Variations of the coherent resonance, i.e. an electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) peak with the cell temperature in -and V-type systems are observed for the 85 Rb-D 2 transition. In a -type system, the amplitude of the EIT peak gradually decreases and it is finally masked by the broadened optical pumping dips with the increase of the cell temperature. But for the V-type system, the EIT and the saturation peaks are greatly enhanced with the increase of the cell temperature. The effect of the external magnetic field on the EIT resonance is also investigated considering both types of systems. For the -type system in place of a single EIT resonance, five transparency windows with broadened width and reduced contrast are obtained depending on the Zeeman levels formed by the applied magnetic field. In the V-type system, the coherent resonance peak could not be resolved in the presence of the external magnetic field, but a greater number of saturation peaks with broadened width appear in the probe transmission spectrum. A theoretical model is adopted to represent the experimental results. Good agreement is found between the experimental and numerically simulated results.

Eighty-four healthy asymptomatic sedentary smokers and 92 healthy sedentary non-smokers of the age range 20-59 years were investigated for their maximum oxygen uptake capacity ( V02 max) and related cardiorespiratory parameters at the level of maximal exercise by bicycle ergometry. The subjects were blocked into four age decades of 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, and 50-59 years to show the effect of smoking on Voz max of smokes of different age groups. The physical characteristics of smokers and non-smokers of comparable age groups did not show any significant difference. The smokers of each subsequent age group consumed 5.9±4.1, 6.3±5.7, 12.7±7.1, and 11.5±9.1 pack years of cigarettes, respectively (pack year = number of packets of cigarettes per day x number of years of smoking). VO2 max of smokers (38.9 ±4.6 ml • kg' • min -1) was significantly lower (p <0.05) than that of nonsmokers (42.1 + 3.2 ml • kg' • min -1) only in the young age group of 20-29 years. V02 max expressed in per kg of the body weight (Vo2 max/BW) was found to be significantly (p <0.01) and negatively correlated with number of cigarettes smoked per day (-0.36, p <0.01), number of years through which smoked (-0.38, p<0.01), and pack years (-0.42, p<0.01). In other age groups, though non-smokers predominated over smokers in V02max' the differences were not statistically significant. Also, in these age groups, smoking histories failed to reveal any significant correlation with V02 max• This suggests that smoking impairs V0 2 max only in the young ages. By increasing age, V02 max was diminished by 1300 from 20 to 59 years in non-smokers and 15.500 from 20 to 59 years in smokers. Age also diminished HRmax and VEmax of smokers in the same manner as in the case of non-smokers. The Vo2 max of Indian sedentary non-smokers was found to be lower than those of Caucasians, Kurds, Yemenites, Europeans, and Africans. Values reported on Asians were found to be comparable with those of the present study.

Three hundred thirty-four healthy male non-smokers and 300 healthy male smokers of the age range 20-60 years were investigated for their spirometric lung functions by the method and technique recommended by American Thoracic Society. It was found that FVC, FEVI, FEVI %, FEF2oo -1 ,200, FEF25 _ 75 ~o, FEF75 _ 85 ~o, MVV, and PEFR were significantly lower in smokers. When the subjects were blocked into several half decades these differences persisted. These functions deteriorated with age both in smokers and non-smokers, but in the former group the functions were reduced to a greater extent. Significant negative correlation was obtained between lung functions and smoking histories. Separate multiple regression equations were developed separately for non-smokers and smokers. The sensitivity of the tests was determined. The FEF25 _ 75 ~o and FEVI were found to be most sensitive in detecting early airway obstruction. When comparison of lung function was made among American, European, Jordanian, Negro, and Pakistani subjects, it was found that the former three groups are superior to the remaining. Negroes and Pakistanis are comparable to Indians in respect to their lung function. These differences in these functions between the nations of developed countries and the underdeveloped or developing countries might be attributable to the differences in their life-style, physical activity status, nutritional status, environmental condition, and race and ethnicity. The spirometric functions of Indians in the Eastern region of India are comparable to North-West Indians and superior to Southern Indians.

The purpose of the study was to assess whether the point of deflection from linearity of heart rate (HRD) could be used as an alternative method to determine the ventilatory threshold (VT) in Indian (Bengali) boys that represents the determination of the anaerobic threshold (AT), and also to standardize an exercise test to be effective in eliciting AT in Indian (Bengali) boys by using HRD. Twenty six (26) boys with a mean age of 12.8 (+/-1.18) years performed a graded maximal exercise test on a treadmill to determine peak VO(2), HRD and VT. The mean peak VO(2), weight related peak VO(2), peak pulmonary ventilation, and peak heart rate of the boys were found to be 1.75 l/min, 47.1 ml/kg/min, 66.9 l/min and 200.2 beats/min respectively. There were no significant differences between mean VO(2), weight related VO(2), pulmonary ventilation (VE), heart rate and respiratory exchange ratio (RER) that were measured at VT and HRD. The mean VO(2) measured at VT and HRD was found to be 1.46 and 1.45 l/min, which were about 84% and 83% of their respective peak values. Linear regression analysis revealed a correlation of 0.94 (p<0.01) between VO(2) measured at VT and VO(2) measured at HRD, so the present study indicates that the point of deflection from linearity of heart rate (HRD) may be an accurate predictor of VT in most but not all boys.

Background: The present study was aimed to evaluate the evidential comparison of anthropometric, body composition, physical fitness parameters and muscle damage indices between soccer and field hockey players.Material and methods: Forty-one young Indian male players (including soccer, N = 18, and hockey, N = 23) were evaluated for anthropometric parameters (height, weight, BMI, BMR), and physical fitness variables (grip strength, back strength, flexibility, VO 2 max, anaerobic power) using standard procedures. Body composition (fat mass, fat free mass, cell mass, muscle mass, fluid content, glycogen, minerals, body density) was assessed by using multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analyzer (BIA). Muscle damage indices (lactate dehydrogenase, LDH; creatine kinase, CK-MB) were measured via standard spectrophotometric assay protocols.Results: Grip strengths and VO 2 max were found to be significantly higher among field hockey players, whereas lower values were found for relative anaerobic power (Wpower). LDH and CK-MB were found to be higher in soccer players. The correlation study depicts a positive relation between Wpower and LDH (r = 0.307, insignificant) and CK-MB (r = 0.330, p < 0.05). Conclusions:Field hockey players have better muscular coordination and body balance with generous endurance capacity as they have higher strength indices and VO 2 max. Higher glycolytic capacity and sprinting ability was found among soccer players.