Tree architecture in a Bornean lowland rain forest: intraspecific and interspecific patterns

Intraspecific and interspecific architectural patterns were studied for eight tree species of a Bornean rain forest. Trees 5--19 m tall in two 4-ha permanent sample plots in primary forest were selected, and three light descriptors and seven architectural traits for each tree were measured. Two general predictions were made: (1) Slow growing individuals (or short ones) encounter lower light, and have flatter crowns, fewer leaf layers, and thinner stems, than do fast growing individuals (or tall ones). (2) Species with higher shade-tolerance receive less light and have flatter crowns, fewer leaf layers, and thinner stems, than do species with lower shade-tolerance. Shade-tolerance is assumed to decrease with maximum growth rate, mortality rate, and adult stature of a species.

Changes in Scleral Architecture in Chronic Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease.

PURPOSE: To describe scleral changes in chronic VKH. METHODS: Medical records of patients with chronic VKH were retrospectively reviewed. Change of scleral architecture was defined as progressive posterior bowing on OCT, axial length elongation, and/or increased myopia more than -1.0 D, not explicable by other etiologies. RESULTS: In total, 28 eyes (16 patients) with mean age of disease onset 32.5 ± 14.0 years were included in the study. Disease duration was 15.1 ± 10.2 years. Eight eyes (28.6%) showed progressive scleral architectural changes. Five eyes (18%) developed scleral changes on OCT, not seen on prior imaging (2-12 years earlier). One eye had posterior bowing on OCT with increased axial length, both eyes of a bilateral pseudophake developed increased myopia with increased axial length. Well-circumscribed chorioretinal atrophy within the arcade was associated with progressive scleral change. CONCLUSIONS: Progressive scleral change may develop as a late complication of VKH. The association with well-circumscribed chorioretinal atrophy suggests that chronic choroidal inflammation may be responsible.