Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Accreting millisecond X-ray pulsar dynamics (AMXP DYNAMICS)

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: Netherlands
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IEF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-09-01
End date: 2012-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 168035.2
EU funding (EUR): 168035.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

We intend to study, for the first time, the role that neutron star (NS) interior physics and gravitational wave (GW) torques have in the spin evolution of accreting millisecond X-ray pulsars (AMXPs). Accreting NSs, and AMXPs in particular, are one of the most interesting laboratories to study the physics of compact objects and a potentially interesting source of GWs. There is, however, currently a lively debate on the interpretation of apparent spin variations in these systems and without further theoretical work and a more solid understanding of the torque acting on the NS no progress can be made. NSs are a complex multi-component system, and it is well known that GW emission and the details of the interior physics will play a role in the spin evolution. However this effect has not been quantified, even though there are ongoing efforts to study the details of the magnetized accretion flow in the exterior. This is clearly a catastrophic omission. Through this project we intend to fill this scientific gap and aim to understand which GW emission mechanisms are compatible with the observed X-ray flux and pulse arrival time variability in AMXPs, and what kind of observable electromagnetic signature they would produce. We shall consider in detail the role that GW torques due to crustal asymmetries and unstable r-modes (fluid modes of oscillation governed by the Coriolis force) have on the spin evolution and study their signature in the quiescent thermal X-ray emission. Furthermore we shall study the effect that superfluidity, and the crust core coupling in particular, have on the NS’s response to a varying accretion torque in order to determine whether the proposed emission mechanisms (mountains and r-modes) are compatible with the observed fluctuations in the X-ray timing data. Such work is crucial if we are to interpret not only current but also future AMXP timing data and would allow us to build the kind of high-precision templates necessary for GW detection.

Keywords: astrophysics,gravitation,hydrodynamics,neutron stars,x-ray pulsars,gravitational waves
Novel Ultra-Sensitive Infra-Red Absorption Laser Sensors (NUSIRALS)

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-2009-IEF, 2009)
Start date: 2011-03-01
End date: 2012-02-29
Duration (months): 12.0
Total project cost (EUR): 121241.2
EU funding (EUR): 121241.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

In-line and in-situ fast ultra-sensitive detection of gaseous species at part per billion and part per trillion with ability to distinguish isotopomers without any pre-processing of gas sample is of high interest in chemistry, medicine, geology, physics, various other sciences and industries. Recent technology achievements in development of compact and robust tunable near-infrared and mid-infrared lasers open a door to new applications of optical sensors based upon laser absorption spectrometry. Nowadays, in-situ portable laser sensors based upon direct absorption detection with a mid-infrared quantum cascade laser or a near-infrared diode laser and large volume long path length multi-pass optical cell can compete in accurate isotope-ratio measurements even with ion-mass spectrometers. But in order to reach new horizons significant improvement in sensitivity is necessary. The aim of the project is to develop novel approach of ultra-sensitive gas sensor based upon laser absorption spectrometry and demonstrate absorption sensitivities limited by a shot noise which is caused by the fluctuations of detected photons. The technology based upon frequency modulation of laser, optical locking of the laser to high finesse optical cavity formed by high reflectivity mirrors and signal detection at frequency of free spectral range of the cavity will be developed and tested. We expect to demonstrate highest absorption sensitivities. Laser sensors based upon this technique and mid-infrared and near-infrared lasers will be able to measure molecule concentrations at levels of part per trillion per volume. Robustness and ultra-sensitivity of the developed sensors, knowledge and technology transfer within the project will contribute to widespread implementation of laser sensors in on-line monitoring of impurities in nanotechnology and chemistry, measurements of isotopomers in medicine, geo-science and environmental research, others industrial and social applications.

Keywords: instrumental techniques,analysis,optical sensors,absorption spectroscopy
Photoactive napthalenediimide pi-stacking architectures - Versatile building blocks for zipper assembly of cascade redox gradients (OMARG)

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-2009-IEF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-07-01
End date: 2012-06-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 173065.2
EU funding (EUR): 173065.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The aim of this proposal is to create smart materials for use in molecular optoelectronics. I will prepare novel oligothiophenes (OT) tethered covalently to blue naphthalenediimides (B). The systems will be constructed such that they will self assemble in a ‘zipper’ like fashion. Synthetic tuning of the OT-B building blocks will allow for the preparation of electronically distinct mulitlayers of different OT-Bs to form gradients down which redox equivalents can flow i.e. a supramolecular n/p-heterojunction (SHJ) which upon irradiation with light will enable light harvesting through rapid gradient mediated charge separation. The question to be addressed is whether the HOMO of OTs are sufficiently high for photoinduced charge separation (PCS) in response to excitation. Hole transfer from B to OT after excitation is essential for construction of supramolecular n/p-heterojunction (SHJ) photosystems, where electrons are transported in stacks of B aligned next to hole-transporting strings of OT. If successively, the problem of how to intergrate blue B chromophores into a SHJ photosystem will be solved. If unsuccessful the OT backbone will be modified synthetically to increase the energy of the HOMO. The subsequent question concerns the compatibility of the OT-B structure with zipper assembly on solid substrates. This will be attempted with the methods established with oligophenylethynyl (OPE-R) and p-oligophenyl (POP-Y) zippers (critical thickness, LBL, QCM controls, etc). Initially, the already available OPE-N initiator will be used. Subsequently the OT-B modules will be integrated into orientated multicolour antiparallel redox gradient supramolecular hetereojunction (OMARG-SHJ) zippers. The OMARG-SHJ zipper will be constructed with red OPE-R (R = red naphthalenediimides) on yellow POP-Y zippers and then blue OT-B zippers on red OPE-R zippers providing 3-component redox gradients for electron transport with antiparallel POP-OPE-OT redox gradients for hole transport.

Keywords: organic chemistry,photochemistry,molecular chemistry,surface chemistry
Fluid Mechanics of Flagellar Propulsion (FLAGELLA)

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: France
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IOF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-10-01
End date: 2013-05-31
Duration (months): 32.0
Total project cost (EUR): 181726.57
EU funding (EUR): 181726.57
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

The locomotion of microorganisms in fluids is a theme of major importance in biology. It affects many processes such as mammalian reproduction, the marine life ecosystem, and the dynamics of bacterial infection. Locomotion is typically achieved by the periodic deformation of flagella (short and flexible organelles) that drive the fluid motion around the microorganisms, and generate propulsive forces. The shape of the flagella is, in turn, affected by the fluid dynamics forces generated by the organisms. The understanding of this complex fluid-structure interaction calls for a multidisciplinary approach, at the intersection of physics, mechanics, biology and applied mathematics. The present research and training project will be dedicated to some open fundamental issues of flagellar propulsion. One key point of its methodology is the combined experimental and theoretical approach. A macroscopic experiment will be built with the aim of mimicking the motion of a bacterial flagellum. By immersing a rotating flexible filament in a highly viscous fluid, the fluid mechanics is identical to what occurs at the microorganism scale but with the advantages of a perfectly controllable experiment. Several important phenomena will be studied independently such as the motion in a viscoelastic fluid, the interaction of several flagella, the mixing properties of the fluid dynamics, and the effect of intrinsic curvature on the propulsion efficiency. In parallel, theoretical models will be developed with the aim of providing deeper insight into the physical mechanisms by extending the regimes of the actual models (resistive force, and slender-body models). This proposal is related to important Health issues such as bacterial infection, sperm motility and the design of micro-robots able to perform minimally invasive surgery and targeted drug delivery. This project will therefore contribute to European competitiveness on two major themes of the FP7 Programme: Health and Nanosciences.

Keywords: hydrodynamics,biomechanics,propulsion systems engineering,nanobiotechnology
HIGH PERFORMANCE NANOSTRUCTURE PERMANENT MAGNETS (NANOPERMAG)

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: Greece
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IIF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-06-01
End date: 2012-12-31
Duration (months): 31.0
Total project cost (EUR): 202318.8
EU funding (EUR): 202318.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The development of a new generation of permanent magnets is more urgent than ever in view of the demand for more efficient engines in wind energy, all electric cars and space applications. The purpose of this proposal is to exploit the opportunities available to fabricate powders of magnetically hard rare earth intermetallic nanoparticles/nanograins to develop new classes of anisotropic nanocomposite magnets with previously unattainable high energy products, (BH)max . We will use both ‘top-down’ and ‘bottom-up’ approaches to develop these materials. This program will be directed towards the synthesis and investigation of magnetically hard powders consisting of anisotropic Sm-Co, Sm-Fe-N and Nd-Fe-B nanoparticles with sizes below 300 nm, and soft powders based on Fe(Co) nanoparticles with sizes in the range of 10-20 nm and with properties close to those of the bulk. We shall use a variety of different fabrication techniques including chemical and mechano-chemical synthesis, surfactant assisted milling, and cluster gun deposition. Research will be focused on the 2:14:1/Fe(Co), 1:5/Fe(Co), 2:17/Fe(Co) and Sm2Fe17Nx/Fe(Co) nanocomposite systems. Micromagnetic calculations will be used to model different architectures for the optimum performance using parameters including particle size and shape, the geometrical arrangement of the hard and soft nanoparticles, and hard/soft structures with core/shell morphology. These modelled nanostructures will be fabricated for comparison with theoretical predictions and further optimisation. The emphasis will shift towards the blending, alignment and consolidation of the hard/soft powder architectures to obtain the next generation bulk permanent magnets with a twofold increase of the (BH)max at room temperature i.e. up to 800 KJ/m3. To achieve this objective we have assembled an experienced multidisciplinary team of physicists, chemists, materials scientists, and engineers to develop these next generation magnets.

Keywords: physical sciences
MITOCHONDRIAL GENOME SEGREGATION VIA THE CYTOSKELETON IN TRYPANOSOMES (MGSVCT)

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-2009-IIF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-08-02
End date: 2012-08-01
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 173240.8
EU funding (EUR): 173240.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Kinetoplastid flagellates of the Trypanosoma brucei are widely distributed, causing human African trypanosomiasis and animal trypanosomiasis, listed among major tropical diseases by WHO. T. brucei possesses a single flagellum and a single mitochondrion containing kinetoplast (highly constructed mitochondrial DNA and related proteins). Tripartite attachment complex (TAC), a highly organized cytoskeletal structure with timed remodeling, was found to link between the kinetoplast and the flagellum basal body, with an important role in kinetoplast maintenance and segregation. However, only p166 and AEP-1 were uncovered as constituents of TAC, while numerous other components remain to be identified. Our project will focus on investigating the structure and function of TAC. Flagella-TAC-kinetoplast complex will be isolated; the comparative proteome will be used to indentify the components of TAC. In parallel, genes encoding TAC proteins could be acquired by raising monoclonal antibodies from immune mice and screening an expression library. By RNAi screening and dominant negative over-expression of TAC proteins, comparison between wild type strains and those without kinetoplast (akinetoplastic), 3D modeling and interactions in yeast two-hybrid system, we will predict their possible functions, as well as their assembly and propose mechanisms how this complex structure divides. Moreover, phylogenetic analyses, using the Tri-Tryp genomes, will enable to reconstruct evolution of TAC. Results generated in frame of this project will be the first active and systematical attempt to characterize the compositions and function of this unique cytoskeletal structure, and will also be used to evaluate its potential as a drug target against these serious pathogens.

Keywords: functional biology,human parasitology,molecular biology,structural biology,protozoology
Quantum Measurements and Ground State Cooling of Mechanical Oscillators (QM)

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-2009-IEF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-03-01
End date: 2011-12-31
Duration (months): 22.0
Total project cost (EUR): 172565.2
EU funding (EUR): 172565.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Cavity optomechanics has over the past years emerged as a new research field in which basic concepts of quantum measurement theory such as quantum limited displacement sensing or backaction evading measurements as well as highly sensitive force measurements may be realized by virtue of radiation pressure optomechanical coupling to nano- and micro-mechanical oscillators. The objective of this research area is to achieve quantum limited detection of mechanical motion and ground state cooling of a mechanical oscillator. Analogous to the success of quantum limited photon detectors in the field of quantum optics, it is likely that quantum limited motion transducers will continue to lead to new advances in both fundamental science and technology. The significance of the research program lies in experimentally approaching the fundamental quantum limits of motion transduction and demonstrating quantum phenomena of a mechanical oscillator; the most tangible harmonic oscillator. This research will directly build on the recognized contributions of the participating Swiss research group, which is the Laboratoy of Photonics and Quantum Measurements of Dr. Tobias J. Kippenberg at the EPFL. The research group has over the past 4 years made many seminal and widely recognized contributions to the field of cavity optomechanics. The applicant is a French scientists who obtained his PhD at ENS in Paris in the labatory of the world renowned Quantum Physics pioneer Serge Haroche. His work has been pioneering and has been published in leading journals (including two publications in Nature). The proposed research activities are at the forefront of the rapidly developing field of cavity optomechanics - which has sparked widespread contemporary interest in Physics - , and will place the applicant in an excellent position to launch into a carreer in science. Moreover the applicant will be exposed within the Laboratory of Photonics and Quantum Measurements to complementary research projects.

Keywords: physical sciences
Structural analysis of the newly described hybrid secretion system of the pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa involving the outer membrane transporter CupB3 (‘P-usher’) and the adhesin CupB5 (P-USHER)

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-2009-IEF, 2009)
Start date: 2011-09-01
End date: 2013-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 172240.8
EU funding (EUR): 172240.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Bacterial pathogenesis is closely linked to the biogenesis of fimbrial adhesins. Up to date 7 different types of secretion systems involved in assembling such structures are defined. However, recent data on the CupB secretion system described in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, indicate that this is the first time a hybrid secretion system is described, as it contains proteins of both the type Vb Two-Partner-Secretion (TPS) System (adhesin CupB5) and the CU type Chaperon-usher pathway system (CupB3). The proposed research focuses on the CupB pathway components CupB1-6, especially on the hybrid CupB3 and CupB5 proteins, where the so-called P-usher (CupB3), a pore-forming beta-barrel, transports the CupB5 adhesin to cell surface. CupB5 is a TpsA-like adhesin which normally is transported to cell surface through a cognate TpsB-like protein (TPS system). Yet, the CupB system lacks a TpsB-like protein and the P-usher exerts the transporter role. The clue is that the P-usher has a N-terminal POTRA domain, normally found in TpsB-like proteins, which is the site of interaction/recognition of the adhesin CupB5. This is an extraordinary case, where the P-usher is not only able to transport its cognate and fimbriae forming pilin-subunits (CupB1), but also the non-fimbrial CupB5 adhesin. The way the recognition/transport between non-cognate CupB3 and CupB5 proteins is managed will be assessed from a structural point of view using different biochemical (protein purification and characterization) and biophysical techniques, integrating in an ultimate hybrid approach both X-ray crystallography and cryo-electronmicroscopy to determine the dynamics of interaction of the CupB system in a close-to-nature fashion.

Keywords: health sciences,pathogens,pseudomonas aeruginosa,secretion system,chaperon-usher pathway / two-partner system pathway,fimbriae,x-ray-crystallography,cryo-electronmicroscopy
“SURFACE FUNCTIONALISED” CATIONIC LIPOSOME-DNA COMPLEXES CONTAINING PEPTIDE-LIPIDS WITH POLY(ETHYLENE GLYCOL) SPACERS: STRUCTURE, TRANSFECTION EFFICIENCY AND INTERACTIONS WITH THE CYTOSKELETON (TRANSFECTDNA)

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: Sweden
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IOF, 2009)
Start date: 2011-02-01
End date: 2014-01-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 250273.7
EU funding (EUR): 250273.7
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Cationic lipids (CL) are the most promising candidates for efficient and safe gene-delivery vectors for gene therapy. Compared with viral capsids, CLs do not induce a response from the immune system. Moreover, while viral capsids have a maximum DNA-carrying capacity of about 40 kbp, CLs, which form self-assemblies with distinct lamellar LαC and inverted hexagonal HIIC, or HIC nanostructures when complexed with DNA, place no limit on the size of the DNA. Despite all these promises, transfection efficiency (TE; a measure of the expression of an exogenous gene that is transferred into cells) remains low, and only a substantial increase in the knowledge of relative interactions between CLs, DNA and cell’s components can lead to the design of optimal CL-DNA complexes for gene therapy. Here we propose to design and study novel surface-functionalised PEG-CL-DNA complexes with a RGD and SV 40 peptide sequences. The use of PEG is required to avoid opsin complexation (hence, removal from the organism), while the RGD sequence is expected to induce endocytosis, allowing entrance of the complexes into cells. The SV 40 (a nuclear localisation sequence – NLS) is expected to lead to transport of the smaller sized complexes into the nucleus, permitting the usage of CLs as vectors in slowly or non-dividing cells. To test these hypotheses, transfection studies and confocal microscopy will be carried out in cells, whereas the structures and interactions of the complexes will be characterised with synchrotron x-ray diffraction. The interactions between CLs, DNA and cell components (mainly cytoskeleton filaments and cytoskeletal proteins) will be studied in-vitro with synchrotron x-ray diffraction, confocal microscopy and cryo-transmission electron microscopy. The whole of these studies will permit the rationalisation of the crucial parameters affecting TE, based on the structures of CL-DNA complexes and their interactions with the cytoskeleton.

Keywords: gene therapy,molecular biophysics,cationic lipids-dna complexes,cell transfection,cytoskeletal proteins,synchrotron x-ray diffraction,soft matter