This paper describes a prototype of the authors own design used to measure the relative inclinations of engineering objects and inanimate nature phenomena. A set of measurements can be used to determine ground surface deformation caused by mining activities or due to influences of hydro-geological, geotechnical or construction. The instrument was built with elements of the optoelectronic technique. Fiber optic, CCD camera and semiconductor laser are the basic building blocks of the device. The elaborated device runs on a Central Registration and Data Processing (CRP D) System. The deflection of freely suspended fiber are recorded by a CCD camera and next are transmitted to an external recorder (eg. notebook). Natural light or laser light was introduced into the fiber. The length of the fiber and the optical construction affects the measuring range of the device. The accuracy of instruments depends on: method of fiber suspension, method of fiber attenuation fluctuations, resolution CCD camera and identification method of the image laser spot recorded. Experiments have shown that the built prototype device is able to obtain a submillimetre accuracy., Kazimierz Ćmielewski, Janusz Kuchmister, Piotr Gołuch and Krzysztof Kowalski., and Obsahuje bibliografické odkazy
The future of the global and local geodynamic researches belongs to permanent monitoring. The conception of the semipermanent GPS observations’ application in geodynamic research in Sudetes area is presented in this paper. The conception is based on spatial modeling of the disturbing phenomena in the coordinate time series of (semi) permanent stations. The local interplate movements and their correlation with major European tectonic structures are determined on the strength of coordinate time series of these stations. The problem of epoch integration with semipermanent and permanent (EPN/IGS) observations for local geodynamic monitoring is also investigated., Bernard Kontny, Jarosław Bosy and Andrzej Borkowski., and Obsahuje bibliografii
The article discusses techniques for interpreting satellite images, which are capable of detecting and monitoring landslip zones, and presents a research plan for the study of landslips with the use of satellite interferometry. The exceptionally longlasting and heavy rainfall that occurred in 1997 initiated more than 20,000 landslips within the Polish Carpathians. These landslips continue to pose a threat. Some of them move almost imperceptibly - slowly but continually - yet long-lasting periods of heavy rainfall can lead to catastrophe. The price can be human lives, as well as losses into the millions connected with the devastation of technical infrastructures and entire housing estates. The sheer number of landslips that occur in the Polish Carpathians makes the traditional ways of researching them insufficient. Satellite remote sensing allows capturing a large area of interest on a single photo. Many various satellites photograph the surface of the Earth using different techniques, allowing for the selection of the best-suited image type for a given application. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images are utilized in landslip studies. The images may be interpreted using the InSAR and/or PSInSAR techniques. Both methods are capable of detecting landslip zones and monitoring them in order to assess the risk of a sudden landslide. Information of this type is significant to local authorities when planning the activities necessary to protect the safety of inhabitants and the local technical infrastructure., Katarzyna Mirek., and Obsahuje bibliografii
The aim of this study was to obtain a detailed analysis of the relationship between the finger arterial compliance C [ml/mm Hg] and the arterial transmural pressure Pt [mm Hg]. We constructed a dynamic plethysmograph enabling us to set up a constant pressure Pcss [mm Hg] and a superimposed fast pressure vibration in the finger cuff (equipped with a source of infra-red light and a photoelectric sensor for the measurement of arterial volume). Pcss could be set on the required time interval in steps ranging between 30 and 170 mm Hg, and on sinusoidal pressure oscillation with an amplitude Pca (2 mm Hg) and a frequency f (20, 25, 30, 35, 40 Hz). At the same time continuous blood pressure BP was measured on the adjacent finger (Portapres). We described the volume dependence of a unitary arterial length on the time-varying transmural pressure acting on the arterial wall (externally Pcss+Pca.sin(2πf), internally BP) by a second-order differential equation for volume. This equation was linearized within a small range of selected BP. In the next step, a Fourier transform was applied to obtain the frequency characteristic in analytic form of a complex linear combination of frequency functions. While series of oscillations [Pca, f] were applied for each Pcss, the corresponding response of the plethysmogram was measured. Amplitude spectra were obtained to estimate coefficients of the frequency characteristic by regression analysis. We determined the absolute value: elastance E, and its inverse value: compliance (C=1/E). Then, C=C(Pt) was acquired by applying sequences of oscillations for different Pcss (and thus Pt) by the above-described procedure. This methodology will be used for the study of finger arterial compliance in different physiological and pathological conditions., J. Moudr, J. Svačinová, E. Závodná, N. Honzíková., and Obsahuje bibliografii
To propose a test to evaluate endothelial function, based on VO 2 on-transition kinetics in sub -anaerobic threshold (AT) constant load exercise, we tested healthy subjects and patients with ischemic -hypertensive cardiopathy by two cardiopulmonary te sts on a cycle ergometer endowed with an electric motor to overcome initial inertia: a pre-test and, after at least 24 h, one 6 min constant load exercise at 90 % AT. We measured net phase 3 VO2-on kinetics and, by phase 2 time constant (τ), valued endothe lial dysfunction. We found shorter τ in repeated tests, shorter time between first and second test, by persisting endothelium -dependent arteriolar vasodilatation and/or several other mechanisms. Reducing load to 80 % and 90 % AT did not produce significant changes in τ of healthy volunteers, while in heart patients an AT load of 70 %, compared to 80 % AT, shortened τ(∆=4.38±1.65s, p=0.013). In heart patients, no correlation was found between NYHA class, ejection fraction (EF), and the two variables derived from incremental cycle cardio - pulmonary exercise, as well as between EF and τ; while NYHA class groups were well correlated w ith τ duration (r=0.92, p=0.0001). Doxazosin and tadalafil also significantly reduced τ. In conclusion, the O2 consumption kinetics during the on transition of constant load exercise below the anaerobic threshold are highly sensitive to endothelial functi on in muscular microcirculation, and constitute a marker for the evaluation of endothelial dysfunction. and D. Maione, A. F. G. Cicero, S. Bacchelli, E. R. Cosentino, D. Degli Esposti, D. N. Manners, E. R. Rinaldi, M. Rosticci, R. Senaldi, E. Ambrosioni, C. Borghi.
We apply a traditional method of surface wave tomography as a new approach to investigate the uppermost crust velocities in the Western Bohemia region (Czech Republic). It enables us to look for velocity distribution in a small scale of tens of kilometers. We measure Rayleigh wave group velocity dispersion curves in a period range 0.25 - 2.0 s along paths crossing the region of interest. We use modified multiple-filtering method for frequency-time analysis. We compute 2-D tomography maps of group velocity distribution in the region for eight selected periods using the standard methods and programs described in literature. We discuss the velocity distribution with respect to results of former study by Nehybka and Skácelová (1997). We present a set of local dispersion curves which may be further inverted to obtain a 3-D shear wave velocity image of the area., Petr Kolínský and Johana Brokešová., and Obsahuje bibliografické odkazy
Sarcocysts were found in muscle tissue of a wisent (Bison bonasus) which was born and kept in Germany. Light microscopic and ТЕМ examination revealed all the Ihrcc named species known from cattle: Sarcocystis cruzi („thin-walled“, with longer hairlike villar protrusions of the primary cyst wall); S. hirsuta („thick-walled“, with tongue-like protrusions of the cyst wall arising with very short and narrow stalklets from the surface of the cyst and containing rows of electron-dense granules in the core); and S. hominis („thick-walled“, with fmger-like protrusions of the cyst wall not constricted at their base and containing few or no electron-dense granules). So far, only S. cruzi was known to occur in Bison bison in North America. The findings in the wisent strikingly support a modified conception of the intermediate host specificity in Bovinae. In this connection the identity of S. cruzi and S. poephagicanis is suggested as well as that of S. hirsuta and S. poepliagi.
Needle yellowing is a typical symptom of declíning spruce trees [Picea abies (L.) Karst.] which grow at altitudes over 700 m a.s.l. In tiie chloroplasts of yellowing needles the thylakoidal systém was reduced. The contents of chlorophyll (Chl) a, b, carotene (a + |3) and neoxanthin in the needles decreased simultaneously, while lutein and the pigments of the xanthophyll cycle were less affected. Activities of the xanthophyli cycle were inhibited only in the advanced stages of yellowing. Yellowing processes with comparable symptoms could be induced in artificial atmospheres, simulating realistic conditions of pollution. Possible mechanisms accounting for the yellowing process were examined. Fast yellowing events occurred not only under full sunlight, but also imder red radiation (X > 600 ran). Therefore, the excited Chl probably sensitized pigment destruction. As the light-harvesting C\ň-a/b- protein complex of Photosystem 2 lost its photo- and acid-stability before yellowing occiured, chloroplasts were changed from a photostable to a photolabile state.