Background: Beetroot juice (BJ) is rich in inorganic nitrates and has proved effective at increasing blood nitric oxide (NO) levels. When used as a supplement BJ has shown an ergogenic effect on cardiorespiratory resistance exercise modalities, yet few studies have examined its impact on high intensity efforts. Objective: To assess the effects of BJ intake on anaerobic performance in a Wingate test. Methods: Fifteen trained men (age 21.46 ± 1.72 years, height 1.78 ± 0.07 cm and weight 76.90 ± 8.67 kg) undertook a 30-s maximum intensity test on an inertial cycle ergometer after drinking 70 mL of BJ (5.6 mmol NO3−) or placebo. Results: Despite no impacts of BJ on the mean power recorded during the test, improvements were produced in peak power (6%) (p = 0.034), average power 0–15 s (6.7%) (p = 0.048) and final blood lactate levels (82.6%) (p < 0.001), and there was a trend towards a shorter time taken to attain peak power (−8.4%) (p = 0.055). Conclusions: Supplementation with BJ has an ergonomic effect on maximum power output and on average power during the first 15 s of a 30-s maximum intensity inertial cycle ergometer test.

Isolated single chains of the coordination polymer [Cd(6‐MCP)2 · 2H2O]n (6‐MCP = 6‐mercaptopurinate) (see Figure and inside cover) have been prepared by ultrasonic dispersion, ultracentrifugation, and deposition on a treated mica surface, and their mechanical and electrical properties studied. The observed insulating behaviour of the chains has been confirmed using density functional theory calculations.

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Backgroundβ-Alanine (BA) is a non-essential amino acid that has been shown to enhance exercise performance. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if BA supplementation improved the adaptive response to five weeks of a resistance training program.MethodsThirty healthy, strength-trained individuals were randomly assigned to the experimental groups placebo (PLA) or BA. Over 5 weeks of strength training, subjects in BA took 6.4 g/day of BA as 8 × 800 mg doses each at least 1.5 h apart. The training program consisted of 3 sessions per week in which three different leg exercises were conducted as a circuit (back squat, barbell step ups and loaded jumping lunges). The program started with 3 sets of 40 s of work per exercise and rest periods between sets of 120 s in the first week. This training volume was then gradually built up to 5 sets of 20 s work/60 s rest in the fifth week. The work load during the program was set by one of the authors according to the individual’s perceived effort the previous week. The variables measured were average velocity, peak velocity, average power, peak power, and load in kg in a back squat, incremental load, one-repetition maximum (1RM) test. In addition, during the rest period, jump ability (jump height and power) was assessed on a force platform. To compare data, a general linear model with repeated measures two-way analysis of variance was used.ResultsSignificantly greater training improvements were observed in the BA group versus PLA group (p = 0.045) in the variables average power at 1RM (BA: 42.65%, 95% CI, 432.33, 522.52 VS. PLA: 21.07%, 95% CI, 384.77, 482.19) and average power at maximum power output (p = 0.037) (BA: 20.17%, 95% CI, 637.82, 751.90 VS. PLA; 10.74%, 95% CI, 628.31, 751.53). The pre- to post training average power gain produced at 1RM in BA could be explained by a greater maximal strength gain, or load lifted at 1RM (p = 0.014) (24 kg, 95% CI, 19.45, 28.41 VS. 16 kg, 95% CI, 10.58, 20.25) and in the number of sets executed (p = 0.025) in the incremental load test (BA: 2.79 sets, 95% CI, 2.08, 3.49 VS. PLA: 1.58 sets, 95% CI, 0.82, 2.34).Conclusionsβ-Alanine supplementation was effective at increasing power output when lifting loads equivalent to the individual’s maximal strength or when working at maximum power output. The improvement observed at 1RM was explained by a greater load lifted, or strength gain, in response to training in the participants who took this supplement.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12970-018-0224-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Controllable series compensation is a useful technique to increase tbc efficiency of operation of existing transmission lines and improve overall power system stability. Up to date, the TCSC is the most adopted solution whenever controllable series compensation is required. This paper introduces the Gate Controlled Series Capacitor (GCSC), a novel FACTS device for series compensation. The principle of operation and some prospective applications of the equipment nre presented. Special attention is given to the duaIity of the GCSC with the well-known thyristor controlled renctor, used for sbunt compensation. It is shown that the GCSC can be more attractive than the TCSC in most situations. Simulation results illustrate the time response of the equipment and its ability to control power flow in a transmission line. Finally, technology issues regarding high power self commutating valves are discussed. Ztidex TermsScries Compensation, TCSC, GCSC, FACTS. U&. degree in Electrical Engineering from Federal University of Rio de Janeiro in 1998. He is cwenlly w o r m towards his doctorate degree at Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. From 1994 to 1996 he worked at Fumas Centrais Eltirifas W A as a hydro power plant maintenance engineer. Since 1996 he works at CEPEL as a research engineer. His main fields o f interests are power quality and FACTS. Fhbio Domingues de Jesw was bom in Bnrretos, S b Paul0 State, B m l , on M a y 12, 1971. He reoeived the E. S. degree in Electrical Engineering fiom Federal Institution of High Education of SHO Jo%O del Rei, Brazil in 2000 and the USc. degree at Elecbical Engineering Deprbmni in Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Brazil in 2002. He is pursing his D.Sc. degree at Electrical B m i l His present research interests include the high-power electronics, mdysis and mni~ol in FACTS. JX.k Alvm Jr. (M'92F was h m in Juiz de Fora, B d , on November 30, 1963. He received the B.Sc., M.Sc. and D.Sc. degrees in electrical engineering, in 1986,1991 and 1999, respectivety. fiom the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. Since. 1995 he has been w o r m at CEPEL, the Brazilian Eleclrical Energy Research Center. He is currently Projwt Manager. Dr. Aives' research interests are in the analysis of HVdc "ission systems, FACTS devices, Power Electronic controllers, Distribution Systems and Metering. He became a Member of the Institute of Electrical and Elecbnics Engineers (EEE) in 1992. He is currently a Member of the IEEE Power Engineering Society and Sectetary of IEEE Rio de Janeiro Section. Andd Bmnm "99) was born in Nova Igmqy Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Junc 27, 1967. He received ttte B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in electrical enpineering, in 1990 and 1994, respectively fiom the Gama Filho University and from the Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro. From 1990 to 2003 he was with =EL, initially as a graduafd student and then as a research engineer with inkrest in the transienddynamic analysis of power systems includmg HVdc transmission and FACTS devices. In 2004, Mr. Bianco joined Andrade & Canellas Cons...