Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Swarm Intelligence Simulations as Tools for Molecular Design of Better Medicines (SWARMDESIGNTOOLS)

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-2010-IEF, 2010)
Start date: 2012-03-05
End date: 2014-03-04
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 200549.6
EU funding (EUR): 200549.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

A new generation of medicines, diagnostics and materials are needed to fuel new advances in healthcare and technology. Critical to this are predictive quality software tools to guide molecular design. In the School of Pharmacy at the University of Manchester, our constant aim is to improve the accuracy of the software tools we use in drug design. The aim of this proposal is to develop a more efficient and accurate software tool for prediction of protein-ligand binding affinities. This tool will use a simple but powerful new evolutionary computing method based on the cooperative behaviour of swarming insects. We have recently shown that this swarm-based approach dramatically improves the conformational optimisation of biomolecules. Now we propose to develop a tool based on a swarm of protein-ligand molecular dynamics (MD) trajectories which provides greater coverage of the high energy conformations, in turn leading to improved estimates of binding free energy. After validation, the tool will be used for predictive lead optimisation to impact our live oncology projects within the Manchester Cancer Research Centre (MCRC) and also in the industrial setting of AstraZeneca. The opportunity to confirm predicted protein inhibitors via synthesis and assay will also be provided.

Keywords: health sciences,computational chemistry,pharmaceutical chemistry
Towards CMOS-compatible molecular electronics (TO COME)

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-2010-IEF, 2010)
Start date: 2011-05-01
End date: 2013-04-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 178601.6
EU funding (EUR): 178601.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The project will investigate molecular junctions and will assess device platforms for compatibility with CMOS technology towards future applications of molecular electronics for memory technologies. In a first step we will therefore investigate metal-molecule-metal junctions utilizing metals compatible with CMOS technology such as Pt and Pd as more stable electrodes for molecular electronics. In particular, the mechanically controllable break junction technique and the liquid STM will be utilized to establish single-molecule junctions based on Pt and Pd. Molecular model systems will be studied to establish standards for molecular junctions similar to those already established for gold-based molecular electronics. This includes molecules with different anchor groups than the standard thiols to optimize the electronic coupling of the molecule-metal interface and thus enhance the conductance of the molecular junction.In a second step, the project will assess and evaluate the feasibility of scalable devices of reduced dimensions using the above mentioned CMOS compatible electrode materials, with the ultimate goal of delivering supporting technologies for the fabrication of scalable, room-temperature-operating two-terminal molecular junctions.The above investigations will underpin the deployment of a range of robust two-terminal molecular-scale devices as well as support experimental demonstrations of principle and feasibility of molecular-scale functional devices. The successful completion of this project will be a first step towards CMOS-compatibility and thus integration of molecular-scale devices.

Keywords: experimental physics,nanodevices,nanosystems
Understanding ways to improve the forecast ability of choice experiments in predicting consumers' acceptance of healthy food products (FOODCHOICE)

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: Denmark
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IIF, 2010)
Start date: 2011-06-01
End date: 2014-12-23
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 299933.2
EU funding (EUR): 299933.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Choice experiments are an important research method to understand how individuals make choices and forecast future choices. They are a central method in understanding, which product attributes drive consumer food choice and how to improve and predict the market potential for food with health and nutrition information, expected to improve the healthiness in European’s diet, preventing long term health related costs. Although discrete choice experiments (DCEs) were found to be generally good predictors for what consumers actually choose and purchase in real life, their results tend to overestimate the acceptance of normative products, such as food with health or environmental benefits, because of social desirability effects. The objective of this project is to improve the ability of DCEs in predicting how consumers adopt food with nutrition and health-related claims by targeting functional dairy products as example case, a product category with substantial retail sales value ad rate of sales value growth. Not only food producers and public health policy makers’ decisions can be adversely affected by these biased forecasts, but a large number of scientific fields applying DCEs would strongly benefit from improving their predictive validity. The proposed work briefly has three main objectives: 1) To assess how amount, complexity, and modality of information presentation in discrete choice experiments affect respondent attention and information processing, 2) To develop and test instructions and response formats that can mitigate social desirability effects in discrete choice experiments, 3) To test the predictive validity of different discrete choice methodologies by comparing experimental choices with real market sales. The project will apply an innovative cross-disciplinary approach, combining methods from cognitive attention measurement (eye-tracking) and leading edge choice modelling methods. The project transfers a set of unique research knowledge to Europe.

Keywords: public health,food choice,cognitive science,consumer studies,food economics and marketing,socio-economic research,measurement technology,predictive validity of research methods
Epigenetic control of chromatin structure - Solving an intertwined puzzle with a specialized coarse-grained model (EPICHROMATIN)

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: Spain
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IIF, 2010)
Start date: 2011-09-15
End date: 2013-09-14
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 174380.8
EU funding (EUR): 174380.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

This project will develop a highly sophisticated coarse-grained model of chromatin fibers from precise all-atom simulations of dinucleosomes and DNA segments. The purpose of the proposed project is to enhance our understanding of the mechanism by which different patterns of epigenetic modifications (of DNA and histone proteins) interact with each other to control the structure of the chromatin fiber and regulate gene expression. Our modelling strategy will be based on landmark experimental studies and will provide a novel method by which to understand the combined effects of histone epigenetic modifications and DNA methylation in higher-order chromatin structure. With our coarse-grained model we will perform a systematic study to elucidate if specific combinations and distributions of epigenetic modifications work cooperatively to yield a particular organization of the chromatin fiber, or in contrast, if the effect of multiple epigenetic marks is averaged out leading to fiber stability and favouring a heteromorphic chromatin structure with optimal compaction. Deciphering how epigenetic marks interact with each other to control chromatin organization is one most fundamental open biological questions today. This information is important not only from a scientific perspective, but also crucial to understand aberrant gene expression and it relationship to life-threatening diseases such as cancer. Given the inherent complexity of this problem, an approach that bridges experiments and theory, such as the one proposed here, is essential to close gaps in understanding.

Keywords: physical sciences,chromatin structure,all-atom simulations,coarse-grained modeling,epigenetic modifications
Characterization of the molecular components of synapses in Fragile-X mental retardation syndrome: new insights into the FMRP regulatory mechanisms. (SYNAPSES FXS)

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: Belgium
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IEF, 2010)
Start date: 2011-06-01
End date: 2013-05-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 219500.0
EU funding (EUR): 219500.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Fragile-X mental retardation syndrome (FXS) is caused by mutations in the Fmr1 gene that codes for the FMRP protein. FMRP is an RNA binding protein involved in mRNA metabolism. The translational dysregulation of a subset of FMRP target mRNAs is probably the major contribution to FXS. A hallmark of the FXS phenotype is the elevated spine density with immature morphology. We aim to understand the causes of this spine dysmorphogenesis by unraveling the molecular composition of synapses in a mouse model for FXS and also get insights into the fine-tune regulatory mechanisms of FMRP. This general aim will be tackled by the following objectives: (i) Characterization of the postsynaptic core proteome of hippocampal and cortical synapses in Fmr1 knock-out (KO) mouse model under synaptic plasticity activation at two developmental stages; (ii) Quantitative analysis of the synaptic mRNAs in Fmr1 KO; (iii) Study the function of synaptic microRNAs on mRNA expression and the role that FMRP plays in this miRNA-regulation, and (iv) identification of the regulatory dendritic translational machinery by isolation of the native Arc and PSD-95 mRNAs, two FMRP targets. These objectives will be approached by a novel combination of high sensitive techniques such as Tandem Affinity Purification (TAP) method, microarrays and RNA pull down in Fmr1 KO and TAP knock-in mouse models. The wide expertise of the host lab in mRNA metabolism and in FXS, the use of well characterized mouse models and the fine design of the experimental work-flow make this project with high rate of success. The main outcomes will be to list the dysregulated mRNAs and proteins in synapses of FXS, if this dysregulation is brain region specific and change during development and what mechanisms behind mRNA translation affect this dysregulation. All this will be very relevant to understand the ethiology of the disease and settle the bases for future drug design to ameliorate the grade of mental retardation in FXS patients.

Keywords: neurosciences,neurology,fragile-x mental retardation syndrome,synaptic plasticity,long-term depression,mrna,tandem affinity purification,proteomics,arc,psd-95,fmrp
Active and Passive Photonics with Coupled Optomechanical Resonators (APPCOPTOR)

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: Italy
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IEF, 2010)
Start date: 2011-05-01
End date: 2013-04-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 180584.0
EU funding (EUR): 180584.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Manipulation of the matter properties with radiation pressure (optical) forces is one of the high-impact topics in the multidisciplinary area of Photonics. In a photonic system often the optical and mechanical modes can effectively couple giving birth to novel fascinating phenomena described through a new discipline - Optomechanics. In this context, in a system of coupled circular resonators, of which one is mobile and the other is a fixed one, the optical forces can control the position of the mobile cavity driving it into an optically generated ultra-narrow (picometer) trapping mechanical potential. This means that the mechanical properties of an optical device, in particular its position in real space can be precisely controlled via the use of light exclusively. Therefore this system enables possible applications ranging from all-optical switching and tuning to adaptive optical filters. The objective of this proposal is to realize effectively coupled waveguide/single (and double) resonator systems monolithically integrated into a silicon chip. The project will address both optically passive and active systems. In the passive resonators we aim to demonstrate for the fist time optical trapping of an optomechanical resonator, while in the second case we will study optomechanical resonators containing silicon nanocrystals as active nonlinear material, with a final goal to demonstrate near-infrared range tunable optomechanical laser combs. Importantly, these fundamental physical phenomena will be studied in all-on-chip integrated silicon devices, thus opening door to immediate applications.

Keywords: optomechanics,microresonator,coupled resonators,active optical material,photonic,photonic forces,optical and dielectric properties,applied optics,spectroscopy,future technology
Chemical Synthesis, Immunologic Evaluation and Conformational Analysis by NMR Spectroscopy of Complex Glycoconjugate Adjuvants for Anti-Cancer and Anti-Viral Vaccine Therapies (VACCINE ADJUVANTS)

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: Spain
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IOF, 2010)
Start date: 2012-09-01
End date: 2015-08-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 223669.6
EU funding (EUR): 223669.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The development of therapeutic vaccines often includes the use of synthetic small molecule antigen constructs to elicit immune response. However, many subunit antigen vaccines are less immunogenic than those employing attenuated microorganisms. As a result, they often require co-administration with an adjuvant or immunostimulating complex, a substance that is itself not necessarily immunogenic but functions in concert with the antigen to enhance/prolong immune response. Whereas the design of subunit antigen constructs has played an influential role in the development of clinically viable vaccine therapies, efficacy modulation of vaccines through the design and chemical synthesis of distinct molecular adjuvants has been comparatively less common given the structural complexity of these substances. With the aid of several chemical glycosylation methodologies developed in Professor Gin laboratories, the first synthesis and structure verification of several complex triterpene saponins have been achieved. Through collaborations with immunologists and clinicians, current efforts are also devoted to the generation of designed structural analogs for the development of more powerful and stable adjuvants for both anti-cancer and anti-viral therapeutic vaccines. At a final stage, recent progress made in Professor Jiménez-Barbero group on the application of NMR methods to study the structural and recognition properties of carbohydrates will allow us to gain insights into the conformational behavior and the immunostimulating activity of these newly synthesized adjuvants. Thus, we will carry out advanced NMR experiments to assess the conformational features and aggregation properties of these compounds . As a consequence, we are in a unique position to conduct systematic structure-activity investigations on this class of natural product with the goal of unraveling its as yet unknown mechanism of immunostimulatory activity.

Keywords: total synthesis,chemical glycosylation,adjuvants,glycoconjugates,immunostimulants,conformation analysis,nmr spectroscopy,vaccines,cancer
LINKING AGEING, DIET AND SKELETAL DEGENERATION: ROLE OF LONGEVITY-GENE SIRT1 IN THE MAINTENANCE OF MUSCULOSKELETAL INTEGRITY WITH AGE (AGEING SKELETON)

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-2010-IIF, 2010)
Start date: 2011-03-01
End date: 2013-02-28
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 210092.8
EU funding (EUR): 210092.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The ageing process is inexplicably linked to bone loss. This skeletal deterioration occurs in both sexes across all ethnic backgrounds and as such represents a major healthcare challenge worldwide. By increasing our understanding of how the ageing process impacts physiological systems, we can begin to develop novel therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of age-related disorders, such as osteoporosis and arthritis. We propose that common factors exist that control both Ageing and Bone and so link increasing age with a generalised decrease in bone mass. The sirtuin family of longevity associated genes regulate lifespan in lower organisms. SIRT1 is the predominant mammalian sirtuin, is strongly linked to cell survival and proliferation and regulates factors common to both ageing and bone. Recently we have made the novel discovery that SIRT1 expression declines with age and mice deficient in the SIRT1 gene have decreased bone mass and strength, similar to that seen in ageing humans. This decreased bone volume was the result of an uncoupling of the equilibrium between osteoclastic resorption and osteoblastic bone formation, a fundamental mechanism in the onset of osteoporosis. Moreover, SIRT1 expression can be induced and age-related bone loss prevented by the use of a strict dietary regime, suggesting common mediators in bone homeostasis and energy metabolism. Our overall hypothesis is that SIRT1 links diet and bone remodeling to preserve bone mass with age and control musculoskeletal deterioration. Specifically, this application will assess the role of SIRT1 in human bone tissue, stem cell commitment, bone cell function and microstructural, compositional properties of the skeleton. In addition, mechanistic studies will explore SIRT1 interactions with target proteins and the effect of dietary regimes will be examined in both human and murine skeletal tissues, to increase SIRT1 and protect against the musculoskeletal damage universally associated with ageing.

Keywords: ageing,musculoskeletal degeneration,osteoclast,osteoblast,chondrocyte,osteoporosis,arthritis,diet,cell & molecular biology,proteomics,ageing genes,translational,human samples,murine models
Multi Sensor Fusion for Real-time Monitoring of Waste Water Quality (WATER-SPOTCHECK)

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-2010-IEF, 2010)
Start date: 2012-01-03
End date: 2014-01-02
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 270136.8
EU funding (EUR): 270136.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The Water-Spotcheck interdisciplinary project will create new competence on the interface of engineering and biology at Liverpool on Merseyside. The water industry is one of the major industrial sector in the EU, threatened by erosion of world markets and slowing growth. Continued wealth creation requires a strong scientific base for training, new knowledge and innovation to support the sector. The interface of engineering and biology is an important key to technologies to improve the safety and the quality of water. The Water-Spotcheck project will take place in the context of development of multisensors fusion combining micro fabrication of polymer composite sensors, optical fibres and electromagnetic wave sensors operating at various frequencies ranging from 1kHz-100MHz to foster new and unique form of real time monitoring sensors. In wastewater treatment, recent legislation from the EU requires the removal of nutrients, such as phosphorous, ammonia and volatile fatty acids from wastewater before discharging to water courses. The measurements of these nutrients are mostly based on off-line monitoring and imply low frequency data sampling and delay between sampling and availability of the results. Hence, the Water-Spotcheck will provide the on-line monitoring to improve the daily process management, as well as facilitate the real-time detection of abnormal situations and the implementation of new control strategies. Evaluation of microbiocidal activity is essential to guide the sensor design and fundamental new knowledge in engineering and microbiology will also be discovered. The final stage of the project will use facilities at local waste water treatment plant by United Utilities to test the prototype demonstrator. A programme of written documentation, protocols, and projects with students, seminars and Open Days will ensure transfer of knowledge to staff and students at the Liverpool John Moores University.

Keywords: water resources engineering,electrical engineering,monitoring and automation,wireless systems,sensor technologies,measurement and instrumentation technology,neural network,wastewater