A Monotonic On-Line Linear Algorithm for Hierarchical Agglomerative Classification

We start from an algorithm for on-line linear hierarchical classification for multidimensional data, using a centroid aggregation criterion. After evoking some real-life on-line settings where it can be used, we analyze it mathematically, in the framework of the Lance–Williams algorithms, proving that it does not have some useful properties: it is not monotonic, nor space-conserving. In order to use its on-line capabilities, we modify it and show that it becomes monotonic. While still not having the internal similarity-external dissimilarity property, the worst case classifications of the new algorithm are correctable with an additional small computational effort, on the overall taking O(n?k) time for n points and k classes. Experimental study confirm the theoretical improvements upon the initial algorithm. A theoretical and experimental comparison to other algorithms from the literature, shows that it is among the fastest and performs well.     

Clotrimazole-loaded Eudragit® RS100 nanocapsules: Preparation,characterization and in vitro evaluation of antifungal activity against Candida species

Clotrimazole is a common choice for the treatment of vulvovaginal infections, but its low solubility and some side effects pose a challenge to its application. This work evaluated the feasibility to formulate clotrimazole-loaded cationic nanocapsules using Eudragit® RS100 and medium chain triglycerides as polymer and oily core, respectively, by the method of interfacial deposition of a preformed polymer. The physicochemical characteristics of nanocapsule formulations were evaluated at 0 day and 60 days after preparation. Particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, pH and drug content were stable during this period. In addition, nanocapsules were able to protect clotrimazole from photodegradation under UV radiation. By the dialysis bag diffusion technique, the nanosized formulations showed prolonged release of clotrimazole by anomalous transport and first order kinetics. A microbiological study was carried out by the microdilution method and showed that nanocapsules (mean size: 144 nm; zeta potential: + 12 mV) maintained the antifungal activity of clotrimazole against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata strains susceptible and resistant to fluconazole.     

Hereditary Prostate Cancer: Genes Related,Target Therapy and Prevention

Prostate cancer (PCa) is globally the second most diagnosed cancer type and the most common cause of cancer-related deaths in men. Family history of PCa, hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) and Lynch syndromes (LS), are among the most important risk factors compared to age, race, ethnicity and environmental factors for PCa development. Hereditary prostate cancer (HPCa) has the highest heritability of any major cancer in men. The proportion of PCa attributable to hereditary factors has been estimated in the range of 5–15%. To date, the genes more consistently associated to HPCa susceptibility include mismatch repair (MMR) genes (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2) and homologous recombination genes (BRCA1/2, ATM, PALB2, CHEK2). Additional genes are also recommended to be integrated into specific research, including HOXB13, BRP1 and NSB1. Importantly, BRCA1/BRCA2 and ATM mutated patients potentially benefit from Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase PARP inhibitors, through a mechanism of synthetic lethality, causing selective tumor cell cytotoxicity in cell lines. Moreover, the detection of germline alterations in MMR genes has therapeutic implications, as it may help to predict immunotherapy benefits. Here, we discuss the current knowledge of the genetic basis for inherited predisposition to PCa, the potential target therapy, and the role of active surveillance as a management strategy for patients with low-risk PCa. Finally, the current PCa guideline recommendations are reviewed.     

An Improved NER Methodology to the Portuguese Language

Mobile Networks and Applications - The text mining process typically involves the application of natural language processing (NLP) techniques, in order to obtain important information and extract...     

Chain flexibility versus molecular entanglement response to rubbing deformation in designing poly(oxadiazole-naphthylimide)s as liquid crystal orientation layers

Four poly(oxadiazole-imide)s containing naphthalene rings, with different flexibility and molecular weight, are investigated with respect to their rheological properties to establish the optimal processing conditions from solution phase to film state for liquid crystal orientation purposes. The film uniformity and strength are determined by monitoring the flow behavior and chain entanglements. The solution rheological data are in agreement with film tensile testing, revealing that higher molecular weight favors chain entanglements and implicitly the film mechanical resistance. In order to analyze the suitability of these films as alignment layers their surface is patterned by rubbing with two types of velvet. Liquid crystal alignment of 4′-pentyl-4-biphenylcarbonitrile nematic is tested by polarized light microscopy. The resulting behavior is correlated with the polyimide malleability and characteristics of the textile fibers, namely their polarity, size, and mechanical features. The competitive effects between chain flexibility and entanglements, together with the interactions occurring between the polymer and velvet are analyzed in order to explain the surface regularity, which influences the uniformity of the liquid crystal alignment. The contrast between dark and bright states recorded on the liquid crystal cell indicates that some of these polynaphthalimides are promising candidates for liquid crystal display devices.     

The Impact of Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Surfactants in the Microstructure and Rheological Behaviour of Emulsions Made With Melted Fat From Cupuassu (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Theobroma grandiflorum</Emphasis>)

Cupuassu fat is a good candidate for partial substitution of cocoa butter in many products, including emulsions. However, for such use it is necessary to know the characteristics of the products prepared with cupuassu fat. Therefore, the main goal of this work is to characterize emulsions prepared with cupuassu fat using the surfactants Tween^® 60, Tween^® 80 and Tween^® 85 as emulsifiers. The emulsions were prepared at 43 °C with addition of 0.5 or 1.5 % (w/v) of surfactant and compared with an emulsion without surfactant. All emulsions were analysed by conductivity, stability, pH, optical microscopy, rheology and oxidative stability. It was verified that the emulsions prepared with Tween^® 60 and Tween^® 80 have higher stability, smaller droplet size and higher apparent viscosity. Also, these properties are positively influenced by the concentration of the surfactant. On the other hand, emulsions prepared with Tween 85 or without surfactant reached unsatisfactory results. The rheological behaviour of the emulsions was adequately described by both Herschel-Bulkley and Mizhari-Berki models revealing pseudoplastic character. These emulsions also present strong gel behaviour, with storage modulus higher than loss modulus. In conclusion, cupuassu fat can be used as oil phase for emulsions products and this characterization helps to understand their behaviour in order to increase their use in food industry.     

Effect of sourdough fermentation on stabilisation,and chemical and nutritional characteristics of wheat germ

Lactic acid bacteria strains were identified from wheat germ by 16S rRNA partial sequencing, subjected to RAPD-PCR typing and screened. Lactobacillus plantarum LB1 and Lactobacillus rossiae LB5 were used as starters to produce sourdough fermented wheat germ (SFWG). The chemical and nutritional characteristics of SFWG were compared to those of the raw wheat germ (RWG). Lipase activity in SFWG was ca. 2.6-fold lower than that found in RWG. As shown by SPME/GC/MS analysis, most of the volatile compounds derived from lipid oxidation during storage (40 days) were at markedly lower levels in SFWG compared to RWG. Fermentation of wheat germ increased of ca. 50% the concentration of free amino acids. Glu markedly decreased in SFWG, due to its conversion in GABA. The concentration of the anti-nutritional factor raffinose also decreased in SFWG. The in vitro protein digestibility, the concentration of total phenols, phytase and antioxidant activities were increased by fermentation.     

An approach to textile dye removal using sawdust from Aspidosperma polyneuron

The textile industry is responsible for discarding wastewater contaminated with dyes. The timber industry generates waste in the form of sawdust. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the adsorptive potential of sawdust obtained from the Aspidosperma polyneuron tree for the removal of the textile dye from wastewater. Sawdust was subjected to different pre-treatments (acid, alkaline and polyethyleneimine) in order to increase its adsorption capacity. Based on the results from the isotherms, treatment with polyethyleneimine (PEI) led to the greatest adsorption capacity and fits the Freundlich model, indicating cooperative adsorption. Other treatments with sawdust best fit the Langmuir model, but the untreated sawdust presented better results than the treated sawdust. These results were only surpassed by sawdust treated with PEI. A. polyneuron revealed good potential for use as an adsorbent to remove dyes, which is a novel result, since to date there is no study on its use as a sorbent material.