Previous Classification Schemes Research Articles

Chemical variations of sulfides and metal in enstatite chondrites—Introduction of a new classification scheme

AbstractIn this study, the metal and sulfide compositions of 45 enstatite chondrites were analyzed to determine possible mineral‐chemical trends correlated with the petrologic type. Data for 35 additional samples were taken from the literature. Considering the data from this huge number of different E chondrite samples (80 in total), none of the trends previously described in the literature could be clearly confirmed. Also, among the opaque phases of enstatite chondrites, no other “new” correlations between mineral chemistry and the petrologic type were found. However, major differences in the sulfide and metal chemistry became obvious. Specifically, a certain number of chondrites in the EH and the EL groups have Cr in troilite above 2 wt%, Fe in niningerite or alabandite above 20 wt%, and lack abundant daubréelite. Differences were also found for Ni concentrations in kamacite. Thus, we propose a system for classifying E chondrites by defining four major subgroups: EHa, ELa, EHb, and ELb. All subgroups show full petrologic sequences that are similar to each other. This observation, in combination with the differences in sulfide and metal chemistry, suggests an origin of the samples from different parent bodies. Considering the anomalous E chondrite samples that neither fit in the previous classification scheme nor in the new one described here, the samples investigated in this study require at least eight different parent bodies.

A New Sequence Stratigraphic Framework of Terrestrial Fluvial

Currently, the recognition and research on the classification of fluvial types mainly focus on the description and results of a series of indicators, such as the plane shape and sediment characteristics. However, there is limited literacy about how to demonstrate the fluvial types from the depositional process, especially less on sequence model of inland fluvial. Thus, this paper aims o propose a new kind of sequence stratigraphic framework, which is able to reflect the fluvial processes under the perspective of sequence stratigraphy. Accordingly, we use the principle of concrete analysis for concrete problems by comprehensively summing up the previous classification schemes of river types. With the research method of sedimentation process, new fluvial systems tracts for fluvial are presented here, including four parts: low fluvial system tract (LFST), advancing fluvial system tract (AFST), flooding fluvial system tract (FFST), receding fluvial system tract (RFST). Moreover, these could be applied to tackle the problem of the traditional division of fluvial. Various rivers have the different characteristics of systems tracts, then this may play a vital role in the discrimination of meandering river, braided river, anastomosing river and branched river. This study embodies the philosophical thought of Process Sedimentology and may contribute to revealing the deposition process of the fluvial system more profoundly from the aspect of genetic mechanism and evolution course. Most importantly, the fluvial classification system is definitely improved from the description stage to a complete rational stage.

Sexual asynchrony in the development of beak pigmentation for the neon flying squid Ommastrephes bartramii in the North Pacific Ocean

The squid beak is a hard structure that displays high variability in both shape and coloring and can contain valuable ecological information. The beak pigmentation process reflects changes in growth and diet. In this study, we proposed species–specific beak pigmentation stages (PS) to supplement a previous classification scheme, which quantifies beak growth based on pigmentation variability. We analyzed sexual differences for Ommastrephes bartramii in the North Pacific Ocean. Distribution of beak PS increased with mantle length (ML). Body and beak measurements and beak weight were significantly different between PSs for both sexes. The relationship between ML and beak measurements differed significantly between the sexes. The observed differences might result from variable growth in different habitats as a result of sex-segregated migration in the North Pacific Ocean. The process of beak pigmentation may reflect variability in growth associated with different feeding regimes. The sexual asynchrony of pigmentation can also give us a supplemental way to discriminate different sexes using beak morphometric.

A climate network‐based index to discriminate different types of El Niño and La Niña

AbstractEl Niño exhibits distinct Eastern Pacific (EP) and Central Pacific (CP) types which are commonly, but not always consistently, distinguished from each other by different signatures in equatorial climate variability. Here we propose an index based on evolving climate networks to objectively discriminate between both flavors by utilizing a scalar‐valued measure that quantifies spatial localization and dispersion in global teleconnections of surface air temperature. Our index displays a sharp peak (high localization) during EP events, whereas during CP events (larger dispersion) it remains close to the values observed during normal periods. In contrast to previous classification schemes, our approach specifically accounts for El Niño's global impacts. We confirm recent El Niño classifications for the years 1951 to 2014 and assign types to those cases where former works yielded ambiguous results. Ultimately, we demonstrate that our index provides a similar discrimination of La Niña episodes into two distinct types.

Influence of Different Types of Recombination Active Defects on the Integral Electrical Properties of Multicrystalline Silicon Solar Cells

In this contribution the influence of different types of recombination-active defects on the integral electrical properties of multicrystalline Si solar cells is investigated. Based on a previous classification scheme related to the luminescence behavior of crystal defects, Type-A and Type-B defects are locally distinguished. It is shown that Type-A defects, correlated to iron contaminations, are dominating the efficiency by more than 20% relative through their impact on the short circuit current ISC and open circuit voltage VOC in standard Si material (only limited by recombination active crystal defects). Contrarily, Type-B defects show low influence on the efficiency of 3% relative. The impact of the detrimental Type-A defects on the electrical parameters is studied as a function of the block height. A clear correlation between the area fraction of Type-A defects and both the global Isc and the prebreakdown behavior (reverse current) in voltage regime-2 (−11 V) is observed. An outlier having an increased full-area recombination activity is traced back to dense inter- and intragrain nucleation of Fe precipitates. Based on these results it is concluded that Type-A defects are the most detrimental defects in Si solar cells (having efficiencies > 15%) and have to be prevented by optimized Si material quality and solar cell process conditions.

Identification of common gait disruption patterns in children with cerebral palsy.

Identification and classification of common gait deviation patterns in children with cerebral palsy facilitates communication between healthcare providers, provides insight into the natural history of functional ambulation, guides clinical decision making, and clarifies outcomes assessment. Previous classification schemes have been based on experiential and intuitive approaches or systematic and analytical approaches. The current gait disruption classification system has been refined to incorporate the most clinically useful aspects of previous systems. This paradigm uses the concept of primary versus compensatory deviations to identify common patterns and common causes for these patterns. The primary sagittal plane patterns include jump, crouch, and stiff gait. The primary transverse plane patterns include internal, external, and neutral progression gait. Apparent coronal plane deviation patterns are usually the consequence of sagittal and transverse plane deviations seen out of plane. Individualized assessment is essential because of the great variation in and combinations of possible patterns.

Two major heavy rain/flood events in the mid-Atlantic: June 2006 and September 2011

In June 2006, significant flooding and flash flooding impacted much of the mid-Atlantic region as a continuous supply of deep tropical moisture moved north from the subtropical Atlantic ahead of a slowmoving cold front. A 3-day period of heavy rain resulted in nearly 38.1 cm (15 in) of rain across portions of the northern mid-Atlantic with record flooding along the mainstem Susquehanna and Delaware Rivers. In September 2011, moisture associated with the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee resulted in a 24-h period of heavy rain over which rainfall totals approached 30.3 cm (12 in) across portions of central New York and northern Pennsylvania. Numerous river-stage records that were set in the June 2006 event were shattered along the mainstem Susquehanna River during the September 2011 flood. Damage estimates resulting from the flooding in both events were >2 billion dollars, and 22 lives were lost. Multiple counties across the northern mid-Atlantic were declared disaster areas. Both flood events were investigated to identify the similar meteorological features and patterns responsible for extreme rainfall. Several crucial similarities were identified that likely combined to produce historic socioeconomic and environmental impacts. One of the similarities was that each event had a well-established atmospheric river in place that provided the uninterrupted supply of deep tropical moisture. Additionally, although these events displayed many of the large-scale characteristics identified in previous flash flood classification schemes, both events were associated with the presence of coastal fronts that appeared to make these cases different from many otherwise similar and previously documented flood cases.

Neisseria adhesin A variation and revised nomenclature scheme.

Neisseria adhesin A (NadA), involved in the adhesion and invasion of Neisseria meningitidis into host tissues, is one of the major components of Bexsero, a novel multicomponent vaccine licensed for protection against meningococcal serogroup B in Europe, Australia, and Canada. NadA has been identified in approximately 30% of clinical isolates and in a much lower proportion of carrier isolates. Three protein variants were originally identified in invasive meningococci and named NadA-1, NadA-2, and NadA-3, whereas most carrier isolates either lacked the gene or harbored a different variant, NadA-4. Further analysis of isolates belonging to the sequence type 213 (ST-213) clonal complex identified NadA-5, which was structurally similar to NadA-4, but more distantly related to NadA-1, -2, and -3. At the time of this writing, more than 89 distinct nadA allele sequences and 43 distinct peptides have been described. Here, we present a revised nomenclature system, taking into account the complete data set, which is compatible with previous classification schemes and is expandable. The main features of this new scheme include (i) the grouping of the previously named NadA-2 and NadA-3 variants into a single NadA-2/3 variant, (ii) the grouping of the previously assigned NadA-4 and NadA-5 variants into a single NadA-4/5 variant, (iii) the introduction of an additional variant (NadA-6), and (iv) the classification of the variants into two main groups, named groups I and II. To facilitate querying of the sequences and submission of new allele sequences, the nucleotide and amino acid sequences are available at http://pubmlst.org/neisseria/NadA/.

Mesozoic Tectonomagmatic Evolution and Gold Metallogeny in Jiaodong Area, East China

There were twice major collision orogenic events in Jiaodong area in Mesozoic period. It showed as three times of magmatic activities and stretching in Jiaodong area. In this paper, based on collecting age datas, referring to the previous classification scheme, a chronological frame pattern of Yanshanian granites had been put forward: Linglong-Kunyushan granite emplacement was in in 160~150Ma; the formation of Guojialing granodiorite was in 130~126Ma; Weideshan granodiorite-granite emplacement was in 120~110Ma; Laoshan A-type miarolitic cavity parlkaline alkali feldspar granite emplacement was in 110~100Ma and represented the end of Yanshan movement. Gold mineralization in three periods in this area had coupled relation with Linglong-Kunyushan granite, Guojialing granodiorite and Weideshan granodiorite-granite. Jiaodong tectonic-magmatic events and gold mineralization were controlled by the interactions among Tethyan tectonic domain, Paleo-ocean tectonic domain and the Pacific tectonic domain.

Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Pancreas: Current Concepts and Controversies

In the past decade, the clinico-pathologic characteristics of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) in the pancreas have been further elucidated. Previously termed "islet cell tumors/carcinomas" or "endocrine neoplasms", they are now called pancreatic NETs (PanNETs). They occur in relatively younger patients and may arise anywhere in the pancreas. Some are associated with von Hippel-Lindau, MEN1, and other syndromes. It is now widely recognized that, with the exception of tumorlets (minute incipient neoplasms) that occur in some syndromes like MEN1, all PanNETs are malignant, albeit low-grade, and although they have a protracted clinical course and overall 10-year survival of 60-70 %, even low-stage and low-grade examples may recur and/or metastasize on long-term follow-up. Per recent consensus guidelines adopted by both European and North American NET Societies (ENETS and NANETs) and WHO-2010, PanNETs are now graded and staged separately, unlike previous classification schemes that used a combination of grade, stage, and adjunct prognosticators in an attempt to define "benign behavior" or "malignant" categories. For staging, the ENETs proposal may be more applicable than CAP/AJCC, which is based on the staging of exocrine tumors. Current grading of PanNETs is based on mitotic activity and ki-67 index. Other promising prognosticators such as necrosis, CK19, c-kit, and others are still under investigation. It has also been recognized that PanNETs have a rather wide morphologic repertoire including oncocytic, pleomorphic, ductulo-insular, sclerosing, and lipid-rich variants. Most PanNETs are diagnosed by fine needle aspiration biopsy, in which single, monotonous plasmacytoid cells with fair amounts of cytoplasm and distinctive neuroendocrine chromatin are diagnostic. Molecular alterations of PanNETs are also very different than that of ductal or acinar tumors. Loss of expression of DAXX and ATRX proteins has been recently identified in 45 %. Along with these improvements, several controversies remain, including grading, value of current cutoff ranges, and the best methods for counting ki-67 index (manual count by computer-captured image may be the most practical for the time being). More important is the controversial use of the term "carcinoma", which was previously employed in WHO-2004 only for invasive and metastatic cases but has now been made synonymous with grade 3 group of tumors. It is becoming clear that grade 3 group comprises two distinct categories: (1) differentiated but proliferatively more active tumors which typically have ki-67 indices in the 20-50 % range and (2) true poorly differentiated NE carcinomas as defined in the lung, with ki-67 typically >50 %. Further studies are needed to address these controversial aspects of PanNETs.

Knowledge Management performance measurement: measures, approaches, trends and future directions

This paper presents a review on Knowledge Management (KM) performance measurement in the past two decades. Various tools and techniques that have been developed are discussed and presented chronologically to show how KM performance measurement has changed during this period. Each tool and technique is evaluated and classified based on the types of measures and approaches used. This paper also proposes six new categories: traditional, advanced, deterministic, stochastic, general result oriented, and specific result oriented, to complement the previous classification schemes. Future research directions for KM performance measurement are identified and presented in a holistic framework to act as a guideline for new researchers who wish to embark on this field.

Analysis of genetic diversity and structure of eggplant populations (Solanum melongena L.) in China using simple sequence repeat markers

China is one of the domestication centers for eggplant, and the germplasm resources available for this organism in China are notably rich. In this study, one hundred simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used to examine the genetic diversity and relationships among 92 eggplant accessions collected from seven areas in China. Analysis of these SSRs revealed a moderate amount of polymorphism with an average polymorphism information content (PIC) value of 0.285. The average value of number of effective loci (Ne), expected heterozygosity (He) and Shannon's Information index (I) were 1.631, 0.323 and 0.570, respectively. The levels of genetic diversity observed in the seven areas were not evenly distributed and decreased from south to north. The F-statistics for these populations showed medium genetic differentiation (Fst=0.129) and considerable gene flow (Nm=2.230). The neighbor-joining (NJ) cluster analysis divided the seven areas into four clades that largely corresponded to geographic divisions. Population structure analysis resulted in two subgroups that generally fit with previous classification scheme. The results will be useful for eggplant germplasm management and will lead to more efficient use of germplasm in eggplant breeding.

Kinetic regimes and limiting cases of gas uptake and heterogeneous reactions in atmospheric aerosols and clouds: a general classification scheme

Abstract. Heterogeneous reactions are important to atmospheric chemistry and are therefore an area of intense research. In multiphase systems such as aerosols and clouds, chemical reactions are usually strongly coupled to a complex sequence of mass transport processes and results are often not easy to interpret. Here we present a systematic classification scheme for gas uptake by aerosol or cloud particles which distinguishes two major regimes: a reaction-diffusion regime and a mass transfer regime. Each of these regimes includes four distinct limiting cases, characterised by a dominant reaction location (surface or bulk) and a single rate-limiting process: chemical reaction, bulk diffusion, gas-phase diffusion or mass accommodation. The conceptual framework enables efficient comparison of different studies and reaction systems, going beyond the scope of previous classification schemes by explicitly resolving interfacial transport processes and surface reactions limited by mass transfer from the gas phase. The use of kinetic multi-layer models instead of resistor model approaches increases the flexibility and enables a broader treatment of the subject, including cases which do not fit into the strict limiting cases typical of most resistor model formulations. The relative importance of different kinetic parameters such as diffusion, reaction rate and accommodation coefficients in this system is evaluated by a quantitative global sensitivity analysis. We outline the characteristic features of each limiting case and discuss the potential relevance of different regimes and limiting cases for various reaction systems. In particular, the classification scheme is applied to three different datasets for the benchmark system of oleic acid reacting with ozone in order to demonstrate utility and highlight potential issues. In light of these results, future directions of research needed to elucidate the multiphase chemical kinetics in this and other reaction systems are discussed.

International consensus classification of hippocampal sclerosis in temporal lobe epilepsy: A Task Force report from theILAECommission on Diagnostic Methods

Hippocampal sclerosis (HS) is the most frequent histopathology encountered in patients with drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Over the past decades, various attempts have been made to classify specific patterns of hippocampal neuronal cell loss and correlate subtypes with postsurgical outcome. However, no international consensus about definitions and terminology has been achieved. A task force reviewed previous classification schemes and proposes a system based on semiquantitative hippocampal cell loss patterns that can be applied in any histopathology laboratory. Interobserver and intraobserver agreement studies reached consensus to classify three types in anatomically well-preserved hippocampal specimens: HS International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) type 1 refers always to severe neuronal cell loss and gliosis predominantly in CA1 and CA4 regions, compared to CA1 predominant neuronal cell loss and gliosis (HS ILAE type 2), or CA4 predominant neuronal cell loss and gliosis (HS ILAE type 3). Surgical hippocampus specimens obtained from patients with TLE may also show normal content of neurons with reactive gliosis only (no-HS). HS ILAE type 1 is more often associated with a history of initial precipitating injuries before age 5 years, with early seizure onset, and favorable postsurgical seizure control. CA1 predominant HS ILAE type 2 and CA4 predominant HS ILAE type 3 have been studied less systematically so far, but some reports point to less favorable outcome, and to differences regarding epilepsy history, including age of seizure onset. The proposed international consensus classification will aid in the characterization of specific clinicopathologic syndromes, and explore variability in imaging and electrophysiology findings, and in postsurgical seizure control.

Phylogenetic relationships of the cyathaspidids (Heterostraci)

The present analysis investigates for the first time the phylogenetic relationships of the cyathaspidid heterostracans by the principle of global parsimony on the basis of 36 species and 1 outgroup taxon. In this study, which assumes cyathaspidid monophyly, states for 61 characters were compiled and analysed using maximum parsimony methods, resulting in nine shortest trees of 122 steps each. The strict consensus tree shows a high degree of homoplasy and challenges previous classification schemes. The consensus topology supports previous arguments that the tolypelepids with their characteristic scale-like ornament occupy a basal position among the cyathaspidids.

Defining frontier areas in the United States

Demand is growing for a statistically based, nationally consistent definition of frontier territory, one that is adjustable within a reasonable range and applicable in different research and policy contexts. The need arises from Congressional mandates affecting rural health programs and from limitations of previous classification schemes. As used here, the term frontier denotes territory characterized by some combination of relatively low-population density and high geographic remoteness. Two features distinguish the methodology described here from earlier classifications. First, the approach strives for the most accurate measures of distance possible for the smallest units of geography containing population data. Travel time by car to nearby urban areas is calculated for coterminous US territory at the 1 × 1 kilometer grid level. Once frontier territory is delimited at the grid level, frontier populations may be summed to ZIP code areas, as demonstrated on the Main Map, or to census tracts, counties, or other useful geographic entities. Second, travel-time thresholds around urban areas were allowed to vary by urban-area population size. This is desirable because the effect of urban population size on adjacent rural population density is discontinuous. At any given distance from an urban area, population density increases as the size of the nearby urban area increases.

Pathogenesis of the C3 glomerulopathies and reclassification of MPGN

Until recently, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) was clinically classified as either primary, idiopathic MPGN or as secondary MPGN when an underlying aetiology was identifiable. Primary MPGN was further classified into three types--type I, type II, and type III--based principally on the ultrastructural appearance and location of electron-dense deposits. Both the clinical and histopathologic schemes presented problems, however, as neither was based on disease pathogenesis. An improved understanding of the role of complement in the pathogenesis of MPGN has led to a proposed reclassification into immunoglobulin-mediated disease (driven by the classical complement pathway) and non-immunoglobulin-mediated disease (driven by the alternative complement pathway). This reclassification has led to improved diagnostic clinical algorithms and the emergence of a new grouping of diseases known as the C3 glomerulopathies, best represented by dense deposit disease and C3 glomerulonephritis. In this Review, we re-examine the previous and current classification schemes of MPGN, focusing on the role of complement. We survey current data about the pathogenesis of the C3 glomerulopathies, including familial studies and patient cohorts from the USA and Europe. In addition, we discuss the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of the C3 glomerulopathies.

A review of the clinical phenotype of 254 patients with genetically confirmed pachyonychia congenita

Pachyonychia congenita (PC) is a group of autosomal dominant keratinizing disorders caused by a mutation in one of 4 keratin genes. Previous classification schemes have relied on data from case series and case reports. Most patients in these reports were not genetically tested for PC. We sought to clarify the prevalence of clinical features associated with PC. We surveyed 254 individuals with confirmed keratin mutations regarding their experience with clinical findings associated with PC. Statistical comparison of the groups by keratin mutation was performed using logistic regression analysis. Although the onset of clinical symptoms varied considerably among our patients, a diagnostic triad of toenail thickening, plantar keratoderma, and plantar pain was reported by 97% of patients with PC by age 10 years. Plantar pain had the most profound impact on quality of life. Other clinical findings reported by our patients included fingernail dystrophy, oral leukokeratosis, palmar keratoderma, follicular hyperkeratosis, hyperhidrosis, cysts, hoarseness, and natal teeth. We observed a higher likelihood of oral leukokeratosis in individuals harboring KRT6A mutations, and a strong association of natal teeth and cysts in carriers of a KRT17 mutation. Most keratin subgroups expressed a mixed constellation of findings historically reported as PC-1 and PC-2. Data were obtained through questionnaires, not by direct examination. Patients were self- or physician-referred. We propose a new classification for PC based on the specific keratin gene affected to help clinicians improve their diagnostic and prognostic accuracy, correct spurious associations, and improve therapeutic development.

Molecular systematics and character evolution in Caryophyllaceae

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to infer a substantially larger, more evenly sampled, phylogenetic tree for Caryophyllaceae in order to more confidently resolve relationships within this clade. This would allow us to evaluate previous classification schemes and to infer the evolution of a number of characters that have figured prominently in higher–level taxonomic treatments. We have inferred a 630–tip phylogeny (ca. 30% of the 2200 species) using maximum likelihood analyses of data from the nuclear ribosomal ITS region and five chloroplast genes and intergenic spacers: matK, ndhF, trnL–trnF, trnQ–rps16, and trnS–trnfM. Our results confirm that subfamily Paronychioideae is paraphyletic at the base of Caryophyllaceae. Alsinoideae and Caryophylloideae together form a clade, within which neither subfamily is monophyletic. With only a few exceptions, our results support the tribal classification presented by Harbaugh & al. (2010). In agreement with other recent studies, it appears that many of the larger genera are not strictly monophyletic. Our results imply that the first Caryophyllaceae had stipules, free sepals, small apetalous flowers with few stamens, and single–seeded indehiscent or irregularly dehiscing utricles. Stipules were lost along the branch to the Alsinoideae–Caryophylloideae clade, and the evolution of a tubular calyx marks Caryophylloideae. The evolution of petals, 10 stamens, and capsule fruits is inferred to have taken place along the branch subtending a clade that includes Sperguleae (mostly containing former members of Paronychioideae) and the remainder of Caryophyllaceae. As this previously unnamed major group is both well–supported in molecular phylogenetic studies and marked by clear–cut apomorphies, we propose the name Plurcaryophyllaceae for this clade and provide a phylogenetic definition.

Online Self-learning Internet Traffic Classification based on Profile and Ontology

Internet traffic classification plays important roles in numerous areas such as network management, traffic engineering, QoS provisioning etc. Prior traffic analysis is an essential requirement for existing classification schemes to classify unknown traffic. To overcome the drawback of the previous classification scheme to meet the requirements of the network activities, we propose online self-learning Internet traffic classification based on profile and ontology. We evaluate our proposed method through the experiments on real network traces. Experiment results illustrate this method can reason from existing knowledge on traffic classification for achieving an automatic traffic classification with high accuracy.