Evolution of Language. Continuity and Discontinuity through Models and Empirical Data

Abstract. Over the last years, the debate about language evolution has been dominated by functionalist models looking for continuity among various animal species to understand language evolution and its nature. In this work, I analyze the theoretical mistakes of such approach, that ignoring structural body transformation does not allow the application of evolutionary methods to the study of functions. Here I propose a naturalistic approach, based on Evo-Devo perspective, which considers biological constraints as the necessary “mechanical trigger” upon which language function could have evolved. This framework, through the examination of the comparative study of the peripheral and central structures of vocal articulation, allows us to both avoid functional leap in language evolution and at the same time,guarantee species-specificity of language

On The Third Day

In lieu of an abstract, below is the essay\u27s first paragraph. Coming up, we have the bikini and belly-flop contests, announced the disc jockey with a wave of his hands

Zero Based Maintenance Program

Presentatio

Normal spatial learning and improved spatial working memory in mice (mus musculus) lacking dopamine d4 receptors

Dopamine terminals in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex modulate cognitive processes such as spatial learning and working memory. Because dopamine D4 receptors are expressed in these brain areas we have analyzed mutant mice lacking this receptor subtype (Drd4-/-). Wild-type and Drd4-/- mice were challenged in two spatial learning paradigms: the Morris water maze and an alternation T-maze. Drd4-/- mice showed normal place learning ability to find a hidden platform based on spatial extra-maze cues. In addition, Drd4-/- mice were able to find a new platform location with the same learning plasticity as wild type-mice. Spatial working memory assessed on a T maze showed that Drd4-/- mice were more efficient than wild-type mice in acquiring the maximum plateau of correct alternation scores. These results provide further evidence that the functional consequence of lacking D4 receptors is more evident in behaviors dependent on the integrity of the prefrontal cortex.Fil: Falzone, Tomas Luis. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular "Dr. Héctor N. Torres"; ArgentinaFil: Avale, Maria Elena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular "Dr. Héctor N. Torres"; ArgentinaFil: Gelman, Diego Matias. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular "Dr. Héctor N. Torres"; ArgentinaFil: Rubinstein, Marcelo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular "Dr. Héctor N. Torres"; Argentin

Airport Noise Pollution: Is There a Solution in Sight?

Airport noise pollution is a widespread and growing problem in the United States. Traditionally the regulation of airport noise was left to state and local regulatory efforts as well as judicial actions brought under nuisance and inverse condemnation theories of liability. With the enactment of several pieces of federal legislation beginning in the 1970s, however, Congress has clarified its intent to preempt local control of airport noise. Local governments and airport proprietors have to comply with a complicated scheme of federal regulation and rely on insufficient funds to fully address the airport noise problem in their communities. This Comment suggests changes should be made to the regulatory framework governing the control of aircraft noise through reestablishment of the Office for Noise Abatement and Control within the Environmental Protection Agency, additional funds for noise mitigation projects, and research on the effects of aircraft noise, as well as a shift in the liability structure for noise violations

A Conversation With Patrice Chereau: To Be Closer

October 14, film director Patrice Chereau spoke at Columbia College Chicago as an artist in the Visiting Director Program of the Directing Concentration, Film and Video Department, Columbia College Chicago. This program was co-sponsored by the Chicago International Film Festival. Ron Falzone served as moderator and editor of this work. 25 pages.https://digitalcommons.colum.edu/conversations/1014/thumbnail.jp