Cycling Stage Research Articles

Response of antioxidant defences to oxidative stress induced by prolonged exercise: antioxidant enzyme gene expression in lymphocytes

The response of lymphocyte and plasma antioxidant defences to a prolonged exercise as a cycling stage in a professional race was analysed. Antioxidant enzyme activities and gene expression, carbonyl derivative and MDA levels were determined in lymphocytes. Plasma levels of vitamin E, carotenes, protein carbonyl derivatives and the test d-Roms were measured. Significant increases in plasmatic carbonyls and in the test d-Roms were observed after the cycling stage. No significant differences were found in the lymphocyte MDA and carbonyl derivative levels. A significant increase was found in plasma vitamin E concentration after the cycling stage; however, the lymphocyte vitamin E concentration did not change. Significant increases were observed in lymphocyte total superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and in the levels of CuZn-SOD and Mn-SOD isoenzymes. The moderate levels of oxidative stress in the lymphocyte induced a cellular adaptation to exercise enough to counteract the negative effects of oxidative stress.

Blood cell NO synthesis in response to exercise

Nitric oxide (NO) is important for the maintenance of cardiovascular homeostasis and is also involved in immunity and inflammation. The aim of our work was to determine the effects of intense exercise on plasma and blood cell NO handling. Nine voluntary male professional cyclists participated in the study. Blood samples were taken in basal conditions and 3h after finishing a mountain cycling stage. Exercise-induced neutrophilia, lymphopenia, and hemolysis. Plasma and erythrocytes maintained basal nitrite levels, whereas neutrophils and lymphocytes decreased nitrite concentration after intense exercise. Basal iNOS levels and SOD activity were similar in neutrophils and lymphocytes. iNOS levels and SOD activity dropped in neutrophils and rose in lymphocytes after exercise. Arginase activity rose only in lymphocytes. Neutrophil nitrite was correlated with SOD activity and iNOS levels, but not in lymphocytes. iNOS levels were correlated with SOD in both neutrophils and lymphocytes. Intense exercise maintained plasma basal arginine and ornithine concentration, and decreased citrulline concentration. Intense exercise induced important changes in NO handling in neutrophils and lymphocytes, yet the basal picture was maintained in erythrocytes.

Elevated and similar urinary testosterone/epitestosterone ratio in all samples of a competition testing: Suspicion of a manipulation

The case of seven urine samples collected for anti-doping purposes during a cycling stage race with moderately elevated testosterone and epitestosterone ratio (T/E) is reported. The very low probability of having all seven urine samples with such similar elevated T/E ratio (from 3.2 to 4.7) was very suspicious. Different pattern classification tools were tested to categorize the most similar steroid profiles, but none of the models enabled a clear classification of the different urine samples. Subsequently, genetic profiling of all urine samples was performed and demonstrated that three of the seven samples were collected from the same cyclist. Finally, the International Federation confirmed DNA profiling results. This suggests that urinary steroid data using several methodologies are not appropriate for identification purposes and to an extent not unique to individuals.

Increased lymphocyte antioxidant defences in response to exhaustive exercise do not prevent oxidative damage

It has been reported that exercise induces oxidative stress and causes adaptations in antioxidant defences. The aim of this study was to determine the adaptations of lymphocytes to the oxidative stress induced by an exhaustive exercise. Nine voluntary male subjects participated in the study. The exercise was a cycling mountain stage (171.8 km), and the cyclists took a mean of 283 min to complete it. Blood samples were taken the morning of the cycling stage day, after overnight fasting, and 3 h after finishing the stage. We determined the blood glutathione redox status (GSSG/GSH), lymphocyte antioxidant enzyme activities and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels; the plasma and lymphocyte vitamin E levels; the serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) activities and urate levels; the plasma carotene and malonaldehyde (MDA) levels; and the lymphocyte carbonyl index. The cycling stage induced significant increases in blood-oxidized (glutathione/GSSG), plasma MDA and serum urate levels. The exercise also produced increases in CK and LDH serum activities. The mountain cycling stage induced significant increases in lymphocyte vitamin E levels, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities as well as increased SOD activity and protein levels. The protein carbonyl levels increased significantly in lymphocytes after the stage. In conclusion, in spite of increasing antioxidant defences in response to the oxidative stress induced by the exhaustive exercise, lymphocyte oxidative damage was produced after the stage as demonstrated by the increased carbonyl index even in very well trained athletes.

Relation between oxidative stress markers and antioxidant endogenous defences during exhaustive exercise

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) could induce oxidative damage at long distance from its generation site and it is also an important signalling molecule that induces some genes related to oxidative stress. Our objective was to study the plasma and blood cells capability to detoxify H2O2 after intense exercise and its correlation with oxidative damage. Blood samples were taken from nine professional cycling, participating in a mountain stage, under basal conditions and 3 h after the competition. Catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities decreased (40 and 50% respectively) in neutrophils after the cycling stage, while glutathione peroxidase increased (87%) in lymphocytes. Catalase protein levels and catalase specific activity maintained basal values after the stage in plasma. Catalase protein levels decreased (48%) in neutrophils and its specific activity increased up to plasma values after exercise. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) increased (39%) in neutrophils after the cycling stage. Exercise-induced hemolysis and lymphopenia inversely correlated with cellular markers of oxidative stress. Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) directly correlated with neutrophil MPO activity and erythrocytes MDA. Intense exercise induces oxidative damage in blood cells as erythrocytes and lymphocytes, but not in neutrophils.

Pre-exercise antioxidant enzyme activities determine the antioxidant enzyme erythrocyte response to exercise

Free radical production increases during exercise and oxidative damage occurs in several tissues. We examined the effects of three different exercise tests on the pattern of change of erythrocyte enzyme antioxidant activities. The tests were a short maximal exercise test, a submaximal prolonged exercise test and a cycling stage during competition. The participants were amateur and professional cyclists with different training statuses and different basal erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities. The maximal test produced no changes in the erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities of amateur sportsmen. The submaximal test, performed at 80% of maximal oxygen uptake, decreased erythrocyte catalase (12%), glutathione peroxidase determined with H2O2 (14%) and glutathione reductase (16%); superoxide dismutase activity increased by about 25%. The cycling stage performed by professional cyclists increased erythrocyte catalase (29%) and glutathione reductase (10%) activities. The in vivo changes in glutathione reductase activity were confirmed by in vitro measurements: hydrogen peroxide decreased and the presence of catalase increased the activity of this enzyme. In conclusion, we suggest that the different erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme responses to diverse exercise tests can be explained by the effects of hydrogen peroxide and the superoxide anion on the antioxidant enzyme activities in erythrocytes.

Oxygen Uptake Kinetics Are Slowed in Cystic Fibrosis

There are conflicting reports on the kinetics of oxygen uptake at the onset of exercise in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The objective of the present study was, therefore, to compare oxygen uptake (VO(2) kinetics in patients with CF with those of healthy controls (CON). Eighteen CF patients (FEV1 37-98% predicted) and 15 CON aged 10-33 yr completed two to four transitions from low-intensity cycling (stage 1, 20 W) to cycling at 1.3-1.4 W.kg(-1) body weight (stage 2). There was no difference between groups in heart rate at stages 1 and 2 or in relative exercise intensity, as expressed as percent VO(2peak) or percentage of ventilatory threshold. However, oxygen saturation (SpO(2)) was lower in the patients with CF during both stages. VO(2) data were interpolated second by second, time-aligned, and averaged. Monoexponential equations were used to describe phase II VO(2) responses. Although there were no differences between CF and CON in amplitude (10.9 +/- 1.8 vs 10.2 +/- 1.6 mL O2.W(-1)) of phase II VO(2) response, the time constant tau was significantly prolonged in CF compared with CON (36.8 +/- 13.6 vs 26.4 +/- 9.1 s). When tau was adjusted for the effects of FEV1 or SpO(2) during submaximal exercise, the difference between CF patients and controls disappeared. VO(2) kinetics are slowed in CF, which may, in part, be attributed to an impairment of oxygen delivery.

HWS-Syndrom bei einem Triathleten? - Die traumatische Karotisdissektion als seltene Differenzialdiagnose

Most cervical artery dissections occur spontaneously, but traumatic mechanisms can occasionally be identified. Traumatic internal carotid artery dissection has been attributed with several sports, but there are no reports of its occurrence in thriathlon. We report the case of a 63-year-old semi-professional triathlete, who noticed right-sided neck pain and parietooccipital headache after a triathlon competition. Neurological examination revealed an incomplete right Horner's syndrome. MRI and MR-angiography demonstrated a right-sided internal carotid artery dissection with segmental loss of flow-signal and a mural haematoma in the vessel wall. In this case two pathophysiological mechanisms may be considered. Our patient reported receiving several blows to the neck in a congested 50-metre pool during the triathlon swimming stage. Furthermore, the hyperextended position of the neck during the subsequent cycling stage may have contributed, to a large extent, to the arterial dissection. The risk factors, presenting symptoms, diagnosis of internal carotid artery dissection are reviewed.

Antioxidant response to oxidative stress induced by exhaustive exercise

The aim of this work was to demonstrate the occurrence of oxidative stress during exhaustive exercise and to determine the antioxidant response. Eight voluntary male subjects participated in this study. The exercise was a cycling mountain stage (171 km) and the cyclists took a mean±S.E.M. time of 270±12 min to complete it. Blood samples were taken before the cycling stage, immediately after the stage, 3 h after finishing the stage and on the morning of the following day. We determined the activities of erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes, blood levels of oxidised glutathione, plasma levels of antioxidant vitamins and carotenoids, and the serum lipid and cholesterol profile. The mountain cycling stage induced significant increases in catalase and glutathione reductase activities. Significant decreases in glutathione peroxidase activity, both determined with hydrogen peroxide and with cumene hydroperoxide as substrates, were observed. Blood oxidised glutathione and serum uric acid rose after the stage. Plasma vitamin E increased after the stage but dropped to below basal values after 3 h of recovery. Triglycerides and VLDL-cholesterol increased significantly after the stage and remained high 3 h after the cycling stage. The mountain cycling stage induced oxidative stress, as was evidenced by the increases in blood GSSG and in serum urate concentrations and by the pattern of change of erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities. A specific utilisation of α-tocopherol against oxidative stress during recovery was evidenced.

Pacing Strategy and Performance in Elite World Cup Triathlon

0832 Elite triathletes may attain eligibility for selection for the Olympic Games triathlon through their performance in the “International Triathlon Union” (ITU) World Cup triathlon series. These races involve completion of a swimming stage followed by a “draft legal” cycle and a final running stage over the Olympic distance (OD) (1.5- km swimming, 40-km cycling and 10-km running). In the cycle stage, athletes are allowed to cycle in a sheltered position (drafting) – this may result in specific demands and tactical strategies not observed in non elite triathlon events. However, little is understood about the pacing strategies employed by elite triathletes in each stage of the race. PURPOSE: To compare the performance of the top and lower level triathletes in the swimming, cycling and running stage of an elite “draft legal” ITU World Cup OD triathlon. METHODS: 24 male athletes who were grouped into the top 50% (n = 12) and bottom 50% (n = 12) of the population recruited from starters in the race. Swimming velocity (m.s−1), cycling speed (kph) and running velocity (m.s−1) were measured at regular intervals throughout the race using a global positioning system (GPS). The actual rank after each stage and overall was obtained from the race results. RESULTS: The top 50% competitors overall in the triathlon completed the first 500m of the swim stage significantly (p<0.05) faster than the lower level athletes. The position of the top 50% athletes after the swim stage was also significantly (p<0.01) lower (6.3 ± 3.5 vs 19.7 ± 5.5). There were no significant differences in actual race position after the cycle stage (10.7 ± 6.5 vs 14.8 ± 10.2). However, the slower swimmers cycled at a significantly (p<0.01) higher speed (38.5 ± 0.2 vs 39.2 ± 0.7) at 13.1-km in the cycle stage. There was also a significant correlation (r = 0.60;p<0.01) between position after the swim and cycle speed at 13.1-km. Furthermore, the position in the running stage was highly correlated (r = 0.49:p<0.05) with overall race result. CONCLUSION: After the swimming stage of an elite triathlon race, the lower level athletes were required to “catch up” in the early stages of the cycle stage. At the same time, it is likely that inferior swimming performance results in a tactic that involves greater work in the initial stages of cycle stage affecting subsequent running and overall triathlon performance.

Serum Testosterone, Cortisol and Biochemistry During a Cycling Stage- Race

Serum Testosterone, Cortisol and Biochemistry During a Cycling Stage- Race

Serum Testosterone, Cortisol and Biochemistry During a Cycling Stage- Race

0992 Previous research has characterized the effects of multi-day stage races on resting blood biochemistry and hormonal status in cyclists. Whether the effects of racing on markers of training stress are unique in those cyclists that achieve the highest overall rankings is unknown. PURPOSE: To compare common biochemical and hormone parameters used to monitor severity of exercise in cyclists placing top10 and those not placing top10 in a 6-D stage race. METHODS: Venous blood was collected on each race day (D1-D6) in the morning from 14 Australian male road cyclists competing in the Tour of Tasmania. Serum was analyzed for Creatine Kinase (CK), Urea and Urate using automated photometric techniques and serum Cortisol and Testosterone were quantified using a competitive immunoassay. Seven cyclists finished in the top 10 overall and 7 cyclists did not achieve a top 10 result. Plasma volume shifts were estimated based on hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration. Data were analyzed using a 2 × 6 (group × day) ANOVA with repeated measures over time and a series of unpaired t-tests to examine daily group differences. Data are presented as Mean ± SD. RESULTS: On D1 there were no significant differences between top 10 and non-top 10 finishers: CK (175 ± 88 vs 109 ± 28 IU.L−1, p = 0.08), Urea (6.2 ± 0.8 vs 5.8 ± 1.3 mM, p = 0.51), Urate (0.26 ± 0.4 vs 0.27 ± 0.4 mM, p = 0.52), Cortisol (409 ± 69 vs 439 ± 80 mM, p = 0.48), Testosterone (14.5 ± 6.1 vs 18.6 ± 10.5 mM, p = 0.39). Racing was associated with a significant decrease in Testosterone (−19%) and a significant increase in Plasma Volume (17%), Cortisol (25%), CK (70%), Urea (36%) and Urate (21%). Interestingly, cyclists placing top 10 had less of a plasma volume expansion (D3) and a greater increase in CK (D4-D6) and Cortisol (D5) than cyclists that did not achieve a top 10 result. Both top 10 and non-top 10 cyclists had a similar Urea, Urate and Testosteone response to racing. CONCLUSIONS: The higher concentration of serum CK and Cortisol in top10 cyclists may reflect that a greater relative effort is required to achieve a competitive result. Further research is needed to understand why resting CK and Cortisol, but not Urea, Urate or Testosterone are unique in cyclists placing well in a 6-day stage race.

Effect of exercise intensity and training on antioxidants and cholesterol profile in cyclists

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of different intensity of exercise and different training status on antioxidants and cholesterol profile in cyclists. 33 male cyclists (17 amateur and 16 professional cyclists) participated in this study. The amateurs all trained 14 ± 1 h each week, and their VO 2 max was 62.5 ± 1.8 ml/Kg.min; the professionals all trained 24 ± 1 h each week, and their VO 2 max was 80.2 ± 1.6 ml/Kg.min. Amateurs were submitted to the maximal and submaximal prolonged exercise tests. Professionals were submitted to a mountain stage (170 km) of cycling competition. Serum lipid and cholesterol profile (triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol) and plasma antioxidant capacity (ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, retinol, β-carotene and others) were measured before and after exercise tests. Hematological determinations (number of erythrocytes, hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration) and dietary intake were also measured. No significant differences were observed in basal values (before exercise tests) of amateur and professional cyclists. Negligible differences were found between dietary intake of amateur and professional cyclists, and also the results of hematological values showed there was no effect of degree of hydration or dietary intake on blood levels of studied antioxidant and lipid parameters. An increase in plasma levels of vitamin C, vitamin E, triglycerides and VLDL-cholesterol levels, and also a decrease of β-carotene and LDL-cholesterol. were observed in well-trained professional cyclists after the cycling stage - an endurance exercise - but not in amateur cyclists. Amateur cyclists showed only mild increases in total cholesterol after maximal and submaximal exercise, while a rise in HDL-cholesterol was only observed after maximal exercise; none of these changes were observed in professional cyclists. Plasma levels of antioxidant vitamins and carotenes, and also serum lipids, total cholesterol and lipoprotein-cholesterol showed an overall response to exercise, and their increase and/or decrease must be explained as a consequence of the different training status of sportsmen and intensity and duration of exercise tests.

Comparison of the effectiveness of ovulation synchronization protocol in anestrous and cycling beef cows.

Applicability of ovulation synchronization protocol using GnRH and PGF(2alpha) (PGF) injection to anestrous beef cows remains controversial. We compared the effectiveness of the protocol in the anestrous stage of the beef cow with that in the cycling stage using the same animals. Ovaries of five Japanese Black and three Japanese Shorthorn cows were ultrasonographically examined, and blood samples were collected daily for hormonal analyses. Each animal received the protocol twice (Day -6 to -8: GnRH, Day 0: PGF, Day 2: GnRH). Additional blood samples were taken before and after GnRH injection for LH and FSH measurements to evaluate the pituitary function. For the ovarian status at the onset of the protocol cows were divided into anestrous (n=8) and cycling (n=8) stages. There was no significant difference in size of the dominant follicle at the first and second GnRH injections, and in the magnitude of the pituitary response to GnRH between the two stages. However, the size of the corpus luteum and progesterone concentrations at the PGF injection in the anestrous stage were significantly smaller and lower (P<0.01), respectively, and ovulation synchronization rate in the anestrous stage was significantly lower (P<0.05) than in the cycling stage. In conclusion, ovulation synchronization protocol in anestrous beef cows has limited effectiveness.

Acute Phase Immune Response to Exercise Coexists with Decreased Neutrophil Antioxidant Enzyme Defences

Long-duration or damaging exercise initiates reactions that resemble the acute phase response to infection and induces neutrophil priming for oxidative activity. Our objective was to establish the status of the antioxidant defences and of the oxidative equilibrium in the neutrophils of sportsmen prior to and after intense physical exercise. Nine voluntary male professional cyclists participated in this study. The exercise was a cycling mountain stage (171 km) and the cyclists took a mean - SEM of 270 - 12 min to complete it. We determined the activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), the levels and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), the concentrations of ascorbate, glutathione and glutathione disulphide (GSSG) and DNA levels in neutrophils. The cycling stage decreased enzyme activities expressed per DNA units: CAT (33%), SOD (38%), GPx (65%); increased ascorbate concentration in neutrophils and decreased the GSH/GSSG ratio and the enzyme activities expressed per DNA units. Neutrophils could contribute to plasma antioxidant defences against oxidative stress induced by exercise because they probably provide antioxidant enzymes and ascorbate.

GL7 defines the cycling stage of pre-B cells in murine bone marrow

We have identified a novel subset of early B lineage cells in the mouse bone marrow (BM) by GL7 expression on cell surface. GL7(+)B220(low) BM cells have a large cell size and are CD43(-to low), CD95(-), Sca-1(-), I-A(low), IgM(-) and IgD(-), suggesting that they are large pre-B cells. These BM cells express lambda5 and VpreB but not terminal deoxytransferase (TdT) and Bcl-2, and approximately 50 % of them are in cell cycle. This fraction was not detected in BM cells of Rag-1-deficient and Scid mice, supporting that GL7(+)B220(low) BM cells belong to fraction C' and D according to Hardy's criteria or to an early large pre-B-II fraction according to Melchers-Rolink's criteria. Furthermore, GL7(+)B220(low) BM cells can differentiate into IgM(+) immature B cells in co-culture with stromal cells. These results suggest that B lymphocytes pass through the GL7(+) pre-B cell stage during differentiation in the BM. Thus, GL7 is the critical marker to define the proliferation stage of large pre-B cells.

Exercise intensity and load during mass-start stage races in professional road cycling.

To evaluate exercise intensity and load during mass-start stages in professional road cycling, using competition heart rate (HR) recordings. Seventeen world-class cyclists performed an incremental laboratory test during which maximal power output (Wmax), maximal HR (HRmax), onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA), lactate threshold (LT), and a HR-power output relationship were assessed. An OBLAZONE (HROBLA +/- 3 beats.min-1) and an LTZONE (HRLT +/- 3 beats.min-1) were described. HR was monitored during 125 flat (< 13 km uphill, < 800-m altitude change; FLAT), 99 semi-mountainous (13-35 km uphill, 800- to 2000-m altitude change; SEMO), and 86 high-mountain (> 35 km uphill, > 2000-m altitude change; HIMO) stages. Each cyclist's competition power output was estimated from competition HR and individual HR-power output relationships. Competition training impulse (TRIMP) values and time spent at "easy," "moderate," and "hard" zones were estimated from HR and race duration. Average %HRmax were 61 +/- 5%, 58 +/- 6%, and 51 +/- 7% in HIMO, SEMO, and FLAT stages, respectively, and estimated average power outputs were 246 +/- 44, 234 +/- 43, and 192 +/- 45 W. Competition HR values relative to HROBLA and HRLT were, respectively, 69 +/- 6, 79 +/- 9% in HIMO; 65 +/- 7, 74 +/- 11% in SEMO; and 57 +/- 8, 65 +/- 10% in FLAT stages. The amount of TRIMP in HIMO, SEMO, and FLAT stages were, respectively, 215 +/- 38, 172 +/- 31, and 156 +/- 31. Percentage time spent in the "moderate" and "hard" zones was highest in HIMO (22 +/- 14, 5 +/- 6%) followed by SEMO (15 +/- 13, 5 +/- 5%) and FLAT (9 +/- 7, 2 +/- 2%) stages. %HRmax, time distribution around HROBLA and HRLT, TRIMP, and load zones reflected the physiological demands of different mass-start cycling stage categories. The knowledge of these demands could be useful for planning precompetition training strategies.

HEMATOLOGICAL RESPONSE TO AN 11-D RACE IN INTERNATIONALLY COMPETITIVE FEMALE CYCLISTS

We examined the effects of an international women's cycling stage race (11-d, 1010 km, 27 h, 610–2377m) on hemoglobin (HB), hematocrit (HCT), reticulocytes (RET) and plasma volume (PV). Data were analyzed to determine whether these hematological parameters were different in cyclists placing top25 (N = 8, 1–24 place) compared to non-top25 (N = 15, 26–79 place). Cyclists from 7 countries (N = 24; 27.6 ± 4.7 yr; 170.5 ± 5.5 cm; 62.7 ± 5.5 kg) gave venous blood samples (10 ml) on three separate days (D1, D7, D11) prior to exercise and breakfast. HCT, HB and RET were measured using an automated flow cytometry technique within 36 h of collection. PV shifts were estimated using HB and HCT. The characteristics of the blood samples were not compatible with recent exogenous EPO use. Overall, racing (D1 vs D11) was associated with a decrease in HB (14.2 ± 0.5 vs 13.5 ± 0.6 g.dL−1, p < 0.05) and HCT (41.7 ± 1.6 vs 40.6 ± 2.0%, P = 0.07) but an increase in RET (1.5 ± 0.5 vs 1.9 ± 0.4%, p < 0.05). 11 d of racing produced a 7.8 ± 8.3% PV expansion. On D1, only RET were different between top25 and nontop25 (1.2 ± 0.3% vs 1.6 ± 0.5%, p < 0.05). The lower RET in successful cyclists was also observed on D7 and D11. These data suggest that stage racing at moderate altitude produces 1) a decrease in HCT and HB primarily due to a plasma volume expansion and 2) an increase in RET. For HCT and HB, absolute values and response to racing were similar in top25 vs non-top25 cyclists. Further research is required to establish why RET were lower in successful cyclists throughout the stage race. Funded by an IOC-Australian Government EPO2000 Grant

Technical Map Interpretation: A Distributed Approach

This paper deals with the general problem of document understanding. We propose the description of a formal architecture of a device capable of interpreting technical and cartographic documents. This device relies on two main points, i.e. a model of the document and the implementation of a set of ‘builders’, the aim of which is to progressively construct information of as high a semantic level as that provided by the document drawer. Two main stages are integrated in the reasoning process: the first one consists in constructing the information, through a bottom-up approach. Then, a cycling stage is triggered to solve ambiguities detected by the system and corresponding to inconsistent objects with regard to the document model. In this paper, the whole approach is presented in the context of the French cadaster interpretation. The first implementation has enabled us to quantify the interpretation results and to verify the relevance of the cycling stage.

Semantic coherency: the basis of an image interpretation device-application to the cadastral map interpretation

This paper describes the formal architecture of a device capable of interpreting technical and cartographic documents. Our approach is two-fold, based on a model of the document and on the implementation of a set of "builders", the aim of which is to progressively construct information of as high a semantic level as that provided by the document drawer. The implementation support is the French cadaster. The interpretation process is performed in two stages: the first one consists in constructing the information, through a bottom-up approach. Then, this information is analyzed and the set of objects considered as nonvalid ("inconsistent") with regard to the document model are reexamined through a cycling stage. The whole approach is presented, and the first implementation has enabled us to quantify the interpretation results and to verify the relevance of the cycling stage.