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2014
Catalao, MJ, Figueiredo J, Henriques MX, Gomes JP, Filipe SR.  2014.  Optimization of fluorescent tools for cell biology studies in Gram-positive bacteria. PLoS One. 9:e113796.
Hahn, J, Ladikas M.  2014.  Responsible Research and Innovation: a Global Perspective. Enterprise and Work Innovation Studies. 10(10):9-27. AbstractWebsite

Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) is a normative concept that has captured considerable attention on the Science and Technology (S&T) policy level, but also in academic discourses. It represents a new approach to how science, innovation and research can be shaped in accordance with societal values that builds directly on the concepts and methodologies of Technology Assessment (TA). The definition and operationalization aspects of RRI remain still unclear although key ingredients such as ethical acceptability are well established in S&T debates and embrace a spectrum of standard methodological approaches. In this paper we review the conceptual debate on RRI with a focus on its constituent parts. We then present a functional comparison between RRI and TA that proves the considerable conceptual overlap in the two approaches. We argue that TA methodologies and precepts should be employed as key operationalisational features in RRI. Finally we argue for a global perspective on RRI by describing a case study on global ethics in S&T that introduces an analytical framework for ethics debates.

Simoes, S, Seixas J, Fortes P, Huppes G.  2014.  The savings of energy saving: Interactions between energy supply and demand-side options-quantification for Portugal. Energy Efficiency. 7:179–201. Abstract

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Kuckova, SH, Krizkova MC, Cortes Pereira CL, Hynek R, Lavrova O, Busani T, Branco LC, Anca Sandu IC.  2014.  Assessment of Green Cleaning Effectiveness on Polychrome Surfaces by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry and Microscopic Imaging. Microscopy Research and Technique. 77:574-585., Number 8 AbstractWebsite
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F. S. Silva, T, M. D. R. S. Martins L, Guedes da Silva FMC, Kuznetsov ML, Fernandes AR, Silva A, Pan C-J, Lee J-F, Hwang B-J, J. L. Pombeiro A.  2014.  Cobalt Complexes with Pyrazole Ligands as Catalyst Precursors for the Peroxidative Oxidation of Cyclohexane: X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy Studies and Biological Applications. Chemistry – An Asian Journal. 9:1132–1143., Number 4: WILEY-VCH Verlag AbstractWebsite
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Boavida, N, Moniz A, Laranja M.  2014.  Towards an assessment of the Portuguese e-mobility case; The Mobi-E. Technology assessment and policy areas of great transitions. (Michalek, T., Hebakova, L., Hennen, L., Scherz, C., Nierling, L., Hahn, J., Eds.).:263-269., Prague: Technology Centre ASCR Abstract
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Bernacka-Wojcik, I, Ribeiro S, Wojcik PJ, Alves PU, Busani T, Fortunato E, Baptista PV, Covas JA, Águas H, Hilliou L, Martins R.  2014.  {Experimental optimization of a passive planar rhombic micromixer with obstacles for effective mixing in a short channel length}. RSC Advances. 4:56013–56025., Number 99 AbstractWebsite

This paper presents the performance of a passive planar rhombic micromixer with diamond-shaped obstacles and a rectangular contraction between the rhombi. The device was experimentally optimized using water for high mixing efficiency and a low pressure drop over a wide range of Reynolds numbers (Re = 0.1–117.6) by varying geometrical parameters such as the number of rhombi, the distance between obstacles and the contraction width. Due to the large amount of data generated, statistical methods were used to facilitate and improve the results of the analysis. The results revealed a rank of factors influencing mixing efficiency: Reynolds number {\textgreater} number of rhombi {\textgreater} contraction width {\textgreater} inter-obstacles distance. The pressure drop measured after three rhombi depends mainly on Re and inter-obstacle distance. The resulting optimum geometry for the low Re regime has a contraction width of 101 $μ$m and inter-obstacles distance of 93 $μ$m, while for the high Re regime a contraction width of 400 $μ$m and inter-obstacle distance of 121 $μ$m are more appropriate. These mixers enabled 80{%} mixing efficiency creating a pressure drop of 6.0 Pa at Re = 0.1 and 5.1 × 104 Pa at Re = 117.6, with a mixer length of 2.5 mm. To the authors' knowledge, the developed mixer is one of the shortest planar passive micromixers reported to date.

2013
Conde, J, Tian F, Hernández Y, Bao C, Cui D, Janssen {KP}, Ibarra R}{M, Baptista {PV}, Stoeger T, {de la Fuente} {JM }.  2013.  Invivo tumor targeting via nanoparticle-mediated therapeutic siRNA coupled to inflammatory response in lung cancer mouse models, oct. Biomaterials. 34:7744–7753., Number 31: Elsevier Abstract

Up to now, functionalized gold nanoparticles have been optimized as an effective intracellular invitro delivery vehicle for siRNAs to interfere with the expression of specific genes by selective targeting, and provide protection against nucleases. Few examples however of suchlike invivo applications have been described so far. In this study, we report the use of siRNA/RGD gold nanoparticles capable of targeting tumor cells in a lung cancer syngeneic orthotopic murine model. Therapeutic RGD-nanoparticle treatment resulted in successful targeting evident from significant c-myc oncogene down-regulation followed by tumor growth inhibition and prolonged survival of lung tumor bearing mice, possibly via αvβ3 integrin interaction. Our results suggest that RGD gold nanoparticles-mediated delivery of siRNA by intratracheal instillation in mice leads to successful suppression of tumor cell proliferation and respective tumor size reduction. These results reiterate the capability of functionalized gold nanoparticles for targeted delivery of siRNA to cancer cells towards effective silencing of the specific target oncogene. What is more, we demonstrate that the gold-nanoconjugates trigger a complex inflammatory and immune response that might promote the therapeutic effect of the RNAi to reduce tumor size with low doses of siRNA.

Conde, J, Ambrosone A, Hernandez Y, Marchesano V, Tian F, {Ricardo Ibarra} M, Baptista {PV}, Tortiglione C, {de la Fuente} {JM }.  2013.  Designing gold nanoparticles for in vivo gene silencing as a new therapeutic tool, dec. Human Gene Therapy. 24:A24–A24., Number 12: Mary Ann Leibert Abstract
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Baltazar, LG, Henriques FMA.  2013.  Performance improvement of hydraulic lime based grouts for masonry consolidation – An experimental study, 25th - 27th June. Proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Studies, Repairs and Maintenance of Heritage Architecture. , New Forest, UK
Jorne, F, Henriques FMA.  2013.  Study of hydraulic lime grout injections in different porous media: an experimental study, 25th - 27th June. Proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Studies, Repairs and Maintenance of Heritage Architecture. , New Forest, UK
Coutinho, ML, Miller AZ, Gutierrez-Patricio S, Hernandez-Marine M, Gomez-Bolea A, Rogerio-Candelera MA, Philips AJL, Jurado V, Saiz-Jimenez C, Macedo MF.  2013.  Microbial communities on deteriorated artistic tiles from Pena National Palace (Sintra, Portugal), 2013. International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation. 84:322-332. AbstractWebsite
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Henriques, MX, Catalão MJ, Figueiredo J, Gomes JP, Filipe SR.  2013.  Construction of improved tools for protein localization studies in Streptococcus pneumoniae. PLoS One. 8:e55049.
Barroso, T, Hussain A, Roque ACA, Aguiar‐Ricardo A.  2013.  Functional monolithic platforms: Chromatographic tools for antibody purification. Biotechnology journal. 8(6):671–681. AbstractWebsite

Polymer monoliths are an efficient platform for antibody purification. The use of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and engineered antibody structures as therapeutics has increased exponentially over the past few decades. Several approaches use polymer monoliths to purify large quantities of antibody with defined clinical and performance requirements. Functional monolithic supports have attracted a great deal of attention as they offer practical advantages for antibody purification, such as more rapid analysis, smaller sample volume requirements and the opportunity for a greater target molecule enrichment. This review focuses on the development of synthetic and natural polymer-based monoliths for antibody purification. The materials and methods employed in monolith production are discussed, highlighting the properties of each system. We also review the structural characterization techniques available using monolithic systems and their performance under different chromatographic approaches to antibody capture and release. Finally, a summary of monolithic platforms developed for antibody separation is presented, as well as expected trends in research to solve current and future challenges in this field. This review comprises a comprehensive analysis of proposed solutions highlighting the remarkable potential of monolithic platforms.

Baltazar, LG, Henriques FMA, Jorne F, Cidade MT.  2013.  The use of rheology in the study of the composition effects on the fresh behaviour of hydraulic lime grouts for injection of masonry walls. Rheologica Acta . 52(2):127-138.
Gomes, L, Marques A, Branco A, Araujo J, Simoes M, Cardoso S, Silva F, Henriques I, Laia CAT, Costa C.  2013.  IZO deposition by RF and DC sputtering on paper and application on flexible electrochromic devices. Displays. 34:326-333., Number 4 AbstractWebsite
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2012
Conde, J, Ambrosone A, Sanz V, Hernandez Y, Marchesano V, Tian F, Child H, Berry {CC }, Ibarra R}{M, Baptista {PV}, Tortiglione C, {de la Fuente} {JM }.  2012.  Design of multifunctional gold nanoparticles for in vitro and in vivo gene silencing, sep. ACS Nano. 6:8316–8324., Number 9: ACS - American Chemical Society Abstract

Over the past decade, the capability of double-stranded RNAs to interfere with gene expression has driven new therapeutic approaches. Since small interfering RNA (siRNAs, 21 base pair double-stranded RNA) was shown to be able to elicit RNA interference (RNAi), efforts were directed toward the development of efficient delivery systems to preserve siRNA bioactivity throughout the delivery route, from the administration site to the target cell. Here we provide evidence of RNAi triggering, specifically silencing c-myc protooncogene, via the synthesis of a library of novel multifunctional gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The efficiency of the AuNPs is demonstrated using a hierarchical approach including three biological systems of increasing complexity: in vitro cultured human cells, in vivo invertebrate (freshwater polyp, Hydra), and in vivo vertebrate (mouse) models. Our synthetic methodology involved fine-tuning of multiple structural and functional moieties. Selection of the most active functionalities was assisted step-by-step through functional testing that adopted this hierarchical strategy. Merging these chemical and biological approaches led to a safe, nonpathogenic, self-tracking, and universally valid nanocarrier that could be exploited for therapeutic RNAi.

Fournier, G, Hinderer H, Schmid D, Seign R, Baumann M.  2012.  {The new mobility paradigm: Transformation of value chain and business models}, November. Enterprise and Work Innovation Studies. 8:9-40., Number 8 AbstractWebsite

Four categories of innovations have been identified by Freeman and Perez: incremental innovations, radical innovations, new technological systems (systemic innovations), and technological revolutions or new techno-economic paradigms. New techno-economic paradigms represent changes in technological systems that are so far-reaching in their effects that they have a major influence on the behaviour of the entire economy. Scarcity of oil and external costs like global warming are the key arguments and the main drivers of the change of the current paradigm. They will affect especially the mobility of individuals and the interlinked business models. Novel business models within newly created markets will raise e.g. extended mobility services, activities aiming at the infrastructure, new opportunities in the field of energy transmission and supply and even new strategies of recycling, reusing or reducing the use of resources in order to address global scarcity issues. Especially for the established players of the automotive industry like original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) or 1st and 2nd tier suppliers this implicates opportunities and risks at the same time. But also new players will get the chance to create and enter new markets with new or extended products or services and lead the new value chain. This paper compiles and evaluates current approaches and business models of selected OEMs together with upcoming players. Additionally their positions within the existing value chain are being analyzed and classified. Bringing together the identified drivers of changes with current trends within the automotive industry the authors also show new concepts of extended business models, e.g. the idea of an ecosystem, that have the potential to cause an additional shift of power within the global mobility value chain.

Conde, J, Baptista {PV}, Hernández Y, Sanz V, {de la Fuente} {JM }.  2012.  Modification of plasmid DNA topology by histone-mimetic gold nanoparticles, nov. Nanomedicine. 7:1657–1666., Number 11: Future Medicine Ltd. Abstract

Aims: Our aim is to explore whether gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functionalized with a carboxylated polyethylene glycol (PEG) and protamine (AuNP@PEG@Prot) can modulate - enhance or restrain - DNA condensation, altering DNA conformation and inducing structural changes. Understanding how these nanoconjugates modulate DNA structure, size and shape of DNA condensates, and enable control over the resulting 3D structures is of major biological and therapeutic importance. Materials & methods: Citrate-AuNPs were covered with a dense layer of a hetero-functional octa(ethylene glycol) (SH-EG(8)-COOH). Conjugation of protamine to the AuNP@PEG was achieved by taking advantage of the carboxylated surface previously generated on the surface of the NP and the remaining amino groups from the protamine, using carbodiimide and N-hydroxysulfosuccinimide coupling reactions. Results & conclusion: AuNP@PEG@Prot modulates the structure and topology of DNA, not only for condensation, but also for decondensation, via formation of higher quantities of dimers and multimers, when compared with AuNP@PEG and free protamine.

Sanz, V, Conde J, Ambrosone A, Hernandez Y, Marchesasno V, Estrada {GG }, Ibarra {MR }, Baptista {PV}, Tian F, Tortiglione C, {de la Fuente} {JM }.  2012.  Multifunctional gold nanoparticles for gene silencing, mar. Abstracts Of Papers Of The American Chemical Society. 243: ACS - American Chemical Society Abstract
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Sanz, V, Conde J, Hernández Y, Baptista {PV}, Ibarra {MR }, {de la Fuente} {JM }.  2012.  Effect of PEG biofunctional spacers and TAT peptide on dsRNA loading on gold nanoparticles, jun. Journal Of Nanoparticle Research. 14, Number 6: Kluwer Academic Publishers Abstract

The surface chemistry of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) plays a critical role in the self-assembly of thiolated molecules and in retaining the biological function of the conjugated biomolecules. According to the well-established gold-thiol interaction the undefined ionic species on citrate-reduced gold nanoparticle surface can be replaced with a self-assembled monolayer of certain thiolate derivatives and other biomolecules. Understanding the effect of such derivatives in the functionalization of several types of biomolecules, such as PEGs, peptides or nucleic acids, has become a significant challenge. Here, an approach to attach specific biomolecules to the AuNPs (∼14 nm) surface is presented together with a study of their effect in the functionalization with other specific derivatives. The effect of biofunctional spacers such as thiolated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chains and a positive peptide, TAT, in dsRNA loading on AuNPs is reported. Based on the obtained data, we hypothesize that loading of oligonucleotides onto the AuNP surface may be controlled by ionic and weak interactions positioning the entry of the oligo through the PEG layer. We demonstrate that there is a synergistic effect of the TAT peptide and PEG chains with specific functional groups on the enhancement of dsRNA loading onto AuNPs.

Baltazar, LG, Henriques FMA, Cidade MT.  2012.  Influence of different types of admixtures on the rheological properties of hydraulic lime grouts, 5th-10th August . Proceedings of the XVIth international Congress on Rheology. , Lisbon, Portugal
Jorne, F, Henriques FMA, Baltazar LG.  2012.  Grout injection in porous media with different internal structures, 3rd – 5th July . Proceedings of the 14th International Conference - Structural Faults & Repair. , Edinburgh, Scotland
Horst, M.  2012.  Ambient Intelligence in Home Care in the Netherlands, 2012. :29., Monte de Caparica: IET Abstract

The largest age group in the Netherlands is aging and when they are in need of home care, there will not be enough people to take care of them in the current healthcare system. One solution could be found in Ambient Intelligence, for it could aid in maintaining independency and postpone the time that people have to go to a nursing home. Furthermore, it could make the job of the caretakers easier. There are pros and cons to use Ambient Intelligence in this delicate matter that will be discussed in this paper. Furthermore, the implications of employing Ambient Intelligence strategies in home care situations will be considered. The conclusions of a recent study by the Rathenau Institute will be used as the red thread, critically looked at and taken into consideration for the recommendations of how to implement Ambient Intelligence in home care.

Jorne, F, Henriques FMA, Baltazar LG.  2012.  Avaliação da técnica de injecção de grout recorrendo ao ensaio de ultra-sons e tomografia ultra-sónica (in portuguese), 18th-20th Decemb. Proceedings of the 4th National Congress on Construction. , Coimbra, Portugal
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