About the distinction between working memory and short-term memory

The theoretical concepts short-term memory (STM) and working memory (WM) have been used to refer to the maintenance and the maintenance plus manipulation of information, respectively. Although they are conceptually different, the use of the terms STM and WM in literature is not always strict. STM and WM are different theoretical concepts that are assumed to reflect different cognitive functions. However, correlational studies have not been able to separate both constructs consistently and there is evidence for a large or even complete overlap. The emerging view from neurobiological studies is partly different, although there are conceptual problems troubling the interpretation of findings. In this regard, there is a crucial role for the tasks that are used to measure STM or WM (simple and complex span tasks, respectively) and for the cognitive load reflected by factors like attention and processing speed that may covary between and within these tasks. These conceptual issues are discussed based on several abstract models for the relation between STM and WM

A completely intramedullary leg lengthening device

The procedure and the external fixator for lengthening long bones was developed by G.A. Ilizarov in the late 1960's. This technique has, despite its proven abilities for leg lengthening and correction of angular deformities, some considerable disadvantages for patients. Discomfort, infections and restricted weight bearing are some reasons for the development of a completely intramedullary device for leg lengthening. The device developed is a telescopic intramedullary nail with a maximum diameter of 13 mm, which can be lengthened with 0.5 mm steps induced by a shape memory alloy actuator. The electrical energy for the actuator is supplied from outside the body by inductive coupling of two solenoid coils. Internally, the electrical energy is transformed to thermal energy by thermofoils and Peltier-element

Contact-induced change in Dolgan : an investigation into the role of linguistic data for the reconstruction of a people’s (pre)history

This study explores the role of linguistic data in the reconstruction of Dolgan (pre)history. While most ethno-linguistic groups have a longstanding history and a clear ethnic and linguistic affiliation, the formation of the Dolgans has been a relatively recent development, and their ethnic origins as well as their linguistic affiliation have been a matter of debate. According to some scholars, the Dolgans, who inhabit the Taimyr Peninsula and the Anabar district of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), are Turkic people who adopted a Tungusic name and certain Tungusic cultural features. Others hold the view that they have Tungusic origins but shifted to a Turkic language. Migrations and frequent contacts with other ethnic groups complicate a reconstruction of their past. Accepting the idea that contact settings may correlate with linguistic outcomes, contact-induced changes in Dolgan are analysed and used to infer information about the nature of the contact settings in which they occurred. The linguistic conclusions are interpreted in a multidisciplinary context, integrating insights from history, ethnography as well as from population genetics. In particular, linguistic patterns of contact influence are correlated with genetic admixture patterns, providing new insights into the prehistoric migration patterns of the Dolgans. Due to its holistic approach, this study provides an example of the innovative ways in which data from different disciplines can be combined to gain a deeper understanding of a people__s past and identity, and provides a valuable contribution to the investigation of Siberian history.Max Planck SocietyLanguage Use in Past and Presen