrical pain control of the arm. For the site of current application, superficial sensory nerves entering the fascia from the skin appear to be optimal. We have developed an electrical probe which, in conjunction with unidirectional pulse stimulator, allows the course of superficial sensory nerves to be accurately traced.
Traditional Medicine in the Democratic Republic of North Vietnam
Authors: Levinson John M.
Published: November 2004

For ten years the author has been deeply involved in teaching, practicing medicine and studying the health needs in Indochina. In March 1973, as a member of the first U.S. Senate Committee to visit and study health conditions in North Vietnam, he had the opportunity to visit the Traditional and Popular Medical Institute in Hanoi. This report documents the redevelopment of traditional medicine in the D.R.V. and its successful integration with Western medical practice.
Effect of Auriculo-Acupuncture on Pain
Authors: Leung C. Y. , Spoerel W. E.
Published: November 2004

Acupuncture loci of the ear were used in 27 patients with chronic intractable pain due to malignancy, neuralgia, arthritis, sciatica and amputation phantoms. A significant degree of pain was present at the time of acupuncture. All patients responded to insertion of the needles into sites related to the particular body area. Unrelated loci did not seem to be effective. The response was immediate; in some patients the pain was completely abolished, others reported only modification of the pain perceived in degree of location. The effect lasted in all patients while the needle was in place and persisted in some for over twenty-four hours. Six cases are presented where auriculo-acupuncture contributed significantly to the management of the patient's pain syndrome, and the technique of auriculo-acupuncture is discussed.
Acupuncture as a Method of Preparation in Obstetrics
Authors: Kubista E. , Kucera H.
Published: November 2004

This is a report on 60 primigravidae who were prepared for delivery by means of acupuncture. Delivery was vaginal with the fetus in vertex position. Discussed are the acupuncture techniques, type of needles used, as well as the location of the selected points. The influence of acupuncture on the length of labor was investigated. Two different parameters (the subjective length of labor, beginning with the onset of regular pains every 10 minutes; and the active phase of labor, beginning with a cervical dilation of 3-4 cm.) were both measured separately up until the child's birth, and the average value was computed. The subjective length of labor was calculated as 6.5 hours (6 hours, 30 minutes), and the active phase of labor as 4.85 hours (4 hours, 51 minutes). Patients who were acupunctured only once showed an average value definitely inferior to that of those who were acupunctured several times. The according values of a comparison group from the same clinic were: 8.1 hours (8 hours, 6 minutes), and 5.8 hours (5 hours, 48 minutes). The statistical examination after a T-test exhibited a significant time difference in the two groups' subjective lengths of labor (p < 0.02). The effectiveness of acupuncture in preparation for delivery seems to lie in its influence on the fear, tension, and pain syndrome.
Treatment of Headache Employing Acupuncture
Authors: Lee George T. C.
Published: November 2004

In this article, the etiology and acupuncture treatment methods for various forms of headache according to both traditional and contemporary Chinese formulations is presented.
Clinical Experience with Treatment of 77 Cases of Explosive Deafness
Authors: Peking Research Institute of Ear, N
Published: November 2004

The following abstract is from an article published in the Chinese Medical Journal No. 4, April, 1974, pp. 238–241. It is significant to note that the Chinese do not treat deafness using only acupuncture. The treatment of explosive deafness using Chinese herbs as one of the methods of therapy is a fine example of the multiple approach and integrative attitude of contemporary Chinese medical practices.
The Effect of Acupuncture on Low Back Pain
Authors: Kim K. C. , Yount R. A.
Published: November 2004

Unknown etiology of low back pain by acupuncture in four groups: Group I (no surgery); Group II (one laminectomy); Group III (more than one laminectomy with or without spinal fusion) and Group IV (one or more than one laminectomy with severance of nerve between central nerve system and peripheral nerve). Twenty patients in each group, except ten in Group IV, were treated twice a week for six week.

Functional improvement and decreased sensitivity to weather was significant. Results were evaluated into four classes: Class 3 (no pain, no drugs, no functional disability); Class 2 (pain, no drugs; no functional disability); Class 1 (pain with drug less one-half than it was before treatment; improvement of functional disability) and Class 0 (no effect on pain; durg and functional disability). Completely well (Class 3) patients in Groups I, II, III and IV were 50% 35%, 30% and 20%, respectively. Their prognosis was followed up to 2 months.

Reduction of drugs (aspirin preparation, synthetic analgesics, narcotics, tranquilizers, and muscle relaxants) intake, pain and functional improvement was observed. Overall drug reduction after treatment was 85.6%, 75% 61.6% and 53.2% in Group I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Mean reduction of each individual drug; aspirin-69%, synthetic analgesic–67.7%, narcotic–72.2%, tranquilizers–75.2%, and muscle relaxants–60%, were observed.
The Treatment of Cardiovascular Symptoms by Acupuncture
Authors: Thieman Thomas G.
Published: November 2004

The author compares Western concepts of cardiovascular disease and their analogues in Chinese traditional medical concepts. Experimental evidence based upon treatment of one patient with acupuncture is presented to indicate the possibility of acupuncture's efficacy in reducing cardiovascular symptoms.
The History and Sociology of the Scientific Study of Acupuncture
Authors: Davis Devra Lee
Published: November 2004

Although known to the medical community in some form since the 19th century, acupuncture is only recently receiving concerted researh attention from the conventional medical and scientific community.

The overall amount of scientific acupuncture research has doubled since the mid 1960's. Employing the approaches of the science, history, sociology and social relations of science, this article explores factors which explain why the present time is conducive to acupuncture research by the scientific and medical community. Perhaps this study of scientific acupuncture research will provide the basis for a later theory of scientific development.
Effect of Acupuncture on Pain Threshold and Pain Tolerance Determined by Electrical Stimulation of the Skin: A Controlled Study
Authors: Stacher G. , Wancura I. , Bauer P. , Lahoda R. , Schulze D.
Published: November 2004

The effect of needling traditional acupuncture loci (Ho-ku, L1-4; Nei-Kuan, EH-6) compared to arbitrarily chosen points was measured in twelve healthy subjects. In a crossover blind study pain tolerance and pain threshold were measured by electrical stimulation of the skin in the thyroid area. Traditional acupuncture was found to be significantly more effective in elevating pain threshold than needling of arbitrarily chosen points. Pain tolerance also rose more under "real" acupuncture, the difference, however, being statistically not significant. In one subject, threshold and tolerance increased more under needling of nonacupunture loci, while two subjects did not show any changes under either procedure.
Acupuncture in Otolaryngology
Authors: Hansen James E.
Published: November 2004

The enthusiastic acceptance of acupuncture by the people of the United States in partly indicative of the limitations of Western medicine. This paper is the result of a two year study using acupuncture in the field of otolaryngology to treat those patients whose illnesses have not responded to conventional Western medicine approaches.
A Summary of Research Concerning the Effects of Acupuncture
Authors: O'Connor John , Bensky Dan
Published: November 2004

Translators' Introduction: The following is a translation of a section from the book Acupuncture by the Shanghai College of Traditional Medicine. It is a systematic survey of acupuncture research findings in China, into a clinical guide, so that in many cases the method of needling, the period of treatment, a thorough listing of all loci used in each experiment and a quantiative measurement of the resutls are not specified. Presumbably, these details can be found in the various sources cited throughout the article and listed at the end, sources which, unfortunately, are unavailable to us in Hong Kong and Macao and quite likely in other places outside China at the preset time. Despite these limitations, however, the results are clear; acupuncture has a far more varied effect on the body than simple analgesia and anesthesia.

Very little of the text has been edited. Some unclear points or redundancies were omitted and a few points of clarification added. Throughout we have relied on the Chinese Pinyin system in Romanizing names and places.
Temperature Measurements and Photoelectric Plethysmography in the Evaluation of Acute and Long-term Effects of Acupuncture upon Vasomotoer Activity of Hand Skin: A Methodological Study
Authors: Laitinen Jaakko
Published: November 2004

Skin temperature measurements and photoelectric plethysmography were used evaluating the changes in vasomotor activity of hand skin induced by acupuncture in 8 normal subjects, 10 patients with a chronic pain syndrome and 3 patients with a acute pain syndrome of one upper extremity. In normal persons acupuncture induced short-term fall in the skin temperature and the amplitude of photoelectric plethysmogram. This was undoubtedly a normal physiological reaction to pain. In cold sick hands with a chronic pain syndrome acupuncture induced warning of the hand skin and prolongation of the propagation time in the photoelectric plethysmogram. In warm sick hands with an acute pain syndrome acupuncture induced equalization of the temperature difference and shortening of the propagation time. It seems possible to evaluate the effects of acupuncture upon vasomotor activity of hand skin with these methods.
Acupuncture Tonification
Authors: Esser Aristide H. , Botek Stephen T. , Gilbert Christopher
Published: November 2004

Our aims was to "tonify" chronic psychiatric patients, i.e., restore their physiological homeostasis and sense of well-being by using standardized acupuncture. In eighteen subjects, eleven diagnosed as schizophrenic, feelings of well-being lasting no longer than three days were obtained in over 60% of the treatments. In more than two-thirds of the cases normalization of blood pressure values tending to 120/80 was evident. Degree of physiological change did not appear to be associated with overall psychological improvement; neither was the number of treatments associated with long-term improvement. For further studies, increased treatment frequency and less rigidly controlled procedures are suggested.
Three Essential Factors in Effective Acupuncture Therapy
Authors: Bresler David E. , Kroening Richard J.
Published: November 2004

Three essential factors for achieving effective therapeutic results utilizing acupuncture are described: (1) Immune/inflammatory reactions are mobilized when any area of the skin is sufficiently stimulated. (2) Peripheral nerual stimulation accurs when specific acupuncture loci are mechanically, electrically, chemically activated. Precise stimulation of specific loci (i.e. peripheral neural receptors) may modulate central nervous system regulation of sepcific physiological functions in the body. (3) Psychological support is well known to be an important factor in all healing experiences, and that includes acupuncture therapy. The authors suggest that the most effective applications of acupuncture involves sufficient stimulation of properly selected and precisely localized acupuncture loci combined with a dedicated concern for health that is clearly communicated to patients.
Veterinary Acupuncture
Authors: Kao F. F. , Kao J. J.
Published: November 2004

This section is continuation of the article Veterinary Acupuncutre which appeared in Vol. II, No. 1, pp. 89-102 of the American Journal of CHinese Meidicne. This material is translated from Veterinary Acpuncture and Moxibustion published by the Shanghai People's Publication Service and edited by the Examination and Prevention of Epidemic Diseases Group for Animals and Plants of the Chiangsi Province, Novemeber, 1972.
Induction of Labor by Acupuncture Electro-Stimulation
Authors: Yip S. K. , Pang J. C. K. , Sung M. L.
Published: November 2004

Induction of labor by acupuntuure electro-stimulation was carried out in 31 patients. This was successful in 21 cases. The pattern of uterine contractions induced in these patients was similar to that in normal labor. No serious fetal or maternal complications occurred. The delay between the commencement of stimulation and the onset of contractions suggests that a humoral mechanism may be involved.
Acupuncture for Several Functional Disorders
Authors: Yiu Heung-Hung , Tam Kwong-Chuen
Published: November 2004

This is Part 1 of a study whose purpose is two-fold, that is, to arrive at a classification of diseases under investigation according to their responsiveness to acupuncture therapy, and to discuss and identify the most effective loci for the diseases investigated. In Part I of this study, over 500 patients afflicted with hyperthyroidism, trigeminal neuralgia or intercostal neuralgia were treated with acupuncture therapy. The results of the treatment, together with the selection of acupuncture loci and the techniques of needle manipulation are reported in detail. Over 80% of the patients were found to have made excellent improvement. The three diseases are therefore classified as diseases on which acupuncture therapy yields excellent results.
A New Technique for the Insertion of Acupuncture Needles
Authors: Chen Gregory S. , Hwang Yeou-Cheng
Published: November 2004

A new technique to insert acupuncture needles into the tissue without touching the needle with the fingers of the acupuncturist was developed by the authors. It is easy to perform and completely eliminates the problem of contamination. The bending of the needle is less frequent and the pain sensation of the patient is also minimized.
Lidocaine Injection of Auricular Points in the Treatment of Insomnia
Authors: Lee Tsun-Nin
Published: November 2004

By combining knowledge in modern medicine and traditional Chinese medicine, auricular points were selected for treatment of insomnia. Instead of the placement of needles, injection of small amounts of Lidocaine into these sites was employed. Fifteen out of 16 patients obtained substantial improvement and one patient received moderate improvement. The therapeutic effect was maintained three months after the end of the treatment series. The physiological and clinical implication of this study in terms of modern medicine and traditional Chinese medicine are also discussed.
Musculoskeletal Changes Immediately Following Acupuncture
Authors: Roppel R. M. , Mitchell F. L. , Ch'an K. C.
Published: November 2004

Electrically augmented acupuncture stimulation was applied to two volunteer subjects who presented with a variety of symptoms. The subjects were given osteopathic musculoskeletal examinations immediately before and after acupuncture stimulation. Prior to stimulation, both subjects were found to have musculoskeletal dysfunctions affecting a number of body regions. After acupuncture had been administered at loci selected with reference to traditional methodology, some but not all of the dysfunctions were found to be altered in the direction of normalization. Those which had changed were the ones judged most likely to be related to the symptoms of the subjects.
Treatment of Cluster Headache by Acupuncture
Authors: Kho Hing Gwan
Published: November 2004

The case history of a thirty year-old woman with cluster headache is reported. After various methods of treatment had failed, she was treated by acupuncture.
Avicenna's View on Cancer from his Canon
Authors: Eltorai I.
Published: November 2004

Avicenna's views on cancer are presented from his Medical Canon. A literal translation from Arabic has been undertaken by the author. The clinical diagnosis, the prognosis as well as the therapeutic measures according to Avicenna are interesting to know and compare with our views one thousand years later.
The Development of Early Chinese Communist Health Policy: Health Care in the Border Region, 1936–1949
Authors: Minden Karen
Published: November 2004

This paper examines the health care policy and program of the Chinese Communists in their earliest stages of development. An assessment of 1) political policy, 2) public health campaigns, 3) medical services, 4) public health education, and 5) medical education, indicates that the role of the health delivery scheme was primarily to mobilize mass support for the government, and to change popular health behavior, thereby improving the health of the people and lessening demand on scarce medical facilities. An analysis of the Border Region's health program from 1936 to 1949 gives us an insight into the strategy of a revolutionary government to win popular support and to effect social change.
Indian and Chinese Cosmic Elements
Authors: Mahdihassan S.
Published: November 2004

Crop production depends on three factors: heat, water and soil (earth). These became cosmic elements and are mentioned in the Chandgoya Upanishad of about 800 B.C. It reflects plant life. Later came a cosmology with five elements: Akasha (Ether, Creative Energy), Wind, Heat, Water and Earth (Food). It mirrors human life and can be dated 700 B.C. Lokayata philosophers, as materialists, discarded Aksha as non-tangible, reducing the cosmology to four elements. Its impact on Indian medicine reduced human physiology to three factors: (Breathing) Wind, (Body) Heat, and (Body Fluid) Water, whence arose the three humours: Vata (Wind), Pitta (Heat) and Kapha (Water). The humours were individually known before but Panini compiled them as the Tridosha doctrine about 500 B.C. The Chinese cosmological system has five elements which are comparable with those of Indian cosmology. Indian: Akasha, Wind, Fire, Water, Earth; Chinese: Metal, Wood, Fire, Water, Earth. Now metal = Akasha and Wood = Wind. Thus, both the Indian and Chinese cosmologies mirror human life. Like the Lokayata philosophy the Chinese approach is materialistic. Akasha (or Ether) and Wind are entities which cannot be handled, whereas Metal and Wood both are solid substances. Thus a materialistic version of Indian cosmology would give the Chinese elements. If we consider the Indian cosmic elements independently they begin with Akasha and end with Earth, so that we have Heaven/Earth with 3 elements in between. Such a series would fully justify a system of cosmology. But the Chinese elements are explained in a system of divination. For this the elements must constitute pairs of opposites, thereby representing Heaven/Earth. Here Metal/Wood = Compass/Carpenter's Square = Heaven/Earth. Metal/Water is another pair of opposites with Metal as the heaviest when related to Water, then Water/Wood, with Wood as the lightest, floating on Water. Assigning such properties we get a chain of opposites: Wood/Fire, Fire/Earth (ore), Earth/Metal, Metal/Water and Water/Wood. Something similar is not seen in the Indian arrangement as resulting from the impact of divination upon cosmology.
Ultrastructural Studies on the Effects of Korean Panax Ginseng on the Theca Interna of Rat Ovary
Authors: Byung Moo Rim
Published: November 2004

An investigation was conducted to delineate the fine structure of steroid-producing ovarian theca interna cells following administration of Korean Panax ginseng to rats for 60 days. The cytoplasmic changes were observed in the ginseng-treated theca interna cells, increased number, size and density of the mitochondria, and increased size of the smooth surfaced endoplasmic reticulum, the rough surfaced endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus. The nucleus and nucleolus were slightly enlarged and increased numbers of dense bodies were seen whereas lipid droplets were decreased in number. The changes may result from hyperfunction of the steroid-producing cells. Morphologic changes seen may represent stimulating effects on the steroid-producing cells of the theca interna in ginseng-treated animals.
Acupuncture and Gastric Acid Studies
Authors: Sodipo Joseph O. A. , Falaiye J. M.
Published: November 2004

The effects of therapeutic acupuncture on gastric acid secretion on pain relief in chronic duodenal ulcer patients were studied. Ten adult Nigerian patients with clinical, endoscopic as well as radiological evidence of duodenal ulcer constituted the "Ulcer Group". Four other patients who gave history of dyspepsia formed the "Dyspeptic Group". Pentagastrin stimulation test was performed on all subjects pre- and post-acupuncture therapy. The classical Chinese acupuncture loci were employed. The mean Basal Acid Output (BAO) in the duodenal ulcer group was markedly reduced from 4.04 ±1.01 mMols/hour to 1.05±2.5mMols/hour. The mean Maximal Acid Output (MAO) was lowered from 34.72±13.81 mMols/hour to 15.34±4.01 mMols/hour. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). It is more probable, therefore, that the relief of pain is attributable to the therapeutic inhibition of gastric hyperacidity in our patients. Thus, though pain relief has been previously demonstrated in response to acupuncture, the results of this investigation have gone further to show that acupuncture achieves symptomatic relief through therapeutic gastric depression in duodenal ulcer patients.
Effect of Acupuncture on Adrenocortical Hormone Production: I. Variation in the Ability for Adrenocortical Hormone Production in Relation to the Duration of Acupuncture Stimulation
Authors: Liao Ying-Yi , Seto Katsuo , Saito Hideo , Fujita Masanori , Kawakami Masazumi
Published: November 2004

The effect of acupuncture on adrenocortical hormone production in adult female albino rabbits of New Zealand strain was investigated. There was significant increase compared to the control cortisol and corticosterone following application of acupuncture at the locus Tsu-San-Li. In the non-locus group, such treatment resulted in only a transient raise followed by a significant fall in cortisol and corticosterone. Acupuncture treatment with electric current for 1 hour proved to be unique in that it gave rise to no biphasic change in the I4C uptake of the steroids. These results indicate that adrenal production of corticosterone and cortisol was enhanced by acupuncture and electroacupuncture at the Tsu-San-Li locus.
Hepatic Cancer in Chinese: A Chapter in "Geographic Pathology"
Authors: Wellman Klaus F. , Vemula Narasimha R. , Gerstmann Kurt E.
Published: November 2004

Chinese patients display an unsually high incidience of hepatocellular carcinoma, as expressed in autopsy statistics, in hepatic biopsy specimens, in terms of ratios per 100,000 population, and with regard to standarized mortality rates. As in other ethnic groups, Chinese hepatoma patients show a pronounced numerical preponderance of male over female persons. Whether this sex difference is due to the existnece of cross-reactivity between HBsAg and a male-associated antigen remains to be confirmed. Of the Chinese patients residing abroad, those that were born in China (Idai) are at considerably higher risk of developing hepatic cancer than those born in their countries of residence (Erdai). This observation, per se, strongly argues in favor of an environmental, rather than racial, factor in the causation of such tumors. Among environmental factors suspected of contributing towards the observed inter-ethnic differences in hepatoma incidence rates, parasitic infestations appear to play no role in hepatocarcinogenesis, with the possible exception of clonorchiasis which has been implicated in cholangiocellular carcinomas. Dietary factors, hepatotoxins and alcoholism at beast are of only secondary etiological significance. Cirrhosis has been considered the most important etiological factor in the development of hepatocellular neoplasms. In Chinese patients the proportion of hepatomas arising in cirrhotic livers in many times higher than in Caucasian persons. Surveys have shown that the hepatitis-associated antigen has a high incidence of occurrence in persons of Chinese ancestry, especially those that were born in China, as well as in patients with hepatomas. It has been established that Chinese-Americans are at a very high risk for both hepatitis B virus infection and liver cell carcinoma. In addition, it has been hypothesized that in some families children will be infected with the virus by their mothers during the perinatal period, and that in some cases the infected person swill proceed through several stages (carrier state with retentions of antigen; development of chronic hepatitis; elaboration of cirrhosisis) to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. It appears, then, that infection with the hepatitis B virus, during the earlier phases of life, is the single most important event in the eventual elaboration of hepatocellular carcinoma. The available epidemioligcal data on Chinese patients constitute a significant body of evidence in support of these conclusions.
Effects Shan-Dou-Gen (Euchrestra Formosana) on Metabolic, Respiratory and Vasomotor Activities As Well As Body Temperature in Rats
Authors: Lin Mao-Tsun , Chi Mei-Ling , Han Paul Wei
Published: November 2004

The effects of the Chinese herb Shan-dou-gen, Euchestra formosana, on metabolic, respiratory and vasomotor activities as well as body temperature were assessed in conscious rats at various ambient temperatures. Systemic administration of Shan-dou-gen produced a dose-dependent hypothermia in rats at room temperature (22°C) and below. The hypothermia in response to Shan-dou-gen was brought about by both cutaneous vasodilatation and decreased metabolic heat production. There were no changes in respiratory evaporative heat loss. However, in the heat (30°C), administration of Shan-dou-gen produced no changes in rectal temperature or other thermoregulatory variables. Furthermore, the hyppothermia induced by Shan-dou-gen was greatly antagonized by pretreatment of animals with 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine (predominantly a depletor of central serotonin nerve fiber), but not with 6-hydroxydopamine (a relative depletor of central catecholamine nerve fiber). It appears that the hypothermic effects of Shan-gou-gen may be mediated through serotonin release within the brain.
Anatomical Findings at Acupuncture Loci
Authors: Plummer J. P.
Published: November 2004

A number of investigators have noted the presence of neural structures beneath acupuncture loci either in superficial or deep structures only, or else in both superficial and deep structures. The fact the acupuncture loci correspond to motor points and trigger points is also now well recognized. However, the presence of venous structures beneath acupuncture loci is not so well documented. The presence of a "communicating" or "perforating" vein beneath many points, and the apparent correspondence of known common sites of such veins in the lower limbs with acupuncture points in reported. It is proposed that the failure of acupuncture analgesia and acupuncture therapy in a proportion of cases may be due to the irregularity of the sites of the perforating veins, although their sites may be somewhat more fixed than sometimes thought. The absence of acupuncture points in areas where there is also known absence of perforating veins, e.g. bony areas such as the medial subcutaneous surface of the tibia, is also put forward as "negative" supporting evidence for the relationship between acupuncture loci and perforating veins. Moreover the more recent "discovery" of so many new or "strange" acupuncture loci may be due to the irregularity of the sites of these veins in many people. It is proposed that the nature of acupuncture loci is actually two holes, one in the dermis due to a neurovascular bundle or nerve piercing it, and one (or even more) directly beneath it (although separated by subcutaneous tissue) in the deep fascia due to a perforating vein, neurovascular bundle or nerve piercing it. The correspondence of these holes may allow relatively greater passage of biological electrical current from deeper tissues to the surface of the body, and autonomic nerves at these points may thus be involved in monitoring this current for purposes of homeostasis.