The Complex Genetic Legacy of Hybridization and Introgression between the Rare van der Werff and the Widespread van der Werff (Lauraceae).

Hybridization and introgression are complex evolutionary mechanisms that can increase species diversity and lead to speciation, but may also lead to species extinction. In this study, we tested the presence and genetic consequences of hybridization between the rare and Ecuadorian endemic van der Werff and the widespread van der Werff (Lauraceae). Phenotypically, some trees are difficult to identify, and we expect that some might in fact be cryptic hybrids.

Identifying assessment criteria for in vitro studies: a method and item bank.

To support the development of appraisal tools for assessing the quality of in vitro studies, we developed a method for literature-based discovery of study assessment criteria, used the method to create an item bank of assessment criteria of potential relevance to in vitro studies, and analyzed the item bank to discern and critique current approaches for appraisal of in vitro studies. We searched four research indexes and included any document that identified itself as an appraisal tool for in vitro studies, was a systematic review that included a critical appraisal step, or was a reporting checklist for in vitro studies. We abstracted, normalized, and categorized all criteria applied by the included appraisal tools to create an "item bank" database of issues relevant to the assessment of in vitro studies.

Subject-Specific Geometry of FE Lumbar Spine Models for the Replication of Fracture Locations Using Dynamic Drop Tests.

For traumatic lumbar spine injuries, the mechanisms and influence of anthropometrical variation are not yet fully understood under dynamic loading. Our objective was to evaluate whether geometrically subject-specific explicit finite element (FE) lumbar spine models based on state-of-the-art clinical CT data combined with general material properties from the literature could replicate the experimental responses and the fracture locations via a dynamic drop tower-test setup. The experimental CT datasets from a dynamic drop tower-test setup were used to create anatomical details of four lumbar spine models (T12 to L5).

Genetic diversity and structure in two epiphytic orchids from the montane forests of southern Ecuador: The role of overcollection on Masdevallia rosea in comparison with the widespread Pleurothallis lilijae.

Ecuador has a high diversity of orchids, but little is known about levels of genetic diversity for the great majority of species. Understanding how orchids might adapt to changes is crucial as deforestation and fragmentation of forest ecosystems threaten the survival of many epiphytic orchids that depend on other species, such as fungi and their host trees, for germination, growth, and establishment. Overcollection and the illegal trade are also major concerns for the survival of wild populations of orchids.