Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-actions-marie-curie-participations-et-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Projet MILER (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - Global Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Leptin regulates energy balance by functioning as a “satiety signal”. When identified 26 years ago, expectations were high that leptin therapies could be used for the treatment of obesity. In contrast to the successful use of leptin for treatment of individuals with lipodystrophy and complete leptin deficiency, pharmacological approaches using leptin therapy for the treatment of diet-induced obesity have been widely unsuccessful. Injecting recombinant leptin in the context of obesity, associated with elevated leptin levels, remains ineffective as central neurons become leptin resistant. Interestingly, Scherer et al. recently published a series of findings that encourages for a conceptual shift. They reported that a partial reduction of circulating leptin levels in the obese state prompts an unexpected systemic response resulting in weight loss, reduced food intake, improved glucose and insulin tolerance and increased energy expenditure - all consistent with leptin re-sensitization in central neurons. The systemic physiological benefits of partial leptin reduction have already been demonstrated. The overall goal of this proposal is therefore to determine the underlying molecular mechanisms that are induced by leptin reduction and trigger leptin re-sensitization. Understanding of these conceptual steps should lead us to explore partial leptin reduction as a viable avenue for anti-obesity and anti-diabetic therapy in the near future. We aim to determine the peripheral effects of leptin reduction using neutralizing leptin antibodies and advanced mouse genetics. Moreover, we will determine downstream signaling events that are affected in peripheral tissues upon leptin depletion using imaging mass cytometry and transcriptional regulation by single cell RNAseq. Finally, we will also determine whether leptin lowering offers synergistic effects with existing weight loss approaches and whether anti-diabetic interventions rely on leptin lowering independent of weight loss.

Mots clés : obesity, leptin, leptin resistance

Participants :
- The University of Texas System (Etats-Unis) — Partner, organization partner, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 0.0 €
- University of Bergen (Norvège) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 284345.28 €
Projet LiVE (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2019)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Social Sciences and Humanities
Statut du projet : SIGNED

LiVE provides a historically informed comparative ethnography of contemporary vulture conservation in changing European landscapes. It investigates how the global phenomena of accelerating species loss and corresponding wildlife management unfold within specific historical and cultural contexts. Based within the discipline of social anthropology, and drawing on an interdisciplinary framework, the project expands science-centred discourses on wildlife conservation and management to include social and cultural analysis. It will do so through a timely in-depth qualitative analysis of the situated practices, techniques and ideas involved in vulture conservation today, emplaced in two rural communities in Andalusia, Spain, and the Massif Central in France. Using participatory methods the project involves close collaboration with conservation practitioners and stakeholders in the field. Through integrating the latest interdisciplinary knowledge from avian conservation science and vulture biology into social analysis, as well as by experimenting with more-than-human ethnographic methods, the project results in an innovative study of how to understand and manage wildlife conservation in the Sixth Extinction. Insights gained through the study will be of relevance to academic and applied environmental research, whilst also contributing new knowledge to wider cross-disciplinary public debates on the challenges and possibilities of human-wildlife coexistence in anthropogenic environments. In doing so, it applies RRI principles and contributes to addressing challenges of sustainable development specified in the Horizon 2020 Work Programme and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Mots clés : environmental anthropology, environmental humanities, human animal relationships, conservation, environmental change, vultures

Participants :
- University of Oslo (Norvège) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 321238.08 €
Projet NEWCPLECS (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Light emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) are key devices in the future development of lighting technologies as they are much more competitive than OLEDs from an economic/manufacturing point of view. In addition, the compatibility of LECs with metal free electrodes allow the design of flexible/printable/customizable devices. Despite their potential to overcome the OLEDs, this technology has been limited by the sparse number of emissive complexes that have produced good performing LECs and the prize of them. Besides, these good performing LECs are limited to the yellow/green spectral region. The use of Cu-iTMC in LECs technology is a promising approach to access to cheap and easy to manufacture LECs that cover the whole Visible-NearIR region. However, Cu-iTMC show an inherent lack of stability that inhibits their implementation. We propose the synthesis of mesogenic Cu-iTMC to enhance their stability. Besides, this will be the first incursion of Cu-iTMC in the design of flexible/printable LECs. From the other side, while circular polarized (CP) devices are crucial in display technology and there are a good number of CP-OLEDs, there are no precedents of CP-LECs. In this proposal, we also establish a simple and approachable strategy to design the very first family of intrinsically polarized LECs. In summary, we present synthetic routes and chemical tools to prepare functionalized Cu-iTMC that will be used in the manufacture of a whole new generation of LECs with a) High stabilities b) Polarized emission b) Flexible mechanical properties.

Mots clés : light emitting electrochemical cells, circular polarized emission, quasi solid state devices

Participants :
- Madrid Institute for Advanced Studies (Espagne) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 170121.6 €
Projet LASERLOOP (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Physics
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Light is a powerful carrier of quantum information and an established tool to manipulate matter at the quantum level. In this action, we explore a novel technique of using light in quantum physics and technology: As a means to generate for the first time strong, quantum coherent interactions between different systems over macroscopic distances. Our approach relies on a laser loop that connects the systems and mediates coherent bidirectional interactions between them. This is possible due to a destructive interference of the quantum noise introduced by the light, otherwise responsible for decoherence. At the same time, information is erased from the output field, making the loop effectively closed to the environment. This makes it possible to achieve quantum coherent coupling between the two systems. We will use this technique to couple a nanomechanical oscillator and an atomic spin ensemble in the quantum regime and we will engineer a variety of different interactions between them. This enables the generation of state-swaps and two-mode squeezing, offering new possibilities for the quantum control of the motion of macroscopic objects. Another particular focus will be understanding the role of the environment in quantum physics, which requires to induce dissipation in a controlled manner. The laser loop scheme proposed in this action allows to engineer such an environment, and to profit from the large parameter tunability of atomic and nanomechanical devices to study the physics of non-Hermitian systems. These feature degeneracies known as exceptional points, showing remarkable properties such as enhanced sensitivity to external parameters. Exceptional points have mainly been investigated so far in a classical context and will be studied in this project in a hybrid quantum system. The research in this action will extend the toolbox for engineering long-distance interactions in quantum networks, also with relevance for quantum sensing and simulation.

Mots clés : optomechanics, quantum interface, hybrid quantum system, cold atoms, nano mechanical oscillator, light matter interactions, exceptional points

Participants :
- University of Basel (Suisse) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 191149.44 €
Projet LightFasTR (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2015)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Social Sciences and Humanities
Statut du projet : CLOSED

LightFasTR seeks to increase physical and creative access to Europe’s most profitable globalised textile of the 19th c. Industrial Revolution - Turkey red (TR) printed cotton. TR was famed for colourful bold patterns on a characteristic bright red background. Many 19th c. TR printed cottons survive within the pages of pattern books as well-preserved, vibrant and creative storyboards of forgotten global trade and cultural connections. Museums and archives want to exhibit these collections and increase access, but need to preserve the colours, especially the characteristic red. The 19th c. TR makers’ claim of excellent light-fastness for the red dye is unproven, raising uncertainty about suitable light levels and exposure times for historical TR textile collections. LightFasTR unites the materials and processes of making 19th c. TR with modern dye chemistry and heritage textile conservation science to provide essential guidance for museums and archives. LightFasTR draws upon the Fellow’s expertise in dye chemistry and reaction mechanisms, and extensive research knowledge of industrial dyeing, notably madder, the traditional natural dye for TR. The Fellow takes an innovative approach to heritage TR preservation by combining historical research of different 19th c. materials and methods with state-of–the art chemical studies of the colorants in historical and reconstructed textiles. LightFasTR seeks to answer: to what extent do differences in materials, methods, makers and period impact on TR colour light-fastness? How much light exposure is safe for historical TR, particularly the red dyes? Should recommended current light-levels in museums and archives be increased or decreased for TR? The Fellow brings the host organisation a unique skill-set of natural dye chemistry for industrialised dyeing to create a world-class knowledge base in the lost tacit and technical skills needed to needed to understand and preserve Europe’s surviving TR heritage.

Mots clés : conservation, textile design, dye chemistry, natural dye industry revival

Participants :
- University of Glasgow (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 183454.8 €
Projet CREPE (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2017)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Lightweight carbon-fibre composites are now widely-used in the aerospace industry and contribute to a reduction of fuel consumption and carbon-footprints in air transportation. A similar penetration of carbon fibre composites in the automotive industry could lead to a reduction of 60 Mton of CO2 emissions per year. More recently, the emergence of functional nano composites is enabling polymers to replace metallic materials in areas where functionality such as high thermal or electrical conductivity is required. Much research to date to improve the structural and functional behaviour of composites has focussed on the fibres or nanoparticle while understanding the role of the matrix, which is necessary for any composite has been largely neglected. This Fellowship will adopt a resin-centred approach to understanding the processing, fabrication, and performance of polymer based composites. This Fellowship will demonstrate that by careful selection of appropriate matrix ‘ingredients’, significant performance improvements can be obtained. Furthermore, this Fellowship will link the molecular structure of a composite matrix directly to the observed in-service performance, paving the way for the bespoke design of resin for any conceivable application.


Participants :
- Fergusson's advanced composites technology ltd (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Organismes privés (hors enseignement), subvention : 195454.8 €
Projet LivFlip (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Life Sciences
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Lipid flippases mediate transport of phospholipids from the exoplasmic leaflet to the cytosolic one, and their role is to establish and maintain phospholipid asymmetry in eukaryotic membranes. This asymmetry is tightly regulated and it is implicated in numerous cellular processes such as membrane trafficking, signaling, blood coagulation, apoptosis, cytokinesis, or cell fusion. The human genome encodes 14 different P4-ATPases, a subset of them being linked to pathologies such as mental retardation, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, cancer or liver disorders. As concerns the latter disease, it has been demonstrated that mutations of the human lipid flippase ATP8B1, are responsible for inherited intrahepatic cholestasis. The intrahepatic cholestasis affects mostly children and is characterized by pruritus, recurrent jaundice, growth failure and an evolutive liver degradation which requires transplantation before adulthood in most severe cases. Up to now, little is known about the function of ATP8B1 at the canalicular membrane and this is mainly due to the lack of consensus regarding its transport substrate and how its activity is regulated. Preliminary results indicate that ATP8B1 has a broader transport substrate specificity than previously reported in the literature and therefore its study will widen our understanding of the biochemical basis of lipid selectivity in lipid flippases. In addition, in the proposed project I aim at understanding how a disease related lipid flippase, ATP8B1, is regulated in vitro and in vivo and at understanding functional and structural consequences of identified mutations of ATP8B1 linked to the intrahepatic cholestasis.


Participants :
- Aarhus University (Danemark) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 219312.0 €
Projet HS-GLASSion (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2014)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Lithium ion batteries (LIB) with a solid-state electrolyte component is one of the much desired goals for rechargeable energy sources since they provide with high safety, high reliability and high energy density. Inorganic glass-based electrolytes are very promising materials due to their higher ionic conductivity when compared to crystalline alternatives. Nevertheless, important concerns still have to be resolved and optimized. For instance, ionic conductivity in glass-based electrolytes continues to be poor compared to liquid electrolytes and their stability still lacks of long lifetime capability. In general, necessary innovative scenarios are needed as the next step forward in current thin film battery research. In order to improve performance and solve these issues in LIB's we propose, as the main purpose within HS-GLASS+ion, the addition of a new class of materials, the so called highly stable glasses (HSG). These glasses can achieve remarkable properties when prepared through vacuum deposition processes when tuning several parameters during film growth. This new discovery is well considered as an important development in glasses and supercooled liquids but still unknown in the area of energy storage. HSG’s have higher densities which can help to easily create large homogeneous areas without any performance threatening artefacts. They are more resistant to temperature and vapor uptake which will increase chemical and structural stability of electrolytes. The lack of grain boundaries but the coinciding existence of short-range order will modify Li+ ion mobility achieving properties that have not yet been explored in battery research. The ability of tuning stability on HSG’s will help boost interface engineering through gradient compositions between the electrodes and electrolyte. The outstanding properties of HSG's will help fulfill thin film technology needs and battery research current requirements.

Mots clés : lithium ion batteries, stable glasses, solid state, electrolyte, thin films, ionic conductivity

Participants :
- IMEC (Belgique) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Recherche, subvention : 172800.0 €
Projet LIB STRESS (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2016)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Information Science and Engineering
Statut du projet : CLOSED

Lithium-ion batteries (LIB) are found in many applications such as consumer electronics, electric vehicles and airplanes. However, despite of the high safety standards being imposed, there have been many reported accidents as well as recalls by some manufacturers. Most accidents can be sourced to runaway reactions, which could happen if the LIBs are overheated or overcharged. Thermal runaway can cause rapid temperature rise in the LIB, resulting in excessive thermal stress in the electrodes and the separator, a permeable membrane placed between the anode and cathode. Such mechanical degradation can cause the fading of battery capacity, and in extreme cases result in cell rupture, releasing of flammable gases, fire and explosions. The proposed research is aimed at analysing the thermal behaviour and structure response of LIB cells during charge and discharge cycles as well as abnormal conditions such as overcharging and under impact by a projectile. The cutting edge phase field model (PFM) will be combined with multi-physics finite element code COMSOL to analyse the deformation induced stresses induced by insertion of lithium in the electrodes under constraints and high temperatures as well as the resulting crack or microfracture in the electrode materials. The PFM is different from discrete fracture and continuum damage models and ideal for dealing with branch crack and multiple crack problems. The specific objectives of the research include: - Investigate LIB cell temperature changes under abnormal conditions such as overcharging and under impact by a projectile. - Implement the PFM in COMSOL to handle the electrochemical reaction on surfaces, phase interfaces and crack surfaces in lithium ion battery electrode particles. - Validate the above with published results and new data to be generated by partner organisation. - Investigate the combined effects of electrochemical, mechanical and thermal on LIB behaviour and performance. - Final analysis and report.

Mots clés : lithium ion battery, thermal runaway, mechanical degradation, cell rupture, thermal behaviour, structure response, smoothed finite element and phase field model

Participants :
- University of Warwick (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 195454.8 €
Projet ISOBEL (Horizon 2020, appel à projets 2020)
Action : Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
Panel : Chemistry
Statut du projet : SIGNED

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are a key technology in enabling the transition from a dependence on fossil fuels towards renewable energy sources. However, increased energy density, cycle life, and recyclability are still needed. The different degradation processes in the LIBs are hard to disentangle from post-mortem measurements alone, as intermediate species cannot be detected and changes may occur during cell disassembly. This project aims to apply novel in situ techniques to directly observe the processes involved in transition metal (TM) dissolution, how this affects electrolyte decomposition at the cathode and anode, and the effect on the stability of the solid electrolyte interphase layer. This will be achieved via novel in-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements that allow electrodes and electrolyte to be simultaneously observed during cycling. This understanding will be used to develop solutions to mitigate TM-dissolution and its impact on cycle life. The focus will be LiNixMn(1-x)/2Co(1-x)/2O2 (NMC) electrodes used in many commercial LIBs, where larger energy densities can be achieved by increasing the nickel content. However, this is accompanied by higher levels of side-reactions from the more reactive surfaces. The electrolyte degradation products coming from NMC materials with different nickel content will be identified and prevented from reaching the graphite electrode by using lithium-ion conducting glass to separate the electrodes. This will help finding out how Ni-rich NMC materials can be stabilized and the extent to which cross talk products contribute to ageing. The project will also investigate new ways to recycling aged NMC to enable their re-use in new cells, decreasing the energy consumption in the recycling and avoiding the disposal of costly and toxic elements. This will include developing heat treatment protocols for replenishing lithium content and restoring the initial structure.

Mots clés : lithium ion batteries, ageing, recycling, photoelectron spectrometry

Participants :
- University of Oxford (Royaume-Uni) — Coordinator, beneficiary, Enseignement supérieur ou secondaire, subvention : 212933.76 €