The loss of endgroup effects in long pyridyl-endcapped oligoynes on the way to carbyne.

The versatility of carbon is revealed in its all-carbon forms (allotropes), which feature unique properties (consider the differences between diamond, graphite, graphene and fullerenes). Beyond natural sources, there are many opportunities to expand the realm of carbon chemistry through the study of new carbon forms. In this work, the synthesis of oligo-/polyynes is used to model the elusive carbyne. The chemical stabilization of oligoynes by sterically encumbered endgroups, particularly the 3,5-bis(3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)pyridyl group, is key to assemble an extended series of stable oligoynes. The final member of this series is the longest monodisperse polyyne isolated and characterized so far, featuring 24 contiguous alkyne units (48 carbons). Spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic analysis show that endgroups influence the properties of oligoyne derivatives, but this effect diminishes as length increases toward the polyyne/carbyne limit. For instance, with ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, molecular symmetry clearly documents the evolution of characteristics from oligoynes to polyynes (in which endgroup effects are absent). The combined experimental data are used to refine predictions for the D∞h structure of carbyne.

Emergency care provision at the 2009 Special Olympics Great Britain.

BACKGROUND: The Special Olympics Great Britain (SOLGB) summer games 2009 were held in Leicester between 25 and 31 July. They involved 2413 athletes that were engaged in 21 different sports across 19 different locations. The onsite healthcare was provided by a specialist medical team. The hospital services available were at the local emergency department (ED) and the co-located urgent care centre (UCC). AIM: To assess the on-site provision required to support a large multisport event for people with learning disabilities and to ascertain the impact on the local hospital services. METHODS: On-site consultations were documented on SOLGB medical record forms. Referrals to the local ED and UCC were identified from the SOLGB medical notes or from the ED/UCC attendance codes, as a specific code was applied to all patients related to the games. RESULTS: 581 on-site consultations were documented at SOLGB 2009, of which 95% of these were for athletes. 477 treatments were completed in total, of which 444 were undertaken on-site (93%). 20 people attended the ED; there were no documented attendances at the UCC. 17 of the 20 attendances at the ED were athletes competing. CONCLUSION: Allocation of the healthcare team was appropriate, with the exception of one sport, where a doctor was moved from a nearby event to consult on 13 occasions. Attendances to the local ED and UCC were minimal. Therefore, the model of on-site medical care that was used, which led to minimal impact on NHS resources, will support the arrangements of medical requirements at future SOLGB games.

A report of the medical team activity at the 2009 Special Olympics GB.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify and categorise medical workload from the 2009 Special Olympics GB (SOL GB) which involved 2500 athletes with learning disabilities across 21 different sports supported by nearly 9000 family members, volunteers and staff over a 7-day period. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: Prospective survey of all medical contacts that took place at the 2009 SOL GB with subsequent analysis of consultation rates, medical problems and medical activity. RESULTS: 581 medical consultations occurred during the 2009 SOL GB, with 95% of these for athletes. The majority of the athlete consultations were for musculoskeletal disorders, followed by skin wound care. Most athletes were judged fit to participate following their consultation. CONCLUSION: A large multisport event for athletes with learning disabilities carries a significant medical workload that has not been studied previously, with different sports having different individual risks and demands. The vast majority of consultations are for systemically well athletes that can be managed locally without necessity for hospital admission. This study identifies the quantity and nature of medical consultations undertaken during this event in an attempt to inform planning for future events.