bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single Bubble Dynamics on a Hydrophobic Surface
Authors: Nam Youngsuk , Warrier Gopinath , Wu Jinfeng , Ju Y. Sungtaek
Published: April 2009

The growth and departure of single bubbles on two surfaces with very different wettability is studied using highspeed video microscopy. An artificial cavity of approximately 10μm diameter is microfabricated on a bare and a Teflon-coated silicon substrate to serve as a nucleation site. The static contact angle of water is approximately 40° on the bare silicon substrate and approximately 120° on the Teflon-coated substrate. The bubble departure diameter is observed to be almost three times larger and the growth period almost 60 times longer for the hydrophobic surface than for the hydrophilic surface. The waiting period is practically zero for the hydrophobic surface because a small residual bubble nucleus remains on the cavity from the previous ebullition cycle. Bubble nucleation occurs on nominally smooth hydrophobic regions with root mean square roughness below 4 nm even at superheat as small as 4 °C. Liquid subcooling significantly affects bubble growth on the hydrophobic surface due to the increased bubble surface area.
Effects of the Finite Thermal Conductivity of the Condensed Phase on Evaporation and Condensation Flows of Its Vapor: Existence of the Maximum Mass and Energy Flows
Authors: Onishi Yoshimoto , Fuji Takahiro , Mannari Yuuki , Ooshida Takeshi
Published: April 2009

Transient to steady motions of a vapor due to evaporation and condensation processes between the plane condensed phases with temperature fields as their internal structures have been studied in detail based on the new governing system at the ordinary fluid dynamic level, i.e., fluid dynamic formulation, which consists of the compressible Navier-Stokes equations and the boundary conditions appropriate for evaporation and condensation problems derived earlier from the kinetic theory analysis. The previous studies based on the Boltzmann equation of BGK type have shown that the mass and energy flows may take their maximum values at a certain value of the latent heat parameter when the condensed phases have temperature fields as their internal structures; the internal structure is a reflection of the thermal conductivity of the condensed phase being finite compared to that of its vapor. This is a striking feature in contrast to the case in which no internal structures exist in the condensed phases. Particular attention, therefore, is paid to the quantitative aspect of this behavior of the mass and energy flows. Incidentally, the comparison between the present results and the corresponding ones from the Boltzmann equation of BGK type has been made and found to be quite good, indicating that the fluid dynamic formulation works satisfactorily in the present case with temperature fields as the internal structures of the condensed phases.
Measurement of Oxygen Partial Pressure Distribution in a Fuel Cell Using Pressure-Sensitive Paint
Authors: Inagaki Suguru , Nagai Hiroki , Asai Keisuke
Published: April 2009

To improve efficiency and service life of a fuel cell, it is important to understand the dynamic behavior of oxygen molecules in the cell. In other words, we need to know the oxygen concentration distribution over electrode planes and inside diffused layers in addition to its time variation. We applied the Pressure-Sensitive Paint (PSP) technique to this problem, attempting to measure distribution of partial pressure oxygen along micro channels of a fuel cell. To prevent the effect of water produced by the power generation process, we developed a water-repellent PSP that can withstand heat and humidity produced by power generation. Using this paint, partial oxygen distribution along the micro channels was successfully visualized, although there were noticeable effects of local temperature distribution on the absolute accuracy for the conditions with higher current densities.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Heat Conduction in Nano-Structured Silicon
Authors: Miyazaki Koji , Iida Yoshizumi , Nagai Daisuke , Tsukamoto Hiroshi
Published: April 2009

We carried out molecular dynamics simulations (MD) of heat conduction in Si thin film and Si films with a nano-hole to represent the nano-structure, in order to investigate the mechanism of the thermal conductivity reduction of nano-structured materials. The Stillinger-Weber potential is used in this study. Different temperatures are applied at the both sides of boundaries of the calculation domain in the z-direction, and periodic boundary conditions are applied in the x and y directions. The calculated temperature profile of a Si thin film of 10.86nm thickness is compared to that calculated by using the phonon Boltzmann transport equation (BTE). These agreed reasonably well with each other, and the phonon mean free path of Si is estimated to be several tens of nanometers. Molecular dynamics simulation of Si at the uniform temperature of 800K is also carried out. Phonon dispersion curves are calculated by using the time-space 2D Fourier transform. The phonon modes at high frequency are not present in nano-structures of Si. We discuss the mechanism of the reduction of the thermal conductivity of nano-structured material on the atomic scale.
Numerical Analysis of Simultaneous Heat and Mass Transfer During Absorption of Polluted Gases by Cloud Droplets
Authors: Elperin Tov , Krasovitov Boris , Fominykh Andrew
Published: April 2009

In this study we performed numerical analysis of heat and mass transfer during evaporation and condensation of a stagnant cloud droplet in the presence of soluble polluted gases. It is assumed that gas absorption is accompanied by subsequent aqueous-phase equilibrium dissociation reactions. We considered liquid and gaseous phase controlled mass transfer. The system of transient conjugate nonlinear energy and mass conservation equations was solved using anelastic approximation and taking into account thermal effect of gas absorption. Using the material balance at the droplet surface we obtained equations for Stefan velocity and the rate of change of the droplet radius taking into account the effect of gas absorption at the gas-liquid interface. We derived also boundary conditions taking into account the effects of gas absorption with subsequent dissociation reactions in the liquid phase and heat of absorption. Numerical analysis was performed for the case of sulfur dioxide dissolution in water droplet with pH values typical for atmospheric clouds. It was shown that thermal effect of absorption and Stefan flow result in the maximum of droplet surface temperature during the transient period of droplet evaporation and affect droplet size evolution. Comparison of the results obtained using the model of physical absorption of sulfur dioxide in water droplet (Elperin and Fominykh, 2005; Elperin et al., 2007) with the predictions of the present model that takes into account the subsequent equilibrium dissociation reactions showed that the model of physical absorption underestimates the droplet surface temperature and overestimates the average concentration of [SO2 · H2O] at the transient stage of gas absorption. The developed model allows determining the dependence of pH vs. time for both evaporating and growing droplets. The performed calculations showed that the value of pH increase with the increasing relative humidity (RH).
Improvement of Freezing Quality of Food by Pre-Dehydration With Microwave-Vacuum Drying
Authors: Hamidi Nurkholis , Tsuruta Takaharu
Published: April 2009

Partial dehydration through microwave vacuum drying has been applied to tuna, oyster and mackerel before freezing in order to reduce quality damages upon freezing and thawing. Samples were subjected to microwave vacuum drying at pressure of 4 kPa and temperature less than 25°C in order to remove some water from the samples. Two freezing conditions, freezing chamber temperature at −20°C and −80°C, were used in this experiment. The experimental results showed that decreasing the water content in tuna could lower the freezing point temperature and made the freezing time become shorter. It was also found that removing some water in oyster and mackerel was effective to minimize the drip loss. After thawing, the pre-dehydrated mackerel showed better microstructure than mackerel that frozen without pre-treatment. Furthermore, good scores were given by a group of panelist in the evaluation on aroma, flavor, and general acceptability of mackerel that subjected to the pre-treatment.
Experimental Study on Turbulent Flow and Mixing in Counter-Flow Type T-Junction
Authors: Hirota Masafumi , Nakayama Hiroshi , Koide Sayaka , Takeuchi Ippei
Published: April 2009

An experimental study was conducted on turbulent flow and mixing in a counter-flow type T-junction. We measured the velocity and concentration fields simultaneously by combining PIV and PLIF. Special attention was directed to the concentration fluctuation near the channel wall, which might bring about the high-cycle thermal fatigue in case of mixing of hot and cold flows. The velocity ratio of the counter-channel flow to the main-channel flow was changed from 1.0 to 5.0. The fluorescent dye was mixed in the main-channel flow. The dominant structures of the fluctuating velocity and concentration fields that cause the concentration fluctuation near the channel wall were analyzed by POD. It was found that the concentration fluctuation near the channel wall was caused by the superposition of the spanwise wobbling motion of the mixing interface of two flows and the rotational oscillation of the flows.
Study on the Characteristics of Metal Hydride Tanks in Totalized Hydrogen Energy Management System With Renewable Energy
Authors: Maeda Tetsuhiko , Kawakami Yoshiaki , Okamoto Hideyuki , Takahashi Atsushi , Ito Hiroshi , Akai Makoto
Published: April 2009

In order to carry out the maximum use of unstable renewable energy, progress of energy storage technology is indispensable. Hydrogen which is one of the storage media has a high possibility of becoming a leading energy career. We proposed the totalized hydrogen energy management system (THEM-System) that consists of fuel cells, water electrolyzes, metal hydride tanks and their auxiliaries. Firstly this paper presents the developed numerical analysis model of metal hydride tanks. From the comparison between calculated results and experimental results, it has been confirmed that the numerical analysis calculation can estimate reasonably the dynamics of the metal hydride tank in the 5 kW class system, and moreover, it has been confirmed that by using this model, the structure and the operation conditions of metal hydride tanks can be designed rationally for the THEM-System. Furthermore, Photovoltaic-Water electrolyzer system which performs suitable control in accordance with unstable weather conditions was introduced. Using this unstable hydrogen supply, the characteristic of the metal hydride hydrogen tank is also examined numerically and experimentally.
An Integral Model for Natural Convection From an Isothermal Right Circular Cone
Authors: Kobus Chris J. , Wu Yu-Hsien
Published: April 2009

An integral technique approximate model is developed in the current research to predict the convective heat transfer from a right circular cone. Much research has been done regarding stationary circular cones, but all of this prior research was achieved utilizing numerical techniques. As will be shown, the integral model predicts with almost the same precision as the former research. The advantage of the integral technique is its simplicity, culminating in a closed-form solution where the influence of individual system parameters and variables is directly observable. In addition, boundary layer thickness appreas explicitly in the analysis, which again tends to yield more insight at the expense of some accuracy.
Numerical Simulation and Experimental Validation of Flow and Heat Transfer in Flat-Tube Heat Exchangers
Authors: Yu Jiuyang , Xia Wenwu , Feng Xingkui
Published: April 2009

A three dimensional numerical simulation study has been carried out to predict air flow and temperature distribution in flat-tube heat exchangers. Due to the symmetry in geometrical construction, a section of heat exchanger has been considered for CFD analysis by using PHOENICS software. The k-ε turbulence model has been used to solve the transport equations for turbulent flow energy and the dissipation rate. In order to check the validity of the computational modeling, the results were compared with the measured flow parameters such as pressure and velocity distribution. It is found that both the heat transfer coefficient and the pressure drop for the shell-side are in good arrangement with experimental results. Comparing with circular-tube heat exchangers, the simulation result shows that the pressure drop of flat-tube heat exchangers decreases 12%∼20%, and the coefficient of integral performance Nu/ζ0.29 has an increment, which is between 22%∼34%.
Electronics Thermal Management Using Advanced Hybrid Two-Phase Loop Technology
Authors: Park Chanwoo , Vallury Aparna , Zuo Jon , Perez Jeffrey , Rogers Paul
Published: April 2009

The paper discusses an advanced Hybrid Two-Phase Loop (HTPL) technology for electronics thermal management. The HTPL combined active mechanical pumping with passive capillary pumping realizing a reliable yet high performance cooling system. The evaporator developed for the HTPL used 3-dimensional metallic wick structures to enhance boiling heat transfer by passive capillary separation of liquid and vapor phases. Through the testing using various prototype hybrid loops, it was demonstrated that the hybrid loops were capable of removing high heat fluxes from multiple heat sources with large surface areas up to 135cm2 and 10kW heat load. Because of the passive capillary phase separation, the hybrid loop operation didn’t require any active flow control of the liquid in the evaporator, even at highly transient and asymmetrical heat inputs between the evaporators. These results represent the significant advance over state-of-the-art heat pipes, loop heat pipes and evaporative spray cooling devices in terms of performance, robustness and simplicity.
Weakly nonlinear oscillations of a compliant object buried in soil
Authors: Zabolotskaya Evgenia A. , Ilinskii Yurii A. , Hamilton Mark F.
Published: April 2009

A nonlinear model equation in Rayleigh–Plesset form is developed for volume oscillations of a compliant object buried close to the surface in soil. The equation takes into account the stress-free boundary condition on the surface of the ground. The model is fully nonlinear given exact relations for the elastic potential energy stored in deformation of the object and the soil. Expansions of the potential energies for weak nonlinearity are provided in terms of elastic constants that can be determined experimentally. When the shear modulus is allowed to increase with depth below the surface, the natural frequency predicted by the model first decreases and thereafter increases with burial depth, in agreement with reported observations. Perturbation solutions are derived for the displacements on the surface of the ground at the second harmonic and difference frequency due to the nonlinear response of the object to acoustic excitation.
Finite difference time domain electroacoustic model for synthetic jet actuators including nonlinear flow resistance
Authors: Kooijman Gerben , Ouweltjes Okke
Published: April 2009

A lumped element electroacoustic model for a synthetic jet actuator is presented. The model includes the nonlinear flow resistance associated with flow separation and employs a finite difference scheme in the time domain. As opposed to more common analytical frequency domain electroacoustic models, in which the nonlinear resistance can only be considered as a constant, it allows the calculation of higher harmonics, i.e., distortion components, generated as a result of this nonlinear resistance. Model calculations for the time-averaged momentum flux of the synthetic jet as well as the radiated sound power spectrum are compared to experimental results for various configurations. It is shown that a significantly improved prediction of the momentum flux—and thus flow velocity—of the jet is obtained when including the nonlinear resistance. Here, the current model performs slightly better than an analytical model. For the power spectrum of radiated sound, a reasonable agreement is obtained when assuming a plausible slight asymmetry in the nonlinear resistance. However, results suggest that loudspeaker nonlinearities play a significant role as well in the generation of the first few higher harmonics.
Wave refraction at an interface: Snell’s law versus Chapman’s law
Authors: Godin Oleg A.
Published: April 2009

Energy streamlines provide insights into mechanisms of wave propagation and scattering and are often utilized to visualize wave fields. In contrast to rays, which are essentially an asymptotic, short-wave concept, energy streamlines adequately represent arbitrary wave fields. However, the usefulness of energy streamlines in studies of wave fields is limited by the fact that, unlike rays, no general laws governing energy streamline refraction are known. Here, a simple refraction law is derived for energy streamlines of acoustic and linearly polarized electromagnetic waves. It is shown that analysis of energy streamlines provides a helpful supplementary perspective on wave transmission through interfaces.
Retrieval of Green’s functions of elastic waves from thermal fluctuations of fluid-solid systems
Authors: Godin Oleg A.
Published: April 2009

Fluctuation-dissipation and flow reversal theorems are used to study long-range correlation of thermal phonons in a stationary heterogeneous mechanical system comprised of arbitrary inhomogeneous fluid flow and anisotropic solid. At thermal equilibrium, with an appropriate choice of physical observables to characterize thermal fluctuations within the fluid and within the solid, the general integral expression for the two-point correlation function of the fluctuations reduces to a linear combination of deterministic Green’s functions, which describe wave propagation in opposite directions between the two points. It is demonstrated that the cross-correlation of thermal noise contains as much information about the environment as can be obtained in active reciprocal transmission experiments with transceivers placed at the two points. These findings suggest a possible application of ambient noise cross-correlation to passive acoustic characterization of inhomogeneous flows in fluid-solid systems in laboratory and geophysical settings.
Specificity of binaural perceptual learning for amplitude modulated tones: A comparison of two training methods
Authors: Kumpik Daniel , Ting Jeremy , Campbell Robert A. A. , Schnupp Jan W. H. , King Andrew J.
Published: April 2009

The specificity of auditory perceptual learning has been taken as an indicator of the likely locus within the brain at which underlying neuronal changes occur. This study examined interaural level difference (ILD) discrimination learning with sinusoidally amplitude modulated (SAM) tones and whether training-induced threshold improvements generalize from one side of auditory space to the other and to an untrained carrier frequency. A novel, dual-staircase adaptive method was adopted that was designed to prevent participants from identifying the nature of the adaptive track. ILD thresholds obtained with this method were compared with a constant-stimulus technique using otherwise identical stimuli. Adaptive thresholds derived from psychometric functions were found to be biased compared to those obtained from reversals. Although adaptive and constant-stimulus procedures appeared to yield different temporal patterns of learning, no global differences were found between them in terms of training outcomes. These data show that ILD discrimination learning with SAM tones does generalize to an untrained carrier frequency but does not generalize across the midline. This implies that the neural substrate for binaural plasticity is found at a relatively high level of the auditory pathway where information is combined across frequency and where each side of auditory space is represented separately.
Improved fundamental frequency coding in cochlear implant signal processing
Authors: Milczynski Matthias , Wouters Jan , van Wieringen Astrid
Published: April 2009

A new signal processing algorithm for improved pitch perception in cochlear implants is proposed. The algorithm realizes fundamental frequency (F0) coding by explicitly modulating the amplitude of the electrical stimulus. The proposed processing scheme is compared with the standard advanced combination encoder strategy in psychophysical music perception related tasks. Possible filter-bank and loudness cues between the strategies under study were minimized to predominantly focus on differences in temporal processing. The results demonstrate significant benefits provided by the new coding strategy for pitch ranking, melodic contour identification, and familiar melody identification.
Elastodynamic wave scattering by finite-sized resonant scatterers at the surface of a horizontally layered halfspace
Authors: Lombaert Geert , Clouteau Didier
Published: April 2009

The present paper deals with the multiple scattering by randomly distributed elastodynamic systems at the surface of a horizontally layered elastic halfspace due to an incident plane wave. Instead of solving this problem for a particular configuration of the system, multiple scattering theory is used to compute the ensemble response statistics. The Dyson equation is used to calculate the mean field, while the nonstationary second order statistics are obtained by means of the Bethe–Salpeter equation. This allows for the determination of the mean square response of the system in the time and frequency domains. This model is used to study multiple scattering between buildings under seismic excitation. The influence of multiple scattering on the seismic site response is verified. Furthermore, the influence of the footprint and the damping of the buildings are investigated. The results are compared to results of a coupled finite element/boundary element solution for a group of buildings.
Fibromyalgia: A Review of Current Knowledge
Authors: Baldry Peter
Published: April 2009

Muscular pain in the presence of a normal ESR has laboured under a variety of names and supposed causes, often being dismissed as psychogenic in origin. It is now clear that there are two specific disorders of body musculature, each with its own defined pattern of symptoms. Fibromyalgia is a disease of unknown aetiology, predominantly affecting women, that gives generalised muscular pain, a disturbed sleep pattern, morning stiffness and fatigue. Tender spots are found at certain charecteristic sites. The Myofascial Pain Syndromes, on the other hand, can usually be related to some form of trauma and are normally localised to particular muscles with readily palpable myofascial trigger points at specific spots according to the pattern of pain referral.

Acupuncture may be a rapid and effective treatment for both disorders, often giving long lasting relief in Myofascial Pain Syndromes, but offering only repeated short term responses to Fibromyalgia sufferers.
Use of the Seirin Laser Pen for Acupuncture: A Clinical Review
Authors: Marcus Paul
Published: April 2009

The Seirin Portable Laser Pen is reviewed in clinical use. Over a period of two months the author used this Laser Pen in his general acupuncture practice. The results of treatment were comparable to those obtained with brief manual needling.
Short Notes on Ear Acupuncture
Authors: Brougham Penelope
Published: April 2009

A projection of the whole body can be mapped on the ear such that areas of musculo-skeletal pain may be accurately predicted according to the position of tender spots on the ear. Auriculo-therapy is particularly effective for the relief of pain, but it is also indicated for the treatment of allergic, gastro-intestinal and psychiatric problems, and addictions.
Nuclear Medicine Investigation of Transmission of Acupuncture Information
Authors: Darras J-C , Albarède P , de Vernejoul P
Published: April 2009

The aim of this study is to investigate the pathways of acupuncture meridians in the human body through the injection of radioactive tracers at acupuncture points. Technetium 99m (99mTc) as sodium pertechnetate, the most common radioactive tracer in nuclear medicine, has been used. The migration patterns were recorded with a scintillation camera associated with computer imaging capabilities. Our findings show that the preferential pathways taken by the radiotracer coincide with acupuncture meridians as described in Chinese traditional medicine. More, it has been established that these pathways are distinguishable from either lymphatic or vascular routes.
Acupuncture Induced Anaesthesia: Fiction Or Fact?
Authors: Wong Christopher K M
Published: April 2009

This study was conducted over a five week period in Shanghai Medical University. It is an observa­tional study to determine any real effects resulting from acupuncture induced anaesthesia. Patients were interviewed before, during and after operation. Visual analogue scale was used for estimating the amount of pain pre-, per- and post-operatively. Blood pressure and heart rate measurements were used as a guide to sympathetic system response to pain. The results show definite analgesic effects from acupuncture induced anaesthesia: 21.43% with complete pain free state throughout operation; 57.14% experienced mild painful episodes during operation and 21.43% expressed severe pain.
A Brief Review of the History of Electrotherapy and Its Union with Acupuncture
Authors: Macdonald Alexander J R
Published: April 2009

This is a brief review of the history of electrotherapy. Pain has been relieved by electricity since ancient times, at first by means of applying live electric fish to the tender part to cause numbness. But once frictional machines were found to produce electro-static electricity (Franklinism) in the mid 18th century the use of living organisms was discontinued. By the late 18th century Galvani had rediscovered the fact that animals developed electricity spontaneously. Volta discovered a chemical means of producing electricity from the first form of battery or voltaic pile without recourse to animal tissues or frictional machines whose efficiency varied with atmospheric conditions. This discovery led to the medical use of direct current (Galvanism). Its ability to cause necrosis by electrolytic means was employed in the destruction of tumours. Galvanism was also applied to needles, hence the first form of electroacupuncture pioneered by Berlioz and Sarlandiére. For the first time the combination of electrotherapy and oriental ideas about needling were brought together. Furthermore these early experimenters showed how stimulation of the nervous system brought profound relief from pain. In the early 19th century Faraday's work on the production of alternating currents and his understanding of electrolysis provided medicine with the escape that was required from the dangers of Galvanism. A variety of safer alternating and interrupted currents (Faradism) have been employed in electrotherapy ever since, particularly in the form of electroacupuncture, TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation) and Dorsal Column Stimulation. The popularity of electrotherapy fell during the early part of the 20th century as no one knew how its effects were obtained. However now we know how afferent nerve fibres respond to different frequencies and amplitudes, electrotherapy permits the modern practitioner to stimulate the nervous system in a number of different ways to induce the selective production of various monoamines, amino acids and peptides in the central nervous system. However more experiments are required to make electrotherapy realise its true potential in stimulating the patient's own pain relieving substances.
Acupuncture as a Therapy
Authors: Redfearn Ted
Published: April 2009

Eighty consecutive patients, with good experience of acupuncture, were questioned about their clinical response to acupuncture. This is classified as immediate, intermediate and therapeutic. The long term therapeutic response was delayed in onset by 3 or more days in 50% of the patients. Most scientific study concentrates on the immediate reactions, so this delay in the therapeutic response is not generally recognised, understood or investigated, nor are the occasional adverse reactions (15% in this study) occuring during the intermediate stage. The response in the immediate and intermediate stages may not be related to the longer term therapeutic effect.
The Clinical and Physiological Foundation of Auricular Acupuncture Therapy in Patients with Hypertensive Disease
Authors: Gaponjuk P Ja , Sherkovina T Ju
Published: April 2009

The haemodynamic influence of each of 16 pairs of auricular acupuncture points was studied in 104 hypertensive patients who were classed according to circulation type. Changes in heart rate, stroke output and peripheral vascular resistance were measured, so that the degree of change could be charted for each acupuncture point. It became clear that certain groups of ear points induced a fall in blood pressure by influencing change in one or more of these cardiac parameters.

The ear has a particularly rich nerve supply derived from several cranial and upper cervical nerves and it is possible to explain the hypotensive action of specific groups of acupuncture points by reference to their innervation. The most effective auricular acupuncture points for hypertensive patients of each circulation type can thus be accurately predicted.
The Effect of Atmospheric Temperature and Pressure on Sympathetically Mediated Pain
Authors: Horne Margaret , Hayhoe Simon
Published: April 2009

That pain sensation can be related to weather conditions has been accepted since early times, but the hypothesis that an increase in pain could act as a predictor for bad weather to come, tends to be looked on with scepticism. This personal investigation demonstrates that there is a sufficiently clear relationship to encourage further research.
Acupuncture Audit in Rheumatology
Authors: Camp A V
Published: April 2009

Clinically, audit is the systematic, critical analysis of the quality of medical care. In order to indulge in audit it is necessary initially to identify an area of concern and define standards in that area. If there are none generally accepted in the field to be audited then they must be derived from a statement of the ideal situation, tempered with the expectation of current practice.

The advantages of audit are that it encourages education by discussion, can identify the means of improving clinical efficiency and, most importantly, it aims to improve the quality of medical care. Audit is a pointless exercise unless it results in beneficial change. The circle should be completed by monitoring the audit after a suitable interval to assess the extent of any change in practice and to see if there has indeed been an acceptable improvement in quality.

An audit of acupuncture practice in the rheumatology department of the Wycombe Health District resulted in better standardisation of acupuncture usage within the clinics and, by highlighting the degree of patient benefit from this treatment, a more enthusiastic acceptance of the technique by new members of the department. Improved care for patients was seen in the introduction of a check list of contraindications to acupuncture, better provision of information leaflets and explanation of side effects, and more detailed assessment of outcome with better communication with GPs.

Following this positive experience of audit, it is seen as an essential tool in the delivery of modern medical care, despite the time, commitment and hard work that successful audit demands.
Acupuncture and the Treatment of Irritative Bladder Symptoms
Authors: Kelleher CJ , Filshie J , Burton G , Khullar V , Cardozo LD
Published: April 2009

The conventional management of irritative bladder symptoms, namely urgency, urge incontinence, frequency and nocturia, with anticholinergic medication is limited by the side effects of treatment. Acupuncture is shown to be as effective in the management of irritative bladder symptoms as conventional anticholinergic therapy, with few side effects and a high degree of patient acceptability and compliance.
The Clinical Use of Acupuncture in Family Medicine
Authors: Aung Steven
Published: April 2009

Acupuncture is indicated for a broad spectrum of painful and non-painful conditions. Medical acupuncture is the practice of therapeutic acupuncture by or under the direct supervision of a medical doctor. Integrated practice implies that the acupuncturist is fully trained and certified in both traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine. Complementarity implies that the acupuncturist is a medical doctor who utilises this therapy in a competent, selective manner. Both models add to rather than detract from the practise of family medicine. Traditional Chinese concepts are discussed within the context of an integrated medical acupuncture practice in Canada.
For Discussion: The Non-Existent Acupuncture Point?
Authors: Campbell Anthony
Published: April 2009

The concept of traditional points located on meridians as the basis of acupuncture treatment has been challenged. As an alternative, medical acupuncturists have embraced the use of trigger points with enthusiasm. However, trigger point therapy is not always applicable; needling of non-tender areas is necessary and effective for many problems, particularly non-painful ones.

A neutral terminology to describe needling of therapeutic zones is suggested. These “acupuncture treatment areas” will vary in size, and their effectiveness may depend on the accuracy with which they are defined and treated. The intention is to provide a purely descriptive, theory-neutral concept that will aid students to use forms of acupuncture based on many theories, without bewilderment.
Funding of Acupuncture Sessions in General Practice
Authors: Walker Charles
Published: April 2009

A general practice acupuncture service was set up with financial support from both the local Family Health Services Authority and the Regional Health Authority. Referrals were taken from within the group practice and other local practices in a bid to reduce the referral rate to hospital clinics. This appears to have been successful.
The Influence of Attitudes to Acupuncture on the Outcome of Treatment
Authors: Collier Sonya , Philips Diane , Camp Virginia , Kirk Andrew
Published: April 2009

The aim of this randomised controlled trial was to investigate the possible influence of attitudes towards and knowledge of acupuncture on treatment outcome. A total of 41 pain patients acted as the subjects in the study and 25 of them completed a semi-structured interview prior to treatment. This included the Shod Form McGill Pain Questionnaire, questions regarding the source of patients’ information on acupuncture, their preparation for treatment and a knowledge and attitude questionnaire. The remaining 16 subjects received only the Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire. All subjects again completed the pain questionnaire approximately one week following their last acupuncture session. Discussing attitudes and views prior to treatment was not found to have any effect on outcome. Subjects were revealed to have low knowledge scores, but mainly positive attitudes towards acupuncture treatment. Almost two thirds of the sample felt inadequately prepared for their treatment. Statistical analysis disclosed that neither attitudes nor knowledge influenced response to acupuncture.
Traditional Acupuncture for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy: A Randomised, Sham-Controlled, Double-Blind Trial
Authors: Ernst E , Resch KL , Fialka V , Ritter-Dittrich D , Alcamioglu Y , Chen O , Leitha T , Kluger R
Published: April 2009

Acupuncture has been suggested as helpful in reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), but no controlled study has yet been published. The hypothesis of this randomised, double-blind, sham-controlled trial, therefore, was that traditional Chinese acupuncture improves subjective as well as objective signs in this condition. Patients were included when suffering from clinically and scintigraphically confirmed acute RSD of the upper or lower limb, with a history between one and four months. They were randomly assigned to either traditional acupuncture (group A) or sham acupuncture (group S). Treatments were applied five times a week for three weeks, each session lasting for 30 minutes. Both groups received identical standard treatments in addition. The primary outcome variable had been pre-defined to be pain, as measured by visual analogue scale assessed before each treatment. Subjective success was also recorded by the patients on a rating scale. Due to force of circumstances, only 14 patients were entered into the study, therefore no test statistics could be performed and the data was evaluated descriptively. At baseline, pain was almost identical in both groups. During the course of the study, patients in group A demonstrated a more pronounced reduction of pain: 28.6% ± 1.9 vs 17.9% ± 2.4 (Mean ± SEM). Similarly, subjective success was rated to favour traditional acupuncture. It is concluded that acupuncture may be useful in the management of pain in patients with acute RSD, but that the present results are not conclusive. Larger, rigorous studies are required to answer the question.
Experience of Modified Yamamoto Scalp Acupuncture with Simultaneous Rehabilitation and Soft-Laser Therapy in Children with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Umlauf Richard
Published: April 2009

This is an account of methods developed in Czechoslovakia for the treatment of infantile cerebral palsy. Fifty eight children have been treated using a combination of scalp acupuncture, soft laser therapy and intensive exercise. The acupuncture acts as an analgesic and muscle relaxant thus allowing both passive and active exercises to be practised more effectively. Scalp acupuncture is more practical than body acupuncture as the needles are well out of the way and do not interfere with muscular movement. The neurological benefits are not confined to the development of more normal physical capacity, but extend also to an improvement in mental ability.
A Traditional Chinese View of Acupuncture for Neurological Disease
Authors: Gao Mingyuan
Published: April 2009

Acupuncture is mainly based on neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. There are peripheral nerves and terminals at each acupuncture point. Suggested acupuncture treatment for selected neurological disorders is presented, showing that acupuncture can play a useful role in the neurology department.
Searching for Acupuncture Trials: Which Database?
Authors: White Adrian , Resch Karl-Ludwig , Ernst Edzard
Published: April 2009

Evidence based medicine depends on sensitive, precise and informative searches for references to controlled clinical trials. Five databases: Medline, Centralised Information Service for Complementary Medicine (CISCOM), Science Citation Index (SCI), British Library and Embase, were compared for their effectiveness as literature search tools by conducting test searches for acupuncture trials in a single sample year, 1992. CISCOM showed the greatest sensitivity, followed by Medline and SCI; all three usually provided abstracts, but CISCOM did not provide authors’ addresses. Other databases had features that might make them useful for particular purposes. SCI, British Library and Embase covered a different range of journals from Medline, including acupuncture specialist journals, but of these three only SCI contained an additional relevant reference; it also had the advantages of secondary references and associated correspondence. Indexing of Medline appeared to be more effective for acupuncture than for some other complementary and orthodox medical subjects. It was concluded that the CISCOM search was the most sensitive, and that Medline and SCI had other benefits which were significant.
Suppression of Experimental Pain by Auriculopressure
Authors: Tekeoğlu İ , Adak B , Ercan M
Published: April 2009

In a controlled trial at a University Clinic of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, healthy student volunteers were given auriculopressure to investigate its analgesic effect. There were two study groups, each containing 30 volunteers. The first group was given auriculopressure to the toe somatic point on the ear, with pressure sensitivity being measured on the skin of the toe with an algometer device before and after ear stimulation. The control group had the same measurements with placebo stimulation to the ear. In the auriculopressure group the increase in pain threshold was statistically significant. In the placebo control group there was no significant change. These results suggest that auriculopressure could be a useful method for suppression of post-traumatic somatic pain.
A Computerised Audit of Acupuncture in Two Populations: Civilian and Forces
Authors: Cummings T Mike
Published: April 2009

This is a retrospective review and comparison of acupuncture use in two distinct populations over two years: an armed forces general practice and a civilian private practice. A computerised database is used to draw comparisons between the groups and the results of acupuncture within those groups. The computer is also used to provide graphic representations of these results. The author has found that acupuncture in his hands is most successful in treating myofascial pain with associated tender points.
Economic Evaluation of Acupuncture
Authors: White Adrian
Published: April 2009

Economic evaluation of treatments is essential to make the best use of limited resources. The methodology for this is established and there are four basic analyses: cost-minimisation compares different methods of achieving an overall result, cost-effectiveness measures the outcome of treatment in a natural endpoint, cost-utility attempts to measure the treatment's effect on the overall quality of life, and cost-benefit examines the benefits of treatment in monetary terms. Economic evaluation should ideally be performed alongside randomised controlled trials, preferably placebo-controlled. Other less rigorous designs may be easier to arrange but will generate less conclusive results. In such trials, costs must be measured accurately and as fully as possible. Some examples of economic analysis of acupuncture are discussed.
Acupuncture after Alcohol Consumption: A Sham Controlled Assessment
Authors: Thorer Heidi , Volf Nadia
Published: April 2009

The effects of two different traditional acupuncture point combinations and a sham point were compared in 35 healthy volunteers 20 minutes and 2 hours after a single draught of 40% alcohol (1ml/kg body weight). Clinical measurement, using tests of equilibrium and orientation, and specific tests of the metabolism and elimination of alcohol, formed the basis of this comparison.

The results are statistically significant (P<0.05). A needle in the sham point produced no measurable effect compared to the non acupuncture control. After both traditional acupuncture point combinations, observing all the measured parameters, the clinical effects of alcohol intoxication were minimised, while the alcohol level in the expired air was increased and the blood alcohol decreased.
Metatarsalgia: Treatment by Acupuncture
Authors: Stellon Anthony J
Published: April 2009

A course of acupuncture treatment was performed on fourteen consecutive patients with metatarsalgia. Thirteen (93%) patients responded to acupuncture treatment. The effect appeared long-lasting, as only two patients had a relapse of symptoms over a one year follow-up period.
Acupuncture Points Have Subjective (Needing Sensation) and Objective (Serum Cortisol Increase) Specificity
Authors: Roth LU , Maret-Maric A , Adler RH , Neuenschwander BE
Published: April 2009

This randomised, controlled trial was to determine if blinded subjects are able to discriminate between needle stimulation at traditional acupuncture points and sham points, based on the appreciation of needling sensation (de qi); and if needling at traditional points is related to the objective parameter of serum cortisol increase. Manual acupuncture at traditional and sham points was applied to 20 healthy male students in a single-blind crossover design. Needle sensation (de qi) was reported as significantly stronger with traditional needling than with sham acupuncture. Needling at traditional acupuncture points moderately, but significantly, increased serum cortisol values at 5, 25 and 45 minutes after cessation of stimulation. Needle sensation did not correlate with serum cortisol levels. Experience of pain did not show a difference between traditional and sham needling, nor did it correlate with serum cortisol levels. We conclude that acupuncture points show subjective (needling sensation) and objective (serum cortisol increase) specificity.
Randomisation in Clinical Trials
Authors: White Adrian , Ernst Edzard
Published: April 2009

Randomised controlled trials are accepted as the gold standard for testing the efficacy of a medical intervention. Patients included in a trial should have an equal chance of being assigned to any treatment group, ensuring that there is no systematic difference in the composition of the groups. This is achieved by randomisation. The process may be based on computer-generated random numbers or a random number table. The person assessing the eligibility of subjects must not know which group they will be allocated to. Ethically if a study ought to be randomised then it must be. Randomisation should be mentioned in the title or abstract of the report and full details should be included in the text.
Acupuncture Treatment of Lumbar Disc Related Disorders
Authors: Longworth Wendy , McCarthy Peter
Published: April 2009

There is evidence that acupuncture may be of benefit to chronic sciatica sufferers even when they have failed to respond to previous treatment by drugs, bedrest, epidural injection, physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic and surgery. The benefits that have been reported in small scale studies include: reduction in medication, better return to work figures and a decrease in the need for more invasive forms of treatment including surgery The case for the efficacy of acupuncture in acute pain is weaker, but it may be that the poor methodology of the acute pain studies was to blame. Guidelines for more appropriate trial design are suggested.
A Statistical Comparison of Repeatability in Three Commonly Used Bioelectronic Devices: Kirlian Photography, the Segmental Electrogram, and the Ami of Motoyama
Authors: Jessel-Kenyon Julian , Pfeiffer Lucia , Brenton Martin
Published: April 2009

This paper describes the results of measurements made on 30 patients, tested at the same time of day on consecutive days, with each of three commonly used bioelectronic diagnostic devices. The repeatability of these measurements was compared statistically, using a method known as the coefficient of variation. The most repeatable technique was the AMI of Motoyama. Kirlian photography and the segmental electrogram showed widely varying results, which casts doubt upon their validity as bioelectronic investigational devices.