Pattern Of Destruction Research Articles

Sustained High Rates Of Job Creation And Destruction In Substate Economies

<p class="Ariel12" style="text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Widely utilized net employment change statistics actually mask an extremely volatile process of job creation and destruction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>In the past decade economists have addressed this problem by exploiting newly available longitudinal data series to estimate these job flows and the subsequent amount of job churning at the national, state and MSA level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>This study is unique in that it uses an innovative technique to capture job flows within and between industries at the local area level where longitudinal BLS data series are not available. </span></p><p class="Ariel12" style="text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> </span></p><p class="Ariel12" style="text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The geographic unit of analysis in this paper is a Cohesive Commercial Statistical Area™ (CCSA), a substate aggregate of cities and towns sharing common economic interests but not a Metropolitan Statistical Area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>The paper examines job flows in two very different Massachusetts substate economies: the MetroWest CCSA, a technology sensitive research and development economy, and the South Shore CCSA, a mature economy with a competitive edge in financial services. This study establishes that a sizable portion of disaggregated job flows can be captured at a substate level using available employment data. Building upon techniques used in earlier studies, the authors confirmed very high levels of employment volatility, “job churning”, in both substate regions. </span></p><p class="Ariel12" style="text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></span></p><p class="Ariel12" style="text-align: justify; margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">The authors found that over two decades, job reallocation rates in MetroWest averaged 9%, affecting one out of 11 jobs annually. The study traced the pattern of job creation and destruction over the course of local business cycles and found that both job creation and destruction existed during all phases of the business cycle. Although, as expected, job creation dominated the expansion phase and destruction dominated the contraction phase, the total amount of job reallocation (creation plus destruction) remained relatively stable through all stages of the business cycle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">   </span>However, the composition of the job reallocation varied dramatically by stage of business cycle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>A Job Replacement Ratio has been developed as a quick test to confirm economic expansion or contraction and to focus economic development efforts.</span></p>

An ultrastructural study of oocyte atresia in the starfish Pisaster ochraceus

The alterations involved in oocyte atresia of the starfish Pisaster ochraceus were investigated using both light and electron microscopy. It was shown that atresia may be defined by three patterns of cell destruction. Initially, the small electron-lucent vesicles produced by the Golgi complex underwent amalgamation into groups. This was followed by loss of vesicle membranes and consequent formation of transparent necrotic zones in the cytoplasm. The second pattern, ultrastructurally comparable with autophagic cell death, was marked by apparent amalgamation of the morphologically similar electron-lucent vesicles into growing vacuoles, giving rise to a multibranched autophagic vacuole. This vacuole engulfed the cytosol granules and ultimately came to occupy the entire space within the oocyte. In addition, the cytosol insulation inside of the ‘apoptotic body-like spheres’ was regularly observed. Thus, it is supposed that oocyte destruction may occur by a complex mechanism that includes elements of necrosis, autophagic cell death and apoptosis.

Radiographic study on the pattern of wrist joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis

When planning therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the wrist joint, knowing the pattern of joint destruction is important. There were a few studies using the Larsen and modified Larsen method to evaluate RA wrist joint destruction. However, these methods are inadequate for thoroughly assessing the severity of joint destruction because joint bone erosion and joint space narrowing could not be evaluated individually in these methods. To clarify the pattern of RA wrist joint destruction in the different zones of the wrist, we conducted a large-scale radiographic study. We modified the van der Heijde/Sharp method to assess radiographic images. Subjects were 191 RA patients (22 men and 169 women; mean age 57.0years) who were examined at our center between 2001 and 2003 and underwent plain X-ray of both wrist joints (n = 382). Using X-ray images of the wrist joint, classification was performed based on the severity of wrist joint surface bone erosion and joint space narrowing at different zones, and the results were statistically analyzed. The results showed that joint space narrowing in the midcarpal joint (MCJ) advanced faster than in the radiocarpal joint (RCJ). Conversely, bone erosion in the RCJ advanced faster than in the MCJ. In X-ray diagnosis of RA wrist joint disorders, knowing the pattern of destruction is useful for assessing the presence or absence of early joint destruction and in planning therapy.

Vascular tumors of bone: Imaging findings

Purpose To identify radiological features of malignant vascular tumors of bone, which can be used to avoid erroneously diagnosing metastases based on radiological multifocality, and histological epitheloid phenotype. Materials and methods From the databases of the Bologna & Netherlands Committee on Bone Tumors, 63 patients with a histological diagnosis of malignant vascular tumor of bone were retrieved. Epidemiological and imaging characteristics were recorded on a case record form. Results In 63 patients, 185 lesions were detected by radiographs (61 patients) and/or CT (30 patients) and/or MRI (19 patients). Multifocality was observed in 25 patients (40%), in these patients most lesions were located in the femur. Typically lesions were well-defined, osteolytic, had a geographically pattern of destruction and were also located in the femur. Most lesions showed cortical destruction (118 lesions). No periosteal reaction was seen in most cases (121 lesions). In 13 of 39 patients (33%) tumor extension was more advanced and/or (additional) lesions (29 lesions; 17%) were visible on MRI and CT. In 20 cases (51%) cortex destruction was better shown on CT or MRI. In six patients (15%) periosteal reaction was only seen on MRI or CT and not on radiographs. In 16 (41%) cases soft tissue extension was only seen on MRI or CT, and not on radiographs. Extensive reactive changes on T2-weighted images were seen in 11 patients (58%). Conclusion When single, or regional multifocal osteolytic, well-marginated lesions with cortical destruction are seen, in the femur, and with marked reactive soft tissue changes on MRI, a diagnosis of malignant vascular tumor should trigger the use of additional immunohistochemistry to confirm the vascular nature of the tumor. Clinical relevance statement Because of epithelioid phenotype at histology, radiological signs are key in entertaining a diagnosis of malignant vascular tumor of bone which should trigger the use of appropriate immunohistochemical stainings.

U–Pb and Hf isotope analyses of detrital zircons from Late Paleozoic sediments: Insights into interactions of the North China Craton with surrounding plates

U–Pb dating and Hf isotope analyses were performed on detrital zircons from the Upper Permian sandstones in the Ordos and Jiyuan basins, with aims of defining the sediment provenance, and by inference, to determine the influence of the surrounding plates on the evolution of the North China Craton (NCC). Detrital Zircons from these two basins fall into three major groups based on their U–Pb ages: Phanerozoic, Paleoproterozoic, and Neoarchean. The youngest grain from every sample is only slightly younger than the real depositional age of strata. The Phanerozoic zircons from the Jiyuan basin (244–390 Ma) show ε Hf ( t) ranging from −30.3 to −1.3, suggesting a provenance from the Inner Mongolia Paleo-uplift (245–376 Ma, ε Hf ( t) = −18.9 to −1.7). A bi-modal distribution of ages and ε Hf ( t) is noted for detrital zircons from the Ordos basin; one resembles that of the Jiyuan basin, the other is characterized by Early Paleozoic ages and relatively high ε Hf ( t) values (−10.9 to 7.7). A hybrid source is thus inferred for the Ordos sediments; the Northern Qinling Orogen (428–478 Ma, ε Hf ( t) = −10.9–7.7) must have served as a source in addition to the Inner Mongolia Paleo-uplift source. This interpretation is consistent with the fact that the Northern Qinling Orogen was an active margin during the Early Paleozoic and suggests that the western part of the Northern Qinling Orogen was elevated relative to the center of the craton during the Late Paleozoic. It is likely that the Early Paleozoic arc-trench in the northern part of the Dabie Orogen was under-thrusted below the NCC due to the subduction of the Yangtze plate during the Triassic. The Inner Mongolia Paleo-uplift was strongly uplifted by subduction of the Paleo-Asian Ocean Plate underneath the northern NCC and functioned as a sediment source for the inner craton during the Late Paleozoic. These results reveal a heterogeneous pattern of destruction of the North China Craton, with its northern margin starting to be activated no later than Late Paleozoic.

Coral recruitment and recovery after the 2004 Tsunami around the Phi Phi Islands (Krabi Province) and Phuket, Andaman Sea, Thailand

The 2004 tsunami left a discontinuous pattern of destruction in the reefs along Andaman Sea coast of Thailand. Here, a comparative assessment of coral recruitment was carried out to assess differences in recovery between damaged and undamaged sites in near-shore fringing reefs 1 and 3 years after the tsunami. Settlement plates showed high frequencies of coral spat after 4 months (<17 spat tile−1) in both, damaged and undamaged locations. Field surveys carried out 3 years after the tsunami on natural substrate confirmed that tsunami damage did not suppress recruitment in damaged sites relative to no impacted controls. New and stable settlement space along with unabated larval supply supported post-tsunami recruit densities up to 7.2 m−2 year−1. Mean recruit densities were found at the level of post-storm situations with rapid recovery success, suggesting that the duration of disturbance, degree of sorting and, hence, stability of coral rubble is a key determinant of recruitment success. Low regeneration success of some species e.g. branching acroporids and rebounding tourism industry at sites like Patong and partly around the Phi Phi Islands (dense carpets of filamentous algae) led to the assumption of selectivity and eventually to an alternation of the coral community even though live coral cover might be recovered soon.

The environment, geo-epidemiology, and autoimmune disease: Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory joint disease characterized by a distinctive pattern of bone and joint destruction. RA patients have an increased risk of death. The incidence and prevalence of RA vary across populations, statistical methods, and disease definitions. In North America and Northern Europe, the incidence of RA is estimated at 20–50 cases per 100,000 population and the prevalence at 0.5–1.1%. Lower incidences and prevalences have been reported in Southern Europe, and few data are available for developing countries. Some studies showed declining incidences and prevalences after the 1960s. RA is a multifactorial disease that results from interactions between genetic and environmental factors. The main genetic factors are HLA-DRB1 and the tyrosine-phosphatase gene PTPN22. Among environmental factors implicated in the development of RA, smoking shows the strongest association with RA susceptibility and is also linked to worse outcomes. The aim of this review is to discuss the available data on the incidence and prevalence of RA, as well as the genetic and environmental risk factors associated with RA.

Choroid plexus portals and a deficiency of melatonin can explain the neuropathology of Alzheimer’s disease

Presently, the textbook description of cerebrospinal fluid absorption is through the arachnoid granules into the superior sagittal sinus. The theory is based on non-physiologic experiments and fails to explain multiple observations. Photographs and microphotographs of choroid plexus portals are included. Evidence is presented that cerebrospinal fluid is moved from the choroid fissure into the ventricular system. The deposition pattern of corpora amylacea demonstrates the bulk flow of cerebrospinal fluid. Melatonin is found in higher concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid than in simultaneously sampled blood. Melatonin is a potent antioxidant and the loss of its protection in the cerebrospinal fluid in Alzheimer's disease can explain the pattern of cell destruction. Challenges of the embedded dogma of the arachnoid granule absorption of cerebrospinal fluid have been ignored; however this old faulty theory must be abandoned in order to understand the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease.

The influence of diabetes mellitus on periodontal tissues: a pilot study

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to preliminarily evaluate the influence of diabetes mellitus (DM) on periodontal tissue without establishment of periodontitis.MethodsSeven-week-old db/db mice were used for the diabetic experimental group and systematically healthy mice of the same age were used as controls. After 1 week of acclimatization, the animals were sacrificed for hard and soft tissue evaluation. The pattern of bone destruction was evaluated by stereomicroscope evaluation with alizarin red staining and radiographic evaluation by microscopic computerized tomography images. Histological evaluation was performed with hematoxylin and eosin stain for evaluation of soft tissue changes.ResultsIn both stereomicroscope evaluation and radiograph image analysis, aggressive form of bone destruction was observed in diabetic animals when compared to the systematically healthy controls. In histological evaluation, apical migration of junctional epithelium with slight inflammatory cell infiltration was observed with disarrangement of connective tissue fibers.ConclusionsWithin the limits of this study, diabetic animals presented distortion in periodontal attachment and an aggressive bone loss pattern when compared to the healthy controls, suggesting that DM has an independent effect on periodontal tissue destruction irrespective of the presence or absence of periodontal disease.

Heavier Damages without Site Effects and Site Effects with Lighter Damages: Boumerdes City (Algeria) after the May 2003 Earthquake

The ambient vibration H/V method (Nakamura 1989) is now widely used to determine the fundamental soil frequency and has proven to be a good tool for site effect evaluation ( e.g. , Bonnefoy-Claudet, Cornou et al. 2006). More particularly, it has been used for the zoning of a number of cities around the world, such as Basel, Switzerland (Fah et al. 1997); Quito, Ecuador (Gueguen et al. 2000); Barcelona, Spain (Alfaro et al. 2001); Caracas, Venezuela (Duval et al. 2001); Almeria, Spain (Navarro et al. 2001); and Thessaloniki, Greece (Panou et al. 2005). This method has also been used to find a correlation between damages from an earthquake and the frequency of ambient vibration H/V peaks ( e.g. Gueguen et al. 1998; Panou et al. 2005; Teves Costa et al. 2007; Cara et al. 2008). Other studies show that this correlation is not always clear or even does not exist (Fallahi 2003; Gonzales et al. 2004; Chatelain, Guillier, and Parvez 2008; Theodulis et al. 2008). The 21 May 2003 Algerian ( Mw = 6.8) earthquake produced severe damages in the city of Boumerdes, among others (see Figure 1 for locations). These damages were not uniformly distributed throughout the city, with a destruction level varying from 0 up to 5%, except in two neighborhoods where it reached 30% (Hamane et al. 2007). These observations led us to try to link the destruction pattern to variations of local seismic wave amplification. One of the most widely used methods for studying this type of site effect is based on recording ambient vibrations (noise) in both the vertical and horizontal directions and computing their spectral ratio (a comprehensive review of ambient vibration studies may be found in Bonnefoy-Claudet, Bard, and Cotton 2006). The physical meanings of the ambient …

Imaging findings, prevalence and outcome of de novo and secondary malignant fibrous histiocytoma of bone

To evaluate the radiographic and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging features of primary and secondary malignant fibrous histiocytoma in bone and determine the demographics, prevalence and outcome of patients with this tumor. A retrospective search of files from two institutions identified 28 patients with malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) of bone. Microscope slides were reviewed to confirm diagnosis and identify any pre-existing lesions. Medical records were reviewed with respect to patients' demographic characteristics and outcomes. Radiographic features demonstrated an aggressive osteolytic lesion with a permeative pattern of bone destruction. Periosteal reaction was seen in three of 13 lesions. T1-weighted images (T1WIs) demonstrated signal intensity iso- to slightly hyperintense to muscle. T2-weighted images (T2WIs) demonstrated mildly higher signal intensity than that of muscle. The 5-year survival rate was 53%. The tumor arose secondarily in pre-existing lesions in 43% of patients. Metastases occurred in 46% of patients during the course of the disease, with pulmonary and osseous metastases being the most common. Secondary MFH of bone was slightly less common than primary MFH and had a prognosis similar to that of primary MFH of bone. MR imaging showed variable and somewhat unusual low to intermediate T2 signal characteristics for a radiographically malignant osteolytic lesion.

Calculation of Flexural Capacity of Steel Reinforced Concrete Beams Strengthened with FRP

Based on earlier theoretical works on RC beams ,the mechanical properties of steel reinforced concrete beams strengthened with FRP(fiber reinforce polymer) are further investigated theoretically including theirs failure mechanism and loadability. According to the design method of reinforced concrete beam strengthened with FRP, steel reinforced concrete beam strengthened with FRP mainly can have three kinds of destruction patterns: the first case is the tensile steel yield, the tensile shaped steel yield, the FRP are put off, the compressive zone’s concrete has not crushed; the second case is the tensile steel yield, the tensile shaped steel yield, the FRP are put off; the compressive zone’s concrete has crushed; the last case is the tensile steel yield, the tensile shaped steel yield, the FRP are not put off, the compressive zone’s concrete has crushed. The second case is discussed in this paper.Based on the different position of middle axle and steel, steel concrete beams strengthened with FRP include: middle axle through the steel web, and not through the steel and just in steel compression flange . Aim at these three kind of situations, the stress are analysed. According to the stress patterns of steel reinforced concrete beams strengthened with FRP and different position between neutral axis and steel, the discriminant formula of the boundary destroys and the formula of cross-section flexural capacity calculation are put forward by using limit equilibrium theory.The formula is expressed clearly, simple and easy to use.The depth of compressive region is given in view of different failure types.

Human and Feline Invasive Cervical Resorptions: The Missing Link?—Presentation of Four Cases

This report describes 4 patients presenting with multiple teeth affected by invasive cervical resorption (ICR). The cases came to our attention between 2006 and 2008; previously, no cases of multiple ICR (mICR) had been reported in Switzerland. Characteristics common to all 4 cases included progression of disease over time, similar clinical and radiographic appearance of lesions, and obscure etiology. The histologically assessed teeth showed a similar pattern of tooth destruction, with resorptive lesions being confined to the cervical region. Howship's lacunae and multinucleated, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase–positive odontoclasts were detected. None of the teeth presented with internal resorption. The positive pulp sensitivity corresponded to the histologic findings, indicating that the pulp tissue resisted degradation even in advanced stages of resorptive lesions. Although mICR is rare in humans, a similar disease known as feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORL) is common in domestic, captive, and wild cats. The etiology of FORL, like that of mICR, remains largely unknown. Because FORL has been associated with feline viruses, we asked our mICR patients whether they had had contact with cats, and interestingly, all patients reported having had direct (2 cases) or indirect (2 cases) contact. In addition, blood samples were taken from all patients for neutralization testing of feline herpes virus type 1 (FeHV-1). Indeed, the sera obtained were able to neutralize (2 cases) or partly inhibit (2 cases) replication of FeHV-1, indicating transmission of feline viruses to humans. Future studies on mICR (and FORL) should evaluate the possible role of a (feline) virus as an etiologic (co-)factor in this disease.

On the timing and duration of the destruction of the North China Craton

The timing and duration of the destruction of the North China Craton, which is pivotal to understanding the destruction mechanism and its geodynamic controlling factors, still remain controversial. On the basis of the principles of magma genesis and evolution, first we outline magmatic expressions that can be related to cratonic destruction, then use magmatic and basin evolution trends to constrain the timescale of the lithospheric thinning in North China. The main conclusions include: (1) the thinning of the lithosphere beneath the North China Craton might have started, at least locally, since late Carboniferous-late Triassic, attained its climax during the late Jurassic-early Cretaceous, and continued till the end of late Cretaceous-early Cenozoic. The destruction of the North China Craton was a relatively slow, rather than a dramatic process. (2) The weakened lithospheric zones along the margins and interiors of the craton played an important role in cratonic destruction, partly accounting for the heterogeneous pattern of cratonic destruction. (3) The tectonic factors that controlled the destruction of the North China Craton may be multiple. The late Carboniferous southward subduction of the Paleo-Asian plate and the late Triassic collision between North China and South China may have re-activated the craton by influencing the thermal and integral structure of the craton. The Pacific subduction underneath the eastern Asian continent played a determinant role in the cratonic destruction, governing the distribution patterns of post-Mesozoic basins and major tectonic configuration, temporal change of magmatism and formation of the North-South gravity lineament.

Clinical Features of Early Periodontitis

Most of the evidence on periodontitis in young individuals originates in case series or case-control studies of poor quality. We investigated the intraoral distribution of clinical attachment level (CAL) and probing depth (PD) and the associations between the oral hygiene parameters and the signs of periodontitis (CAL and PD) in adolescents. This study consisted of 87 cases presenting with CAL > or =3 mm in at least two of the 16 teeth recorded and 73 non-cases who did not fulfill this inclusion criterion, nested in a fully enumerated adolescent population, who were screened for signs of periodontitis. The 160 subjects were reexamined by a single trained and calibrated periodontist. The intraoral patterns of periodontal destruction were described graphically. Cases had more supragingival plaque, more supragingival calculus, and more bleeding on probing than non-cases. The intraoral patterns of periodontal destruction were similar in cases and non-cases. The site-specific associations between the putative determinants supragingival plaque, supragingival calculus, and bleeding on probing and the signs of periodontal destruction were highly positive. The results of this study lend little support to the notion that a particular intraoral pattern of breakdown is specific to young cases of severe periodontitis, nor do the results support the view that destruction is incommensurate with oral hygiene parameters.

Levels of Interferon‐Gamma and Transcription Factor T‐Bet in Progressive Periodontal Lesions in Patients With Chronic Periodontitis

Periodontitis is an infection with an episodic pattern of tissue-support destruction. During the generation of a primary CD4(+) T helper 1 (Th1) response, interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) acts as a positive regulator by selectively inducing Th1 differentiation through increased transcription of T-bet. The aims of this work were to determine IFN-gamma levels in samples of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and to determine IFN-gamma and transcription factor T-bet expression in gingival tissue from patients undergoing the progression of chronic periodontitis. One hundred six patients with moderate or advanced chronic periodontitis were selected. Periodontitis was characterized by at least six sites with probing depth >or=5 mm, clinical attachment loss >or=3 mm, and radiographic bone loss. Periodontitis progression was determined by the tolerance method. GCF was collected using a paper strip, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to determine the total amount of IFN-gamma. Gingival biopsies were obtained from patients for real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction to determine IFN-gamma and T-bet expression. Statistical analysis was performed using statistical software. Data were expressed as subject means +/- SD. The chi(2) and Student t tests were used. The total amount and concentration of cytokine IFN-gamma were significantly higher in active sites than in inactive sites (99.90 versus 68.90 pg; P = 0.03; 106.62 pg/mg versus 75.64 pg/mg, P = 0.04, respectively). Active sites showed a significantly lower Delta cycle threshold (Ct) of IFN-gamma than inactive sites (P = 0.04), whereas the expression of transcription factor T-bet was increased 1.42-fold in active sites compared to inactive sites. The total amount and concentration of cytokine IFN-gamma in GCF samples and transcription factor T-bet expression were increased in progressive periodontal lesions in patients with chronic periodontitis.

Different and Identical Features of Chondroblastic Osteosarcoma and Chondrosarcoma: Highlights on Radiography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

To identify the different and identical features of 2 tumors with similar pathologic findings, chondroblastic osteosarcoma (OGS) and chondrosarcoma (CSA), with highlights on radiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Ten patients with chondroblastic OGS and 10 patients with CSA were enrolled. After recording the tumor location, tumor morphology was evaluated for patterns of bony destruction, visible tumor matrix, and aggressive periosteal reactions, endosteal scalloping, cortical expansion, cortical breakthrough and pathologic fracture by radiographic analysis. Signal intensity changes, enhancement pattern, and tumor extensions were evaluated by MRI. The mean patient ages were 24.7 and 56.7 years in patients with chondroblastic OGS and CSA, respectively (p = 0.001). Tumor occurrence was detected in the appendicular bones in 8 chondroblastic OGS and 3 CSA. Three chondroblastic OGS occurred around the knee (p = 0.003). In addition, there were 6 tumors arising from the metaphysis and 2 arising from the diaphysis in chondroblastic OGS patients. In CSA patients, 1 tumor arose in the metaphysis, 1 in the diaphysis, and 1 in the epiphysis (p = 0.039). On radiographs, visible bone-forming tumor matrix was present in 8 chondroblastic OGS, and coexistence of bone- and cartilage-forming patterns were detected in 2. Visible cartilage-forming tumor matrix was present in 7 CSA, and atypical radiodensity patterns were detected in 2 (p < 0.001). Aggressive periosteal reaction was present in 7 chondroblastic OGS, and non-aggressive periosteal reaction was found in 1 CSA (p = 0.008). MRI revealed the presence of a lobular structure of high signal intensity on T2-weighted images, and peripheral rim and septal enhancement pattern was noted in 2 chondroblastic OGS and 10 CSA patients. Inhomogeneous and marginal enhancement patterns were noted in 6 and 2 chondroblastic OGS, respectively (p = 0.001). Metaphysis origin, bone-forming tumor matrix, aggressive periosteal reaction, and young patient age favored chondroblastic OGS. Some chondroblastic OGS showed radiologic and MRI appearances that were typical of CSA.

Metastatic Deposit In The Skull

METASTATIC DEPOSIT IN THE SKULL © Kai-hung Fung, 2009 Artistically rendered 3D computed tomography (CT) An inside view of the skull bone near the vertex showing the spoke wheel pattern of bony destruction from metastatic deposit in the skull vault originating from carcinoma of thyroid in a 76 years old lady. The original cross-sectional CT image is shown in figure 2 below.

No actual conflict over colony inheritance despite high potential conflict in the social wasp Polistes dominulus

Social insect societies are outstanding examples of cooperation and conflict. Individuals work together, yet seek to increase their inclusive fitness at each others' expense. One such conflict is over colony inheritance, when a queen inherits the colony following the death of the previous queen. Colony inheritance is common in the social wasp Polistes dominulus, and it can have dramatic fitness consequences. The subordinate inheriting the colony is often unrelated to the initial foundress (alpha) and the workers, who therefore get zero inclusive fitness. Workers are capable of mating and reproducing, so that inheritance by a subordinate rather than by a related worker is surprising. Using patterns of egg-laying and egg destruction, we show in 32 laboratory colonies that, upon the removal of alpha, workers fully accepted a subordinate as the new breeder. This new alpha monopolized reproduction to the same extent as alpha, and there was no increase in reproduction by workers and other subordinates. Why workers accept a potentially unrelated subordinate as breeder rather than a full-sister worker is unclear. They may be constrained to do so, and they may seek fitness benefits by producing males later in the season or by absconding the nest.

Landscape analysis and pattern of hurricane impact and circulation on mangrove forests of the Everglades

The Everglades ecosystem contains the largest contiguous tract of mangrove forest outside the tropics that were also coincidentally intersected by a major Category 5 hurricane. Airborne videography was flown to capture the landscape pattern and process of forest damage in relation to storm trajectory and circulation. Two aerial video transects, representing different topographic positions, were used to quantify forest damage from video frame analysis in relation to prevailing wind force, treefall direction, and forest height. A hurricane simulation model was applied to reconstruct wind fields corresponding to the ground location of each video frame and to correlate observed treefall and destruction patterns with wind speed and direction. Mangrove forests within the storm’s eyepath and in the right-side (forewind) quadrants suffered whole or partial blowdowns, while left-side (backwind) sites south of the eyewall zone incurred moderate canopy reduction and defoliation. Sites along the coastal transect sustained substantially more storm damage than sites along the inland transect which may be attributed to differences in stand exposure and/or stature. Observed treefall directions were shown to be non-random and associated with hurricane trajectory and simulated forewind azimuths. Wide-area sampling using airborne videography provided an efficient adjunct to limited ground observations and improved our spatial understanding of how hurricanes imprint landscape-scale patterns of disturbance.