Sprint interval training (SIT) and traditional endurance training elicit similar physiological adaptations. From the perspective of metabolic function, superior glucose regulation is a common characteristic of endurance-trained adults. Accordingly, we have investigated the hypothesis that short-term SIT will increase insulin sensitivity in sedentary/recreationally active humans. Thirty one healthy adults were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: (1) −1 min −1 : % EE 11 ± 2, 14 ± 3, 23 ± 2 vs. 11 ± 1, 16 ± 2, 25 ± 3; P = 0.79). Combined data from both studies revealed no effect of SIT on fasted circulating concentrations of glucose, insulin, adiponectin, pigment epithelial-derived factor, non-esterified fatty acids or noradrenaline (all P > 0.05). Sixteen minutes of high-intensity exercise over 14 days augments insulin sensitivity but does not affect the thermogenic response to β-AR stimulation. Abbreviations β-AR, beta-adrenergic receptor; EE, energy expenditure; FFM, fat-free mass; GLUT4, glucose transporter 4; NEFA, non-esterified fatty acids; PEDF, pigment epithelial-derived factor; RER, respiratory exchange ratio; SIT, sprint interval training;V O 2 ,peak , peak oxygen uptake.

This paper describes the results of experimental work to determine the structure of the slipstream and wake of a high speed train. The experiments were carried out using a 1/25th scale model of a four-coach train on a moving model rig (MMR). Flow velocities were measured using a rake of single hot films positioned close to the model side or roof. Tests were carried out at different model speeds, with and without the simulation of a crosswind. Velocity time histories for each configuration were obtained from ensemble averages of the results of a number of runs. A small number of particle imaging velocimetry (PIV) experiments were also carried out, and a wavelet analysis revealed details of the unsteady flow structure around the vehicle. It was shown that the flowfield around the vehicle could be divided into a number of different regions of distinct flow characteristics: an upstream region, a nose region, a boundary layer region, a near wake region and a far wake region. If the results were suitably normalized, the effect of model speed was small. The effect of crosswinds was to add an increment to the slipstream and wake velocities, and this resulted in very high slipstream velocities in the nose region.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a component of green tea, increases endurance performance in animals and promotes fat oxidation during cycle ergometer exercise in adult humans. Purpose We have investigated the hypothesis that short-term consumption of EGCG delays the onset of the ventilatory threshold (TVE) and increases maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Methods In this randomized, repeated measures, double blind study, 19 healthy adults (11 males, 8 females, age: 26 ± 2 years (mean ± SE)) received 7 placebo or 7 EGCG (135 mg) pills. 48-hours prior to data collection participants began consuming 3 pills per day; the last pill was taken 2-hours before exercise testing. TVE and VO2max were determined from breath-by-breath indirect calorimetry data collected during continuous incremental stationary cycle ergometer exercise (20-35 W/min), from rest until volitional fatigue. Each condition/exercise test was separated by a minimum of 14-days. Results Compared with placebo, short-term EGCG consumption increased VO2max (3.123 ± 0.187 vs. 3.259 ± 0.196 L·min-1, P=0.04). Maximal work rate (301 ± 15 vs. 301 ± 16 W, P=0.98), maximal respiratory exchange ratio (1.21 ± 0.01 vs. 1.22 ± 0.02, P=0.27), and maximal heart rate were unaffected (180 ± 3 vs. 180 ± 3 beats·min-1, P=0.87). In a subset of subjects (n=11) maximal cardiac output (determined via open-circuit acetylene breathing) was also unaffected by EGCG (29.6 ± 2.2 vs. 30.2 ± 1.4 L·min-1, P=0.70). Contrary to our hypothesis, EGCG decreased VO2 at TVE (1.57 ± 0.11 vs. 1.48 ± 0.10 L·min-1) but this change was not significant (P=0.06). Conclusion Short-term consumption of EGCG increased VO2max without affecting maximal cardiac output, suggesting that EGCG may increase arterial-venous oxygen difference.

Green tea is purported to promote weight loss. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) and the thermic effect of feeding (TEF) are significant components of total daily energy expenditure and are partially determined by the sympathetic nervous system via catecholamine‐mediated stimulation of β‐adrenergic receptors. Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG: the most bioactive catechin in green tea) inhibits catechol‐O‐methyltransferase, an enzyme contributing to the degradation of catecholamines. Accordingly, we hypothesized that short‐term consumption of a commercially available EGCG supplement (Teavigo) augments RMR and TEF. On two separate occasions, seven placebo or seven EGCG capsules (135 mg/capsule) were administered to 16 adults (9 males, 7 females, age 25 ± 2 years, BMI 24.6 ± 1.2 kg/m2 (mean ± s.e.)). Capsules (three/day) were consumed over 48 h; the final capsule was consumed 2 h prior to visiting the laboratory. Energy expenditure (ventilated hood technique) was determined at rest and for 5 h following ingestion of a liquid meal (caloric content: 40% RMR). Contrary to our hypothesis, RMR was not greater (P = 0.10) following consumption of EGCG (6,740 ± 373 kJ/day) compared with placebo (6,971 ± 352). Similarly, the area under the TEF response curve (Δ energy expenditure) was also unaffected by EGCG (246,808 ± 23,748 vs. 243,270 ± 22,177 kJ; P = 0.88). EGCG had no effect on respiratory exchange ratio at rest (P = 0.29) or throughout the TEF measurement (P = 0.56). In summary, together RMR and TEF may account for up to 85% of total daily energy expenditure; we report that short‐term consumption of a commercially available EGCG supplement did not increase RMR or TEF.

Interpretation of single molecule transport data is complicated by the fact that all such data are inherently highly stochastic in nature. Features are often broad, seemingly unstructured and distributed over more than an order of magnitude. However, the distribution contains information necessary for capturing the full variety of processes relevant in nanoscale transport, and a better understanding of its hierarchical structure is needed to gain deeper insight into the physics and chemistry of single molecule electronics. Here, we describe a novel data analysis approach based on hierarchical clustering to aid in the interpretation of single molecule conductance-displacement histograms. The primary purpose of statistically partitioning transport data is to provide avenues for unbiased hypothesis generation in single molecule break junction experiments by revealing otherwise potentially hidden aspects in the conductance data. Our approach is generalizable to the analysis of a wide variety of other single molecule experiments in molecular electronics, as well as in single molecule fluorescence spectroscopy, force microscopy, and ion-channel conductance measurements.