Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Assessment of functional immune responses of HIV infected individuals without protective HLA-B alleles (HIV-NOPA)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Outgoing Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Germany
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IOF, 2013)
Start date: 2015-01-01
End date: 2017-12-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 252290.4
EU funding (EUR): 252290.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is eventually fatal in the absence of antiretroviral therapy. However, approximately 0.3% of patients have the ability to efficiently control the virus for long periods without treatment (elite controllers). It has been shown that HLA class I restricted CD8+ T cells play a crucial role in this process. There is a strong genetic association between the ability to control the virus and certain alleles of the HLA-B complex (particularly HLA-B*27 and B*57). However, there is also a subset of patients that control HIV in absence of these so-called “protective” alleles, but this mechanism of protection is unclear. Even more strikingly, the recent VISCONTI study showed induction of control in the absence of protective alleles in some patients that received very early therapy (post treatment controllers). Based on these observations, the aim of this study is to determine functional characteristics of CD8+ T cells in elite controllers without protective alleles. T cells and T cell clones of those patients will be functionally phenotyped using in vitro assays and mass cytometry, a very recent technology allowing single cell analysis of up to 37 markers simultaneously. Furthermore, this study will analyze whether elite controllers without protective HLA-B alleles engage additional mechanisms that support functional T cell responses. In particular, the recently described immunoregulatory role of NK cells and the consequences of innate-adaptive crosstalk for immune control of HIV-1 will be assessed. Results from these studies will provide important new insights into the mechanisms that support protective CD8+ T cell responses against HIV, even in absence of protective HLA alleles. The knowledge of how CD8+ T cells achieve efficient control of the disease will be important for designing T cell based HIV vaccines or immunotherapies that also protect individuals with a susceptible genetic background.

Keywords: elite controllers,adaptive immunity,cd8 t cells,nk cells,mhc class i,protective hla-b alleles,mass cytometry,cytof
Matter-antimatter and Lorentz symmetry tests (MAMLS)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Incoming Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Germany
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IIF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-03-01
End date: 2016-02-29
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 161968.8
EU funding (EUR): 161968.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Precision measurements on low energy atomic systems are powerful tools for testing our understanding of the fundamental laws of the universe. Work on two complementary projects dedicated towards Matter-antimatter, Lorentz Symmetry tests (MAMLS) , and searches for new exotic physics is proposed. One project seeks a precise measurement of the proton, and eventually antiproton, magnetic moment using a Penning trap located at the Johannes Gutenberg Universität Mainz. The apparatus will be upgraded to allow for an accurate measurement of the proton magnetic moment at the part per billion level. The experimental techniques developed during this project will be directly applicable to a parallel project that is currently under construction by a collaborating group with the goal of measuring the antiproton magnetic moment. Comparison of the proton and antiproton magnetic moments will constitute a new test of matter-antimatter symmetry for baryonic systems. The other component of the project involves the development of experimental searches for new physics using atomic systems. The work will focus on the feasibility of using an optical magnetometer network to detect possible dark matter candidates and using atomic clocks and parity violation experiments to place more stringent bounds of violation of Lorentz invariance.

Keywords: fundamental symmetries,cpt,lorentz symmetry,proton,antiproton,dysprosium,penning trap,atomic clocks,atomic magnetometers
Functional diversity of Biocrusts: towards ecosystem services quantification in drylands (BCSES)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Intra-European Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Portugal
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-03-01
End date: 2016-02-29
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 147210.0
EU funding (EUR): 147210.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Global change is simultaneously the cause and the consequence of a dramatic biodiversity loss on Earth, with the subsequent degradation of ecosystem services. Understanding the major drivers of ecosystem services delivery is critical to develop sound management and conservation strategies to assure their sustained provision. This is particularly urgent in drylands; one of the most abundant, populated and vulnerable ecosystems in the face of the global change. In this context, functional diversity has emerged as a key concept in ecological research, since it links the range, variety and abundance of functional traits (i.e., attributes of an organism or group of organisms that reflect biological functions) to their effects on ecosystem processes, and thus, on ecosystem services delivery. Previous research on functional diversity has been mostly focused on vascular plants, while the contribution of soil lichens, mosses, and cyanobacteria forming “Biocrusts” has been understudied. However, Biocrusts may be the dominant life form in drylands, where they perform critical functional roles. Our hypothesis is that if we know how Biocrusts affects ecosystem processes, and we are able to model their distribution and abundance, we will have a more precise measure of the ecosystem functions they perform. Consequently, we will be able to quantify their contribution to ecosystem services in drylands. This knowledge will complement and improve the scope of management, conservation and restoration strategies, traditionally focused on species diversity, rather than functional diversity, and regarding vascular plants exclusively. BCSES will be developed in a top research centre –Centre of Environmental Biology (CBA), Portugal- which embraces highly scientific expertise in the field, and advanced research techniques and facilities crucial for the development of BCSES. This project will lean on fruitful collaborations in Europe –Spain, Italy- and internationally –Israel, Arizona-.

Keywords: functional diversity,functional traits,biological soil crusts,biocrusts,cyanobacteria,lichen,moss,ecosystem processes,environmental gradient,drylands,climate,ecosystem services
Understanding and Defining Supply Chain Complexity: A Mixed Method Approach for Basic and Applied Research (SCCOMPLEXITY)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Incoming Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Austria
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IIF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-05-15
End date: 2015-09-14
Duration (months): 16.0
Total project cost (EUR): 165586.4
EU funding (EUR): 165586.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

A supply chain (SC) is a set of three of more entities engaged in moving raw materials and finished goods from point of origin to that of consumption. Globalization, environmental uncertainties, and competition make SCs increasingly complex. SC complexity (SCC) leads to unexpected changes, increased risks and lead times, reduced agility and sub-optimized performance. A greater understanding of the antecedents to and impact of SCC on SC performance will help companies better manage SCC and become competitive. The objectives of this multi-disciplinary research are to: develop measurement, theoretical, and simulation models of SCC by using Grounded Theory (GT), Case Research, Structural Equation Modeling, and Computer Simulation (CS) methods. To achieve the objectives, the researchers will combine their content and methodological expertise, and complementary strengths in leading a team of research associates, blending basic and applied research, publishing in top journals, and leveraging industry connections. SCC project supports at least three strategic priorities of the Work Programme: Europe: a destination for world-class researchers; moving from resource-intensive to knowledge-intensive and sustainable advantages; and knowledge transfer. (1)SCC project is a collaborative and multi-disciplinary research involving universities and industry. Experienced researcher’s content and methodological expertise adds to the scientific and technological excellence, and her success with publishing papers increases the impact of the research. SCC project encourages equal participation of women and men. (2)Participating companies (small, medium, and large enterprises) may become more competitive by benefiting from tailored feedback and benchmarking. (3)Workshops on conducting and publishing high quality research, and executing GT and CS research will enable knowledge-transfer. Dissemination of findings will be through journals and conference for both academics and managers.

Keywords: supply chain complexity,grounded theory,case research,simulation modeling,benchmarking,competitive advantage
Determining how invasive S. Typhimurium infects human cells by transposon-insertion sequencing (DISTINCT)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Incoming Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IIF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-09-01
End date: 2016-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 299558.4
EU funding (EUR): 299558.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium infects a wide range of animal hosts and normally causes a self-limiting gastroenteritis in humans. However, new variants of this serovar known as ST313 have emerged as important pathogens in sub-Saharan Africa, causing an invasive disease in susceptible HIV+ or malarial individuals. Genome sequencing showed that the ST313 isolate D23580 is closely related to other nontyphoidal Salmonella. For example, D23580 shares 94% of coding genes with the well-characterised European SL1344 strain (ST19), and the two strains can be distinguished by 1000 single nucleotide polymorphisms, five D23580-specific phages, and a set of specific pseudogenes. Pseudogenes represent genome degradation, and 60% of the features present in D23580 are conserved in the host-restricted S. enterica serovars Typhi and Paratyphi A that cause enteric fever in humans. It has been suggested that ST313 represents a “human-adapted” version of S. Typhimurium which has developed the ability to transmit directly between humans. DISTINCT, which stands for “Determining how Invasive S. Typhimurium INfects human Cells by Transposon-insertion sequencing”, aims to investigate the "human-specificity" of S. Typhimurium D23580. I will use an improved global Transposon mutagenesis (TraDIS) approach to identify Salmonella genes required for survival in human monocyte-derived macrophages, but not in murine primary macrophages. This will be the first time that comprehensive genome-wide analysis is used to understand how bacteria distinguish between different mammalian host cells. Overall, DISTINCT will provide novel findings about the dangerous Salmonella pathogen and specifically about the invasive ST313 isolates that are causing a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. The identification of pathogenic features in this strain will bring us closer to new therapeutic targets to treat Salmonella infections and to protect future generations from invasive ST313.

Keywords: salmonella typhimurium,transposon library,tn-seq,screen,mutagenesis,high-throughput sequencing
Fish Indicatiors of Stress and Health (FISH): Validating the use of embryos and yolk sac larval zebrafish as a model for the study of nociception and veterinary drug testing (FISH)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Intra-European Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-04-14
End date: 2016-04-13
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 221606.4
EU funding (EUR): 221606.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The zebrafish (ZF) is now a widely accepted vertebrate model for research in genetics, neuroscience and development due to its sheer experimental convenience and also its gene, developmental and functional homologies with mammals. ZF are also exploited as a novel model in nociceptive or pain research in a number of laboratories. We are already assessing behavioural and physiological responses in adult ZF to pain but wish to also explore whether embryonic and larval forms offer a useful alternative to adults. This project has three stages. First, using a sophisticated video capture system and automated computational analysis of behaviour, we will compare the behavioural responses to different pain modalities of non-protected larval stages with adults from our current NC3Rs study. This will establish quantifiable behavioural responses to potentially painful stimulation in the larval model. Second, we will characterise the molecular pathways of nociception through a genome-wide analysis of gene expression of the central nervous system (CNS). The screen will be implemented using RNASeq on Illumina and results will be correlated with behaviour. The functional impication of gene responses will be explored by modelling responding genes within a zebrafish regulatory gene network model which will be compared with equivalent mammalian data. We will validate a selection of known and novel candidates by PCR and further in situ hybridisation will determine the precise location of expression in the CNS and adult brain producing a 3D map of brain activity using light sheet microscopy. A third objective is to test a range of analgesic drugs to define which are the most effective in reducing the pain-related behavioural responses and to establish a reliable protocol for wider analgesic testing. The resulting data will be made publically available to researchers, biomedical scientists and veterinarians in order to improve welfare and reduce numbers of adult fish used.

Keywords: anaesthesia,analgesia,neurobiology,nociception,pain,veterinary medicine,zebrafish.
Fast Anneal of Compound semiconductors for Integration of new Technologies (FACIT)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Intra-European Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Switzerland
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2015-01-01
End date: 2016-12-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 199317.6
EU funding (EUR): 199317.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The CMOS industry relies on the capabilities of engineers to control atomic positions at sub-nm scale across several interfaces. The formation of abrupt interfaces is heavily dependent on the thermal budget during their formation and of any other subsequent thermal treatments during device fabrication. As device dimensions decrease, the thicknesses of all junctions and interfaces must be reduced so that they do not become the major fractional volume of the whole device. In that framework, ultra fast annealing is becoming a key technology to enable the fabrication of nano scaled devices. In parallel to this evolution, CMOS technology has seen a materials revolution in recent years. The introduction of high-k dielectrics at 45 nm and of FINFET technology at 22nm extended the lifespan of devices reliant on Si channels. Replacing silicon with high-mobility channels such as Ge and InGaAs will be the next major materials revolution. Whatever the method used to co integrate SiGe and InGaAs, such materials are both very different from Si, in particular with respect to thermal treatments. Co-processing of SiGe pFET and InGaAs nFET is therefore extremely challenging. Device processing on InGaAs nFET should not exceed the allowed thermal budget that SiGe can withstand or vice-versa. Ultra fast annealing will therefore be a key technology to enable the co-integration of Ge and InGaAs. We propose in this project to explore fast (ms) anneal of high-m channels as a generic vehicle to reduce the thermal budget of critical modules. We will in particular focus on InGaAs, as it is the less mature technology with respect to SiGe-based devices. The three main challenges for a successful integration of InGaAs-based MOSFETs in future VLSI technology are clearly identified: (i) fabrication of nanoscale InGaAs “patches”, the active channels, on silicon (ii) high capacitance, low interface state density gate dielectric and (iii) low contact and access resistance in the source/drain regions.

Keywords: cmos,high mobility channels,mosfet,rapid thermal processing
Medical Complicity: A New Normative Account and Its Implications for Three Study Cases (MEDCOM)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Intra-European Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2015-09-01
End date: 2017-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 309235.2
EU funding (EUR): 309235.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Traditionally, discussions in medical ethics have focused on ways in which medical professionals may do wrong by directly harming or wronging patients or research subjects. However, medical professionals may also act wrongly in indirect ways, by being accomplices to others' wrongdoing (e.g. by taking part in torture, a doctor may become complicit in torture). Moreover, the effects of medical complicity can aggregate to produce substantial wrongs, such as gross human right violations (e.g. the complicity of doctors in Nazi eugenics facilitated genocide). But medical complicity is also ubiquitous in everyday medicine (e.g. nurses assisting in wrongful end-of-life practices may become complicit in these practices). Professional guidelines frequently give no clear guidance on how to deal with medical complicity. They either do not address the issue, or give conflicting advice (e.g. the same codes that condemn complicity in torture also state that the physician should act in the best interest of the patient, but these professional obligations could conflict when the patient is a torture victim).Though medical complicity can have significant effects and is presenting medical professionals with unresolved ethical dilemmas, problems of medical complicity have received little sustained theoretical treatment in medical ethics. Most existing discussions either remain at the level of complex philosophical theory, or at the level of practical decision-making with little philosophical basis. This project aims to bridge this gap. It will do so by developing a clear account of medical complicity, and by deploying this account to yield concrete guidance for medical professionals and policymakers confronted with dilemmas of medical complicity. To achieve these aims, I will draw on novel philosophical analysis, relevant empirical findings, and my own earlier study of complicity in the context of embryonic stem cell research.

Keywords: moral complicity,indirect wrongdoing,sex selection,torture,unethical clinical trials
The contribution of cellular adhesions to matrix remodeling in health and disease (MACS)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Intra-European Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Switzerland
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-03-01
End date: 2016-02-29
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 199317.6
EU funding (EUR): 199317.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Tissues in the human body are exposed to cyclic loading and have the capacity to adapt, to meet new loading demands. Cells facilitate such adaptation by responding to mechanical triggers, which depends on the balance between endogenous tension (cellular forces) and exogenous tension (matrix stiffness and resistance to stretch). This is regulated by matrix adhesions: the cellular force sensors. In healthy tissue, cells can positively contribute to tissue functioning by synthesizing additional matrix components, a process initiated at matrix adhesions, the connection between cells and matrix. However, in various fibrous tissue pathologies (e.g. atherosclerosis, cardiomyopathy, tendon overload), a progressive increase in matrix disorganization is observed. In search of the underlying cause of this matrix disorganization, this proposal aims to determine how mechanoresponsive matrix adhesion proteins react to mechanical perturbations and impact matrix remodeling in healthy and diseased tissue. In a multidisciplinary approach, novel 3D model systems will be used to engineer micro-tissues subjected to mechanical perturbations. Real-time imaging will expose matrix adhesion functioning upon imbalance between endogenous and exogenous tension. The response of mechanosensitive matrix adhesion proteins in healthy and diseased tissues will be quantified upon cyclic stretching, and its impact on matrix remodeling. These results will unravel the underlying cause for tissue remodeling associated with fibrous tissue pathology, to ultimately provide a treatment strategy. The proposal aims at bridging the classical 2D cell research and in vivo studies. Both lack the possibility to study cellular processes at the molecular, cell and tissue level in a native-like environment, whereby tissues are exposed to physiologically relevant mechanical and biochemical loading. Bridging this gap by adopting this genuinely new approach will therefore boost European excellence and competitiveness.

Keywords: mechanobiology,mechanotransduction,fibroblast,collagen,biomedical engineering,tissue remodeling,matrix organization