bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atmospheric nitric oxide stimulates plant growth and improves the quality of spinach (Spinacia oleracea)
Authors: Jin C.W. , Du S.T. , Zhang Y.S. , Tang C. , Lin X.Y.
Published: April 2009

Nitric oxide (NO) is an endogenous signalling molecule implicated in a growing number of plant processes and has been recognised as a plant hormone. The present research employed spinach plant (Spinacia oleracea cv. Huangjia) and closed growth chambers to investigate the effects of gaseous NO application on vegetable production in greenhouses. Treatment of low concentration of NO gas (ambient atmosphere with 200 nL L−1 NO gas) significantly increased the shoot biomass of the soil‐cultivated plants as compared with the control treatment (ambient atmosphere). In addition, the NO treatment also increased the photosynthetic rate of leaves, indicating that the enhancement of photosynthesis is an important reason leading to more biomass accumulation induced by NO gas. Furthermore, the NO treatment decreased nitrate concentration but increased the concentrations of soluble sugar, protein, antioxidants (vitamin C, glutathione and flavonoids), and ferric reducing‐antioxidant power (FRAP) in shoots of the plants grown in soil, suggesting that the gaseous NO treatment can not only increase vegetable production but also improve vegetable quality. In addition, the effects of the combined application of NO and CO2 (NO 200 nL L−1 and CO2 800 μL L−1) on shoot biomass was even greater than the effects of elevated CO2 (CO2 800 μL L−1) or the NO treatment alone, implying that gaseous NO treatment can be used in CO2‐elevated greenhouses as an effective strategy in improving vegetable production.
Elemental Content in Brown Rice by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy Reveals the Evolution of Asian Cultivated Rice
Authors: Zeng Yawen , Wang Luxiang , Du Juan , Liu Jiafu , Yang Shuming , Pu Xiaoying , Xiao Fenghui
Published: April 2009

The phylogenetic relationship for classification traits and eight mineral elements in brown rice (Oryza sativa L.) from Yunnan Province in China was carried out using microwave assisted digestion followed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, and the analytical procedures were carefully controlled and validated. In general, the results show that the mean levels of K, Ca, Mg, Fe and Cu in brown rice for 789 accessions of rice landraces was distinctly lower than that of improved cultivars. They further demonstrate that Ca plays an important role in the differentiation of subspecies indica‐japonica, especially to enhance adaptation of cold stress, and that five mineral elements in brown rice enhance the eurytopicity from landrace to improved cultivar. Hierarchical cluster analysis, using average linkage from SPSS software based on eight mineral elements in brown rice, showed that Yunnan rice could be grouped into rice landrace and improved cultivar, with the rice landrace being further clustered into five subgroups, and that, interestingly, purple rice does not cluster with either of the groups. Our present data confirm that indica is the closest relative of late rice and white rice, and that they constitute rice landraces together, whereas japonica is the closest relatives of non‐nuda, early‐mid and glutinous rice. It is further shown that japonica, non‐nuda, early‐mid, glutinous, white and red rice might be more primitive than indica, nuda, late, non‐glutinous and purple rice, respectively.
Bootlegging: A career caught between fantasy and reality*
Authors: Klein Malcolm W.
Published: April 2009

This essay considers the seemingly opposing stances of basic knowledge‐building and policy‐driven research. It does so by reviewing the author's involvement in a series of criminological activities on both sides of the issue. He prefers to pose as a knowledge builder, but he admits to seduction by policy concerns.
Crime, cash, and limited options: Explaining the prison boom*
Authors: Spelman William
Published: April 2009

Research Summary

An analysis of a state panel of prison populations from 1977 to 2005 shows that the best predictors of prison populations are crime, sentencing policy, prison crowding, and state spending. Prison populations grew at roughly the same rate and during the same periods as spending on education, welfare, health and hospitals, highways, parks, and natural resources. Current and lagged values of state spending on prison construction also accounted for a substantial amount of variation in subsequent prison populations. Public opinion, partisan politics, the electoral cycle, and social threats seem to have had little effect on the number of prisoners.

Policy Implications

The availability of publicly acceptable alternatives to incarceration may not be sufficient to reverse course. Federal funding of alternatives—but not prisons—would provide states with the financial incentive to reduce prison populations.
Inflammation and melanoma metastasis
Authors: Melnikova Vladislava O. , Bar‐Eli Menashe
Published: April 2009

Metastatic melanoma is extremely refractory to existing chemotherapeutic drugs and bioimmune adjuvant therapies, and the life span of patients with metastatic melanoma is often measured in months. Understanding the mechanisms responsible for the development of tumor metastasis is critical for finding successful curative measures. An expending amount of data reveal the importance of inflammatory microenvironment and stroma in cancer initiation and progression, which brings new directions and approaches to cancer treatment. This review will summarize current data on the role of the tumor microenvironment in shaping the metastatic phenotype of melanoma.
Outcome of transarterial chemoembolization monotherapy, and in combination with percutaneous ethanol injection, or radiofrequency ablation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kirikoshi Hiroyuki , Saito Satoru , Yoneda Masato , Fujita Koji , Mawatari Hironori , Uchiyama Takashi , Higurashi Takuma , Goto Ayumu , Takahashi Hirokazu , Abe Yasunobu , Inamori Masahiko , Kobayashi Noritoshi , Kubota Kensuke , Sakaguchi Takashi , Ueno Norio , Nakajima Atsushi
Published: April 2009

Aim:  Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most commonly occurring malignances worldwide. Curative therapies such as resection, percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) have been applied to patients with early‐stage HCC. Patients with more advanced cancers require local or systemic therapies. We present the results of our retrospective review conducted to evaluate whether transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) alone and combined TACE with percutaneous ablation for HCC exhibited superior efficacy to palliative treatment.

Methods:  The effects of TACE and of the combined therapies (TACE + PEI or TACE + RFA) on the long‐term survival rates were evaluated in 268 untreated HCC patients by various statistical analyses.

Results:  The cumulative survival rates in the TACE alone group were significantly superior to those in the palliative treatment group. Further, the cumulative survival rates in the combined TACE + PEI/RFA group were significantly superior to those in the TACE alone group. When the comparison among the groups was restricted to patients with two or three tumors fulfilling the Milan criteria, significantly greater prolongation of survival was observed in the combined TACE + PEI/RFA group than in the PEI/RFA alone group.

Conclusions:  The aforementioned treatment modalities yielded greater improvements of the survival rate and survival duration as compared to palliative treatment in HCC patients. Furthermore, in terms of the effect on the survival period, combined TACE + PEI/RFA therapy was more effective than TACE monotherapy, and also more effective than PEI or RFA monotherapy in cases with multiple tumors fulfilling the Milan criteria.
Mathematical Modelling of Materials Behavior Under Creep Conditions
Authors: Betten J.
Published: April 2009

This article will provide a short survey of some recent advances in the mathematical modelling of materials behavior under creep conditions. The mechanical behavior of anisotropic solids requires a suitable mathematical modelling. The properties of tensor functions with several argument tensors constitute a rational basis for a consistent mathematical modelling of complex material behavior. This article presents certain principles, methods, and recent successful applications of tensor functions in creep mechanics. The rules for specifying irreducible sets of tensor invariants and tensor generators for material tensors of rank two and four are also discussed. Furthermore, it is very important that the scalar coefficients in constitutive and evolutional equations are determined as functions of the integrity basis and experimental data. It is explained in detail that these coefficients can be determined by using tensorial interpolation methods. Some examples for practical use are discussed. Finally, we have carried out our own experiments to examine the validity of the mathematical modelling. Furthermore, an overview of some important experimental investigations in creep mechanics of other scientists has been provided. There are 243 references cited in this review article.
Thermal Performance of Pin Fins at Low Reynolds Numbers in Mini-Micro-Channels
Authors: Rozati A. , Tafti D. K. , Blackwell N. E.
Published: April 2009

The computational study investigates different pin fin arrangements at low Reynolds numbers, which would typically be prevalent in mini-micro-channels used in enhancing heat as well as mass transfer. The effect of pin density, span-wise pitch, and stream-wise pitch is investigated on friction and heat transfer over a range 5<ReD<400. High density pins with small span-wise pitches were found to provide the highest augmentation in heat transfer capacity (conductance), whereas low density pins with or without a large stream-wise pitch were found to provide the least heat transfer benefits in the low Reynolds number range studied. Friction factor decreases considerably as the pin density decreases. The effect of decreasing span-wise pitch increases the friction factor in the low Reynolds number regime (ReD<200) but decreases it beyond ReD = 200 by delaying wake instabilities and the associated increase in form drag. Increasing the stream-wise pitch decreases the friction factor at low ReD<200, but increases it at ReD>200 due to the formation of larger recirculating wakes. Overall it is concluded that a high density arrangement with a small span-wise pitch provides the best thermal performance.
Local Heat Transfer Coefficient of Flow Boiling in Microchannels With Artificial Reentrant Cavities
Authors: Kuo Chih-Jung , Peles Yoav
Published: April 2009

Flow boiling in parallel microchannels with structured reentrant cavities was experimental studied. Flow patterns, boiling inceptions and heat transfer coefficients were obtained and studied for G = 83 kg/m2-s to G = 303 kg/m2-s and heat fluxes up to 643 W/cm2. The heat transfer coefficient-mass velocity and quality relations had been analyzed to identify boiling mechanism. Comparisons of the performance of the enhanced and plain-wall microchannels had also been made. The microchannels with reentrant cavities were shown to promote nucleation of bubbles and to support significantly better reproducibility and uniformity of bubble generation.
The Fabrication of the Micro-Capillary-Pumped-Loop
Authors: Huang Chao-Yang , Wang Shih-Wun , Lin Hung-Wen , Lin Wei-Keng
Published: April 2009

The research for this paper was focused on novel design, fabrication, and characterization about a micro capillary pumped loop (Micro-CPL) evaporator chamber. Ribs or nozzle diffuser have been employed in this chamber, those structures prevented back flow and ensured rapid spreading of cooling liquid in the evaporator chamber. Experimental results had demonstrated that a greatest flow velocity of 206.9 mm/s could be obtained at a situation for rib width was 5 μm and aspect ratio was 15. Spreading time was increased gradually as increase at the depth of the rib. On the other hand, nozzle-diffuser structure yields smoother and faster liquid spreading in the chamber than that of rib structures. The minimum rib width with 2 μm by DRIE could carry out a back pressure of 55 kPa, hence, it was large enough for micro CPL application.
Influence of Pressure Drop in PEM Fuel Cell Stack on the Heat and Mass Balances in 100 kW Systems
Authors: Ito Takamasa , Yuan Jinliang , Sunde´n Bengt
Published: April 2009

Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems have been studied as the alternatives of the internal combustion engine systems. However, these systems are not appearing in daily life yet, due to the high cost, shortage of infrastructure, technical issues, etc. Concerning technical issues, water/thermal management is a critical one to keep high proton conductivity in the electrolyte membrane for the design of PEM fuel cell systems. Therefore, the heat and mass balances in the PEM fuel cell system have been studied for a long time. However, the influence of stack design on the power and heat generation have not been deeply discussed yet. In this study, influence of the pressure drop and maldistribution in a PEM fuel cell stack on the heat and mass balance in the 100 kW systems was studied. It has been found the heat load in the radiator is reduced by the consideration of the pressure drop in the stack. This is because of the reduction of the water condensation in the stack. The amount of heat, which is reduced in the radiator, is mostly shifted to the condenser for the water recovery. As a conclusion, it can be argued that, by involving the influence of pressure drop in the stack, the amount of heat load in the radiator is reduced about 5%. This is mostly due to less water condensation in the stack. This reduced heat is shifted to the condenser. It corresponds to about 10% increase in the heat load in the condenser. The design of the radiator and condenser must consider this shift in heat load due to the pressure drop in the stack.
Effect of Wall Structured Roughness on Friction and Heat Transfer in Pipe Flow
Authors: Rashkovan A. , Katz M. , Aharon J. , Ziskind G.
Published: April 2009

The present study deals with the effects of wall geometry on fluid flow and heat transfer in a circular tube. Rectangular-rib structural wall roughness is considered. This roughness is characterized by rib height, width and pitch. A detailed parametric investigation of the effect of rib width-to-height ratio on the friction coefficient is performed for different rib pitches. This ratio varies from 0.1 to 6.0. Various rib pitches are considered, from those corresponding to a smooth wall, and up to the pitch-to-rib-height ratio of 16. The pipe diameter and the flow Reynolds number serve as additional parameters. Numerical simulations are performed using a modified kepsilon turbulence model, which makes possible the prediction of flow separation, reattachment and adverse pressure gradients. The model is validated by comparing its results with experimental results reported in the literature. The results of the present study indicate that for the given pipe diameter and flow Reynolds number, the pitch that corresponds to maximal flow resistance depends on the rib width-to-height ratio. It appears that when the width-to-height ratio decreases, this optimal pitch decreases.
Experimental Analysis on the Effects of GDL Water Repellency, Humidity and Temperature Conditions on PEFC Performance With Thin Separator Channels
Authors: Takahashi Hiroshi , Sekigutci Shigeyuki , Chikahisa Takemi
Published: April 2009

The authors developed a PEM fuel cell consisting of thin separators with the thickness of 0.8mm. The paper investigates the dependence of cell performance on hydrophobic characteristics of GDL, binding pressure, channel depth, temperature and water content in the working gases in a cell with thin separators. The result shows that the best performance was obtained at lower humidity condition with a GDL which has relatively lower hydrophobic characteristics. The cell temperature and humidity condition significantly affect on the flooding performance, and it was shown that the effects can be evaluated roughly by an simple analysis of water balance proposed in the paper.
Boiling Heat Transfer of Carbon Dioxide in Horizontal Tubes
Authors: Hihara Eiji , Dang Chaobin
Published: April 2009

In this study, boiling heat transfer coefficients of carbon dioxide in horizontally located smooth tubes were experimentally investigated. The inner diameter of heat transfer tubes was 1, 2, 4, and 6 mm. Experiments were conducted at evaporating temperature of 5 and 15 °C, heat fluxes from 4.5 to 36 kW/m2, and mass fluxes from 360 to 1440 kg/m2s. The heat transfer coefficients in the pre-dryout region and post-dryout region were investigated, as well as the dryout quality. Due to the small viscosity and surface tension of CO2, the dryout occurs at a small quality from 0.4 to 0.7. The inception quality decreases with the increase of mass flux, and is affected by the heat flux and tube diameter; the effects of heat flux on the heat transfer coefficient are much significant in the pre-dryout region, which is related with the activation of nucleate boiling. On the contrary, the effects of mass flux are relatively low due to the low two-phase density ratio near the critical point. In addition, this tendency becomes more significant when the small tube is tested; In the post-dryout region, mass velocity is the dominating factor on heat transfer coefficient. At small mass flux, the heat transfer coefficient decreases with the increase of quality, while at large mass flux such as 1440kg/m2s, the heat transfer coefficient turns to increasing with the quality. By increasing the evaporating temperature, the pre-dryout heat transfer coefficient increases, while the dryout inception quality and post-dryout heat transfer coefficient are not affected greatly by the evaporating temperature.
Place assimilation across words in running speech: Corpus analysis and perception
Authors: Zimmerer Frank , Reetz Henning , Lahiri Aditi
Published: April 2009

Place assimilation can lead to neutralization of segmental contrasts. It is controversial, however, to what extent such neutralizations actually happen in natural speech. This study examines: (i) the degree to which regressive place assimilations occur in word final consonants in conversational German, and (ii) whether these assimilations are perceived as neutralized by listeners. The production analysis, based on spontaneous speech, shows that complete assimilations do take place in conversational speech and that there is a clear asymmetry between coronal versus labial and dorsal segments. Furthermore, function words show a higher degree of assimilation than lexical words. Two experiments examined the effects of assimilation on perception. A forced choice reaction time perception experiment, using nasal stimuli from the corpus, examined how fast and accurately listeners identified sounds in different segmental contexts. Results indicate that (a) with equal accuracy and speed, listeners identified original and assimilated [m]s; (b) unassimilated-/m/s were identified equally well across contexts, but not unassimilated-/n/s. A free transcription experiment reproduced these findings. An acoustic analysis provides further evidence that regressive place assimilation across word boundaries can result in absolute neutralization of place contrasts in running speech. The results support models predicting asymmetries between coronal versus labial and dorsal consonants.
Precursor effects on behavioral estimates of frequency selectivity and gain in forward masking
Authors: Jennings Skyler G. , Strickland Elizabeth A. , Heinz Michael G.
Published: April 2009

The experiments presented in this paper explore the hypothesis that cochlear gain is reduced, in a frequency-specific manner, over the course of a sound (called a “precursor”) which was designed to activate the medial olivo-cochlear reflex (MOCR). Psychophysical tuning curves (PTCs) and off-frequency growth of masking (GOM) functions were measured with two precursors. The on-frequency precursor condition, which was hypothesized to activate the MOCR at the signal frequency, produced a PTC with a lower best frequency in all subjects consistent with less gain. This same condition produced a GOM function with less gain and an elevated compression breakpoint. The data were analyzed with two models. The gain-reduction model, which assumed a change in the basilar membrane input-output function, was superior at predicting the data relative to a model of additivity of masking.
A micro-machined source transducer for a parametric array in air
Authors: Lee Haksue , Kang Daesil , Moon Wonkyu
Published: April 2009

Parametric array applications in air, such as highly directional parametric loudspeaker systems, usually rely on large radiators to generate the high-intensity primary beams required for nonlinear interactions. However, a conventional transducer, as a primary wave projector, requires a great deal of electrical power because its electroacoustic efficiency is very low due to the large characteristic mechanical impedance in air. The feasibility of a micro-machined ultrasonic transducer as an efficient finite-amplitude wave projector was studied. A piezoelectric micro-machined ultrasonic transducer array consisting of lead zirconate titanate uni-morph elements was designed and fabricated for this purpose. Theoretical and experimental evaluations showed that a micro-machined ultrasonic transducer array can be used as an efficient source transducer for a parametric array in air. The beam patterns and propagation curves of the difference frequency wave and the primary wave generated by the micro-machined ultrasonic transducer array were measured. Although the theoretical results were based on ideal parametric array models, the theoretical data explained the experimental results reasonably well. These experiments demonstrated the potential of micro-machined primary wave projector.
Magnetic resonance imaging of boiling induced by high intensity focused ultrasound
Authors: Khokhlova Tatiana D. , Canney Michael S. , Lee Donghoon , Marro Kenneth I. , Crum Lawrence A. , Khokhlova Vera A. , Bailey Michael R.
Published: April 2009

Both mechanically induced acoustic cavitation and thermally induced boiling can occur during high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) medical therapy. The goal was to monitor the temperature as boiling was approached using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Tissue phantoms were heated for 20 s in a 4.7-T magnet using a 2-MHz HIFU source with an aperture and radius of curvature of 44 mm. The peak focal pressure was 27.5 MPa with corresponding beam width of 0.5 mm. The temperature measured in a single MRI voxel by water proton resonance frequency shift attained a maximum value of only 73 °C after 7 s of continuous HIFU exposure when boiling started. Boiling was detected by visual observation, by appearance on the MR images, and by a marked change in the HIFU source power. Nonlinear modeling of the acoustic field combined with a heat transfer equation predicted 100 °C after 7 s of exposure. Averaging of the calculated temperature field over the volume of the MRI voxel (0.3×0.5×2 mm3) yielded a maximum of 73 °C that agreed with the MR thermometry measurement. These results have implications for the use of MRI-determined temperature values to guide treatments with clinical HIFU systems.
Prediction of the acoustic field due to a point source over a porous layer
Authors: Allard Jean F.
Published: April 2009

Comparisons are performed between the results of a simple classic formulation for the acoustic field created by a point source above a porous layer and an exact description. A semi-infinite layer and layers of finite thickness are considered. It is shown that for layers of finite thickness and small flow resistivity the use of the classic formulation can lead to large errors close to grazing incidence.
A general wave decomposition formula for the measurement of normal incidence sound transmission loss in impedance tube
Authors: Salissou Yacoubou , Panneton Raymond
Published: April 2009

Two types of general methods can be found in the literature for the determination of the normal incidence sound transmission loss (nSTL) of acoustical elements. The first one is based on the transfer matrix (TM) approach, and the second one is based on the wavefield decomposition (WD) theory. From all the techniques proposed in the literature, the general TM methods (two-load or two-source location) are the only methods yielding the exact nSTL of an acoustical element without any assumptions on its symmetry and on the termination (i.e., the load). Except for the case of an anechoic termination, there is no method based on the WD theory which yields exact nSTL. This paper presents a general WD method to measure the exact nSTL of an acoustical element without any assumptions on its symmetry and on the termination. Similar to general TM methods for non-symmetrical elements, four microphones and two loads will be required. As a first validation of the method, symmetrical and non-symmetrical porous materials are investigated. Results are discussed and compared with some existing methods and with the classical two-load method. A perfect agreement is found with the classical two-load method.
Time domain formulation of the equivalent fluid model for rigid porous media
Authors: Umnova Olga , Turo Diego
Published: April 2009

A set of equations has been derived which corresponds to the time domain formulation of the equivalent fluid model. It models the propagation of an acoustic pulse in rigid frame porous material accounting for both viscous and thermal effects. It has been shown analytically and confirmed numerically that the equations can be reduced to those published previously in the limit of long and short duration pulses. Numerical solutions have been found for different pulse durations and the results have been compared with other time domain models.
Revisiting experimental methods for studies of acidity-dependent ocean sound absorption
Authors: Duda Timothy F.
Published: April 2009

The practical usefulness of long-range acoustic measurements of ocean acidity-linked sound absorption is analyzed. There are two applications: Determining spatially-averaged pH via absorption measurement and verifying absorption effects in an area of known pH. The method is a differential-attenuation technique, with the difference taken across frequency. Measurement performance versus mean frequency and range is examined. It is found that frequencies below 500 Hz are optimal. These are lower than the frequency where the measurement would be most sensitive in the absence of noise and signal fluctuation (scintillation). However, attenuation serves to reduce signal-to-noise ratio with increasing distance and frequency, improving performance potential at lower frequencies. Use of low frequency allows longer paths to be used, with potentially better spatial averaging. Averaging intervals required for detection of fluctuations or trends with the required precision are computed.
Statistical estimation of source location in presence of geoacoustic inversion uncertainty
Authors: Huang Chen-Fen , Gerstoft Peter , Hodgkiss William S.
Published: April 2009

A statistical estimation of source location incorporating uncertainty in ocean environmental model parameters is derived using a Bayesian approach. From a previous geoacoustic inversion, a posterior probability distribution of the environmental parameters that reflects uncertainty in the ocean environment is obtained. This geoacoustic uncertainty then is mapped into uncertainty in the acoustic pressure field and is propagated through the Bartlett matched-field processor for source localization. Using data from the ASIAEX 2001 East China Sea experiment, the estimated source location and variability over time are compared with the known source positions.
Measuring the uniform diffusion coefficient: Synthesized aperture goniometer measurements.
Authors: Robinson Philip W. , Xiang Ning , D’Antonio Peter
Published: April 2009

There are currently two methods to measure the diffusion/scattering from acoustical surfaces: reverberation chamber measurement and in-situ measurement using a semicircular array of microphones called a goniometer. Each of these methods has advantages and drawbacks. The reverberation chamber method accounts for random incidence, but produces inconsistent results for materials of the same profile but different absorption. It does not distinguish between one-dimensional and two-dimensional surface topologies, since the sample is rotated, and is also inapplicable to high absorption materials. The goniometer measurement quantifies directivity as well as diffusion, but presents challenges related to processing power, as many microphones are required to achieve reasonable resolution. Using a procedure akin to synthesized aperture radar, a 2.5° resolution polar plot of the 180° response is achieved by scanning eight microphones rather than employing a full array of 72. Also, since the direct sound and reflected sound arrive at the receiver in close succession when measuring low incident angles, special processing must be exercised in order to resolve the relationship between the sounds. This research addresses the challenges of the goniometer measurement and attempts to use a synthesized aperture goniometer to derive accurate diffusion and directivity properties of materials.
The Treatment of Skin Disease by Acupuncture
Authors: Rosted Palle
Published: April 2009

The principles of treating skin disease by acupuncture are discussed and illustrated with case histories. In general, the skin disease itself should be treated after the patient has been calmed by inducing a general relaxation to relieve any stress problems.
Low Reactive-Level Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Post-Herpetic Neuralgia
Authors: Glennie-Smith Keith
Published: April 2009

The physical properties of Laser and the present medical uses of applied photobiological energy are outlined.

The neuropathology of herpes zoster and the aetiology of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) are summarised, and the various treatment approaches are discussed. By matching the known healing properties of specific laser wavelengths and the underlying neuropathology of PHN, a profile of therapy has been developed for trial in those patients suffering from intractable PHN, refractory to conventional treatment
A Review of Low-Power Laser Pain-Relieving Controlled Clinical Trials
Authors: Baldry Peter
Published: April 2009

The use of low-power “soft” lasers for the relief of pain has become popular among physiotherapists and acupuncturists, mainly on the strength of uncontrolled anecdotal reports of their efficacy. This review of the available controlled clinical trials suggests that, except in certain specific areas, the role of lasers in the relief of pain is merely that of a powerful placebo.
Clinical Effectiveness of Auricular Acupuncture Treatment of Patients with Hypertensive Disease
Authors: Gaponjuk P Ja , Sherkovina T Ju , Leonova MV
Published: April 2009

A course of auricular acupuncture treatment was performed on 78 patients with stage I-II essential hypertension. A control group of 20 underwent sham electro-stimulation. The analysis according to multiple criteria showed reduced symptoms (by 53±1.8%) and drug consumption (by 63±3.1%).
The Effect of Acupuncture on Post-Operative Oral Surgery Pain: A Pilot Study
Authors: Lao Lixing , Bergman Stewart , Anderson Robert , Langenberg Patricia , Wong Richard H , Berman Brian
Published: April 2009

An important problem with acupuncture research has been the difficulty in designing appropriate control groups. This pilot study attempted to resolve this problem. Ten patients with third molar extractions were assigned to an acupuncture group (n=7) or a placebo acupuncture group (n=3). Pain intensity and length of time to reach moderate pain after dental surgery were recorded by standard patient self-report. Results indicate that subjects treated with acupuncture reported longer pain-free duration times (mean 212min vs 65min) and experienced a 56.5% mean pain reduction compared to those who received placebo acupuncture. Even though the limited sample size reduced statistical power, this pilot study provides a model for placebo acupuncture control that will be utilised in future large-scale clinical acupuncture studies.
The Clinical Use of Acupuncture in Oncology: Symptom Control
Authors: Aung Steven
Published: April 2009

Medical acupuncture is extremely useful in controlling the pain experienced by many cancer patients. It is a complementary and conservative therapy that traditionally helps to balance the flow of vital energy, which in turn helps to relieve total pain. Total oncological pain includes disease and therapy-related pain, related discomfort, anxiety and depression, and lack of energy. A number of acupoints are functionally effective in relieving these symptoms, particularly when stimulated by way of the reinforcement breathing and needling technique.
5-Ht: The Story So Far
Authors: Starr Mike
Published: April 2009

Serotonin (5-HT) has recently aroused great interest and has been linked to a number of therapeutic actions of acupuncture. It was originally discovered about 45 years ago to have a vasoconstrictor effect in the clotting mechanism, but is now known to be involved in numerous body processes including the modulation of a number of anterior pituitary hormones. Multiple 5-HT receptors have been identified and drugs with specific receptor action are being developed.

Sumatripan is a 5-HT1 stimulator which has a vasoconstrictive effect, relieving migraine headaches. Ondansetron is a blocker of 5-HT3 receptors in the gut, thus being a very effective antiemetic in oncology treatment. Fluoxetine prevents 5-HT reuptake and thus has an antidepressant effect.

As well as being endorphin mediated, the analgesic action of acupuncture has been shown to rely partly on 5-HT release: notably from nerves electrically stimulated at 200Hz. Acupuncture is a potent antiemetic, possibly acting by the same mechanism as ondansetron. It also has antidepressant action, perhaps through altering 5-HT mobilisation in the brain. Even the treatment of drug withdrawal symptoms by electroacupuncture may be by restabilising 5-HT at a normal level.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for the Relief of Pain
Authors: Thompson John W
Published: April 2009

Electroanalgesia has been practised since ancient times, but had not gained widespread popularity with patients until the advent of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulators in the 1970s. These electrical stimulator units have now been developed into highly effective relievers of pain, offering significant long term benefit to around 40% of chronic pain sufferers. A number of variations to the units have been designed to improve the efficacy of stimulation, however there remain 3 basic forms: continuous, pulsed and acupuncture-like. Before rejecting the method as ineffective for any patient, it is important to have an adequate trial of treatment of at least a fortnight during which all forms of available stimulation are tried, with electrodes placed in a variety of positions on the skin for a minimum of an hour at a time. Failure is generally due to lack of perseverence or unrealistic expectations.
Evaluation of Clinical and Immunological Parameters in Patients with Lichen Ruber Planus Treated with Acupuncture
Authors: Iliev E , Popov J , Nikolov K
Published: April 2009

We have previously shown acupuncture to be effective in the clinical treatment of lichen ruber planus. In this investigation patients with disordered immunological parameters associated with lichen ruber planus were treated with a three week course of daily acupuncture. IgG, IgA, IgM; C3 and C4 complement fractions; α1-antitrypsin and α2-macroglobulin were measured before and after treatment. A return to within normal range was noted in a significant number of cases. We suggest that this is evidence for an immunomodulating effect of acupuncture.
A Pilot Study of Acupuncture for Tension Headache, Using a Novel Placebo
Authors: White AR , Eddleston C , Hardie R , Resch KL , Ernst E
Published: April 2009

Tension headache is common, and treatment with acupuncture is frequently recommended, although the evidence of its effectiveness is contradictory. This small, randomised, controlled trial was designed as a pilot to test procedures in preparation for a multi-centre trial investigating the effect of acupuncture as a treatment for tension headache. Ten volunteers suffering from episodic, tension-type headache were recruited by local newspaper articles. Patients were randomised to receive either brief needling to tender areas or selected traditional points (Group A), or pressure from a cocktail stick supported within a guide tube to defined, non-tender and non-acupuncture areas (Group B). The patients’ view of the treatment sites was obstructed so that no indication could be gained as to which form of treatment was being given.

Throughout the period of the trial, duration, frequency and intensity of headaches were recorded, from which the mean weekly headache index was calculated. There was no difference between the changes in weekly headache index in the two groups, comparing scores before and after treatment. However, Group A experienced a considerably higher number of headache-free weeks than Group B. The credibility of the two procedures was tested using a standard credibility questionnaire and a “final verdict”. One subject in Group B concluded that she had not received genuine acupuncture, but overall there was no statistical difference between the credibility of treatment in the two groups.
The Bmas Basic Course: A Consumer Survey
Authors: White Adrian
Published: April 2009

A postal questionnaire was sent to all participants at the basic medical acupuncture courses for doctors organised by the British Medical Acupuncture Society (BMAS) over a 12 month period. There was a 78% response to this. The answers showed that 95% of GPs attending a course were using acupuncture as a treatment at least once a week, but 39% of hospital doctors had not practised acupuncture after their course. Point finding and the treatment of musculoskeletal pain were considered to be the most useful subjects in the course, while auricular and electro- acupuncture were the least popular. Those who had joined the BMAS thought that the most important functions of the Society were meeting other medical acupuncturists, attending further courses, and this Journal. The least important were accreditation and the availability of learning resources.
Spontaneous Electrical Activity at Combined Acupuncture and Myofascial Trigger Point Sites
Authors: Ward Adam A
Published: April 2009

Small, localised areas of spontaneous electrical activity were found at combined acupuncture and myofascial trigger point sites, corresponding to Gall Bladder 21 in the Trapezius and Small Intestine 11 in the Infraspinatus, in patients with active myofascial neck and shoulder pain. The monopolar needle EMG techniques used to assess spontaneous electrical activity offer the possibility of providing an objective measure of both point activity and the effects of therapeutic intervention. Further studies are needed to examine not just the painful lesion itself, but its dynamic relationship with its corresponding spinal segment and associated higher centres. There are important similarities between acupuncture pain points and trigger points, and observations of both can be used profitably in further studies of myofascial pain and dysfunction.
Acupuncture in the Management of Herpes Zoster
Authors: Boaler Janet
Published: April 2009

Although it has been demonstrated conclusively that anti-viral medication reduces the duration and intensity of the manifestations of acute herpes zoster, controversy remains concerning its effectiveness in preventing post herpetic neuralgia and patients with this distressing condition are often referred to Pain Clinics. The problem is likely to become more prevalent in the future due to the ageing population, particularly in those over 80 years of age.

Research, most of it uncontrolled so far, suggests that simple acupuncture starting in the acute phase, within 24–72 hours of the appearance of the skin eruption, could, if combined with anti-viral medication, produce a substantial reduction in the incidence and severity of post herpetic neuralgia. Further controlled clinical trials conducted at primary health care level are urgently needed.
The Neurophysiology of Acupuncture: A Viewpoint
Authors: Karavis Miltiades
Published: April 2009

Acupuncture is a specialised sensory stimulation that is analysed through sensory neural pathways. Therefore to understand its action we have to analyse the anatomy, physiology and pharmacology of the nervous system, aided with a knowledge of neuroendocrinology and the chemoarchitecture of the brain. Various neural theories have been developed to explain the mechanisms of acupuncture. It is now evident that acupuncture reacts at local, regional (spinal cord) and general (brain) levels. Therefore, inserting one or more needles at particular points (or areas) of the body activates neural pathways on three different levels, provoking local, regional, and general reactions.

The local reaction is a multifactorial phenomenon. The electric injury potential due to the needle, the presence and synthesis of opioid peptides at the site of injury, and substance P, histamine like substances, bradikinin, serotonin and proteolitic enzyme release around the needle, all occur during needling.

The regional reaction concerns the activation of a larger area (2–3 dermatomes) via reflex arches. We can analyse the viscero-cutaneous, cutaneo-visceral, cutaneo-muscular and viscero-muscular reflexes and also the vegetative, stretch and polysynaptic segmental reflexes.

The general reaction mainly activates the brain central mechanism of internal homoeostasis. We can explain the action of acupuncture in acute and chronic pain syndromes, in addiction and in psychiatric disease through the role of central neurotransmitters and the modulatory systems that are activated by acupoints: opioid, non-opioid and central sympathetic inhibitory mechanisms.
Pc.6 Acupressure for Dental Nausea: A Preliminary Report of a Prospective Randomised Double Blind Clinical Trial, Part 1
Authors: Chate RAC
Published: April 2009

Acupressure effectively reduces the amount of nausea experienced, both in the first trimester of pregnancy, and after either opiates or cytotoxic agents. The aim of this randomised, controlled study was to establish whether it could also reduce any sensation of nausea related to the taking of maxillary dental impressions.

The sample comprised 8 males and 14 females, with a mean age of 14.64 years and whose self-registration of nausea following an impression was greater than 33% of a 100mm visual analogue. The test involved a second impression with prior application of pressure on either PC.6, the sixth point on the Chinese pericardial meridian, or a placebo point on the forearm of the patient's dominant limb. A random mental choice as to which point to press was made by each patient, and double blind conditions prevailed. After the withdrawal of the impression, another visual analogue was marked.

Of the 9 patients who had used the placebo point during the test impression, there had been a mean reduction of 29% in the scale of nausea experienced. Of the 13 who had used the PC.6 acupressure point, the mean reduction was 30%. The difference was not significant. Three and a half minutes of acupressure on PC.6 did not reduce the sensation of nausea induced by tactile stimulation of the soft palate in this small sample of susceptible patients.
Effect of Acupuncture Treatment on Heel Pain Due to Plantar Fasciitis
Authors: Tillu A , Gupta S
Published: April 2009

Eighteen patients attending an orthopaedic outpatient clinic with a year or more's history of heel pain due to plantar fasciitis were studied. All had had conservative treatment of physiotherapy and shoe-support without significant pain relief before acupuncture was offered, and thus acted as their own controls for the purposes of the study. The following traditional points were needled: Taixi (KI.3), Kunlun (BL.60) and Sanyinjiao (SP.6). Pain was assessed by a 100mm visual analogue scale (VAS) before treatment was started and after four, weekly sessions of acupuncture treatment. If complete pain relief was not obtained by the initial four-week treatment, a further two, weekly sessions of the above mentioned acupoints, with the addition of trigger point acupuncture in the gastro-soleus and plantar fascia, was carried out and pain assessed.

Patients were also assessed with a verbal rating score to indicate the percentage improvement after acupuncture compared to before treatment. The mean duration of heel pain was 25.11 months (SD 10.68). The VAS data obtained at 4 and 6 weeks of acupuncture treatment showed a statistically highly significant improvement compared to the VAS before acupuncture (p < 0.0009 and p < 0.0001 respectively). Using the Mann-Whitney test, there was a statistically significant difference in VAS obtained at 6 weeks, after trigger point acupuncture had been added for poor responders, compared to that obtained after the first 4 weeks of acupuncture treatment (p < 0.047). Our study demonstrates that acupuncture is effective in treating patients with chronic heel pain due to plantar fasciitis and that the addition of trigger point acupuncture in poor or non-responders may be useful.
Pc.6 Acupressure for Dental Nausea: A Prospective Randomised Double Blind Clinical Trial with Crossover, Part 2
Authors: Chate RAC
Published: April 2009

This reports the second part of a single-centre, prospective, randomised, double-blind clinical trial with crossover. It has aimed to assess whether PC.6 acupressure could reduce nausea related to maxillary dental impression taking.

The selection criterion was a self registration of nausea greater than 33% of a 100mm visual analogue scale (VAS) following an initial maxillary impression (control) in patients referred for treatment. Exclusion criteria were: current medication with a secondary emetic or anti-emetic effect, prior knowledge of PC.6 acupressure, a recent history of nausea, and the first trimester of pregnancy. Twenty three entered the trial and 18 completed.

The test involved a second and third impression with prior application of finger pressure on either PC.6 or a dummy point on the forearm The initial point was chosen by the patient, leaving the other point to be pressed subsequent to crossover. The mean level of nausea was recorded by patients after PC.6 acupressure and also after pressure at a dummy point. These recordings were then compared.

The sample consisted of 6 males and 12 females, and the mean age was 14.74 years. The mean difference in nausea between PC.6 acupressure and pressure at the dummy point was −0.39mm % of the VAS (SD 40.48mm %). The 95% Confidence Interval was −20.52 and 19.74mm %, and the difference was not significant. Three and a half minutes of PC.6 acupressure did not significantly reduce nausea experienced with a maxillary impression, compared with pressure at the dummy point, in this small sample: both showed a mean reduction of 50% on the control figure.
Acupuncture for Back and Leg Pain
Authors: Nesbitt Mary
Published: April 2009

Back pain and back-related leg pain respond surprisingly often to simple acupuncture even if there has been no benefit from standard, conventional treatment. Three case histories are discussed, with the acupuncture points used in each case. Often painful conditions are associated with psychological “stress” states. It may be that some of the benefit derived from acupuncture treatment is through altering the stress response and providing a psychological buffer, perhaps endorphin or serotonin related.