Rational Design of Two-Dimensional Binary Polymers from Heterotriangulenes for Photocatalytic Water Splitting

On the basis of first-principles calculations, we report the design of three two-dimensional (2D) binary honeycomb-kagome polymers composed of B- and N-centered heterotriangulenes with a periodically alternate arrangement as in hexagonal boron nitride. The 2D binary polymers with donor-acceptor characteristics are semiconductors with a direct band gap of 1.98-2.28 eV. The enhanced in-plane electron conjugation contributes to high charge carrier mobilities for both electrons and holes, about 6.70 and 0.24 × 10³ cm² V^-1 s^-1, respectively, for the 2D binary polymer with carbonyl bridges (2D CTPAB). With appropriate band edge alignment to match the water redox potentials and pronounced light adsorption for the ultraviolet and visible range of spectra, 2D CTPAB is predicted to be an effective photocatalyst/photoelectrocatalyst to promote overall water splitting.

A highly efficient red-emitting luminescent paper-based chemosensor for hydrogen sulfide

The first discrete bimetallic europium(iii)/copper(ii) complex for the fast, sensitive and selective luminescent detection of both aqueous and gaseous hydrogen sulfide has been developed. The chemosensor displayed an impressive response time of 30 seconds and a low theoretical limit of detection (100 ppb) for gaseous hydrogen sulfide.

Topological two-dimensional polymers

There are more than 200 two-dimensional (2D) networks with different topologies. The structural topology of a 2D network defines its electronic structure. Including the electronic topological properties, it gives rise to Dirac cones, topological flat bands and topological insulators. In this Tutorial Review, we show how electronic properties of 2D networks can be calculated by means of a tight-binding approach, and how these properties change when 2nd-neighbour interactions and spin-orbit coupling are included. We explain how to determine whether or not the resulting electronic features have topological signatures by calculation of Chern numbers, Z2 invariants, and by the nanoribbon approach. This tutorial gives suggestions how such topological properties could be realized in explicit atomistic chemical 2D systems made of molecular frameworks, in particular in 2D polymers, where the edges and vertices of a given 2D net are substituted by properly selected molecular building blocks and stitched together in such a way that long-range π-conjugation is retained.

Role of the research-subject locator (RSL) in the performance of a pediatric drug trial

This article examines the feasibility, effectiveness, and ethical constraints relevant to appropriate financial compensation of the pediatric house officer who functions as a research-subject locator (RSL). When carefully trained and supervised, the RSL can facilitate timely enrollment of research subjects in pediatric drug trials, augment the house officer training experience, and advocate for children to increase therapeutic options available for pediatric care. When monitored within the clinical trial schema, the RSL has no direct link to the study outcome and thus performs within ethical standards for subject enrollment and study participation.

[Resorbable rods and screws for fixation of ankle fractures. A randomized clinical prospective study]

A prospective randomized clinical trial was performed to evaluate the use of self-reinforced absorbable composites (Biofix) in the fixation of ankle fractures. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that fixation with Biofix rods and screws is as good as the standard A.O. fixation. The benefits of Biofix rods and screws are: a reduction in costs since no secondary operation is needed, prevention of stress-shielding and thereby diminishing the risk of bone porosity. Patients aged between 16 and 75 years old with closed, non-comminuted fractures of the lateral and/or medial malleolus and dislocation of the fracture fragments greater than 2 mm were included in the study. 22 patients were treated with Biofix rods and screws and the control group of 19 patients with a standard technique. After 3, 6 and 12 months, rontgenograms were taken. At the same time functional results were evaluated following the criteria of Olerud and Molander. Two patients were withdrawn from the trial for non-medical reasons. 22 patients (12 from the Biofix group, 10 from the AO group) operated two or more years ago were contacted to see if any complications had occurred since they were last seen. In 4 cases a Biofix screw broke down just beneath the head during insertion. This did not result in an insufficient fixation of the fracture. There were no early post-operative complications. The functional and rontgenological results in both groups were equal. In three cases a sterile sinus developed at the site of screw insertion. Biofix rods and screws, made of polylactic acid, are a good alternative for the fixation of fractures of the ankle. The use of resorbable fracture fixation material has the advantage that a second operation to remove osteosynthesis material is not necessary. The long term results are good. There is, however, a possibility of development of tissue reaction to the resorbable material.