• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.35 no.2
• /
• pp.138-148
• /
• 2011

Exponential rise in the use of mobile communication devices has generated health concerns due to radiofrequency (RF) exposure due to its close proximity to the head. Calcium binding proteins like calretinin regulate the levels of calcium ($Ca^{2+}$) which plays an important role in biological systems. Ginseng is known for maintaining equilibrium in the human body and may play a beneficial radioprotectant role against electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure. In the present study, we evaluated the radioprotective effects of red ginseng (RG) extract in a mouse model. Calretinin (CR) expression was measured using a free-floating immunohistochemical method in the hippocampus of mice after 835 MHz EMF exposure for 5 h/d for 5 d at specific absorption rate=1.6 W/kg for the different experimental groups. The control animals were treated with NaCl while the experimental animals received 10 mg/kg ginseng, or 30 mg/kg; EMF exposed mice were also treated with NaCl, 10 mg/kg ginseng (E10), or 30 mg/kg (E30). Decreases in CR immunoreactivity (IR) along with loss of CA1 and CA3 interneurons and infragranular cells were observed in the ENaCl group while such losses were not observed in the E10 and E30 groups. CR IR significantly increased in the RG-treated group compared to control and EMF-exposed groups treated with NaCl. The study demonstrates that RG extract can serve as a radioprotective agent that maintains $Ca^{2+}$ homeostasis and prevents neuronal loss in the brain hippocampal region caused by RF exposure.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• /
• v.24 no.3
• /
• pp.95-122
• /
• 2020

In this article, we evaluated the performance of radiofrequency (RF) coils in terms of the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) and homogeneity of magnetic resonance images when used for ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) 7T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). High-quality MRI can be obtained when these two basic requirements are met. However, because of the dielectric effect, 7T magnetic resonance imaging still produces essentially a non-uniform magnetic flux (|B₁|) density distribution. In general, heterogeneous and homogeneous RF coils may be designed using electromagnetic (EM) modeling. Heterogeneous coils, which are surface coils, are used in consideration of scalability in the |B₁| region with a high S/N as multichannel loop coils rather than selecting a single loop. Loop coils are considered state of the art for their simplicity yet effective |B₁|-field distribution and intensity. In addition, combining multiple loop coils allows phase arrays (PA). PA coils have gained great interest for use in receiving signals because of parallel imaging (PI) techniques, such as sensitivity encoding (SENSE) and generalized autocalibrating partial parallel acquisition (GRAPPA), which drastically reduce the acquisition time. With the introduction of a parallel transmit coil (pTx) system, a form of transceiver loop arrays has also been proposed. In this article, we discussed the applications and proposed designs of loop coils. RF homogeneous coils for volume imaging include Alderman-Grant resonators, birdcage coils, saddle coils, traveling wave coils, transmission line arrays, composite right-/left-handed arrays, and fusion coils. In this article, we also discussed the basic operation, design, and applications of these coils.

• Journal of electromagnetic engineering and science
• /
• v.16 no.4
• /
• pp.199-205
• /
• 2016

We present a novel schematic using a 3-dB coupler to transmit radiofrequency (RF) power to two receivers selectively. Whereas previous multiple receiver supporting schemes used hardware-switched methods, our scheme uses a soft power-allocating method, which has the advantage of variable power allocation in real time to each receiver. Using our scheme, we can split the charging area and focus the RF power on the targeted areas. We present our soft power-allocating method in three main points. First, we propose a new power distribution hardware structure using a FPGA (field-programmable gate array) and a 3-dB coupler. It can reconfigure the transmitting power to two receivers selectively using accurate FPGA-controlled signals with the aid of software. Second, we propose a power control method in our platform. We can variably control the total power of transmitter using the DC bias of the drain input of the amplifier. Third, we provide the possibility of expansion in multiple systems by extending these two wireless power transfer systems. We believe that this method is a new approach to controlling power amplifier output softly to support multiple receivers.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• /
• v.16 no.2
• /
• pp.103-114
• /
• 2012

Purpose : In an attempt to further improve the radiofrequency (RF) magnetic ($B_1$) field strength in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) imaging, a 4-channel spiral-loop coil array with RF circuitry was designed and compared with a 4-channel single-loop coil array in terms of $B_1$ field, RF transmit (${B_1}^+$), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and applicability to TMJ imaging in 7T MRI. Materials and Methods: The single- and 4-channel spiral-loop coil arrays were constructed based on the electromagnetic (EM) simulation for the investigation of $B_1$ field. To evaluate the computer simulation results, the $B_1$ field and ${B_1}^+$ maps were measured in 7T. Results: In the EM simulation result and MRI study at 7T, the 4-channel spiral-loop coil array found a superior $B_1$ performance and a higher ${B_1}^+$ profile inside the human head as well as a slightly better SNR than the 4-channel single-loop coil array. Conclusion: Although $B_1$ fields are produced under the influence of the dielectric properties of the subject rather than the coil configuration alone at 7T, each RF coil exhibited not only special but also specific characteristics that could make it suited for specific application such as TMJ imaging.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• /
• v.20 no.1
• /
• pp.36-43
• /
• 2016

Visualization of the tissue loss tangent property can provide distinct contrast and offer new information related to tissue electrical properties. A method for non-invasive imaging of the electrical loss tangent of tissue using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was demonstrated, and the effect of loss tangent was observed through simulations assuming a hyperthermia procedure. For measurement of tissue loss tangent, radiofrequency field maps ($B_1{^+}$ complex map) were acquired using a double-angle actual flip angle imaging MRI sequence. The conductivity and permittivity were estimated from the complex valued $B_1{^+}$ map using Helmholtz equations. Phantom and ex-vivo experiments were then performed. Electromagnetic simulations of hyperthermia were carried out for observation of temperature elevation with respect to loss tangent. Non-invasive imaging of tissue loss tangent via complex valued $B_1{^+}$ mapping using MRI was successfully conducted. Simulation results indicated that loss tangent is a dominant factor in temperature elevation in the high frequency range during hyperthermia. Knowledge of the tissue loss tangent value can be a useful marker for thermotherapy applications.

• Journal of Sensor Science and Technology
• /
• v.21 no.2
• /
• pp.103-108
• /
• 2012

Radiofrequency(RF) signal is a key medium to the most of the present wireless communication devices including RF identification devices(RFID) and smart sensors. However, the most critical barrier to overcome in RFID application is in the failure rate in detection. The most notable improvement in the detection was from the introduction of EPC Class1 Gen2 protocol, but the fundamental problems in the physical properties of the RF signal drew less attention. In this work, we focused on the physical properties of the RF signal in order to understand the failure rate by noting the existence of the ground planes and noise sources in the real environment. By using the mathematical computation software, Maple, we simulated the distribution of the electromagnetic field from a dipole antenna when ground planes exist. Calculations showed that the dark area can be formed by interference. We also constructed a test system to measure the failure rate in the detection of a RFID transponder. The test system was composed of a fixed RFID reader and an EPC Class1 Gen2 transponder which was attached to a scanner to sweep in the x-y plane. Labview software was used to control the x-y scanner and to acquire data. Tests in the laboratory environment showed that the dark area can be as much as 43 %. One who wants to use RFID and smart sensors should carefully consider the extent of the dark area.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
• /
• v.30
• /
• pp.15.1-15.11
• /
• 2015

Objectives There has been a growing concern about the possible carcinogenic effects of the electromagnetic radiofrequency fields emitted from mobile phones. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between mobile phone use and the development of gliomas in Korea. Methods Our study methods were based on the International Interphone study that aimed to evaluate possible adverse effects of mobile phone use. This study included 285 histologically-confirmed Korean patients 15 to 69 years of age, with gliomas diagnosed between 2002 and 2007 in 9 hospitals. The 285 individually matched controls were healthy individuals that had their medical check-up in the same hospitals. Unconditional logistic regression was used to calculate the adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for use of mobile phones. Results For the entire group, no significant relationship was investigated between gliomas and regular use of mobile phones, types of mobile phones, lifetime years of use, monthly service fee, and the other exposure indices. Analyses restricted to self-respondents showed similar results. For ipsilateral users, whose the body side for usual mobile phone use match the location of glioma, the aORs (95% CIs) for lifetime years of use and cumulative hours of use were 1.25 (0.55 to 2.88) and 1.77 (0.32 to 1.84), respectively. However, the contralateral users showed slightly lower risk than ipsilateral users. Conclusions Our results do not support the hypothesis that the use of mobile phones increases the risk of glioma; however, we found a non-significant increase in risk among ipsilateral users. These findings suggest further evaluation for glioma risk among longterm mobile phone users.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
• /
• v.27 no.2
• /
• pp.97-106
• /
• 2015

Purpose : This study evaluate the thermal changes caused by use of the chemoport for drug administration and blood sampling during radiofrequency hyperthermia. Materials and Methods : 20cm size of the electrode radio frequency hyperthermia (EHY-2000, Oncotherm KFT, Hungary) was used. The materials of the chemoport in our hospital from currently being used therapy are plastics, metal-containing epoxy and titanium that were made of the diameter 20 cm, height 20 cm insertion of the self-made cylindrical Agar phantom to measure the temperature. Thermoscope(TM-100, Oncotherm Kft, Hungary) and Sim4Life (Ver2.0, Zurich, Switzerland) was compared to the actual measured temperature. Each of the electrode measurement position is the central axis and the central axis side 1.5 cm, 0 cm(surface), 0.5 cm, 1.8 cm, 2.8 cm in depth was respectively measured. The measured temperature is $24.5{\sim}25.5^{\circ}C$, humidity is 30% ~ 32%. In five-minute intervals to measure the output power of 100W, 60 min. Results : In the electrode central axis 2.8 cm depth, the maximum temperature of the case with the unused of the chemoport, plastic, epoxy and titanium were respectively $39.51^{\circ}C$, $39.11^{\circ}C$, $38.81^{\circ}C$, $40.64^{\circ}C$, simulated experimental data were $42.20^{\circ}C$, $41.50^{\circ}C$, $40.70^{\circ}C$, $42.50^{\circ}C$. And in the central axis electrode side 1.5 cm depth 2.8 cm, mesured data were $39.37^{\circ}C$, $39.32^{\circ}C$, $39.20^{\circ}C$, $39.46^{\circ}C$, the simulated experimental data were $42.00^{\circ}C$, $41.80^{\circ}C$, $41.20^{\circ}C$, $42.30^{\circ}C$. Conclusion : The thermal variations were caused by radiofrequency electromagnetic field surrounding the chemoport showed lower than in the case of unused in non-conductive plastic material and epoxy material, the titanum chemoport that made of conductor materials showed a slight differences. This is due to the metal contents in the chemoport and the geometry of the chemoport. And because it uses a low radio frequency bandwidth of the used equipment. That is, although use of the chemoport in this study do not significantly affect the surrounding tissue. That is, because the thermal change is insignificant, it is suggested that the hazard of the chemoport used in this study doesn't need to be considered.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
• /
• v.41 no.3
• /
• pp.182-190
• /
• 2015

Objectives: To introduce a protocol of Mobi-kids study which was aimed to examine an association between radiofrequency (RF) radiation exposure by mobile phone use and brain tumor risk in children and adolescents. Methods: The Mobi-kids study was a multinational matched case control study using a standardized protocol with the number of subjects targeted about 1,000 cases and 2,000 controls aged 10 to 24. In Mobi-Kids Korea, the source population was restricted to Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi-do province. Eligible cases of primary brain tumor (glioma, meningioma, and others) were diagnosed from January 2012 to June 2015. Eligible controls were appendicitis patients operated during the study period. Two controls were matched on age, gender, and study region for 1 case. Information about pattern and history of mobile phone use and other covariates were obtained by face to face interview by trained interviewer. The Mobi-kids study has been involved in Mobi-expo as a validation study about mobile phone use, XGridmaster to localize tumor in the brain for RF energy calculation, and histological review for validation of diagnosis. Results: The Mobi-kids was the first and largest study in children and adolescents to estimate risk of brain tumor in association with the RF energy absorption in the brain estimated by mobile phone use. Forty-six-cases and 54 controls were collected as of September 2014 in Korea. Conclusions: The meaningful results of the study were expected because of the largest sample size, high validity of EMF exposure assessment as well as the susceptible study populationof children and adolescents.