Use of a spreadsheet program to calculate the electric field/current density distributions induced in irregularly shaped,inhomogeneous biological structures by low-frequency magnetic fields

A commercially available spreadsheet program is used on a microcomputer to calculate the electric field/current density distributions induced in irregularly shaped, inhomogeneous objects by low-frequency magnetic fields. A finite-difference method is applied to an impedance grid that represents the object being modeled. This approach is validated by comparison with 1) the analytical results of an eccentric cylinder model and 2) measurements made on a square dish containing a saline solution and square, insulating inclusions. Application of the method is also made to a culture dish with a layer of sediment exposed to a horizontal magnetic field. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Spreadsheet method for calculating the induced currents in bone-fracture healing by a low-frequency magnetic field

A commercially available spreadsheet program is used on a microcomputer to calculate the induced current density and electric field patterns produced in a nonhomogeneous, anisotropic model of tissue by a localized, low-frequency magnetic field source. Specific application is made to coils used to promote the healing of bone fractures in limbs. The variation of the conductivity of the fracture gap during healing causes the induced current density pattern to change correspondingly, whereas the induced electric field remains relatively unchanged. Use of more simplified, isotropic models for the bone and for the soft tissue leads to results that differ significantly from those obtained from the full model. The magnetic field beyond the region of the coils contributes little to the induced currents in the fracture gap if the gap is located near the center of the coils. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Changes in the Electric Field at an Injury Site During Healing Under Electrical Stimulation

Changes in the electrical properties of tissue during healing should affect the electric field and current density distributions produced by applied electric or magnetic fields. The electric field produced at a fracture site by surface electrodes is found using a finite-difference method, implemented with a commerically-available spread-sheet program on a microcomputer. The method is first validated by application to a two-layer cylinder. The model considered is the healing of a tibia fracture in an irregularly-shaped, anisotropic model of the human calf. Variations of the three components of the electric field throughout the calf due to the healing are examined. Significant changes are found at the fracture site and in its vicinity. Similar results should be observed with other forms of electromagnetic stimulation.     

Evaluation and characterization of fetal exposures to low frequency magnetic fields generated by laptop computers

Portable – or “laptop” – computers (LCs) are widely and increasingly used all over the world. Since LCs are often used in tight contact with the body even by pregnant women, fetal exposures to low frequency magnetic fields generated by these units can occur. LC emissions are usually characterized by complex waveforms and are often generated by the main AC power supply (when connected) and by the display power supply sub-system.In the present study, low frequency magnetic field emissions were measured for a set of five models of portable computers. For each of them, the magnetic flux density was characterized in terms not just of field amplitude, but also of the so called “weighted peak” (WP) index, introduced in the 2003 ICNIRP Statement on complex waveforms and confirmed in the 2010 ICNIRP Guidelines for low frequency fields. For the model of LC presenting the higher emission, a deeper analysis was also carried out, using numerical dosimetry techniques to calculate internal quantities (current density and in-situ electric field) with reference to a digital body model of a pregnant woman. Since internal quantities have complex waveforms too, the concept of WP index was extended to them, considering the ICNIRP basic restrictions defined in the 1998 Guidelines for the current density and in the 2010 Guidelines for the in-situ electric field. Induced quantities and WP indexes were computed using an appropriate original formulation of the well known Scalar Potential Finite Difference (SPFD) numerical method for electromagnetic dosimetry in quasi-static conditions.     

Investigating the effects of external fields polarization on the coupling of pure magnetic waves in the human body in very low frequencies

In this paper we studied the effects of external fields' polarization on the coupling of pure magnetic fields into human body. Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method is used to calculate the current densities induced in a 1 cm resolution anatomically based model with proper tissue conductivities. Twenty different tissues have been considered in this investigation and scaled FDTD technique is used to convert the results of computer code run in 15 MHz to low frequencies which are encountered in the vicinity of industrial induction heating and melting devices. It has been found that external magnetic field's orientation due to human body has a pronounced impact on the level of induced currents in different body tissues. This may potentially help developing protecting strategies to mitigate the situations in which workers are exposed to high levels of external magnetic radiation.     

Magnetic field therapy: a review

There is increasing interest in using permanent magnets for therapeutic purposes encouraged by basic science publications and clinical reports. Magnetotherapy provides a non invasive, safe, and easy method to directly treat the site of injury, the source of pain and inflammation, and other types of disease. The physiological bases for the use of magnetic fields for tissue repair as well as physical principles of dosimetry and application of various magnetic fields are subjects of this review. Analysis of the magnetic and electromagnetic stimulation is followed by a discussion of the advantage of magnetic field stimulation compared with electric current and electric field stimulation.     

Formation and dynamics of plasma layers formed on the foil surface under the action of a high-current pulse

Results are presented from studies of the possibility of using a thin metal foil for recyclable vacuum transmission lines with magnetic insulation in a conceptual fusion reactor based on high-voltage high-current electromagnetic generators. Numerical simulations and experiments in the Angara-5-1 facility were carried out to determine both the threshold for the explosion of a foil heated by a current pulse and the parameters of the plasma layer formed at the foil surface. It was found experimentally that an additional plasma current channel forms on the surface of a 120-μm stainless-steel foil at a linear current density of 0.25–0.5 MA/cm, which corresponds to a magnetic field of 0.3–0.6 MG. For the same conditions, one-dimensional computer simulations of the foil heating were performed in an MHD model by using a wide-range semiempirical equation of state for stainless steel. The calculated threshold for plasma generation on the foil surface is compared with the experimental data. The main parameters of the plasma layer are also calculated at linear current densities of 2–10 MA/cm, which far exceed the threshold current density. The plasma layer parameters as functions of the linear current density are determined for the case of an iron foil.     

Postresonance electromagnetic absorption by man and animals

A surface integral equation (SIE) method is used to calculate the specific absorption rate (SAR) in spherically capped cylindrical models irradiated by an axially incident electromagnetic plane wave (K polarization) in a frequency range for which calculations previously have not been available (80–400 MHz for man models). In the SIE method, the electromagnetic (EM) field relations are formulated in terms of electric and magnetic currents on the surface of the model. The average SAR is calculated from the far scattered EM fields by means of the forward scattering theorem. SAR data calculated by the SIE method agree with data calculated by the extended boundary condition method (EBCM) for frequencies up to 80 MHz (the upper frequency limit of the EBCM) for man models. For rat models exposed to 1–3 GHz radiation, reasonable agreement was also obtained with the limited experimental data available.     

A human source for ELF magnetic perturbations

ABSTRACT

Current models that frame consciousness in terms of electromagnetic field theory carry implications that have yet to be fully explored. Endogenous weak extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields are generated by ionic charge flow in axons, dendrites and synaptic transmitters. Because neural tissues are transparent to such fields, these provide the basis for the globally unifying qualities required to properly describe consciousness as a field. At the same time, however, an electromagnetic approach predicts partial transmission of this 1–100 nT field, suggesting external interactions similar to the various ELF magnetic perturbations that are linked to homeostatic and endocrine-related physiological effects. It follows that humans may represent an additional, previously unrecognized source of weak (1–10 nT) ambient ELF magnetic fields.     

Biomagnetic functional localization of a peripheral nerve in man.

The first detection of the magnetic field of a stimulated peripheral nerve in man is presented. The measurement was performed noninvasively and in vivo on a healthy subject. The spatio-temporal field distribution is utilized to calculate the location of bioelectric activity on the basis of the equivalent current dipole model. The localization of the active nerve tissue is confirmed by a computer tomography image of the upper arm cross-section. Furthermore, a calculation of the total current distribution in the nerve explains the observed morphology of the signal.     

Investigation of the spinal cord as a natural receptor antenna for incident electromagnetic waves and possible impact on the central nervous system

The effects of electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure on biological systems have been studied for many years, both as a source of medical therapy and also for potential health risks. In particular, the mechanisms of EMF absorption in the human or animal body is of medical/engineering interest, and modern modelling techniques, such as the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD), can be utilized to simulate the voltages and currents induced in different parts of the body. The simulation of one particular component, the spinal cord, is the focus of this article, and this study is motivated by the fact that the spinal cord can be modelled as a linear conducting structure, capable of generating a significant amount of voltage from incident EMF.

In this article, we show, through a FDTD simulation analysis of an incoming electromagnetic field (EMF), that the spinal cord acts as a natural antenna, with frequency dependent induced electric voltage and current distribution. The multi-frequency (100–2400 MHz) simulation results show that peak voltage and current response is observed in the FM radio range around 100 MHz, with significant strength to potentially cause changes in the CNS. This work can contribute to the understanding of the mechanism behind EMF energy leakage into the CNS, and the possible contribution of the latter energy leakage towards the weakening of the blood brain barrier (BBB), whose degradation is associated with the progress of many diseases, including Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).     

Calculation of electric fields and currents induced in a millimeter-resolution human model at 60 Hz using the FDTD method

The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method has previously been used to calculate induced currents in anatomically based models of the human body at frequencies ranging from 20 to 915 MHz and resolutions down to about 1.25 cm. Calculations at lower frequencies and higher resolutions have been precluded by the huge number of time steps that would be needed in these simulations. This paper describes a method used to overcome this problem and efficiently calculate induced currents in an MRI-based, 6-mm-resolution model of the human under a high-voltage transmission line. This model is significantly higher resolution than the 1.31-cm-resolution model previously used; therefore, it can be used to pinpoint locations of peak current densities in the body. Proposed safety guidelines would allow external electric fields of 10 kV/m and 25 kV/m for exposure to 60 Hz fields of the general public and workers, respectively. For this external electric field exposure of 10 kV/m, local induced current densities as high as 20 mA/m² are found in the head and trunk with even higher values (above 150 mA/m²) in the legs. These currents are considerably higher than the 4 or even 10 mA/m² that have been suggested in the various safety guidelines, thus indicating an inconsistency in the proposed guidelines. In addition, several ratios of E/H typical of power line exposures were examined, and it was found that the vertical electric field couples strongly to the body, whereas the horizontal magnetic field does not. Bioelectromagnetics 19:293–299, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

脑源定位技术的精度评估及其在实际中的应用

脑源定位技术旨在通过头皮表面的脑电、脑磁信号来识别大脑内的神经活动源，是研究大脑皮层神经活动、认知过程和病理功能的基础。其毫秒级的时间分辨率可以有效弥补功能核磁共振在低时间分辨率方面的不足。然而，理论分析层面中逆问题的不适定性，以及实践操作层面上不同的记录方式、电极数量和头模型构建等过程带来的误差，给脑源定位的准确性带来极大挑战，也在一定程度上限制了脑源定位方法在神经科学和心理学研究以及临床诊断治疗中的实际应用。因此，理论分析和实践操作层面中的精度评估在脑源定位方法的实际使用中至关重要。针对以上问题，本文在对现有脑源定位方法介绍的基础上，着重分析了脑源定位技术的精度评估方法以及其在基础研究和临床诊断治疗中的实际应用。具体地，本文在理论分析中总结了基于空间分辨率、基于点扩散以及串扰函数的评估方法对于不同脑源定位方法中源的重叠程度和其他源对目标源的影响；在实践操作中介绍了记录方式、电极数量和密度、头部容积传导模型等因素对源定位精度的影响；进一步介绍了脑源定位技术在时频分析、连通性分析中的应用，以及其在临床中的应用，包括癫痫、注意缺陷与多动障碍等脑部疾病。     

Passage of electromagnetic waves through the critical surface

A study is made of the passage of electromagnetic waves through the critical surface at small angles between the plasma density gradient and the magnetic field. Expressions are derived for the transmission and reflection coefficients of electromagnetic oscillations that are periodic in the direction transverse to the density gradient. The penetration of wave beams is also analyzed. In the case of a wide beam, the incident and transmitted ray trajectories are shown to be mirror-image about the resonance surface. Behind the resonance surface, a narrow incident wave beam generates a beam propagating along the magnetic field.     

脉冲电磁波对球形大脑作用的理论计算

建立了脑球体模型,赋于脑壳与内部组织不同的电参数,应用时域有限差分法（ＦＤＴＤ）计算了在脉冲电磁波辐射下脑内各点电场的瞬时波形及相应的比吸收率ＳＡＲ。计算结果表明,脉冲电磁波对大脑的瞬态作用时间比脉冲宽度要长,且各点波形不尽相同,但在脑中心有最大的ＳＡＲ,对此讨论了其安全性     

经颅磁刺激参数与结构要件的影响分析

为了进一步探索经颅磁刺激工作机理并改进或研制出新的经颅磁刺激激励源.本文从经颅磁刺激的原理推导出了磁场、感应电流及激励源原理电路电流的表达式,利用大脑-线圈和大脑-线圈-铁芯两种经颅磁刺激模型分析影响因素与头模型各组织的磁场和感应电流分布.对比分析表明电流的性质,线圈半径,线圈激励特性与铁芯对感应电流分布与电磁场分布有着本质的影响.对经颅磁刺激参数及结构要件的研究与分析可用于指导刺激线圈参数及激励源电路参数的设置,以及探索新的激励源制作.     

Contribution of LSP Effect to Light Absorption in Thin-Film Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells

Introducing periodic Ag gratings in the rear side of thin-film silicon excites localized surface plasmon (LSP) and Fabry-Perot (FP) effect. These two effects as well as an intrinsic one pass through absorption overlay together and all contribute to the light absorption in silicon. On the basis of electromagnetic field’s linear superposition, the absorptivity caused by LSP effect is separated from the overall absorptivity of a 500-nm-thick silicon and quantized by short current density. Finite difference time domain (FDTD) calculations were performed to obtain the absorptivity of silicon with different Ag grating parameters. The contribution of LSP effect to the light absorption is evaluated by photocurrent ratio and investigated under different Ag grating parameters. It is found that, as LSP effect is excited most intensively, the light absorption of silicon will also be enhanced extremely. By careful design, the overall short current density of silicon is optimized up to 25.4 mA/cm², where the contribution of LSP effect accounts for 38.6 %. Comparing to 14.5 mA/cm² for a reference silicon stack, it increases up to almost 75 %. These results may give design suggestions in implementation of plasmonic solar cell as high efficiency devices.     

Effects of static and low-frequency alternating magnetic fields on the ionic electrolytic currents of glutamic acid aqueous solutions

A current peak has been observed and measured in ionic electrolytic current of a glutamic acid aqueous solution, placed in a static magnetic field of flux density of 40 microT, with a superimposed low-frequency alternating magnetic field of flux density of 40 nT. The peak occurs at the frequency of the cyclotronic resonance of the molecular mass of a single charged glutamic acid ion, placed in a magnetic flux density equal to that of the static field. The amplitude of the current peak is about 30% of the background electrolytic current. Qualitative considerations and a listing of unsolved problems related to the phenomenology are given. The result is the first contribution to the study we have undertaken on the effects of low-frequency alternating electromagnetic fields on the ionic current of amino acid aqueous solutions which are the basic structural units of the proteins.     

Influence of human model resolution on computed currents induced in organs by 60-Hz magnetic fields

The effects of human body model resolution on computed electric fields induced by 60 Hz uniform magnetic fields are investigated. A recently-developed scalar potential finite difference code for low-frequency electromagnetic computations is used to model induction in two anatomically realistic human body models. The first model consists of 204 290 cubic voxels with 7.2-mm edges, while the second comprises 1 639 146 cubic voxels with 3.6-mm edges. Calculations on the lower-resolution model using, for example, the finite difference time domain or impedance methods, push the capabilities of workstations. The scalar method, in contrast, can handle the higher-resolution model using comparable resources. The results are given in terms of average and maximum electric field intensities and current density magnitudes in selected tissues and organs. Although the lower-resolution model provides generally acceptable results, there are important differences that make the added computational burden of the higher-resolution calculations worthwhile. In particular, the higher-resolution modelling generally predicts peak electric fields intensities and current density magnitudes that are slightly higher than those computed using the lower-resolution modelling. The differences can be quite large for small organs such as glands. Bioelectromagnetics 18:478–490, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Electromagnetic oscillations near the critical surface in a magnetized plasma

It is shown that, in a plasma whose density varies across the magnetic field lines, electromagnetic oscillations that are localized near the critical surface can exist. Such oscillations can be excited spontaneously in a nonequilibrium plasma of closed magnetic confinement systems.