Linguistic meanings in mind.

The target article focuses on evidence from nonlinguistic faculties to defend the claim that cognition generally traffics in language-of-thought (LoT)-type representations. This focus creates needed space to discuss the mounting accumulation of nonclassical evidence for LoT, but it also misses relevant work in linguistics that directly offers a perspective on specific hypotheses about candidate LoT representations.

Great Lakes Runoff Intercomparison Project Phase 3: Lake Erie (GRIP-E).

Hydrologic model intercomparison studies help to evaluate the agility of models to simulate variables such as streamflow, evaporation, and soil moisture. This study is the third in a sequence of the Great Lakes Runoff Intercomparison Projects. The densely populated Lake Erie watershed studied here is an important international lake that has experienced recent flooding and shoreline erosion alongside excessive nutrient loads that have contributed to lake eutrophication. Understanding the sources and pathways of flows is critical to solve the complex issues facing this watershed. Seventeen hydrologic and land-surface models of different complexity are set up over this domain using the same meteorological forcings, and their simulated streamflows at 46 calibration and seven independent validation stations are compared. Results show that: (1) the good performance of Machine Learning models during calibration decreases significantly in validation due to the limited amount of training data; (2) models calibrated at individual stations perform equally well in validation; and (3) most distributed models calibrated over the entire domain have problems in simulating urban areas but outperform the other models in validation.

Update on Imaging of Spinal Fixation Hardware.

This article discusses instrumented spinal surgeries, the radiologic assessment of spinal fixation hardware, and the potential complications of spinal hardware. Radiography is the standard for the postoperative assessment of spinal hardware. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging play a valuable role in the detection of hardware and postsurgical-related complications such as infection, pseudarthrosis, and malpositioned instrumentation. Familiarity with the normal imaging appearance of implanted spinal hardware along with the expected progression of normal postoperative osseous arthrodesis enables recognition of potential complications and helps facilitate appropriate clinical management.

State medical licensure for telemedicine and teleradiology.

Physician medical licensure is state based for historical and constitutional reasons. It may also provide the best method for guaranteeing patient protection from unqualified, incompetent, impaired, or unprofessional practitioners of medicine. However, a significant cost for physicians practicing telemedicine is having to obtain multiple state medical licenses. There is reasonable likelihood that model legislation for the practice of telemedicine across state boundaries will be passed in the next few years, providing physicians with a simpler process for license reciprocity in multiple states via interstate licensing compacts. Physicians would have to be licensed in the state in which the patient resides. Patient complaints would still be adjudicated by the medical licensing board in the state where the patient resides according applicable state legislation.

Linguistic meanings as cognitive instructions.

Natural languages like English connect pronunciations with meanings. Linguistic pronunciations can be described in ways that relate them to our motor system (e.g., to the movement of our lips and tongue). But how do linguistic meanings relate to our nonlinguistic cognitive systems? As a case study, we defend an explicit proposal about the meaning of most by comparing it to the closely related more: whereas more expresses a comparison between two independent subsets, most expresses a subset-superset comparison. Six experiments with adults and children demonstrate that these subtle differences between their meanings influence how participants organize and interrogate their visual world. In otherwise identical situations, changing the word from most to more affects preferences for picture-sentence matching (experiments 1-2), scene creation (experiments 3-4), memory for visual features (experiment 5), and accuracy on speeded truth judgments (experiment 6). These effects support the idea that the meanings of more and most are mental representations that provide detailed instructions to conceptual systems.

Imaging of musculoskeletal soft tissue infections.

Prompt and appropriate imaging work-up of the various musculoskeletal soft tissue infections aids early diagnosis and treatment and decreases the risk of complications resulting from misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. The signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal soft tissue infections can be nonspecific, making it clinically difficult to distinguish between disease processes and the extent of disease. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the imaging modality of choice in the evaluation of soft tissue infections. Computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, radiography and nuclear medicine studies are considered ancillary. This manuscript illustrates representative images of superficial and deep soft tissue infections such as infectious cellulitis, superficial and deep fasciitis, including the necrotizing fasciitis, pyomyositis/soft tissue abscess, septic bursitis and tenosynovitis on different imaging modalities, with emphasis on MRI. Typical histopathologic findings of soft tissue infections are also presented. The imaging approach described in the manuscript is based on relevant literature and authors' personal experience and everyday practice.

Potential establishment and ecological effects of bighead and silver carp in a productive embayment of the Laurentian Great Lakes.

Bighead carp H. nobilis and silver carp Hypothalmichthys molitrix (collectively bigheaded carps, BHC) are invasive planktivorous fishes that threaten to enter the Laurentian Great Lakes and disrupt food webs. To assess the likelihood of BHC establishment and their likely effects on the food web of Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron, we developed a multi-species individual-based bioenergetics model that tracks individual bighead and silver carp, four key fish species, and seven prey biomass groups over 50 years. The model tracks the daily consumption, mortality and growth of all individuals and the biomass dynamics of interacting prey pools. We ran simulation scenarios to determine the likelihood of BHC establishment under initial introductions from 5 to 1 million yearling and older individuals, and assuming variable age-0 carp survival rates (high, intermediate, and low). We bounded the survival of age-0 BHC as recruitment continues to be one of the biggest unknowns. We also simulated the potential effects of an established population of 1 million bighead carp or silver carp assuming variation in age-0 survival. Results indicated that as few as 10 BHC could establish a population assuming high or intermediate age-0 survival, but at least 100,000 individuals were needed to establish a population assuming low age-0 survival. BHC had negative effects on plankton and planktivorous fish biomass, which increased with BHC density. However, piscivorous walleye Sander vitreus appeared to benefit from BHC establishment. The potential for BHC to establish and affect ecologically and economically important fish species in Saginaw Bay is a cause for concern.

Imaging characteristics of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis with an emphasis on acute spinal fractures: review.

OBJECTIVE: The educational objectives of this self-assessment module are for the participant to exercise, self-assess, and improve his or her understanding of the imaging of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), with emphasis on acute spinal fractures. CONCLUSION: Understanding the pathomechanics of the fractures in the ankylosed spine is important in the differentiation of the acute spinal fractures in DISH and ankylosing spondylitis. This article emphasizes the imaging features of spinal DISH and acute spinal fractures in DISH, distinguishing them specifically from those in ankylosing spondylitis.

Imaging characteristics of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis with an emphasis on acute spinal fractures: self-assessment module.

The educational objectives for this self-assessment module are for the participant to exercise, self-assess, and improve his or her understanding of the imaging of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH).

Genomic Methods and Microbiological Technologies for Profiling Novel and Extreme Environments for the Extreme Microbiome Project (XMP).

The Extreme Microbiome Project (XMP) is a project launched by the Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities Metagenomics Research Group (ABRF MGRG) that focuses on whole genome shotgun sequencing of extreme and unique environments using a wide variety of biomolecular techniques. The goals are multifaceted, including development and refinement of new techniques for the following: 1) the detection and characterization of novel microbes, 2) the evaluation of nucleic acid techniques for extremophilic samples, and 3) the identification and implementation of the appropriate bioinformatics pipelines. Here, we highlight the different ongoing projects that we have been working on, as well as details on the various methods we use to characterize the microbiome and metagenome of these complex samples. In particular, we present data of a novel multienzyme extraction protocol that we developed, called Polyzyme or MetaPolyZyme. Presently, the XMP is characterizing sample sites around the world with the intent of discovering new species, genes, and gene clusters. Once a project site is complete, the resulting data will be publically available. Sites include Lake Hillier in Western Australia, the "Door to Hell" crater in Turkmenistan, deep ocean brine lakes of the Gulf of Mexico, deep ocean sediments from Greenland, permafrost tunnels in Alaska, ancient microbial biofilms from Antarctica, Blue Lagoon Iceland, Ethiopian toxic hot springs, and the acidic hypersaline ponds in Western Australia.

Misplaced devices in the chest, abdomen, and pelvis: Part I.

Numerous medical devices are used in the chest and fewer in the abdomen and pelvis. They are frequently seen on various radiological studies in daily practice. Knowing the specific name of the device is not important. However, knowing the proper positioning and function of the device is necessary. It is a duty of the reporting radiologist to recognize the malpositioning or breakage of a medical device and to inform the responsible physician promptly, since these complications can have undesirable consequences and sometimes a fatal outcome.

Misplaced devices in the chest, abdomen, and pelvis: Part II.

Numerous medical devices are used in the chest and fewer in the abdomen and pelvis. They are frequently seen on various radiological studies in daily practice. Knowing the specific name of the device is not important. However, knowing the proper positioning and function of the device is necessary. It is a duty of the reporting radiologist to recognize the malpositioning or breakage of a medical device and to inform the responsible physician promptly, since these complications can have undesirable consequences and sometimes a fatal outcome.

Medical devices of the abdomen and pelvis.

Medical devices in the abdomen and pelvis are probably less frequently seen than those in the chest or extremities, but they are important and should be recognized. These devices can be grouped into a few major categories: intestinal tubes, genitourinary devices, postoperative apparatus, and a wide variety of odds and ends. Many of these devices are used to monitor or treat gastrointestinal and genitourinary disease. Some of them, such as inferior vena cava filters and drug infusion pumps, treat systemic problems, and some of them are devices used in treating another anatomic region. It is strongly recommended that scout views for chest, abdominal, and pelvic computed tomographic studies be carefully examined for medical apparatus. Medical devices are often more easily recognized on scout images, and their inappropriate locations and complications can be better appreciated on the subsequent cross-sectional images if one is alerted to their presence in the first place. The evaluation of routine medical devices should be considered as important as any other aspect of a radiologic examination.

Gallery of medical devices: part 2: devices of the head, neck, spine, chest, and abdomen.

This gallery of medical devices illustrates a multitude of common devices in the head, neck, spine, chest, and abdomen that are found in daily radiologic practice (orthopedic devices for the extremities and pelvis were illustrated in Part 1). All these medical devices have been more thoroughly discussed in the previous articles in this medical devices series and in other detailed references. The present article is a comprehensive overview of these devices and provides a quick reference for identifying an unfamiliar device. It is intended to allow the reader to identify a device generically and to understand its purpose. It is important to recognize the presence of a device, understand its purpose and proper function, and recognize the complications associated with its use. Knowing the specific or proper brand name of every device is not important and frequently not possible. New devices are constantly being introduced, although most of them are variations of a previous device. Sometimes, so many devices are used in a patient's treatment that they obscure important anatomy and pathologic conditions (Fig 1). Herein, we present an overview of the many medical devices frequently used in the head, neck, and spine, including a halo device, aneurysm clips, spinal fusion devices, deep brain electrodes, sacral nerve stimulator, and vertebroplasty (Figs 2-9). We also illustrate numerous chest medical devices that are seen daily by almost all radiologists. These devices include a multitude of extrathoracic and intrathoracic apparatus, ranging from intravenous catheters to oxygen tubing and electrocardiographic leads, central venous catheters, chest tubes, endotracheal and feeding tubes, cardiac valves, coronary artery bypass stents, pacemakers, internal cardiac defibrillators, ventricular assist devices, and total artificial hearts (the latter two devices are frequently encountered in many large medical centers) (Figs 10-26). We also present medical devices of the abdomen and pelvis, which can be grouped into four major categories: intestinal tubes, genitourinary apparatus, postoperative apparatus, and vascular devices (Figs 27-47). For a detailed discussion of a particular device, the reader should refer to the appropriate references cited.

Musculoskeletal colloquialisms: how did we come up with these names?

Eponyms and colloquial terms are labels that provide two kinds of information: the pattern of a complex injury or pathologic problem and, in the case of an eponym, the name of an individual who has been closely identified with the pathologic problem. Such terms remind us that the medicine of today is not entirely the work of our contemporaries. The article illustrates many of the common colloquial terms applied to fractures and musculoskeletal injuries seen in everyday practice. Wherever possible, the illustrations and definitions are based on the original descriptions of the injuries.

Medical devices of the head, neck, and spine.

There are many medical devices used for head, neck, and spinal diseases and injuries, and new devices are constantly being introduced. Many of the newest devices are variations on a previous theme. Knowing the specific name of a device is not important. It is important to recognize the presence of a device and to have an understanding of its function as well as to be able to recognize the complications associated with its use. The article discusses the most common and important devices of the head, neck, and spine, including cerebrospinal fluid shunts and the Codman Hakim programmable valve; subdural drainage catheters, subdural electrodes, intracranial electrodes, deep brain stimulators, and cerebellar electrodes; coils, balloons, adhesives, particles, and aneurysm clips; radiation therapy catheters, intracranial balloons for drug installation, and carmustine wafers; hearing aids, cochlear implants, and ossicular reconstruction prostheses; orbital prostheses, intraocular silicone oil, and lacrimal duct stents; anterior and posterior cervical plates, posterior cervical spine wiring, odontoid fracture fixation devices, cervical collars and halo vests; thoracic and lumbar spine implants, anterior and posterior instrumentation for the thoracic and lumbar spine, vertebroplasty, and artificial disks; spinal column stimulators, bone stimulators, intrathecal drug delivery pumps, and sacral stimulators; dental and facial implant devices; gastric and tracheal tubes; vagus nerve stimulators; lumboperitoneal shunts; and temperature- and oxygen-sensing probes.

Medical devices of the chest.

Chest devices are encountered on a daily basis by almost all radiologists. A multitude of extrathoracic materials, from intravenous catheters to oxygen tubing and electrocardiographic leads, frequently overlie the chest, neck, and abdomen. Chest tubes, central venous catheters, endotracheal tubes, and feeding tubes are very common. Cardiac surgery involves the use of many sophisticated devices and procedures, ranging from valve replacement to repair of complex congenital anomalies. Coronary artery bypass surgery is no longer considered unusual, and in many large medical centers, ventricular assist devices and total artificial hearts are frequently encountered. Breast implants are visible at standard chest radiography, and many ancillary devices not intended for treatment of cardiac or thoracic diseases are visible on chest radiographs. New devices are constantly being introduced, but most of them are variations on a previous theme. Knowing the specific name of a device is not important. It is important to recognize the presence of a device and to have an understanding of its function, as well as to recognize the complications associated with its use.

Fracture fixation.

The basic goal of fracture fixation is to stabilize the fractured bone, to enable fast healing of the injured bone, and to return early mobility and full function of the injured extremity. Fractures can be treated conservatively or with external and internal fixation. Conservative fracture treatment consists of closed reduction to restore the bone alignment. Subsequent stabilization is then achieved with traction or external splinting by slings, splints, or casts. Braces are used to limit range of motion of a joint. External fixators provide fracture fixation based on the principle of splinting. There are three basic types of external fixators: standard uniplanar fixator, ring fixator, and hybrid fixator. The numerous devices used for internal fixation are roughly divided into a few major categories: wires, pins and screws, plates, and intramedullary nails or rods. Staples and clamps are also used occasionally for osteotomy or fracture fixation. Autogenous bone grafts, allografts, and bone graft substitutes are frequently used for the treatment of bone defects of various causes. For infected fractures as well as for treatment of bone infections, antibiotic beads are frequently used.

Joint arthroplasties and prostheses.

Joint arthroplasty is the most frequently performed orthopedic procedure after fracture fixation. The major indications for any joint replacement are degenerative joint disease, inflammatory arthropathy, avascular necrosis, and complicated fractures. The major contraindications for any joint arthroplasty are systemic and joint infection and a neuropathic joint. The interpretation of radiographs in cases of joint arthroplasty is a significant part of many radiology practices, and correct recognition of the prosthetic devices and their complications by the radiologist is important. The article reviews the most common types of joint arthroplasties and prostheses of the upper and lower extremities and discusses the most frequent complications associated with their placement.