Assessing cognitive alignment in different types of dialog by means of a network model.

We present a network model of dialog lexica, called TiTAN (Two-layer Time-Aligned Network) series. TiTAN series capture the formation and structure of dialog lexica in terms of serialized graph representations. The dynamic update of TiTAN series is driven by the dialog-inherent timing of turn-taking. The model provides a link between neural, connectionist underpinnings of dialog lexica on the one hand and observable symbolic behavior on the other. On the neural side, priming and spreading activation are modeled in terms of TiTAN networking. On the symbolic side, TiTAN series account for cognitive alignment in terms of the structural coupling of the linguistic representations of dialog partners. This structural stance allows us to apply TiTAN in machine learning of data of dialogical alignment. In previous studies, it has been shown that aligned dialogs can be distinguished from non-aligned ones by means of TiTAN -based modeling. Now, we simultaneously apply this model to two types of dialog: task-oriented, experimentally controlled dialogs on the one hand and more spontaneous, direction giving dialogs on the other. We ask whether it is possible to separate aligned dialogs from non-aligned ones in a type-crossing way. Starting from a recent experiment (Mehler, Lücking, & Menke, 2011a), we show that such a type-crossing classification is indeed possible. This hints at a structural fingerprint left by alignment in networks of linguistic items that are routinely co-activated during conversation.

The hyo-laryngeal complex of Tarsius bancanus (Mammalia, Primates): a developmental and phylogenetic aspect.

The present approach reconstructed the hyo-laryngeal complex of fetal Tarsius bancanus by using the AMIRA 3.1.1 software. Our work fills a gap of ontogenetic research as this region has only been superficially described for an adult specimen representing the same genus. Furthermore, based on 51 characters we conducted several cladistic analyses considering the "Prosimii"/Haplorrhini-debate. Some anatomical information has been taken from the literature. MacClade 4.06 was used in order to measure TL-, CI-, and RC-values of these two competing hypotheses, however, resulting in equal support. A PAUP 4.02b parsimony analysis based on the Haplorrhini-hypothesis showed a significant bootstrap-value: the Pan and Alouatta-clade was supported with 90 % in spite of the highly derived morphology of the howler monkey. This fact reflects the importance of fetal data for systematic research. The study might serve as a morphological basement for further experimental studies of vocal communication.

The mole's thumb -- evolution of the hand skeleton in talpids (Mammalia).

Osteological specimens representing 15 out of the 16 currently recognized talpid genera were examined and scored for seven discrete morphological characters of the hand. The phylogenetic distribution of these characters was studied in the context of alternative hypotheses of talpid relationships, using three species of shrews and a hedgehog as outgroups. All talpids show a similar number and arrangement of carpal bones. The most obvious differences concern the presence of additional sesamoid bones, the relative size of the os falciforme when present, and the degree of fusion of the scaphoid and lunate in the proximal carpal row. Marked differences in the relative length and proportions of the metacarpals also exist. The development of the carpals in Talpa europaea was studied through examination of histological sections of the hand of an embryo and a neonate. Whereas carpal anatomy in the neonate mirrors the arrangement and proportions of the adult, in the embryo the scaphoid and lunate are still separate, there are no signs of the os falciforme, and the size proportions of metacarpals to carpals are obviously different to those of the adult. A prehallux or tibial sesamoid, serial homologue to the os falciforme or prepollex (a radial sesamoid), does not have an obvious functional role, and its presence might be the result of a common epigenetic control in the hand and the foot resulting in a non-adaptive structure in the latter.