Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Graphene Based Active Metamaterials (GRAB-A-META)

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: 2015-03-01
End date: 2017-02-28
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 221606.4
EU funding (EUR): 221606.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

This proposed Fellowship is aimed at developing active control of optical properties that may not be found in nature by synergising the “graphene metamaterials” technology invented at the applicant’s institute in Korea and the “novel design of metamaterials with unnatural properties” developed by the host university through knowledge sharing and technology transfer by the incoming top-class researcher, Dr. Teun-Teun Kim. The proposed hybrid metamaterial system features very thin, free-standing and flexible platform and is capable of full electrical control, which will not only control novel optical properties, but also overcome most of the limitations of current semiconductor-based metamaterials. This fellowship will produce significant technical, economic and social benefits, thus contributing to European excellence and competitiveness in both metamaterials and graphene technology.

Keywords: graphene,metamaterials,active control of optical properties,chirality,optical activity,electromagnetically induced transparency,terahertz technologies,micro & nano-fabrication technologies
Arylation and Vinylation of Enolates: New Reactivity from the Urea Linkage (ENOLAR)

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: 2014-04-01
End date: 2016-03-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 221606.4
EU funding (EUR): 221606.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Enols and enolates are among the most versatile nucleophiles in chemistry: they react well with alkylating agents or carbonyl compounds, but their coupling with aryl or alkenyl halides is usually dependent on Pd-based catalysts for enol–aryl coupling. In this proposal we aim to develop new possibilities for enolate arylation that reveal fundamental new reactivity and will have repercussions throughout the science of synthetic planning. The method builds on some arylation reactions of urea-containing organolithiums, first reported in 2007, which turn out to be general for a variety of compound classes. Preliminary experiments show that enolates also undergo this arylation, providing a simple way of introducing an Ar+ equivalent to an enolate nucleophile without the need for heavy-metal catalysis. We propose to develop this reaction into a simple and versatile method for the challenging arylation of enolates. The resulting transformation will have broad application to the synthesis of biologically active targets, both natural and non-natural, of value to the pharmaceutical, agrochemical and related fine chemicals industries. Extension beyond the amino acids could see the method rooted among the canon of enolate-based C–C bond forming reactions. Key objectives are: • Arylation and vinylation of amino acids: We will optimise the enolate methodology for the synthesis of quaternary amino acid targets. • Controlling absolute configuration: We will develop an asymmetric version of the reaction (ideally based on chiral metal ligands, but alternatively other structures) for the enantioselective synthesis of quaternary amino acids. • Mechanistic investigation: Unravelling the remarkable mechanism of the reaction will throw light on other possible future directions for the research. • Extending to other carboxylic acid derivatives. • Arylation and vinylation of ketones and aldehydes. • Synthesis of valuable target molecules.

Keywords: organic synthesis,synthetic methods,enolate,organolithium,amino acid,rearrangement,enantioselectivity
Inventing the Aesthetic: A Historic-Theoretical Approach (INVENTING AESTHETIC)

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: 2014-08-11
End date: 2016-08-10
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 309235.2
EU funding (EUR): 309235.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

By “the aesthetic” I mean a radically modern phenomenon emerging in the second half of the 17th and early 18th centuries, and not an adjective referring to the common set of philosophies (metaphysics) of beauty and / or theories of (fine) arts in general. I rather consider it as a new perspective, sensibility or attitude without precedent in Antiquity or even the Renaissance, which plays a constitutive part in the formation of modern European culture (manners, communication, education, institutions, etc), and which, by virtue of its ever close connections to social and moral issues, also has a great and profound political relevance. This new perspective makes a special experience possible in which transcendence can be grasped through the indispensable sensual; and this new form of experience can and does reconfigure and shape both the “nature” of transcendence, and the self of the beholder. I am pursuing my research into its genealogy in the period between the 1630s and the 1730s. My aim is not to create a new European history of aesthetics; I am attempting to distinguish the relevant discourses (including the discovery of new texts and authors still not integrated into this subject), to reconstruct intellectual models and spiritual attitudes on the basis of and through the interpretation of mainly theoretical texts written during that 100-year span. The main threads of new aesthetic discourse are of quite different natures — incorporating theology, rhetoric, natural science, moral and social philosophy, philosophical anthropology, epistemology, conversational literature in general, and, to an extent, theories of visual arts and literary criticism, too —, even as they influenced and mutually fertilized each other. The intellectual historical reconstruction of the process of invention is quite a complicated and still unaccomplished task I endeavour to complete. During my fellowship I will publish a monograph summarizing the results of my research.

Keywords: intellectual history,aesthetics,philosophy,theology,rhetoric,natural sciences,european modernity
Identifying long non-coding RNAs with a role in Oncogenic-Induced Senescence (NONCOSENSE)

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: Denmark
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-03-01
End date: 2016-02-29
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 221154.6
EU funding (EUR): 221154.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The sequencing of the human genome has revealed that protein-coding genes correspond only to approximately 2% of the genome. Despite of this, the vast majority of the mammalian genome is actively transcribed. Thus, it is intriguing what this non-coding RNA (ncRNA), which was previously considered as transcriptional “noise”, is doing in the cell. New high-throughput technologies and novel RNA methodologies have demonstrated that there are different classes of ncRNA and that they may have pivotal roles in cellular processes. The project proposed here is focused on understanding the role of a recently discovered class of ncRNAs, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Although this is largely an unexplored field and the majority of lncRNAs remain to be characterized, several lncRNAs have been demonstrated to have important roles in processes such as proliferation or differentiation and hereby inferred roles in diseases including cancer. This highlights the importance of elucidating the roles of lncRNAs in cellular physiology and pathology. In the present project, my aim is identifying lncRNAs deregulated and functionally important in senescence, the process in which cells enter an irreversible growth arrest following oncogenic insults or telomere erosion. Towards this, I will use broad set of cell biology, biochemistry and genetics approaches and I will combine my previous expertise in RNA biology with new knowledge and cutting edge techniques in the ncRNA field that I will acquire in the host group. I will take advantage of collaborations from several European networks as well as from a Marie Curie Initial Training Network that the host PI was recently awarded. This project will help not only to uncover unknown functions of lncRNAs in cellular regulation but also, since oncogene-induced senescence is considered a mechanism to protect the cell against cancer, it holds the potential to discover lncRNAs that can be used as diagnosis markers and therapeutic interventions.

Keywords: non-coding,transcriptome,oncogenic-induced senescence,proliferation,cell cycle and division,cancer and biological basis,molecular biology and interactions
Interspecies endotheliarization for organ xenotransplantation (INTEREXT)

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: Spain
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-04-01
End date: 2016-04-12
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 223002.2
EU funding (EUR): 223002.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Organ transplantation is an efficient approach or remedying end-life diseases that cannot be treated by other methods. Nevertheless, the available organs do not cover the clinical demand. As an alternative to the transplantation human organs, the xenotransplantation of animals’ organs has been proposed. Unfortunately, despite the big effort of the last decades, organs are severely rejected upon xenotransplantation, the endothelial cells (ECs) playing a fundamental role in this process. ECs are the first target of the immune system reactions; moreover molecular incompatibilities between host’s coagulation system and the exogenous ECs enhance thrombotic microangiopathy, which rapidly destroys the xenotransplanted organ. Therefore, we hypothesize that endotheliarization of the donor’s organs with cells of the future host may have an important effect on the rejection upon xenotransplantation. To prove this hypothesis, we propose to generate (mouse-ratEC) chimera by inter-species blastocyst complementation assay, which recently has been described effective for the generation of chimera animals between different species, and to determine the degree of rejection against the hearts of this chimera, once heterotopically xenotransplanted in rat. This project, which is based on mouse and rat systems, aims to deliver a proof of principle that, if obtained, will be further developed in clinically more relevant big animal models.

Keywords: stem cell,blastocyst complementation,endothelial cell,xenotransplantation,organ transplantation
Identification of pathways and genetic drivers for childhood epileptic encephalopathies by integrating whole-exome sequencing and gene network approaches (IGENEE)

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: 2014-09-01
End date: 2016-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 231283.2
EU funding (EUR): 231283.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The objective of the iGENEE project (Integrated Genetic Networks for Epileptic Encephalopathies) is the identification of pathways and genetic drivers for childhood epileptic encephalopathies (EE) by integrating whole-exome sequencing and gene network approaches. It will be supervised by Dr Petretto, Head of the Integrative Genomics and Medicine Group at the MRC Institute of Clinical Sciences, and co-supervised by Dr Johnson, Deputy Head of the Centre for Clinical Translation of Brain Sciences and member of the Epi4K Consortium, both at Imperial College London. I will analyse exome-sequence data generated by the Epi4K/EPGP Consortium in patients with classical EE (n=264 probands) and their parents. Initial analyses identified Sanger-confirmed de novo Single Nucleotide Variants (SNV) in 9.5% of EE probands (Epi4K Consortium et al. Nature, 2013), but further analyses indicated that an additional 90 EE genes are present among the remaining 304 Sanger confirmed de novo SNVs in this patient cohort. To identify these causal mutations and the underlying convergent pathways for EE, I will utilize an integrated systems-level network approach as follows: (1) build gene co-expression networks from human and rodent brain transcriptomes to identify differentially expressed networks from various brain regions and at different stages of brain development; (2) connect gene networks to EE, by testing for enrichment of mutations using the Epi4K exome-sequence data; (3) investigate candidate networks enriched for EE susceptibility variants, by testing if the mutations disrupt the network at a protein-protein interaction level; (4) map key regulatory genes of the EE-associated co-expression networks, using Bayesian methods developed in Dr Petretto’s lab and (5) perform functional validation experiments of the regulatory genes identified. This project will provide an innovative, highly integrated approach to facilitate novel drug development for these devastating conditions.

Keywords: epileptic encephalopathies gene network approaches whole exome sequencing systems-genetics
Self-amplifying RNA technology applied to the development of a universal influenza vaccine (SAMUFLU)

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-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-04-01
End date: 2016-03-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 187414.8
EU funding (EUR): 187414.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Influenza (Flu) virus infections lead to thousands of deaths annually worldwide and billions of dollars of economic burden. Vaccination is the primary strategy for Flu prevention; however, effective protection requires a perfect match with the seasonal circulating strains. Seasonal vaccines target the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) proteins of the two predominant A and one B circulating strains, and induce high neutralizing antibody titers. Emerging Flu viruses escape host immunity by modifying HA glycosylation and masking the immunodominant epitopes of previous years’ strains. In consequence, yearly seasonal Flu vaccines have to be developed. Therefore, there is a need for a universal Flu vaccine that would protect against most variants. Patterns of HA glycosylation show that there are only 5 – 6 alterations in a century of evolution, reflecting the limited possibilities for the virus to escape host immunity while retaining its infectivity. Therefore, by developing a vaccine that includes most relevant past seasonal (H1, H3, and B) and pandemic (H5, H7) strains, it might be feasible to develop a universal Flu vaccine. The project will combine HA selection with the novel self-amplifying mRNA (SAM®) vaccine technology, which consists of a synthetic RNA delivered by lipid nanoparticles, and already proved immunogenic in mice with Flu H1 and H7. We will design five SAM(HA) vectors encoding combinations of four HA, prioritized to cover up to 20 relevant strains, and characterize their immunogenicity in mice by measuring hemagglutination-inhibition and virus neutralization titers. In-depth characterization of germinal center B cells and follicular helper T cells will be performed by mass cytometry (CyTOF). Finally, HA-specific CD4 and CD8 T-cell cytokine and cytotoxic responses will be determined by mass cytometry for correlates of protection. At the end of this proposal, the development of a universal Flu vaccine should be achieved.

Keywords: influenza universal vaccine,self-amplifying rna,hemagglutinin,antibody,neutralizing viral titers,hai,b cell,bcr repertoire,t cell,cytotoxicity,challenge,head,stem,single-cell,facs,cytof
Regulatory networks underpinning fertility of the lateral florets on the barley inflorescence (spike) (SPIKE)

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: 2015-03-01
End date: 2017-02-28
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 221606.4
EU funding (EUR): 221606.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The ancestral form of cultivated barley produces two rows of grain along the grain bearing 'spike'. However, types with six rows of grain emerged soon after the domestication of the species and quickly became the dominant form in primitive agricultural systems. This morphological and developmental switch is generally accepted to result from recessive mutations in a single gene called SIX-ROWED SPIKE 1 (VRS1). However alleles at several other SIX-ROWED SPIKE genes have since been identified and shown to interact with VRS1 to enhance the six-row phenotype. The appearance of six-rowed types provided a major yield enhancement in early agriculture and although the gap between two- vs. six. row types has narrowed through breeding, it is clear that considerable potential remains for exploiting the development of up to three times as many grains per inflorescence as a route towards increasing yield. In this project I will take a novel approach in a crop plant to understand how this switch is elaborated. I propose using Laser-Capture Microdissection of the group of cells that initiate the development of fertile lateral florets, coupled with RNA-seq of the resulting tiny RNA samples. I will compare the obtained transcript profiles over developmental time from a pair of nearly isogenic lines that differ only for VRS1 (i.e. Vrs1/vrs1), thus avoiding any genetic background noise. I will use the comparative data to identify differentially expressed genes and the time series data to investigate the network of interactions that promote this characteristic switch between infertile and fertile inflorescence. Finally, I will initiate the production of transgenic knockdown plants to explore the functional effects of some of the identified genes on inflorescence development. In the process I will learn a range of new approaches, techniques and skills that will help ensure I am well placed for an independent career in the field of crop plant genetics.

Keywords: barley,row-type,lateral floret fertility,inflorescence (spike),rna-seq,laser-capture microdissection,transcriptional networks,transgenics.
Ecosystem loss of soil inorganic carbon with agricultural conversion: fate, rate, mechanisms, and pathways (ELSIC)

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: Germany
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-08-01
End date: 2016-07-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 168794.4
EU funding (EUR): 168794.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The goal of this proposed research is to understand effects of agricultural conversions on soil inorganic carbon (SIC) cycle. Mitigating rising atmospheric CO2 is a top priority for human and environmental health. Despite their prevalence and increasing pressure from land-use changes, effect of SIC on climate regulation is thought to be insignificant in the short-term, leading to focused efforts and research on other means of carbon sequestration. The proposed research builds on the fellow’s previous NSF-funded project, in which large losses of SIC were observed with the land-use changes, and has potential to transform the current understanding of these issues. In this proposal, soil incubations in a factorial design will simulate land use-induced ecosystem changes (soil water flux, acidification, freeze-thaw cycle) to identify mechanisms of SIC transformations. Incubators customized for the field-observed conditions such as drainage, are used to approximate water-carbonate reactions closely, and periodic measurements of inorganic carbon in gas and water fluxes using stable isotopes will determine the potential rates and pathways of fluxes from SIC. Lab and field conditions will be simulated with coupled geochemistry and hydrology codes and the results compared to those from the lab and field to help improve our understanding of SIC processes. The proposal integrates geochemistry and hydrology with original methodologies involving field, lab, and modeled data for predictive understanding of rate, fate, and mechanisms of SIC transformations with land-use changes. The mentor (Dr. S. Trumbore) and the host institute (Max Planck Institute of Biogeochemistry in Jena, Germany) collectively bring expertise in isotopes and biogeochemical modeling, demonstrate excellent research and training track records, and comprise a research setting uniquely adapted to the project and the fellow.

Keywords: soil carbonate cycle,agricultural conversion,land-use change,groundwater recharge,vadose zone,ecology