Field-Induced Slow Magnetic Relaxation In the First Dy(III)-centered 12-Metallacrown-4 Double-Decker

The reaction of Dy(O2CMe)3•xH2O and Ga(NO3)3•xH2O led to the isolation of (nBu4N)[GaIII8DyIII(OH)4(shi)8] (1). The compound possesses a unique chemical structure enclosing the central magnetic DyIII ion between diamagnetic GaIII-based metallacrown 12-MC-4 ligands. The double-decker complex exhibits field-induced single-molecule magnet (SMM) behaviour with an effective energy barrier (Ueff) of 39 K (27.1 cm-1). Consistent with the observed slow relaxation of magnetization, theoretical calculations suggest a ground state mainly determined by |±11/2> in the easy axis direction

Mirror-image relations in category learning

The discrimination of patterns that are mirror-symmetric counterparts of each other is difficult and requires substantial training. We explored whether mirror-image discrimination during expertise acquisition is based on associative learning strategies or involves a representational shift towards configural pattern descriptions that permit resolution of symmetry relations. Subjects were trained to discriminate between sets of unfamiliar grey-level patterns in two conditions, which either required the separation of mirror images or not. Both groups were subsequently tested in a 4-class category-learning task employing the same set of stimuli. The results show that subjects who had successfully learned to discriminate between mirror-symmetric counterparts were distinctly faster in the categorization task, indicating a transfer of conceptual knowledge between the two tasks. Additional computer simulations suggest that the development of such symmetry concepts involves the construction of configural, protoholistic descriptions, in which positions of pattern parts are encoded relative to a spatial frame of reference

In vivo laparoscopic robotics

AbstractRobotic laparoscopic surgery is evolving to include in vivo robotic assistants. The impetus for the development of this technology is to provide surgeons with additional viewpoints and unconstrained manipulators that improve safety and reduce patient trauma. A family of these robots have been developed to provide vision and task assistance. Fixed-base and mobile robots have been designed and tested in animal models with much success. A cholecystectomy, prostatectomy, and nephrectomy have all been performed with the assistance of these robots. These early successful tests show how in vivo laparoscopic robotics may be part of the next advancement in surgical technology

In vivo laparoscopic robotics

Robotic laparoscopic surgery is evolving to include in vivo robotic assistants. The impetus for the development of this technology is to provide surgeons with additional viewpoints and unconstrained manipulators that improve safety and reduce patient trauma. A family of these robots have been developed to provide vision and task assistance. Fixed-base and mobile robots have been designed and tested in animal models with much success. A cholecystectomy, prostatectomy, and nephrectomy have all been performed with the assistance of these robots. These early successful tests show how in vivo laparoscopic robotics may be part of the next advancement in surgical technology

The onset of stuttering following drug overdose

Recently, some attention has been focused on acquired stuttering, disfluencies that begin in adulthood. The nature of acquired stuttering differs in several respects from developmental stuttering. A case of acquired stuttering following drug overdose is presented and contrasted with previously reported cases. The case is noteworthy in that, while many characteristics of acquired stuttering are evidenced, several symptoms associated with developmental stuttering are also observed. The findings are discussed in terms of a possible link between developmental and acquired forms of stuttering.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/24614/1/0000024.pd