PERIPHERAL FACIAL PARALYSIS TREATED BY MULTI-DIRECTIONAL NEEDLING

Objective：To search for an effective therapy in treating peripheral facial paralysis. Methods： One hundred and eight patients were randomly divided into treatment group （n = 68） and control group （n = 40）. The multi-directional needling technique was used by selecting Jiache （颊车 ST 6）, Yangbai （阳白 GB 14） and Dicang （地仓 ST 4） in the treatment group, and the traditional acupuncture technique with conventional needle selection was used in the control group. The treatment was given once daily with 10 treatments constituting a therapeutic course, and 2 courses of treatment were given in both the groups. Results： After the treatment, of the 68 and 40 cases in treatment and control groups, 56 （82.3%） and 28 （70.0%） were cured, 11 （16.2%） and 8 （20.0%） improved in clinical symptoms and signs, 1 （1.5%） and 4 （10.0%） failed, with the total effective rate being 98.5% and 90.0% respectively, and the therapeutic effect of treatment group was significantly superior to that of control group （ P 〈 0.05）. Conclusion： The multi-directional needling is an effective therapy for treating peripheral facial paralysis.

Reservoir heterogeneity analysis using multi-directional textural attributes from deep learning-based enhanced acoustic impedance inversion:A study from Poseidon,NW shelf Australia

Reservoir heterogeneities play a crucial role in governing reservoir performance and management.Traditionally,detailed and inter-well heterogeneity analyses are commonly performed by mapping seismic facies change in the seismic data,which is a time-intensive task.Many researchers have utilized a robust Grey-level co-occurrence matrix(GLCM)-based texture attributes to map reservoir heterogeneity.However,these attributes take seismic data as input and might not be sensitive to lateral lithology variation.To incorporate the lithology information,we have developed an innovative impedance-based texture approach using GLCM workflow by integrating 3D acoustic impedance volume(a rock propertybased attribute)obtained from a deep convolution network-based impedance inversion.Our proposed workflow is anticipated to be more sensitive toward mapping lateral changes than the conventional amplitude-based texture approach,wherein seismic data is used as input.To evaluate the improvement,we applied the proposed workflow to the full-stack 3D seismic data from the Poseidon field,NW-shelf,Australia.This study demonstrates that a better demarcation of reservoir gas sands with improved lateral continuity is achievable with the presented approach compared to the conventional approach.In addition,we assess the implication of multi-stage faulting on facies distribution for effective reservoir characterization.This study also suggests a well-bounded potential reservoir facies distribution along the parallel fault lines.Thus,the proposed approach provides an efficient strategy by integrating the impedance information with texture attributes to improve the inference on reservoir heterogeneity,which can serve as a promising tool for identifying potential reservoir zones for both production benefits and fluid storage.

Exact solution for thermal vibration of multi-directional functionally graded porous plates submerged in fluid medium

An analytical method for analyzing the thermal vibration of multi-directional functionally graded porous rectangular plates in fluid media with novel porosity patterns is developed in this study.Mechanical properties of MFG porous plates change according to the length,width,and thickness directions for various materials and the porosity distribution which can be widely applied in many fields of engineering and defence technology.Especially,new porous rules that depend on spatial coordinates and grading indexes are proposed in the present work.Applying Hamilton's principle and the refined higher-order shear deformation plate theory,the governing equation of motion of an MFG porous rectangular plate in a fluid medium(the fluid-plate system)is obtained.The fluid velocity potential is derived from the boundary conditions of the fluid-plate system and is used to compute the extra mass.The GalerkinVlasov solution is used to solve and give natural frequencies of MFG porous plates with various boundary conditions in a fluid medium.The validity and reliability of the suggested method are confirmed by comparing numerical results of the present work with those from available works in the literature.The effects of different parameters on the thermal vibration response of MFG porous rectangular plates are studied in detail.These findings demonstrate that the behavior of the structure within a liquid medium differs significantly from that within a vacuum medium.Thereby,they offer appropriate operational approaches for the structure when employed in various mediums.

Structure uniformity and limits of grain refinement of high purity aluminum during multi-directional forging process at room temperature

The effect of forging passes on the refinement of high purity aluminum during multi-forging was investigated. The attention was focused on the structure uniformity due to deformation uniformity and the grain refinement limitation with very high strains. The results show that the fine grain zone in the center of sample expands gradually with the increase of forging passes. When the forging passes reach 6, an X-shape fine grain zone is initially formed. With a further increase of the passes, this X-shape zone tends to spread the whole sample. Limitation in the structural refinement is observed with increasing strains during multi-forging process at the room temperature. The grains size in the center is refined to a certain size （110 μm as forging passes reach 12, and there is no further grain refinement in the center with increasing the forging passes to 24. However, the size of the coarse grains near the surface is continuously decreased with increasing the forging passes to 24.

CLINICAL AND ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS ON DIABETIC PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHYTREATED BY WARM NEEDLING AND MOXIBUSTION

Objective To observe clinical therapeutic effects of warm needling and moxibustion on diabetic peripheral neuropathy （DPN） and their influence on nerve conduction velocity. Methods Fifty two cases were randomly divided into a treatment group （n =26） and a control group （n =26）. In addition to basic treatment for lowering blood sugar in both groups, Pǐshū （BL 20）, Shènshū （BL 23）, Huántiào （GB 30）, Zùsānlǐ （ST 36）, Yánglíngquán （GB 34）, Sānyīnjiāo （SP 6）, Tàixī （KI 3）, Qǔchí （LI 11）, Wàiguān （TE 5） and Hégǔ （LI 4） were selected for warm needling and moxibustion in the treatment group. Methycobal was intramuscularly injected in the control group. Clinical symptoms and conduction velocities of the tibial nerve and common peroneal nerve were compared before and after treatment. Results Warm needling and moxibustion could alleviate such clinical symptoms as numbness of limbs, pain and hypoesthesia, and obviously improve the conduction velocities of both tibial and common peroneal nerves. Conclusion Warm needling and moxibustion exhibit good therapeutic effects on diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

INTRODUCTION TO PROF. YANG YUN-KUAN'S THE NEEDLING TECHNIQUE OF MIND REGULATION AND TAOISM CONCENTRATION

The combination of needling technique of Mind Regulation with Taoism Concentration is to promote the propagated sensation along the channels （PSC） and the needling sensation to the affected area in order to activate the potential regulation of human body. Prof. Yang Yun-kuan used this combination to treat some pain diseases, nervous system＇s diseases and intractable chronic diseases and got a better result than the general techniques, This is the introduction to the manipulation of this technique and its clinical application.

AN OBSERVATION OF THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF WARMING NEEDLING TECHNIQUE ON JIAJI POINTS FOR THE TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION AND ITS INFLUENCE ON EEG-α WAVE IN PATIENTS

Objective To discuss the therapeutic effect and mechanism of warming needling technique for the treatment of depression. Methods A total of 60 patients with depression were randomly divided into treatment group and control group with 30 cases each. The treatment group was treated with warming needle technique on the Jiaji points of the heart, lung, liver, spleen and kidney, control group with Amitriptyline, HAMD scale and the qualitative change of EEG-α wave were observed before and after the treatment. Results The total effective rate of treatment group was 100%, much better than that of the control group with 80% (P<0.05); the HAMD scale of treatment group was better than that of control group (P<0.05); the comparison of the improvement of somatic symptoms between treatment group and control group was significant (P<0.05); the comparison of frequency and amplitude of EEG-α wave was significant (P<0.05), there was no toxic and side effect in the treatment group. Conclusion Warming needling technique for depression has better effect than Amitriptyline, and there was no toxic and side effect in the treatment group. Warming needle technique can effectively regulate the frequency and amplitude EEG-α wave, and acts to improve depressive condition.

Dry needling at myofascial trigger points mitigates chronic post-stroke shoulder spasticity

Post-stroke spasticity is associated with restriction in the range of motion of the shoulder.Reducing muscular dystrophy may help relieve muscular dysfunction in patients with post-stroke shoulder spasticity.Dry needle therapy is a method of needling the trigger points using a syringe needle without the use of a drug.Dry needle therapy is commonly used for pain at the shoulder,neck,waist,and back.In this case study,a 62-year-old male patient affected with cerebral hemorrhage of the right frontal lobe had received rehabilitative treatment for 12 years.However,he still experienced shoulder spasticity.The patient received daily dry needling at the trigger points of infraspinatus,teres minor,posterior deltoid,and pectoralis major on 9 days.After the first and ninth treatment,the Modified Ashworth Scale and the passive range of motion of the shoulder was used to assess the effect of the treatment.The spasticity and range of motion of the shoulder showed obvious improvement.These results indicate that dry needling at the myofascial trigger points can effectively treat chronic poststroke shoulder spasticity.

Ductility enhancement of EW75 alloy by multi-directional forging

In this study,the Mg-7Gd-5Y-1Nd-0.5Zr alloy can reach a high ductility by the process of multi-directional forging,and the evolution of the microstructure,texture and the mechanical properties were discussed systematically.The results show that after the solutionized sample was multi-forged at 500℃,its grain size can be refined from 292 um to 58 um.As the forging temperature decreased,fine particles precipitated in the matrix.The volume fraction of the particles increased with the forging temperature decreasing,so the nucleation and growth of crystallization were strongly restricted.There was no recrystallization as the forging temperature fell to 410℃,and the severe deformed grains distributed as streamlines perpendicular to the final compression axis.The texture intensity decreased with increasing forging passes.The sample with best ductility was obtained after compressed at 470℃,with an elongation to failure of 21%at room temperature,which is increased by 200%,in comparison with that of the samples in solutionized condition.EBSD results revealed that the mean grain size was 15 um.Refined grains as well as the weakened texture were the key factors to its high ductility.

Effect of pre-induced twinning on microstructure and tensile ductility in GW92K magnesium alloy during multi-direction forging at decreasing temperature

Effect of pre-induced twinning on the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of extruded Mg-9.26Gd-2.08Y-0.36Zr(GW92K)alloy have been investigated during multi-direction forging with large strains at decreasing temperature from 400℃ to 300℃.The results showed that,whether there pre-induced twinning existing in the initial microstructure by pre-deformation or not,a mixed microstructure of residual coarse grains and notably refined grains formed under both conditions,combing with some residual coarse grains with less deformation inside grains and lots of dispersed nano-precipitates distributed along refined grain boundaries.However,a significant improvement with the tensile ductility was obtained by the pre-induced twinning in the former alloy.It was suggested that,the pre-induced twinning largely contributed to the grain refinement and lead to an increase in the ratio of fine grain structure which would be responsible for the better properties.Furthermore,during subsequent forging deformation in the pre-deformed sample,the grain refinement mechanism by gradual grain orientation rotation around the surface section in residual coarse-grains was a little different from that by the macro-shear deformation in the as-extruded condition.

Study on Measurement Methods of Multi-Directional Waves—Wave Gauge Array Method

Measuring multi-directional waves with the wave gauge array is one of the fundamental and easily realised methods. In this paper, the wave gauge array is described and the effects of the gauge spacing, the array orientations, etc. of the three array arrangements, i. e., linear array, T-type array and pentagon array, on the resolution of the directional spreading of waves, are investigated experimentally. This study can be used as a reference in the experimental study and the field measurement of directional waves.

Xingnao Kaiqiao needling method for acute ischemic stroke： a meta-analysis of safety and efficacy

OBJECTIVE： To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the Xingnao Kaiqiao needling method for treating acute ischemic stroke.DATA SOURCES： We retrieved relevant randomized controlled trials involving Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture for treatment of acute ischemic stroke. The China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Weipu Information Resources System, Wanfang Medical Data System, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Cochrane Library, and Pub Med were searched from June 2006 to March 2016.DATA SELECTION： We analyzed randomized and semi-randomized clinical controlled trials that compared Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture with various control treatments, such as conventional drugs or other acupuncture therapies, for treatment of acute ischemic stroke. The quality of articles was evaluated according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions（Version 5.1）, and the study was carried out using Cochrane system assessment methods. Rev Man 5.2 was used for the meta-analysis of the included studies.OUTCOME MEASURES： The mortality rate, disability rate, activities of daily living（Barthel Index）, and clinical efficacy were observed.RESULTS： Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. The meta-analysis showed that between Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture and the control treatment, Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture reduced the disability rate [risk ratio（RR） = 0.51, 95% confidence interval（CI） = 0.27-0.98, z = 2.03, P 〈 0.05], elevated the activities of daily living（weighted mean difference = 12.23, 95% CI： 3.66-20.08, z = 2.80, P 〈 0.005）, and had greater clinical efficacy（RR = 1.61, 95% CI： 1.23-2.09, z = 3.53, P 〈 0.0004）. However, there was no significant difference in mortality rate（RR = 0.61, 95% CI： 0.15-2.45, z = 0.70, P 〉 0.05）. CONCLUSION： The Xingnao Kaiqiao needling method is effective and safe for acute ischemic stroke. However, there was selective bias in this study, and the likelihood of measurement bias is high. Thus, more high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to provide reliable evidence of the efficacy and safety of Xingnao Kaiqiao acupuncture in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke.

Microstructure,texture evolution and yield strength symmetry improvement of as-extruded ZK60 Mg alloy via multi-directional impact forging

Multi-direction impact forging(MDIF)was applied to the as-extruded ZK60 Mg alloy,and the microstructure,texture evolution and yield strength symmetry were investigated in the current study.The results showed that the average grain size of forged piece was greatly refined to 5.3μm after 120 forging passes,which was ascribed to the segmenting effect of{10–12}twins and the subsequent multiple rounds of dynamic recrystallization(DRX).A great deal of{10–12}twins were activated at the beginning of MDIF process,which played an important role in grain refinement.With forging proceeding,continuous and discontinuous DRX were successively activated,resulting in the fully DRXed microstructure.Meanwhile,the forged piece exhibited a unique four-peak texture,and the initial<10-10>//ED fiber texture component gradually evolved into multiple texture components composed of<0001>//FFD(first forging direction)and<11–20>//FFD texture.The special strain path was the key to the formation of the unique four-peak texture.The{10–12}twinning and basal slip were two dominant factors to the evolution of texture during MDIF process.Grain strengthening and dislocation strengthening were two main strengthening mechanisms of the forged piece.Besides,the symmetry of yield strength was greatly improved by MDIF process.

Three-dimensional free vibration analysis of multi-directional functionally graded piezoelectric annular plates on elastic foundations via state space based differential quadrature method

The three-dimensional free vibration analysis of a multi-directional func- tionally graded piezoelectric （FGP） annular plate resting on two parameter （Pasternak） elastic foundations is investigated under different boundary conditions. The material properties are assumed to vary continuously along the radial and thickness directions and have exponent-law distribution. A semi-analytical approach named the state space based differential quadrature method （SSDQM） is used to provide an analytical solution along the thickness using the state space method （SSM） and an approximate solution along the radial direction using the one-dimensional differential quadrature method （DQM）. The influence of the Winkler and shear stiffness of the foundation~ the material property graded variations, and the circumferential wave number on the nomdimensional natural frequency of multi-directional FGP annular plates is studied.

Analysis on Output Power for Multi-direction Piezoelectric Vibration Energy Harvester

To predict the performance of multi-direction piezoelectric vibration energy harvester,an equation for calculating its output power is obtained based on elastic mechanics theory and piezoelectricity theory.Experiments are performed to verify theoretical analysis.When the excitation direction is along Y direction,a maximal output power about 0.139 mW can be harvested at a resistive load of 65kΩ and an excitation frequency of 136 Hz.Theoretical analysis agrees well with experimental results.Furthermore,the performance of multi-direction vibration energy harvester is experimentally tested.The results show that the multi-direction vibration energy harvester can harvest perfect energy as the excitation direction changes in XY plane,YZ plane,XZ plane and body diagonal plane of the harvester.

Investigation of dry sliding wear properties of multi-directional forged Mg-Zn alloys

Effect of multi-directional forging(MDF)on wear properties of Mg-Zn alloys(with 2,4,and 6wt%Zn)is investigated.Dry sliding wear test was performed using pin on disk machine on MDF processed and homogenized samples.Wear behavior of samples was analyzed at loads of ION and 20 N,with sliding distances of 2000m and 4000m,at a sliding velocity of 3m/s.Microstructures of worn samples were observed under scanning electron microscopy(SEM),energy dispersive spectroscopy(EDS),and x-ray diffraction(XRD)and the results were analyzed.Mechanical properties were evaluated using microhardness test.After 5 passes of MDF,the average grain size was found to be 30±4p m,22±3 pm,and 18±3 pm,in Mg-2%Zn,Mg-4%Zn,and Mg-6%Zn alloys,respectively,with significant improvement in hardness in all cases.Wear resistance was improved after MDF processing,as well as,with increment in Zn content in Mg alloy.However,it decreased when the load and the sliding distance increased.Worn surface exhibited ploughing,delamination,plastic deformation,and wear debris along sliding direction,and abrasive wear was found to be the main mechanism.

Bleb needling outcomes for failed trabeculectomy blebs in Asian eyes: a 2-year follow up

·AIM: To describe the outcomes of bleb needling in primary glaucoma in an Asian tertiary eye centre over a2 y period. To compare the success rates between primary angle-closure glaucoma(PACG) and primary open angle glaucoma(POAG). Lastly, to identify factors associated with success of bleb needling.·METHODS: This was a retrospective review of 227 patients who underwent bleb needling between June2009 and June 2011 in Singapore National Eye Centre.The 5-fluorouracil(5-FU) augmented bleb needling was performed either at the slit lamp or in the operating theatre. Repeat bleb needlings were performed as necessary. Complete success was defined as maintenance of intraocular pressure(IOP) ≥6 mm Hg and ≤21 mm Hg, in the absence of further surgery or use of antiglaucoma medication. Qualified success met the above criteria with or without use of antiglaucoma medications.· RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-five eyes completed the two-year follow up. Sixty-nine percent of participants had POAG and 31% had PACG. The mean interval between filtering surgery and bleb needling was299.9 ±616.4d for POAG and 167.1 ±272.2d for PACG.Mean needling attempts were 1.9±1.4 and 2±1.6 for POAG and PACG respectively. In general, there was a statistically significant reduction of IOP ranging from21.9% to 26.8% from month 1 through to month 24. The complete success rates at month 6 were 70.0% for POAG and 65.7% for PACG. At month 12, this decreased to62.2% for POAG and PACG and at month 24, 57.9% for POAG and 63.0% for PACG respectively. The qualified success rates at month 6 for POAG and PACG were23.8% and 29.9% respectively, 32.2% and 29.2% at month12, and 34.7% and 29.6% at month 24. The success ratesbetween POAG and PACG were not significantly different(P 】0.05 for complete and qualified success at months 6,12 and 24). An increased number of needlings and higher pre-needling IOP were associated with failure.·CONCLUSION: The 5-FU augmented bleb needling within one year of trabeculectomy in Asian eyes can provide clinically significant IOP lowering of more than20% for 2y. POAG and PACG had similar complete success rates(58% and 63% respectively). Factors associated with greater risk of procedure failure included increased number of needlings and higher pre-needling IOP. Asian eyes have a greater propensity for scarring but bleb needling, if performed in a timely manner can rescue bleb function.

Loading System for Full-Scale Heavy-Duty Support Node Test with Multi-Directional Loading Requirements

This paper presents the design, analysis and experimental study of a loading system for heavy-duty nodes test based on a large-scale multi-directional in-plane loading device, which has been used in a full-scale heavy-duty support node test. Test loads of the support reached 6 567 kN with multi-directional loading requirements, which outrange the capacity of the available loading devices. Through the reinforcement of a large-scale multi-directional inplane loading device, the innovative design of a self-balanced load transferring device, and other arrangement considerations of the loading system, the test was implemented and the loading capacity of the ring was considerably enlarged. Due to the heavy loading requirements, some checking computations of the ring and the load transferring device outranged the limit of the Chinese national code "Code for Design of Steel Structures (GB 50017—2003)", thus elastic-plastic finite element (FE) analysis was carried out on the two devices, and also the real-time monitoring on the whole loading systems during experiments to ensure test safety. FE analysis and test results show that the loading system worked elastically during experiments.

Specific cerebral activation following true and sham Waiguan(SJ 5) needling Functional magnetic resonance imaging evidence

Positive activation and negative activation of glucose metabolism can be detected in different brain regions under acupuncture conditions using functional magnetic resonance imaging （fMRI） which reveals acupoint function and location-acupoint specificity. This study observed the regional cerebral activation of the Waiguan （SJ 5） acupoint following true needling at the true Waiguan acupoint, sham needling at the true Waiguan acupoint and true needling at a sham point using fMRI. The fMRI results demonstrated that compared with sham needling, true needling at Waiguan activated the BA8 area and left cerebellum. Compared with needling at the sham point, needling at Waiguan activated the BA2 area, the left cerebellum and the right inferior semilunar lobule. Thus the activated brain areas caused by needling Waiguan may be the basis for treatment of certain diseases.

Systematic review of long-term Xingnao Kaiqiao needling efficacy in ischemic stroke treatment

OBJeCTIve：To systematically evaluate the long-term effect and safety ofXingnao Kaiqiao nee-dling method in ischemic stroke treatment. DATA ReTRIevAL： We retrieved relevant random and semi-random controlled trials that used theXingnao Kaiqiao needling method to treat ischemic stroke compared with various control treatments such as conventional drugs or other acupuncture therapies. Searched databases included China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Weipu Information Resources System, Wanfang Medical Data System, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Cochrane Library, and PubMed, from May 2006 to July 2014. SeLeCTION CRITeRIA： Two authors independently conducted literature screening, quality evaluation, and data extraction. The quality of articles was evaluated according to the Cochrane Reviewers’ Handbook 5.1, and the study was carried out using Cochrane system assessment methods. RevMan 5.2 was used for meta-analysis of the included studies. MAIN OUTCOMe MeASUReS： Mortality rate, recurrence rate, and disability rate were observed. ReSULTS：Nine randomized and semi-randomized controlled trials treating 931 cases of ischemic stroke were included in this review. Meta-analysis results showed that there were no sig-niifcant differences in mortality reduction （risk ratio （RR） = 0.58, 95% conifdence interval （CI）： 0.17–1.93,Z = 0.89,P = 0.37） or recurrence rate （RR = 0.55, 95%CI： 0.18–1.70,Z = 1.04,P = 0.30） of ischemic stroke patients between theXingnao Kaiqiao needling and control treatment groups. However, theXingnao Kaiqiao needling method had a tendency towards higher efifcacy in mor-tality reduction and recurrence rates. TheXingnao Kaiqiao needling method was signiifcantly better than that of the control treatment in reducing disability rate （RR = 0.51, 95%CI： 0.27–0.98, Z = 2.03,P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION：TheXingnao Kaiqiao needling method has a better effect than control treatment in reducing disability rate. The long-term effect ofXingnao Kaiqiao needling against ischemic stroke is better than that of control treatment. However, the limitations of this study limit the strength of the conclusions. Randomized controlled trials with a strict, reasonable design, and multi-center, large-scale samples and follow-up are necessary to draw conclusions aboutXingnao Kaiqiao needling.