Historical Assembly of Andean Tree Communities.

Patterns of species diversity have been associated with changes in climate across latitude and elevation. However, the ecological and evolutionary mechanisms underlying these relationships are still actively debated. Here, we present a complementary view of the well-known tropical niche conservatism (TNC) hypothesis, termed the multiple zones of origin (MZO) hypothesis, to explore mechanisms underlying latitudinal and elevational gradients of phylogenetic diversity in tree communities. The TNC hypothesis posits that most lineages originate in warmer, wetter, and less seasonal environments in the tropics and rarely colonize colder, drier, and more seasonal environments outside of the tropical lowlands, leading to higher phylogenetic diversity at lower latitudes and elevations. In contrast, the MZO hypothesis posits that lineages also originate in temperate environments and readily colonize similar environments in the tropical highlands, leading to lower phylogenetic diversity at lower latitudes and elevations. We tested these phylogenetic predictions using a combination of computer simulations and empirical analyses of tree communities in 245 forest plots located in six countries across the tropical and subtropical Andes. We estimated the phylogenetic diversity for each plot and regressed it against elevation and latitude. Our simulated and empirical results provide strong support for the MZO hypothesis. Phylogenetic diversity among co-occurring tree species increased with both latitude and elevation, suggesting an important influence on the historical dispersal of lineages with temperate origins into the tropical highlands. The mixing of different floras was likely favored by the formation of climatically suitable corridors for plant migration due to the Andean uplift. Accounting for the evolutionary history of plant communities helps to advance our knowledge of the drivers of tree community assembly along complex climatic gradients, and thus their likely responses to modern anthropogenic climate change.

It's Not Just about Bicycle Riding: Sensory-Motor, Social and Emotional Benefits for Children with and without Developmental Disabilities.

BACKGROUND: A developing area for therapy is teaching children to ride a bicycle. Little has been written about the effectiveness of these programs. This study explored outcomes from participation in a novel bicycle riding program for children with a wide array of developmental challenges. METHOD: Two studies were conducted; a nonconcurrent, multiple baseline design with four participants and a pretest-posttest single group with 15 children. RESULTS: Study 1 participants improved on broad jump. Balance positions showed variable responses. Study 2 participants showed significant improvement on broad jump, and a trend toward significance walking forwards and backwards. Parents reported improvement in following rules, participating in daily routines, interacting with peers, and feeling good about him/herself and a change in child's participation in community and extracurricular activities. All children improved in glide time or achieved independent riding. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary evidence was found for the effectiveness of one approach for developing motor and social skills within the context of learning to ride a bicycle. Children over the age of 6 years were able to ride a two-wheeled bicycle at the end of the program. Participation suggested improvement in motor coordination and dynamic balance as well as changes in measures of social interaction and self-esteem.

Red List assessment of amphibian species of Ecuador: A multidimensional approach for their conservation.

Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, but faces severe pressures and threats to its natural ecosystems. Numerous species have declined and require to be objectively evaluated and quantified, as a step towards the development of conservation strategies. Herein, we present an updated National Red List Assessment for amphibian species of Ecuador, with one of the most detailed and complete coverages for any Ecuadorian taxonomic group to date. Based on standardized methodologies that integrate taxonomic work, spatial analyses, and ecological niche modeling, we assessed the extinction risk and identified the main threats for all Ecuadorian native amphibians (635 species), using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. Our evaluation reveals that 57% (363 species) are categorized as Threatened, 12% (78 species) as Near Threatened, 4% (26 species) as Data Deficient, and 27% (168 species) as Least Concern. Our assessment almost doubles the number of threatened species in comparison with previous evaluations. In addition to habitat loss, the expansion of the agricultural/cattle raising frontier and other anthropogenic threats (roads, human settlements, and mining/oil activities) amplify the incidence of other pressures as relevant predictors of ecological integrity. Potential synergic effects with climate change and emergent diseases (apparently responsible for the sudden declines), had particular importance amongst the threats sustained by Ecuadorian amphibians. Most threatened species are distributed in montane forests and paramo habitats of the Andes, with nearly 10% of them occurring outside the National System of Protected Areas of the Ecuadorian government. Based on our results, we recommend the following actions: (i) An increase of the National System of Protected Areas to include threatened species. (ii) Supporting the ex/in-situ conservation programs to protect species considered like Critically Endangered and Endangered. (iii) Focalizing research efforts towards the description of new species, as well as species currently categorized as Data Deficient (DD) that may turn out to be threatened. The implementation of the described actions is challenging, but urgent, given the current conservation crisis faced by amphibians.

Mature Andean forests as globally important carbon sinks and future carbon refuges.

It is largely unknown how South America's Andean forests affect the global carbon cycle, and thus regulate climate change. Here, we measure aboveground carbon dynamics over the past two decades in 119 monitoring plots spanning a range of >3000 m elevation across the subtropical and tropical Andes. Our results show that Andean forests act as strong sinks for aboveground carbon (0.67 ± 0.08 Mg C ha-1 y-1) and have a high potential to serve as future carbon refuges. Aboveground carbon dynamics of Andean forests are driven by abiotic and biotic factors, such as climate and size-dependent mortality of trees. The increasing aboveground carbon stocks offset the estimated C emissions due to deforestation between 2003 and 2014, resulting in a net total uptake of 0.027 Pg C y-1. Reducing deforestation will increase Andean aboveground carbon stocks, facilitate upward species migrations, and allow for recovery of biomass losses due to climate change.

Initial Studies of Validity of the Sensory Processing 3-Dimensions Scale.

AIMS: This study examined the validity of a new measure of sensory processing for children, the Sensory Processing 3-Dimensions Scale (SP-3D). The SP-3D is a performance-based measure for children ages three to thirteen years, designed to assess sensory processing abilities, and identify the three patterns of sensory processing disorder (SPD) and related subtypes, including sensory modulation, sensory discrimination, and sensory-based motor disorders. METHODS: Age trends were explored using descriptive statistics and graphing techniques with a sample of children with and without SPD. SP-3D scores were correlated with scores from the Sensory Processing Measure (SPM) to examine criterion-related validity. Discriminant validity was assessed by comparing SP-3D scores from children with and without SPD. RESULTS: Age trends of SP-3D scores supported sensory discrimination, praxis and postural functions as developmental constructs. Several mild to moderate correlations were found between the scores of the SP-3D and the SPM, indicating that the tools are measuring similar constructs, and supporting the SP-3D as a measure of sensory processing. Modulation and Motor Behavior Scores from the SP-3D discriminated typically developing children from those with SPD, while results from subtests measuring sensory discrimination, postural and praxis were mixed regarding capacity for discrimination suggesting revision to several items. CONCLUSION: The study provides preliminary evidence of the SP-3D as a valid measure of sensory processing abilities and dysfunction. Further research regarding the reliability and validity of the SP-3D are needed.

Effects of short-term resistance training and subsequent detraining on the electromechanical delay.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the effects of 3 days of dynamic constant external resistance (DCER) and isokinetic (ISOK) training and subsequent detraining on the electromechanical delay (EMD). METHODS: Thirty-one men [age 22.2 ± 4.2 years, body mass 77.9 ± 12.9 kg, height 173.9 ± 5.4 cm (mean ± SD)] were randomly assigned to a DCER training group, ISOK training group, or control (CONT) group. RESULTS: No significant changes were found for EMD from pre- to posttraining assessments 1, 2, and 3 [4.5 ± 0.2 ms, 4.7 ± 0.2 ms, 4.5 ± 0.1 ms, 4.5 ± 0.2 ms, respectively (mean ± SE)] (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It can be hypothesized that increases in strength observed after a short-term resistance training program may not be attributed to stiffness changes in the series-elastic component.

The effects of dynamic stretching on the passive properties of the muscle-tendon unit.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of dynamic stretching on the passive biomechanical properties and isometric muscle strength of the knee flexors. Fourteen healthy men (mean ± s: age = 24 ± 3 years) performed passive range of motion assessments and isometric maximal voluntary contractions of the knee flexors at knee joint angles of 35°, 50°, 65°, 80°, and 95° below full knee extension before and after dynamic stretching. In addition, electromyographic amplitude was recorded from the biceps femoris during the maximal voluntary contractions. Passive stiffness and passive resistive torque were measured during pre- and post-dynamic stretching. The dynamic stretching included the participant extending their right leg outwards to the end range motion and pulling their leg back towards the body while seated in the isokinetic dynamometer for four 30-s bouts with 20-s rest between bouts. Passive range of motion increased while passive stiffness and passive resistive torque decreased following dynamic stretching. Peak torque decreased at knee joint angles of 65° and 80° below full extension, while electromyographic amplitude decreased following dynamic stretching. Dynamic stretching resulted in changes to passive stiffness and passive resistive torque that are typically reported following static stretching, however, there were decreases in peak torque at two of the knee joint angles.

Disostosis cleidocraneal: estudio radiográfico de un caso clínico / Cleidocranial dysostosis: radiographic study of a clinical case

La disostosis cleidocraneal (DCC) es una alteración general infrecuente. Afecta huesos largos, especialmente clavícula y en el área maxilofacial observamos anomalías de número, de erupción, prognatismo y ensanchamiento del arco cigomático. Surge de la mutación del gen CBFA 1/Run X2 ubicado en el cromosoma 6p21 considerado el gen maestro en la formación de huesos y dientes. El propósito de este trabajo fue presentar un caso clínico estudiado radiográficamente y apoyado en la revisión bibliográfica de dicha patología. Esta revisión es coincidente en sus aspectos tanto dentarios como esqueletales de nuestro caso.(AU)

Disostosis cleidocraneal: estudio radiográfico de un caso clínico / Cleidocranial dysostosis: radiographic study of a clinical case

La disostosis cleidocraneal (DCC) es una alteración general infrecuente. Afecta huesos largos, especialmente clavícula y en el área maxilofacial observamos anomalías de número, de erupción, prognatismo y ensanchamiento del arco cigomático. Surge de la mutación del gen CBFA 1/Run X2 ubicado en el cromosoma 6p21 considerado el gen maestro en la formación de huesos y dientes. El propósito de este trabajo fue presentar un caso clínico estudiado radiográficamente y apoyado en la revisión bibliográfica de dicha patología. Esta revisión es coincidente en sus aspectos tanto dentarios como esqueletales de nuestro caso.