Characteristics of radiation and convection heat transfer in indirect near-infrared-ray heating chamber

Numerical study was performed to evaluate the characteristics of combined heat transfer of radiation, conduction and convection in indirect near infrared ray （N/R） heating chamber. The effects of important design parameters such as the shape of heat absorbing cylinder and heat releasing fin on the pressure drop and heat transfer coefficient were analyzed with different Reynolds numbers. The Reynolds numbers were varied from 103 to 3x106, which was defined based on the hydraulic diameter of the heat absorbing cylinder. Analyses were performed to obtain the inner and outer flow and the temperature distributions in the heat absorbing cylinder and the rates of radiation heat transfer and convection heat transfer. As the Reynolds number increases, the convection heat transfer rate is increased while the radiation heat transfer rate is decreased. The average convection heat transfer rate follows a power rule of the Reynolds number. Addition of three-dimensional heat releasing fin to the outside of the heat absorbing cylinder enhances the convection heat transfer.

OBSERVATION ON THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF ACUPOINT APPLICATION OF FAR-INFRARED ASTHMA-RELIEVING PLASTER FOR ASTHMA

Objective To observe the clinical effect of acupoint application of Yuanhongwai Xiaochuankang Plaster （Far-infrared Asthma-relieving Plaster, FIRARP） for prevention and treatment of asthma. Methods Three hundred and sixty-six cases of bronchial asthma were randomly divided into treatment group （n = 185） and control group （n = 181 ）. Patients of treatment group were treated with FIRARP and those of control group treated with external application of traditional ＂Sonfu （Dog-days） moxibustion＂ （herbal-paste-cake separated moxibustion） and acupoints used were Dazhui（大椎 GV14）, Feishu（肺俞BL13）, Tiantu （天突 CV22）, etc. which were given to the patients. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second （FEV1） and peak expiratory flow （PEF） of the pulmonary function were determined and the changes of main symptoms and signs were observed before and after the treatment. Results The pulmonary functions were effectively improved, the symptoms were controlled, and the asthma attack was reduced in the two groups with no significant difference between the two groups （P 〉0.05）. Conclusion There is no significant difference between Yuanhongwai Xiaochuonkong Plaster and traditional ＂Sanfu moxibustion＂ on bronchial asthma. It may substitute for traditional ＂Sonfu moxibustion＂.

Sentinel lymph node navigation surgery for early stage gastric cancer

We attempted to evaluate the history of sentinel node navigation surgery (SNNS), technical aspects, tracers, and clinical applications of SNNS using Infrared Ray Electronic Endoscopes (IREE) combined with Indocyanine Green (ICG). The sentinel lymph node (SLN) is defined as a first lymph node (LN) which receives cancer cells from a primary tumor. Reports on clinical application of SNNS for gastric cancers started to appear since early 2000s. Two prospective multicenter trials of SNNS for gastric cancer have also been accomplished in Japan. Kitagawa et al reported that the endoscopic dual (dye and radioisotope) tracer method for SN biopsy was confirmed acceptable and effective when applied to the early-stage gastric cancer (EGC). We have previously reported the usefulness of SNNS in gastrointestinal cancer using ICG as a tracer, combined with IREE (Olympus Optical, Tokyo, Japan) to detect SLN. LN metastasis rate of EGC is low. Hence, clinical application of SNNS for EGC might lead us to avoid unnecessary LN dissection, which could preserve the patient’s quality of life after operation. The most ideal method of SNNS should allow secure and accurate detection of SLN, and real time observation of lymphatic flow during operation.

Infrared thermography display of cortical temperature in cats

OBJECTIVE: To use infrared thermography to take cat cerebral cortical temperature in order to visualize the temperature of its entire cerebral cortex as an image. METHODS: After performing craniotomy for exposure of cerebral hemispheres in 52 cats, their cortical temperatures were displayed and analyzed by computerized infrared thermovision. RESULTS: The temperature distribution of the cerebral cortex was uneven, with a maximum difference of 2.3 degrees C among different cortical areas. The temperature in the cortical anterior-inferior area (including the Ant. Ectosylvian, the lower section of Mid. Ectosylvian and the Ant. Sylvian) was higher compared to the temperature in the posterior-super-parts (Post. Suprasylvian, Mid. Suprasylvian, Post. Lateral and Ant. Lateral). Locations with higher or lower temperatures showed little change within three days after craniotomy, and the cortical temperature held steady. CONCLUSION: The use of cortical infrared thermo-images for display of cat cortical temperature is possible and has many advantages over traditional methods. This new neuroimaging method has a practical value in neurological research.

Infrared Radiation Temperature Comparison on Body Surface of Points Between Healthy People and Patients with Hyperplasia of Mammary Glands

Objective： To compare the difference of infrared radiation temperature on body surface of points between healthy people and patients with hyperplasia of mammary glands. Method： The thermaCATMT P30 infrared thermal imaging system was selected to measure the infrared radiation temperature on body surface of eight points in four meridians in 74 patients with hyperplasia of mammary glands and 63 healthy people. Results： The infrared radiation temperatures on body surface of right Youmen （KI 21） in cases with hyperplasia of mammary glands were significantly higher than the healthy people （P=-0.009）, and the infrared radiation temperatures on left Youmen （KI 21） and other points had no significant difference with healthy people （P〉0.05）. Conclusion： The infrared radiation temperatures on body surface of right Youmen （KI 21） have significant differences with healthy people. This might occur because of the pathogenesis of hyperplasia of mammary glands and of the specificity of the point Youmen （KI 21）.

Assessment of Heat-sensitization at Guanyuan （CV4） in Patients with Primary Dysmenorrhea： A Comparative Study between Moxibustion Sensation and Infrared Thermography

Objective： To compare moxibustion sensation and infrared thermography by the assessment of heat-sensitization on Guanyuan （CV4） in patients with primary dysmenorrhea, and to prove the possibility of adopting infrared thermography as an objective demonstration of acupoints heat-sensitization. Methods： Seventy-one patients with primary dysmenorrhea were enrolled to receive moxibustion and infrared to detect the heat-sensitization of Guanyuan （CV 4）. The results were then analyzed and compared. Results： The infrared radiation showed a lower temperature when the acupoint Guanyuan （CV4） was sensitized in patients with primary dysmenorrhea. Compared with moxibustion sensation, its sensitivity rate （real positive rate） was 76.6%, divergence rate （real negative rate） was 70.1%, and the accuracy rate was 74.6%. After giving moxibustion to Guanyuan （CV4）, the infrared radiation area was significantly expanded longitudinally and transversely. Compared with moxibustion test, the sensitivity rate （real positive rate） of infrared test was 78.7%, divergencerate （real negative rate） was 83.3%, and the accuracy rate was 80.3%. Conclusion： To a certain extent, the heat-sensitization of the acupoint Guanyuan （CV4） in patients with primary dysmenorrhea can be revealed by infrared thermography. The acupoint heat-sensitization phenomena （heat extension or transmission） after giving moxibustion to the heat-sensitized acupoints can also be demonstrated objectively by infrared thermography, besides experienced subjectively by the receivers.

Pathologic analysis on hyperplasia of mammary gland with different syndromes based on infrared radiation temperature of acupoints

OBJECTIVE:To explore the pathologic characteristics of hyperplasia of the mammary gland(HMG) by observing differences in infrared radiation temperature of points of HMG in patients with different syndromes compared with healthy controls.METHODS:AFLIRSystems Therma CAM P30 infrared thermal camera was used to detect the infrared temperature of Shanzhong(CV 17),Qimen(LR 14),Zhongwan(CV 12),Qihai(CV 6),Guanyuan(CV 4),Taixi(KI 3),and Taichong(LR 3) in 113 patients with HMG.Of these patients,71 were placed in the Liver Qi stagnation group,34 were placed in the Dysfunction of conception and thoroughfare vessels group,and 8 were placed in the Phlegm and blood stasis in combination group.The infrared radiation temperature of each point in the patients was compared with that of healthy controls,and the differences in the infrared radiation temperatures of the points in the patients were analyzed.RESULTS:Overall,the bilateral corresponding point in both the controls and patients exhibited no significant difference in infrared radiation temperature.In all cases,the infrared radiation temperature of the points from proximal to distal tended to decrease.In a comparison of the patients and controls,the infrared radiation temperature of the trunk points Shanzhong(CV 17),Qimen(LR 14),Zhongwan(CV12),Qihai(CV6),and Guanyuan(CV 4) of the patients was higher than that of the controls,while the infrared radiation temperature of the lower extremity points Taixi(KI 3) and Taichong(LR 3) was lower than that of the controls.Of these points,Shanzhong(CV 17)(P=0.0368),Zhongwan(CV 12)(P=0.0028),Qihai(CV 6)(P=0.0085),and Guanyuan(CV4)(P=0.0018) showed significant differences.In a comparison of the corresponding point on the same side in the Liver Qi stagnation group and controls,the infrared radiation temperature of Shanzhong(CV17)(P=0.0089),right-side Qimen(LR 14)(P=0.0382),Zhongwan(CV 12)(P= 0.0000),Qihai(CV 6)(P=0.0011),and Guanyuan(CV 4)(P=0.0000) of the patients was significantly higher than that of the controls,while the differences in the infrared radiation temperature of the other points were not statistically significant(P= 0.0833-0.8397).In a comparison of the corresponding point on the same side in the Dysfunction of conception and thoroughfare vessels group and controls,the infrared radiation temperature of left-side Taichong(LR 3)(P=0.0048),right-side Taichong(LR 3)(P=0.0329),left-side Taixi(KI 3)(P= 0.0171),and right-side Taixi(KI 3)(t=0.544,P= 0.0165) of the patients was significantly lower than that of the controls,while the differences in the infrared radiation temperature of the other points were not statistically significant(P=0.3793-0.9197).In a comparison of the corresponding point on the same side in the Phlegm and blood stasis in combination group and controls,the infrared radiation temperature of Shanzhong(CV 17),Qimen(LR 14),Qihai(CV 6),Guanyuan(CV 4),Taixi(KI 3),Taichong(LR 3),and Zhongwan(CV 12) tended to increase,but without statistical significance(P=0.175-.759).CONCLUSION:The corresponding points of HMG patients with different syndromes are in different deficiency/excess states.Changes in the infrared radiation temperature of the trunk points Shanzhong(CV 17),Qimen(LR 14),Zhongwan(CV 12),Qihai(CV 6),and Guanyuan(CV 4) are closely related to the pathological characteristics of the Liver Qi stagnation syndrome of HMG patients,while changes in the infrared radiation temperature of the lower extremity points Taixi(KI 3) and Taichong(LR 3) are closely related to the pathological characteristics of the Dysfunction of conception and thoroughfare vessels syndrome of HMG patients.On the whole,HMG patients with Liver Qi stagnation syndrome are characterized by "upper excess," and those with Dysfunction of conception and thoroughfare vessels syndrome are characterized by"lowerdeficiency."

Evaluation of the clinical efficacy of muscle regions of meridians needling method for refractory facial paralysis based on infrared thermal imaging technology

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of muscle regions of meridians needling method for refractory facial paralysis affecting different locations.Methods A total of 110 participants were randomized into an observation group and a control group,with 55 cases in each group.The observation group was treated with muscle regions of meridians needling method,and the control group was treated with conventional facial three-line needling method.The clinical efficacy was evaluated four weeks after the treatment.And the infrared imaging spectra of the two groups were examined.Results The total effective rate of the observation group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05),and its curative effect for refractory facial paralysis located above the geniculate ganglion was better than that of the control group(P<0.05).The color scale distribution of different disease locations in the two groups varied significantly(P<0.05),the higher the disease location,the higher the occurrence rate of cool zone and low temperature zone.After treatment,the reductions of the facial and periotic temperature difference between the healthy side and the affected side in the observation group were statistically different from those in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Muscle regions of meridians needling method has a better effect than facial three-line needling method for refractory facial paralysis.It can promote the microcirculation of the affected side of the face,improve the blood and oxygen supply to local tissues,and thus promote the repair of the peripheral facial nerve.

Preliminary observation on effect of cupping on the skin surface temperature of patients with back pain

Objective To preliminarily observe the effects of cupping on localized skin temperature of patients with back pain.Methods A total of 43 patients with back pain were included in this study.They were treated with medium-sized cups with a volume of 260 mL The randomly selected Xinshu（心俞 BL 15）on one side（37 cases） was given cupping treatment while that on the other side as the control.And Shenshu（肾俞 BL 23）（6 cases） was treated in the same way.The thermal infrared imager was used to record the changes in localized skin temperature before and after cupping（for 10 minutes）,and then comparison was made with that of the control side.Results After cupping,the localized skin temperature fell and then rose.When the cup was removed after retaining for 10 minutes,the localized skin temperature was（0.4±0.9） ℃（P=0.004） lower than that before cupping;10 minutes after cupping off,the localized skin temperature was（0.4±1.1） ℃（P=0.016） higher than that before cupping while（0.8±0.9） ℃ higher than that when cupping off.The skin surface temperature on the control side declined steadily.Conclusion After cupping treatment,the localized skin temperature fell and then rose while that of the control side declined steadily.It might be related to therapeutic effects.

Rapidly and mildly transferring anatase phase of graphene-activated TiO2 to rutile with elevated Schottky barrier:Facilitating interfacial hot electron injection for Vis-NIR driven photocatalysis

Visible and even infrared(IR)light-initiated hot electrons of graphene(Gr)catalysts are a promising driven power for green,safe,and sustainable H2O2 synthesis and organic synthesis without the limitation of bandgap-dominated narrow light absorption to visible light confronted by conventional photocatalyst.However,the life time of photogenerated hot electrons is too short to be efficiently used for various photocatalytic reactions.Here,we proposed a straightforward method to prolong the lifetime of photogenerated hot electrons from graphene by tuning the Schottky barrier at Gr/rutile interface to facilitate the hot electron injection.The rational design of Gr-coated TiO2 heterojunctions with interface synergy-induced decrease in the formation energy of the rutile phase makes the phase transfer of TiO2 support proceed smoothly and rapidly via ball milling.The optimized Gr/rutile dyad could provide a H2O2 yield of 1.05 mM·g-1·h-1 under visible light irradiation(λ≥400 nm),which is 30 times of the state-of-the-art noble-metal-free titanium oxide-based photocatalyst,and even achieves a H2O2 yield of 0.39 mM·g-1·h-1 on photoexcitation by near-infrared-region light(~800 nm).