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EMF
Terms modified by EMF Selected AbstractsThe EMF uncertainty problem related to mobile phones: where do consumers place their trust?INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CONSUMER STUDIES, Issue 2 2010Lisbet Berg Abstract This paper addresses the uncertainty problem, i.e. cases characterized by lack of knowledge or scientific uncertainty. In such situations, it can be hard for consumers to ,voice' or practise consumer power. One field characterized by the uncertainty problem is electromagnetic radiation. An explicit goal of this study has been to articulate Norwegian consumers' practices, attitudes and beliefs regarding electromagnetic radiation from mobile phones to public authorities and consumer policy makers. The study was based on 1000 telephone interviews collected in 2008. Today, experts disagree on the potential health effects of radiation from electromagnetic fields (EMF), as well as standards for safe limits of exposure to mobile phones, base stations and wireless telecommunication systems. In addition, complicated technology and extremely rapid product development and diffusion leave consumers' security considerations to their own beliefs and trust. Whether or not electromagnetic radiation from mobile phones constitutes a health hazard will not be addressed in this paper. Rather, it will focus on how consumers react to this situation of uncertainty. The material reveals four main ways in which consumers can solve what we have named the EMF uncertainty problem: the confident and comfortable way, the sceptical and cautious way, the responsible and good citizen way, and finally, the neglecting way. The paper also discusses the precautionary principle related to EMF. Who should be precautionary: the public authorities, the mobile phone industry or the consumers themselves? We believe that a consistent governmental precautionary policy in combination with consumers taking their own precautionary measures is a viable solution. In this way, all consumers would be addressed and aided when navigating this field of uncertainty. [source] Pulsed radio-frequency electromagnetic fields: dose-dependent effects on sleep, the sleep EEG and cognitive performanceJOURNAL OF SLEEP RESEARCH, Issue 3 2007SABINE J. REGEL Summary To establish a dose,response relationship between the strength of electromagnetic fields (EMF) and previously reported effects on the brain, we investigated the influence of EMF exposure by varying the signal intensity in three experimental sessions. The head of 15 healthy male subjects was unilaterally exposed for 30 min prior to sleep to a pulse-modulated EMF (GSM handset like signal) with a 10 g-averaged peak spatial specific absorption rate of (1) 0.2 W kg,1, (2) 5 W kg,1, or (3) sham exposed in a double-blind, crossover design. During exposure, subjects performed two series of three computerized cognitive tasks, each presented in a fixed order [simple reaction time task, two-choice reaction time task (CRT), 1-, 2-, 3-back task]. Immediately after exposure, night-time sleep was polysomnographically recorded for 8 h. Sleep architecture was not affected by EMF exposure. Analysis of the sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) revealed a dose-dependent increase of power in the spindle frequency range in non-REM sleep. Reaction speed decelerated with increasing field intensity in the 1-back task, while accuracy in the CRT and N-back task were not affected in a dose-dependent manner. In summary, this study reveals first indications of a dose,response relationship between EMF field intensity and its effects on brain physiology as demonstrated by changes in the sleep EEG and in cognitive performance. [source] Long-term increase in nitrogen supply alters above- and below-ground ectomycorrhizal communities and increases the dominance of Russula spp. in a temperate oak savannaNEW PHYTOLOGIST, Issue 1 2003Peter G. Avis Summary ,,Here we examine the effects of increased nitrogen (N) supply on the ectomycorrhizal fungal communities of a temperate oak savanna. ,,In a 16-yr N-addition experiment in which replicate 1000 m2 plots received 0, 5.4 or 17 g N m,2 yr,1, ectomycorrhizal sporocarp production was measured in the 14th, 15th and 16th year of fertilization. Ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) colonizing roots were examined by morphotyping-PCR-RFLP and sequence analysis in the 14th and 15th year of fertilization. ,,Total sporocarp richness was reduced by > 50% in both fertilization treatments in all 3 yrs, whereas Russula spp. produced approx. five times more sporocarps with 17 g N m,2 yr,1. Below-ground, treatment-scale species richness and species area curves were lower with 17 g N m,2 yr,1 but richness, diversity indices and evenness at smaller spatial scales were not. Dominant fungi colonizing roots included Cenococcum geophilum, common in all treatments, Cortinarius spp., dominant in unfertilized plots, and Russula spp., dominant with 17 g N m,2 yr,1. ,,Communities of EMF in this temperate deciduous ecosystem responded to N addition similarly to those of coniferous ecosystems in that increased N supply altered EMF diversity and community composition but differently in that dominance of Russula spp. increased. [source] Do mobile phone base stations affect sleep of residents?AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY, Issue 5 2010Results from an experimental double-blind sham-controlled field study Objectives: The aim of the present double-blind, sham-controlled, balanced randomized cross-over study was to disentangle effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) and non-EMF effects of mobile phone base stations on objective and subjective sleep quality. Methods: In total 397 residents aged 18,81 years (50.9% female) from 10 German sites, where no mobile phone service was available, were exposed to sham and GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications, 900 MHz and 1,800 MHz) base station signals by an experimental base station while their sleep was monitored at their homes during 12 nights. Participants were randomly exposed to real (GSM) or sham exposure for five nights each. Individual measurement of EMF exposure, questionnaires on sleep disorders, overall sleep quality, attitude towards mobile communication, and on subjective sleep quality (morning and evening protocols) as well as objective sleep data (frontal EEG and EOG recordings) were gathered. Results: Analysis of the subjective and objective sleep data did not reveal any significant differences between the real and sham condition. During sham exposure nights, objective and subjective sleep efficiency, wake after sleep onset, and subjective sleep latency were significantly worse in participants with concerns about possible health risks resulting from base stations than in participants who were not concerned. Conclusions: The study did not provide any evidence for short-term physiological effects of EMF emitted by mobile phone base stations on objective and subjective sleep quality. However, the results indicate that mobile phone base stations as such (not the electromagnetic fields) may have a significant negative impact on sleep quality. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 22:613,618, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Mercury and halides emissions from 200 MW pulverized coal combustion boilerASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING, Issue 2 2010Hui Wu Abstract Mercury emission from coal-fired power plants is the major industrial source of mercury pollution in China. For a better understanding about the coal combustion Hg emission in China, a field measurement was conducted on a 200 MW pulverized coal fired boiler. Halides being proved to be mercury transformation participators, the U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) recommended Ontario Hydro method (OHM) and EPA Method 26A were adopted to determine the speciation of Hg and halides in postcombustion flue gases, respectively. Results indicated that, as the flue gas cooling down, the percentage of oxidized mercury in total gas phase mercury (Hg2+(g)/HgT(G)) increased from 41% to about 74% across the electrostatic precipitator (ESP) outlet. Oxidized mercury (Hg2+(g)) was more apt to be absorbed onto the fly ash. The main halides measured in flue gas were HF and HCl, while the concentrations of Cl2 and HBr were extremely low and no Br2 was detected in flue gas. Analysis indicated that acid flue gas components, such as HCl, HF, SO2 and NO, showed a certain extent of promotion on Hg oxidation. The measured mercury emission factor (EMF) in this test was 5.63 g/1012J (13.1 lb/1012Btu). Copyright © 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Do mean-field dynamos in nonrotating turbulent shear-flows exist?ASTRONOMISCHE NACHRICHTEN, Issue 4 2006G. Rüdiger Abstract A plane-shear flow in a fluid with forced turbulence is considered. If the fluid is electrically-conducting then a mean electromotive force (EMF) results even without basic rotation and the magnetic diffusivity becomes a highly anisotropic tensor. It is checked whether in this case self-excitation of a large-scale magnetic field is possible (so-called W, × J, -dynamo) and the answer is NO. The calculations reveal the cross-stream components of the EMF perpendicular to the mean current having the wrong signs, at least for small magnetic Prandtl numbers. After our results numerical simulations with magnetic Prandtl number of about unity have only a restricted meaning as the Prandtl number dependence of the diffusivity tensor is rather strong. If, on the other hand, the turbulence field is strati.ed in the vertical direction then a dynamo-active , -effect is produced. The critical magnetic Reynolds number for such a self-excitation in a simple shear flow is slightly above 10 like for the other , but much more complicated , flow patterns used in existing dynamo experiments with liquid sodium or gallium. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Influence of exposure to electromagnetic field on the cardiovascular systemAUTONOMIC & AUTACOID PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 1 2005J. H. Jeong Summary 1 We examined whether extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) affect the basal level of cardiovascular parameters and influence of drugs acting on the sympathetic nervous system. 2 Male rats were exposed to sham control and EMF (60 Hz, 20 G) for 1 (MF-1) or 5 days (MF-5). We evaluated the alterations of blood pressure (BP), pulse pressure (PP), heart rate (HR), and the PR interval, QRS interval and QT interval on the electrocardiogram and dysrhythmic ratio in basal level and dysrhythmia induced by , -adrenoceptor agonists. 3 In terms of the basal levels, there were no statistically significant differences among control, MF-1 and MF-5 in PR interval, QRS interval, mean BP, HR and PP. However, the QT interval, representing ventricular repolarization, was significantly reduced by MF-1 (P < 0.05). 4 (,)-Dobutamine (,1 -adrenoceptor-selective agonist)-induced tachycardia was significantly suppressed by ELF-EMF exposure in MF-1 for the increase in HR (,HR), the decrease in QRS interval (,QRS) and the decrease in QT (,QT) interval. Adrenaline (nonselective , -receptor agonist)-induced dysrhythmia was also significantly suppressed by ELF-EMF in MF-1 for the number of missing beats, the dysrhythmic ratio, and the increase in BP and PP. 5 These results indicated that 1-day exposure to ELF-EMF (60 Hz, 20 G) could suppress the increase in HR by affecting ventricular repolarization and may have a down-regulatory effect on responses of the cardiovascular system induced by sympathetic agonists. [source] Increased competitiveness through component technology for element management systemsBELL LABS TECHNICAL JOURNAL, Issue 3 2003Alan J. McBride Element management represents a necessary cost associated with all network devices. Isolated development of element management systems (EMSs) for diverse network device products results in replication of effort on common low-level aspects. This effort spent re-inventing the wheel affects cost-effectiveness and drains resources from features that reduce customer cost of ownership and operation. Reduced cost of EMS development and reduced operations expenditure for the customer can significantly contribute to competitiveness of the managed device itself. The Navis® element management framework (EMF) program addresses the cost-effectiveness of EMS development through a platform approach utilizing a components architecture and Bell Labs software tools together with high-productivity technologies such as J2EE*/EJB,* XML, Java,* and CORBA.* Use of a platform for aspects common across EMSs allows each development to focus on product-specific value-added features, while also facilitating common look-and-feel and integration of EMS products with current and next-generation operations support systems (OSSs) for seamless end-to-end network and service management. The benefits to service providers include faster time-to-market for new services and reduced training and integration costs. © 2003 Lucent Technologies Inc. [source] Radiofrequency exposure on fast patrol boats in the Royal Norwegian Navy,an approach to a dose assessmentBIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue 5 2010Valborg Baste Abstract Epidemiological studies related to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) have mainly used crude proxies for exposure, such as job titles, distance to, or use of different equipment emitting RF EMF. The Royal Norwegian Navy (RNoN) has measured RF field emitted from high-frequency antennas and radars on several spots where the crew would most likely be located aboard fast patrol boats (FPB). These boats are small, with short distance between the crew and the equipment emitting RF field. We have described the measured RF exposure aboard FPB and suggested different methods for calculations of total exposure and annual dose. Linear and spatial average in addition to percentage of ICNIRP and squared deviation of ICNIRP has been used. The methods will form the basis of a job exposure matrix where relative differences in exposure between groups of crew members can be used in further epidemiological studies of reproductive health. Bioelectromagnetics 31:350,360, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] EMF acts on rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to promote differentiation to osteoblasts and to inhibit differentiation to adipocytesBIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue 4 2010Yong Yang Abstract The use of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) to treat nonunion fractures developed from observations in the mid-1900s. Whether EMF directly regulates the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), differentiating into osteoblasts or adipocytes, remains unknown. In the present study, we investigated the roles of sinusoidal EMF of 15,Hz, 1,mT in differentiation along these separate lineages using rat bone marrow MSCs. Our results showed that EMF promoted osteogenic differentiation of the stem cells and concurrently inhibited adipocyte formation. EMF increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralized nodule formation, and stimulated osteoblast-specific mRNA expression of RUNX2, ALP, BMP2, DLX5, and BSP. In contrast, EMF decreased adipogenesis and inhibited adipocyte-specific mRNA expression of adipsin, AP-2, and PPAR,2, and also inhibited protein expression of PPAR,2. These observations suggest that commitment of MSCs into osteogenic or adipogenic lineages is influenced by EMF. Bioelectromagnetics 31:277,285, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] No effects of mobile phone use on cortical auditory change-detection in children: An ERP studyBIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue 3 2010Myoung Soo Kwon Abstract We investigated the effect of mobile phone use on the auditory sensory memory in children. Auditory event-related potentials (ERPs), P1, N2, mismatch negativity (MMN), and P3a, were recorded from 17 children, aged 11,12 years, in the recently developed multi-feature paradigm. This paradigm allows one to determine the neural change-detection profile consisting of several different types of acoustic changes. During the recording, an ordinary GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) mobile phone emitting 902,MHz (pulsed at 217,Hz) electromagnetic field (EMF) was placed on the ear, over the left or right temporal area (SAR1g,=,1.14,W/kg, SAR10g,=,0.82,W/kg, peak value,=,1.21,W/kg). The EMF was either on or off in a single-blind manner. We found that a short exposure (two 6,min blocks for each side) to mobile phone EMF has no statistically significant effects on the neural change-detection profile measured with the MMN. Furthermore, the multi-feature paradigm was shown to be well suited for studies of perception accuracy and sensory memory in children. However, it should be noted that the present study only had sufficient statistical power to detect a large effect size. Bioelectromagnetics 31:191,199, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Exposure of non-target tissues in medical diathermyBIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue 1 2010N. Leitgeb Abstract With different prevalence in different regions, radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) are widely used for therapeutic tissue heating. Although short-wave diathermy (27.12,MHz) is the most popular treatment modality, quantitative data on patient's exposure have been lacking. By numerical simulation with the numerical anatomical model NORMAN, intracorporal distributions of specific absorption rates (SAR) were investigated for different treatment scenarios and applicators. Quantitative data are provided for exposures of target treatment areas as well as for vulnerable regions such as the eye lenses, central nervous system, and testes. Different applicators and distances were investigated. Capacitive and inductive applicators exhibit quite a different heating efficiency. It could be shown that for the same output power therapeutic heat deposition can vary by almost one order of magnitude. By mimicking therapist's practice to use patient's heat perception as an indicator for output power setting, numerical data were elaborated demonstrating that muscle tissue exposures may be several times higher for inductive than for capacitive applicators. Presented quantitative data serve as a guide for power adjustment preventing relevant overexposures without compromising therapy; they also provide a basis for estimating target tissue heat load and developing therapeutic guidelines. Bioelectromagnetics 31:12,19, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Effects of W-CDMA 1950,MHz EMF emitted by mobile phones on regional cerebral blood flow in humansBIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue 7 2009Yoko Mizuno Abstract Use of the third generation mobile phone system is increasing worldwide. This is the first study to investigate the effects of the third generation system on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in humans. We compared effects of the electromagnetic field (EMF) emitted from the Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) cellular system versus sham control exposure on rCBF in humans. Nine healthy male volunteers participated in this study. Positron emission tomography (PET) scans were obtained before, during, and after unilateral 30,min EMF exposure. The subtraction analysis revealed no significant rCBF changes caused by the EMF conditions compared with the sham exposure, suggesting that EMF emitted by a third generation mobile phone does not affect rCBF in humans. Bioelectromagnetics 30:536,544, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Effects of gestational exposure to 1.95-GHz W-CDMA signals for IMT-2000 cellular phones: Lack of embryotoxicity and teratogenicity in ratsBIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue 3 2009Kumiko Ogawa Abstract The present study was designed to evaluate whether gestational exposure to an EMF targeting the head region, similar to that from cellular phones, might affect embryogenesis in rats. A 1.95-GHz wide-band code division multiple access (W-CDMA) signal, which is one applied for the International Mobile Telecommunication 2000 (IMT-2000) system and used for the freedom of mobile multimedia access (FOMA), was employed for exposure to the heads of four groups of pregnant CD(SD) IGS rats (20 per group) for gestational days 7,17. The exposure was performed for 90 min/day in the morning. The spatial average specific absorption rate (SAR) for individual brains was designed to be 0.67 and 2.0 W/kg with peak brain SARs of 3.1 and 7.0 W/kg for low (group 3) and high (group 4) exposures, respectively, and a whole-body average SAR less than 0.4 W/kg so as not to cause thermal effects due to temperature elevation. Control and sham exposure groups were also included. At gestational day 20, all dams were killed and fetuses were taken out by cesarean section. There were no differences in maternal body weight gain. No adverse effects of EMF exposure were observed on any reproductive and embryotoxic parameters such as number of live (243,271 fetuses), dead or resorbed embryos, placental weights, sex ratios, weights or external, visceral or skeletal abnormalities of live fetuses. Bioelectromagnetics 30:205,212, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] 900 MHz modulated electromagnetic fields accelerate the clathrin-mediated endocytosis pathwayBIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue 3 2009Mihaela G. Moisescu Abstract We report new data regarding the molecular mechanisms of GSM-induced increase of cell endocytosis rate. Even though endocytosis represents an important physical and biological event for cell physiology, studies on modulated electromagnetic fields (EMF) effects on this process are scarce. In a previous article, we showed that fluid phase endocytosis rate increases when cultured cells are exposed to 900 MHz EMF similar to mobile phones' modulated GSM signals (217 Hz repetition frequency, 576 µs pulse width) and to electric pulses similar to the GSM electrical component. Trying to distinguish the mechanisms sustaining this endocytosis stimulation, we exposed murine melanoma cells to Lucifer Yellow (LY) or to GSM,EMF/electric pulses in the presence of drugs inhibiting the clathrin- or the caveolin-dependent endocytosis. Experiments were performed at a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 3.2 W/kg in a wire patch cell under homogeneously distributed EMF field and controlled temperature (in the range of 28.5,29.5 °C). Thus, the observed increase in LY uptake was not a thermal effect. Chlorpromazine and ethanol, but not Filipin, inhibited this increase. Therefore, the clathrin-dependent endocytosis is stimulated by the GSM,EMF, suggesting that the cellular mechanism affected by the modulated EMF involves vesicles that detach from the cell membrane, mainly clathrin-coated vesicles. Bioelectromagnetics 30:222,230, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Preattentive auditory information processing under exposure to the 902 MHz GSM mobile phone electromagnetic field: A mismatch negativity (MMN) studyBIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue 3 2009Myoung Soo Kwon Abstract Previous studies on the effects of the mobile phone electromagnetic field (EMF) on various event-related potential (ERP) components have yielded inconsistent and even contradictory results, and often failed in replication. The mismatch negativity (MMN) is an auditory ERP component elicited by infrequent (deviant) stimuli differing in some physical features from the repetitive frequent (standard) stimuli in a sound sequence. The MMN provides a sensitive measure for cortical auditory stimulus feature discrimination, regardless of attention and other contaminating factors. In this study, MMN responses to duration, intensity, frequency, and gap changes were recorded in healthy young adults (n,=,17), using a multifeature paradigm including several types of auditory change in the same stimulus sequence, while a GSM mobile phone was placed on either ear with the EMF (902 MHz pulsed at 217 Hz; SAR1g,=,1.14 W/kg, SAR10g,=,0.82 W/kg, peak value,=,1.21 W/kg, measured with an SAM phantom) on or off. An MMN was elicited by all deviant types, while its amplitude and latency showed no significant differences due to EMF exposure for any deviant types. In the present study, we found no conclusive evidence that acute exposure to GSM mobile phone EMF affects cortical auditory change detection processing reflected by the MMN. Bioelectromagnetics 30:241,248, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Effects of short-term W-CDMA mobile phone base station exposure on women with or without mobile phone related symptomsBIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue 2 2009Toshiaki Furubayashi Abstract To investigate possible health effects of mobile phone use, we conducted a double-blind, cross-over provocation study to confirm whether subjects with mobile phone related symptoms (MPRS) are more susceptible than control subjects to the effect of electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted from base stations. We sent questionnaires to 5,000 women and obtained 2,472 valid responses from possible candidates; from these, we recruited 11 subjects with MPRS and 43 controls. There were four EMF exposure conditions, each of which lasted 30 min: continuous, intermittent, and sham exposure with and without noise. Subjects were exposed to EMF of 2.14 GHz, 10 V/m (W-CDMA), in a shielded room to simulate whole-body exposure to EMF from base stations, although the exposure strength we used was higher than that commonly received from base stations. We measured several psychological and cognitive parameters pre- and post-exposure, and monitored autonomic functions. Subjects were asked to report on their perception of EMF and level of discomfort during the experiment. The MPRS group did not differ from the controls in their ability to detect exposure to EMF; nevertheless they consistently experienced more discomfort, regardless of whether or not they were actually exposed to EMF, and despite the lack of significant changes in their autonomic functions. Thus, the two groups did not differ in their responses to real or sham EMF exposure according to any psychological, cognitive or autonomic assessment. In conclusion, we found no evidence of any causal link between hypersensitivity symptoms and exposure to EMF from base stations. Bioelectromagnetics 30:100,113, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Cognitive function and symptoms in adults and adolescents in relation to rf radiation from UMTS base stationsBIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue 4 2008Ingunn S. Riddervold Abstract There is widespread public concern about the potential adverse health effects of mobile phones in general and their associated base stations in particular. This study was designed to investigate the acute effects of radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted by the Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) mobile phone base stations on human cognitive function and symptoms. Forty adolescents (15,16 years) and 40 adults (25,40 years) were exposed to four conditions: (1) sham, (2) a Continuous Wave (CW) at 2140 MHz, (3) a signal at 2140 MHz modulated as UMTS and (4) UMTS at 2140 MHz including all control features in a randomized, double blinded cross-over design. Each exposure lasted 45 min. During exposure the participants performed different cognitive tasks with the Trail Making B (TMB) test as the main outcome and completed a questionnaire measuring self reported subjective symptoms. No statistically significant differences between the UMTS and sham conditions were found for performance on TMB. For the adults, the estimated difference between UMTS and sham was ,3.2% (,9.2%; 2.9%) and for the adolescents 5.5% (,1.1%; 12.2%). No significant changes were found in any of the cognitive tasks. An increase in ,headache rating' was observed when data from the adolescents and adults were combined (P,=,0.027), an effect that may be due to differences at baseline. In conclusion, the primary hypothesis that UMTS radiation reduces general performance in the TMB test was not confirmed. However, we suggest that the hypothesis of subjective symptoms and EMF exposure needs further research. Bioelectromagnetics 29:257,267, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Carcinogenicity study of GSM and DCS wireless communication signals in B6C3F1 miceBIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue 3 2007Thomas Tillmann Abstract The purpose of this study using a total of 1170 B6C3F1 mice was to detect and evaluate possible carcinogenic effects in mice exposed to radio-frequency-radiation (RFR) from Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) and Digital Personal Communications System (DCS) handsets as emitted by handsets operating in the center of the communication band, that is, at 902 MHz (GSM) and 1747 MHz (DCS). Restrained mice were exposed for 2 h per day, 5 days per week over a period of 2 years to three different whole-body averaged specific absorption rate (SAR) levels of 0.4, 1.3, 4.0 mW/g bw (SAR), or were sham exposed. Regarding the organ-related tumor incidence, pairwise Fisher's test did not show any significant increase in the incidence of any particular tumor type in the RF exposed groups as compared to the sham exposed group. Interestingly, while the incidences of hepatocellular carcinomas were similar in EMF and sham exposed groups, in both studies the incidences of liver adenomas in males decreased with increasing dose levels; the incidences in the high dose groups were statistically significantly different from those in the sham exposed groups. Comparison to published tumor rates in untreated mice revealed that the observed tumor rates were within the range of historical control data. In conclusion, the present study produced no evidence that the exposure of male and female B6C3F1 mice to wireless GSM and DCS radio frequency signals at a whole body absorption rate of up to 4.0 W/kg resulted in any adverse health effect or had any cumulative influence on the incidence or severity of neoplastic and non-neoplastic background lesions, and thus the study did not provide any evidence of RF possessing a carcinogenic potential. Bioelectromagnetics 28:173,187, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Guest editors' introduction: Is EMF a potential environmental risk for children?BIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue S7 2005Mike Repacholi No abstract is available for this article. [source] 915 MHz microwaves and 50 Hz magnetic field affect chromatin conformation and 53BP1 foci in human lymphocytes from hypersensitive and healthy personsBIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue 3 2005Igor Y. Belyaev Abstract We used exposure to microwaves from a global system for mobile communication (GSM) mobile phone (915 MHz, specific absorption rate (SAR) 37 mW/kg) and power frequency magnetic field (50 Hz, 15 ,T peak value) to investigate the response of lymphocytes from healthy subjects and from persons reporting hypersensitivity to electromagnetic field (EMF). The hypersensitive and healthy donors were matched by gender and age and the data were analyzed blind to treatment condition. The changes in chromatin conformation were measured with the method of anomalous viscosity time dependencies (AVTD). 53BP1 protein, which has been shown to colocalize in foci with DNA double strand breaks (DSBs), was analyzed by immunostaining in situ. Exposure at room temperature to either 915 MHz or 50 Hz resulted in significant condensation of chromatin, shown as AVTD changes, which was similar to the effect of heat shock at 41 °C. No significant differences in responses between normal and hypersensitive subjects were detected. Neither 915 MHz nor 50 Hz exposure induced 53BP1 foci. On the contrary, a distinct decrease in background level of 53BP1 signaling was observed upon these exposures as well as after heat shock treatments. This decrease correlated with the AVTD data and may indicate decrease in accessibility of 53BP1 to antibodies because of stress-induced chromatin condensation. Apoptosis was determined by morphological changes and by apoptotic fragmentation of DNA as analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). No apoptosis was induced by exposure to 50 Hz and 915 MHz microwaves. In conclusion, 50 Hz magnetic field and 915 MHz microwaves under specified conditions of exposure induced comparable responses in lymphocytes from healthy and hypersensitive donors that were similar but not identical to stress response induced by heat shock. Bioelectromagnetics 26:173,184, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] 4 Hz EMF treated physiological solution depresses Ach-induced neuromembrane currentBIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue 5 2004S.N. Ayrapetyan Abstract The effect of 4 Hz EMF treated physiological solution (PS) on acetylcholine (Ach) sensitivity of the snail neuron was studied. The 4 Hz EMF treated normal PS at room temperature (23 °C) has a depressing effect on Ach induced current, while in cold medium (12 °C) this effect disappeared. EMF treated, ouabain containing, K-free PS elevates the Ach-induced current at room temperature. It is suggested that the metabotropic effect of EMF treated PS is due to the activation of cGMP-dependent Na:Ca exchange, leading to the decrease of the number of functional active receptors in the membrane, through Na,K pump-induced cell shrinkage, and to increase the receptors affinity to Ach, as the result of decrease of intracellular Ca concentration. Bioelectromagnetics 25:397,399, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Human head exposure to a 37 Hz electromagnetic field: Effects on blood pressure, somatosensory perception, and related parametersBIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue 3 2004Sergio Ghione Abstract Previous studies have shown that exposure to an electromagnetic field (EMF) of 37 Hz at a flux density of 80 ,T peak enhances nociceptive sensitivity in mice. Here we examined the effects on pain sensitivity and some indexes of cardiovascular regulation mechanisms in humans by measuring electrical cutaneous thresholds, arterial blood pressure, heart rate and its variability, and stress hormones. Pain and tolerance thresholds remained unchanged after sham exposure but significantly decreased after electromagnetic exposure. Systolic blood pressure was significantly higher during electromagnetic exposure and heart rate significantly decreased, both during sham and electromagnetic exposure, while the high frequency (150,400 mHz) component of heart rate variability, which is an index of parasympathetic activity, increased as expected during sham exposure but remained unchanged during electromagnetic exposure. Cortisol significantly decreased during sham exposure only. These results show that exposure to an EMF of 37 Hz also alters pain sensitivity in humans and suggest that these effects may be associated with abnormalities in cardiovascular regulation. Bioelectromagnetics 25:167,175, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] A single magnetic field exposure system for sequential investigation of real time and downstream cellular responsesBIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue 1 2004Raj R. Rao Abstract To be able to correlate real time membrane potential or ion flux changes with further downstream gene transcription responses due to extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure, we devised an experimental system consisting of a pair of symmetric circular coils. This system can be used on an inverted microscope stage (real time signaling) as well as inside controlled environment incubators (gene transcription end points). The system includes a unique, custom made switch box for blinding the experimental staff and a power amplifier. We report herein the design and characterization of the system with respect to parameters considered important in in vitro ELF,EMF exposure studies, including linear magnetic field distribution, compensation for microscope objective lens interference, heating effects of the coils, and harmonic content of the signals. Bioelectromagnetics 25:27,32, 2004. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] The effect of exposure to high flux density static and pulsed magnetic fields on lymphocyte functionBIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue 6 2003Carlo Aldinucci Abstract We investigated whether a combination of static electromagnetic field (EMF) at a flux density of 4.75 T together with pulsed EMF at a flux density of 0.7 mT generated by an NMR apparatus (NMRF), could promote movements of Ca2+, cell proliferation, and the eventual production of proinflammatory cytokines in human lymphocytes as well as in Jurkat cells, after exposure to the field for 1 h. The same study was also performed after activation of cells with 5 ,g/ml phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) immediately before the exposure period. Our results clearly demonstrate that NMRF exposure increases the [Ca2+]i, without any proliferative, or activating, or proinflammatory effect on both normal and PHA stimulated lymphocytes. Accordingly, the levels of interferon ,, tumor necrosis factor ,, interleukin-1,, interleukin-2, and interleukin-6 remained unvaried after exposure. Exposure of Jurkat cells statistically decreased the [Ca2+]i and the proliferation. This is consistent with the low levels of IL-2 measured in supernatants of these cells after exposure. On the whole our data suggest that static and pulsed NMRF exposure contribute synergistically in the increase of the [Ca2+]i without any activating or proinflammatory effect either in normal or in PHA challenged lymphocytes. In Jurkat cells, by changing the properties of cell membranes, NMRF exposure can influence Ca2+ transport processes and hence Ca2+ homeostasis, causing a marked decrease of proliferation. Bioelectromagnetics 24:373,379, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Decreased DNA repair rates and protection from heat induced apoptosis mediated by electromagnetic field exposureBIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue 2 2002Jacob G. Robison Abstract In this study, we demonstrate that electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure results in protection from heat induced apoptosis in human cancer cell lines in a time dependent manner. Apoptosis protection was determined by growing HL-60, HL-60R, and Raji cell lines in a 0.15 mT 60 Hz sinusoidal EMF for time periods between 4 and 24 h. After induction of apoptosis, cells were analyzed by the neutral comet assay to determine the percentage of apoptotic cells. To discover the duration of this protection, cells were grown in the EMF for 24 h and then removed for 24 to 48 h before heat shock and neutral comet assays were performed. Our results demonstrate that EMF exposure offers significant protection from apoptosis (P<.0001 for HL-60 and HL-60R, P<.005 for Raji) after 12 h of exposure and that protection can last up to 48 h after removal from the EMF. In this study we further demonstrate the effect of the EMF on DNA repair rates. DNA repair data were gathered by exposing the same cell lines to the EMF for 24 h before damaging the exposed cells and non-exposed cells with H2O2. Cells were allowed to repair for time periods between 0 and 15 min before analysis using the alkaline comet assay. Results showed that EMF exposure significantly decreased DNA repair rates in HL-60 and HL-60R cell lines (P<.001 and P<.01 respectively), but not in the Raji cell line. Importantly, our apoptosis results show that a minimal time exposure to an EMF is needed before observed effects. This may explain previous studies showing no change in apoptosis susceptibility and repair rates when treatments and EMF exposure were administered concurrently. More research is necessary, however, before data from this in vitro study can be applied to in vivo systems. Bioelectromagnetics 23:106,112, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Electro-membrane filtration for the selective isolation of bioactive peptides from an ,s2 -casein hydrolysateBIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOENGINEERING, Issue 6 2002Gerrald Bargeman Abstract For the isolation of the ingredients required for functional foods and nutraceuticals generally membrane filtration has too low a selectivity and chromatography is (too) expensive. Electro-membrane filtration (EMF) seems to be a breakthrough technology for the isolation of charged nutraceutical ingredients from natural sources. EMF combines the separation mechanisms of membrane filtration and electrophoresis. In this study, positively charged peptides with antimicrobial activity were isolated from an ,s2 -casein hydrolysate using batch-wise EMF. ,s2 -Casein f(183,207), a peptide with strong antimicrobial activity, predominated in the isolated product and was enriched from 7.5% of the total protein components in the feed to 25% in the permeate product. With conventional membrane diafiltration using the same membrane (GR60PP), isolation of this and other charged bioactive peptides could not be achieved. The economics of EMF are mainly governed by the energy costs and the capital investment, which is affected by the flux of the desired peptide. A maximum average transport rate of ,s2 -casein f(183,207) during batch-wise EMF of 1.2 g/m2 · h was achieved. Results indicate that an increase in the hydrolysate (feed) concentration, the applied potential difference and the conductivity of the permeate and electrode solutions, and a reduction in the conductivity of the feed result in a higher transport rate of ,s2 -casein f(183,207). This is in line with the expectation that the transport rate is improved when the concentration, the electrical field strength, or the electrophoretic mobility is increased, provided that the electrophoretic transport predominates. The expected energy consumption of the EMF process per gram of peptide transported was reduced by approximately 50% by applying a low overall potential difference and by processing desalinated hydrolysate. Considerable improvements in transport rate, energy efficiency, and process economics seem to be attainable by additional optimization of the process parameters and the EMF module design. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 80: 599,609, 2002. [source] Population-based research on occupational and environmental factors for leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: The Northern Germany Leukemia and Lymphoma Study (NLL),AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 4 2008W. Hoffmann MPH Abstract Background The Northern Germany Leukemia and Lymphoma Study (NLL) is a population-based study designed to provide a quantitative basis for investigations into occupational and environmental risk factors for leukemia and lymphoma. Methods All incident cases of leukemia and lymphoma diagnosed between 1/1/1986 and 12/31/1998 in six counties in Northern Germany were actively ascertained. Controls were selected from population registries. Use of pesticides, sources of food supply, time spent at home and work, medical and family history were assessed via face-to-face interview. This self-reported information was used in conjunction with direct environmental measurements of pesticides in household dust and electromagnetic fields (EMFs). In addition, geographical information system (GIS) data were used to derive estimates of environmental exposure to pesticides, EMFs associated with transmission lines, and ionizing radiation from routine nuclear power reactor operations. Occupational exposure assessment was based on lifetime work history. For each job, information on branch of industry, company, job description, and duration of employment were ascertained. Results Fourteen hundred thirty cases and 3041 controls were recruited. Lifetime residential and workplace histories totaled 49,628 addresses. Occupational exposure to pesticides was reported by 15% of the male participants (women: 16%). Four percent of the men (women: 8%) were occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation for ,1 year over their lifetime. Sixty four percent of the participants had lived in the vicinity (20 km) of a nuclear power plant in operation. Conclusions The NLL illustrates the successful application of innovative methods to simultaneously assess occupational and environmental risk factors for leukemia and lymphoma including radiological hazards, pesticides, and EMFs. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:246,257, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Chemische, elektrochemische und Struktureigenschaften von endohedralen MetallofullerenenANGEWANDTE CHEMIE, Issue 41 2009Manuel Abstract Seit dem ersten Fund von endohedralen Metallofullerenen (EMFs) hat sich die Suche nach Kohlenstoffkäfigen mit eingeschlossenen Metallen oder kleinen Molekülen rasch zu einem sehr aktiven Forschungsgebiet entwickelt. EMFs weisen besondere elektronische und Struktureigenschaften auf und finden vielfache Anwendungsmöglichkeiten. Noch mehr Potenzial bieten funktionalisierte EMFs, die besser löslich sind und durch Röntgenkristallographie und andere Techniken leicht charakterisiert werden können. Wir geben hier eine Übersicht über das allgemeine Gebiet der EMFs und insbesondere der funktionalisierten EMFs. Wir befassen uns in diesem Aufsatz mit der Struktur und den (elektrochemischen) Eigenschaften dieser faszinierenden Verbindungen und werden auch auf Anwendungen eingehen. [source] EMF acts on rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to promote differentiation to osteoblasts and to inhibit differentiation to adipocytesBIOELECTROMAGNETICS, Issue 4 2010Yong Yang Abstract The use of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) to treat nonunion fractures developed from observations in the mid-1900s. Whether EMF directly regulates the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), differentiating into osteoblasts or adipocytes, remains unknown. In the present study, we investigated the roles of sinusoidal EMF of 15,Hz, 1,mT in differentiation along these separate lineages using rat bone marrow MSCs. Our results showed that EMF promoted osteogenic differentiation of the stem cells and concurrently inhibited adipocyte formation. EMF increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralized nodule formation, and stimulated osteoblast-specific mRNA expression of RUNX2, ALP, BMP2, DLX5, and BSP. In contrast, EMF decreased adipogenesis and inhibited adipocyte-specific mRNA expression of adipsin, AP-2, and PPAR,2, and also inhibited protein expression of PPAR,2. These observations suggest that commitment of MSCs into osteogenic or adipogenic lineages is influenced by EMF. Bioelectromagnetics 31:277,285, 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||