Sara Fernandes

Significance of glycolytic metabolism-related protein expression in colorectal cancer, lymph node and hepatic metastasis

BackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies and a leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Most cancer cells display high rates of glycolysis with production of lactic acid, which is then exported to the microenvironment by monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs). The main aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of MCT expression in a comprehensive series of primary CRC cases, lymph node and hepatic metastasis.MethodsExpressions of MCT1, MCT4, CD147 and GLUT1 were studied in human samples of CRC, lymph node and hepatic metastasis, by immunohistochemistry.ResultsAll proteins were overexpressed in primary CRC, lymph node and hepatic metastasis, when compared with non-neoplastic tissue, with exception of MCT1 in lymph node and hepatic metastasis. MCT1 and MCT4 expressions were associated with CD147 and GLUT1 in primary CRC. These markers were associated with clinical pathological features, reflecting the putative role of these metabolism-related proteins in the CRC setting.ConclusionThese findings provide additional evidence for the pivotal role of MCTs in CRC maintenance and progression, and support the use of MCTs as biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in primary and metastatic CRC.

FLOSS Communities as Learning Networks

This paper discusses FLOSS communities as a prime exemple of learning networks, i.e. informal, interconnected sets of individuals mutually supporting shared knowledge acquisition and committed to self-defined goals. In particular, it addresses how the incorporation of a web-based, certification platform for Free / Libre Open Source Software in community culture and practice may increase the community impact both as learning network and open, high quality software producer.

A Preliminary Analysis of Learning Awareness in FLOSS Projects

It can be argued that participating in free/libre open source software FLOSS projects can have a positive effect in the contributors learning process. The need to interact with other contributors, to read other peoples code, write documentation, or use different tools, can motivate and implicitly foster learning. In order to validate this statement we design an appropriate questionnaire asking FLOSS contributors about their experience in FLOSS projects. In this paper, we illustrate how this questionnaire was designed and what we expect to learn from the answers. We conclude the paper with a preview of the results from three cases studies.

Synthesis and characterisation of push–pull flavin dyes with efficient second harmonic generation (SHG) properties

Organic compounds displaying second-order non-linear optical properties are key materials for optoelectronics. Here, three push–pull flavin derivates (FLA-A–C) have been synthesised and their optical, redox and second harmonic generation (SHG) properties have been investigated. In particular, we describe the role differing electron donor units (N,N-dimethylaniline-, N,N-diphenylaniline- and ferrocenyl-) attached through the C(8) position of the flavin unit have on the optical and redox properties of the latter. Hyper-Rayleigh scattering in dioxane solutions using a fundamental wavelength of 1064 nm was employed to evaluate their second-order nonlinear optical properties. Our experiments have indicated that their first hyperpolarisabilities (β) are influenced by the electronic nature and strength of the donor groups. N,N-dimethylaniline-functionalised derivative FLA-A, exhibited the largest first hyperpolarisability (β = 9550 × 10−30 esu, using the T convention) and high decomposition temperature (Td = 312 °C), thus indicating its potential application as a useful material for incorporation into non-linear optical devices.

Optical and Photovoltaic Properties of Thieno[3,2-b]thiophene-Based Push–Pull Organic Dyes with Different Anchoring Groups for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

The effect of anchoring groups on the optical and electrochemical properties of triphenylamine-thienothiophenes, and on the photovoltaic performance of DSSCs photosensitized with the prepared dyes, was studied using newly synthesized compounds with cyanoacetic acid or rhodanine-3-acetic acid groups. Precursor aldehydes were synthesized through Suzuki cross-coupling, whereas Knoevenagel condensation of these with 2-cyanoacetic acid or rhodanine-3-acetic acid afforded the final push–pull dyes. A comprehensive photophysical study was performed in solution and in the solid state. The femtosecond time-resolved transient absorption spectra for the synthesized dyes were obtained following photoexcitation in solution and for the dyes adsorbed to TiO2 mesoporous films. Information on conformation, electronic structure, and electron distribution was obtained by density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT calculations. Triphenylamine–thienothiophene functionalized with a cyanoacetic acid anchoring group displayed the highest conversion efficiency (3.68%) as the dye sensitizer in nanocrystalline TiO2 solar cells. Coadsorption studies were performed for this dye with the ruthenium-based N719 dye, and they showed dye power conversion efficiencies enhanced by 20–64%. The best cell performance obtained with the coadsorbed N719 and cyanoacetic dye showed an efficiency of 6.05%.

FLOSS in Technology-Enhanced Learning

This paper presents a comparative analysis of Free/Libre Open Source Software FLOSS Learning Management System LMS. Following a selection process we analyze the functionalities and characteristics of 8 tools commonly used in formal and informal education. More specifically we focus on the availability of different tools concerning communication and assistance, such as, forum, email, calendar, portfolios, etc. Our analysis showed that despite their similarities, the appropriateness of different FLOSS LMSs can be greatly affected by the specific needs of students, instructors and institutions.

Mechanical, surface and environmental evaluation of stone mastic asphalt mixtures with advanced asphalt binders using waste materials

The reuse of waste materials in asphalt mixtures has been recently investigated, in order to develop new sustainable solutions for the road-paving industry. Such materials should improve the mechanical performance and provide safe/comfortable pavement surface courses for road users, without compromising their environmental performance. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the mechanical, surface and environmental properties of stone mastic asphalt (SMA) mixtures produced with forward-looking asphalt binders incorporating waste materials. These binders were designed to maximise the waste material content using motor oil, high-density polyethylene, styrene–butadiene–styrene and crumb rubber, while performing so well as a commercial modified bitumen. Finally, the overall performance of the SMA mixtures produced with the selected binders was evaluated. It was concluded that these mixtures improve the water sensitivity, fatigue cracking and permanent deformation performance. The requirements for macrotexture, skid resistance and presence of heavy metals in leachates of these mixtures were similarly fulfilled. Thus, this work shows that new asphalt mixtures with waste materials can be used in road-paving works to improve the performance without compromising human and environmental safety.

Electronic governance in Portugal: a silent pioneer

This paper sums up the Portuguese experience on launching and implementing a number of successful EGOV policies at different levels. Such a success was based on a holistic understanding of EGOV, in the confluence of technology, administrative reform and innovation processes, and enforced through a number of well-defined, consistent policies carried out over time. The role of national agencies, independent from local political instances and private interests, in the implementation of an effective EGOV strategy is also stressed.

Small World Characteristics of FLOSS Distributions

Over the years, Free/Libre Open Source Software (FLOSS) distributions have become more and more complex and recent versions contain tens of thousands of packages. This has made it impossible to do quality control by hand. Instead, distribution editors must look to automated methods to ensure the quality of their distributions. In the present paper, we present some insights into the general structure of FLOSS distributions. We notably show that such distributions have the characteristics of a small world network: there are only a few important packages, and many less important packages. Identifying the important packages can help editors focus their efforts on parts of the distribution where errors will have important consequences.

Exploiting the FLOSS paradigm in collaborative e-learning: application to e-government

Modern societies face high demands for skilled professionals, able to successfully design, deploy and utilize complex Information Technology (IT) --enabled socio-technical systems at ever-increasing levels of reliability and security. Contrary to traditional education practices, the high-level training required to fulfill this demand should rely on the principle that the learners are themselves responsible for their learning process, that they have control over this process, and that the process aims at developing cross-disciplinary and problem-driven competences, not only at acquiring content knowledge. However, such training requires the presence of a highly interactive, problem-oriented environment for technology-supported learning (or e-learning). This poster presents a doctoral research project, which aims at designing, validating and monitoring a collaborative e-learning environment based on the principles of Free/Libre Open Source Software (FLOSS). In order to validate its outcomes, the project will rely on two real-life professional training programs: in Software Engineering for software managers and in e-Government for public managers. The poster presents the objectives, research methodology and expected results from this project.