Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Niya Tocharian: language contact and prehistory on the Silk Road (NIYA TOCHARIAN)

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): 161968.8
EU funding (EUR): 161968.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Niya Prakrit or Niya Gāndhārī is a Middle Indian language from the 3rd and 4th centuries CE. Having its origins in Northern Pakistan, it came to the southern oases of the Tarim Basin in present-day North-West China, where it was the administrative language of the Shànshàn kingdom, a short-lived state on the Silk Road. The language is named after the archaeological site Niya in the Shànshàn area, where over 750 documents were found, written in the Niya Prakrit language and in the Kharoshthī script. Although obviously of Indian origin, Niya Prakrit also shows influences of its new Central Asian homeland. Spelling mistakes as well as many non-Indian words and numerous foreign names even justify the conclusion that the Shànshàn people had a different mother tongue, which as a substrate language influenced Niya Prakrit in its pronunciation, in the grammar, and in the lexicon. In 1935 Thomas Burrow set up the hypothesis that the substrate language that influenced Niya Prakrit was a form of Tocharian. Two varieties of Tocharian are known so far: Tocharian A and Tocharian B, attested from the 5th century CE in the north of the Tarim Basin. Although a Tocharian substrate as an explanation of the peculiarities of Niya Prakrit is plausible in itself, most of Burrow’s word and grammar comparisons are too vague for definitive conclusions, which is due in particular to the fact that Tocharian was still poorly investigated at the time. The enormous progress made in Tocharian studies since the 1930’s requires a re-evaluation of Burrow’s theory. Should it be confirmed, then this would have important consequences for Tocharian studies, as Tocharian would have been spoken not only in the north of the Tarim Basin, but also in the south. At the same time it would also be an essential contribution to our understanding of the Shànshàn culture and its role in the spread of Indian culture, as well as to our concept of the history of the whole Tarim Basin.

Keywords: tocharian,niya prakrit,gandhari,chinese central asia,philology,historical linguistics,contact linguistics
Understanding how plant root traits and soil microbial processes influence soil erodibility (FIXSOIL)

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: France
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-05-01
End date: 2016-04-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 202405.8
EU funding (EUR): 202405.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

A large part of the world’s crops grow on hillsides where the original forest has been felled and severe soil degradation and erosion has occurred through poor planting practice. Careful management of such situations could avoid any detrimental consequences of farming on sloping land, but both fundamental and applied research is required to determine how best to plant, manage and harvest depending on land use, species mixtures and topography. Therefore, Fixsoil will investigate the ecosystem service of soil fixation provided by different crop / forest systems whilst focusing on plant root traits and soil microbial communities. The project will be hosted at AMAP (Montpellier, France) and CEH (Wallingford, UK) with field-sites representing natural forest, agro-forest and organic farmland in temperate oceanic and Mediterranean regions. The relationships between root structural /functional traits and soil microbial communities with soil aggregate stability, soil physical/chemical properties and infiltration, will be studied with the both standard and cutting-edge techniques. The ambitious objective of this project is to determine how the function and role of different parts of a root system (in a variety of species mixtures) and the composition of soil microbial communities provide (or not) the service of reducing soil erodibility. The results of this project will provide data to allow stakeholders and (agro)foresters better determine species mix, spatial and temporal compositions and management strategies with regard to soil degradation and erosion.

Keywords: agro-forestry,soil erosion,plant ecology,land cover and degradation,forest ecosystems,mountain ecosystems,soil microbial community,aggregate stability,glomalin,soil protection.
Defining the functions of novel integral membrane regulator, CMTM family in B cell development and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (LEUKEMIA SIGNALLING)

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: 2014-06-01
End date: 2016-11-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 299558.4
EU funding (EUR): 299558.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Despite the vast improvements in survival, acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) remains one of the major causes of death in children. The current combination chemotherapy causes acute and long-term toxicity. Hence, there is a compelling need to understand the development of ALL and identify key players that could be used in targeted therapy. The B cell receptor (BCR) and its precursor, pre-BCR, control the regulation of B cell differentiation and therefore aberrant pre-BCR and BCR functions results in B cell leukemia. The aim of my project is to identify new membrane associated drug targets for BCR-ALL therapy through investigating the functions of recently discovered Chemokine factor like Marvel like Trans Membrane proteins (CMTM) that interacts with the BCR and the intracellular adaptor, SLP-65, in B cell developmental process. To achieve this, I will employ multidisciplinary approaches and focus on the first B cell developmental checkpoint, the pre-BCR stage. The main objectives of the project are (i) to discover and characterize the CMTM mediated macro molecular assemblage using systems biology approach (ii) to identify the CMTM mediated downstream signaling network emanating from the pre BCR through cell biology and next generation sequencing methodologies and (iii) to determine the structures of pre BCR membrane/cytosolic multi protein CMTM mediated complexes using NMR or X-ray crystallography. Thus, the proposed project will discover the role of new membrane regulators in pre B cell development and pre BCR-ALL. I propose to set this previously not existing B cell membrane regulator research theme at Newcastle University, U.K. moving from my previous position at the George Washington University, USA. This program will open new avenues for B cell lineage ALL treatment and expand the scientific excellence of European cancer drug discovery research initiatives.

Keywords: acute lymphoblastic leukaemia,b cell development,b cell membrane regulators,b cell signalling complexes,leukaemia signalling,pre-bcr membrane mediated signalling,pre-bcr checkpoint
Computation-driven rational design of MoSx-based desulphurization nanocatalysts (NANO-DESIGN)

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 aim of the Nano-DeSign project is to rationally design a new generation of improved nanostructured MoS2 heterogeneous catalysts by means of computational modelling that will lead the way, in close collaboration with experimental and industrial partners, towards the engineering and use of real world desulphurization catalysts. The combustion of S-containing fossil fuels supposes a threat for the environment (acid rain) as well as for human health in largely populated and industrialized areas. Recent advances in computation and in experimental techniques allow to design and study in atomic detail nanostructured catalysts with new exciting properties that may well allow completely removing sulphur from fossil fuels. Combining the applicant’s and the host’s expertise in DFT-based methods, novel realistic models will be developed to correlate the reactivity of experimentally measured activities to the structural and electronic features of these systems. The completion of the proposed goals would significantly contribute to remediating the amount of S emitted to the atmosphere and extending the fundamental knowledge of the chemical and physical properties of S-based materials and chemical processes.

Keywords: "heterogeneous catalysis",dft,mos2,mosx,desulphurization,nanomaterials,"supported catalysts","rational design",computation,"theoretical chemistry","electronic structure","condensed matter"
Application of Assembly Line Synthesis to The Construction of Biologically Active Molecules (ALCAMS)

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: 2014-05-01
End date: 2016-04-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 221606.4
EU funding (EUR): 221606.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

This proposal seeks to develop a new strategy for chemical synthesis which we term “Assembly Line Synthesis”. Our plan is to develop new reactions and strategies which enable us to essentially grow a carbon chain with complete control over its shape (stereochemistry) and functionality (which groups are incorporated) in a single operation. Our unique methodology involves the reaction between a lithiated carbamate and a boronic ester to give the homologated product. This chemistry can be done in an iterative manner, without the need for purification between steps, enabling complex molecules to be created with complete control of both relative and absolute stereochemistry. To date we have done 7 homologations in one pot with full stereocontrol. Indeed, through choosing the approriate stereochemistry of substituents along a carbon chain, we have grown a molecule which adopts a linear conformation. We are interested in the further development of the homologation of boronic ester methodology and its application in the synthesis of chemically and biologically useful molecules. We now plan to apply this methodology to the synthesis of the hydroxyl phthioceranic acid, a potent antigen that stimulates the immune response towards tuberculosis. We expect to make this molecule in just 2-3 discrete operations, a far cry from the 30+ steps taken in the past. In collaboration with Prof. Wender at Stanford, we also plan to prepare improved transporters to carry lipophilic drug molecules (like the potent anti-cancer compound taxol) into cells. We will use our iterative methodology to create lipophilic carbon chains bearing polar guanidinium rich side arms with specific shape and improved transporter properties.

Keywords: assembly line synthesis,iterative homologation,chiral carbenoid,boronic ester,hydroxyl phthioceranic acid,molecular transporter
Biomechanics and mechanobiology of the Achilles tendon (TENDON_MECHBIO)

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: Sweden
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-11-01
End date: 2016-10-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 206350.8
EU funding (EUR): 206350.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Tendons are part of the mechanosensitive musculoskeletal system and link muscles to bones. They have a predominantly mechanical role by regulating and transmitting forces. Tendon injuries are characterised by degraded tissue matrix that leads to inflammation and pain, and could lead to ruptures. The restoration process of tendons is extremely slow and although existing treatments include physiotherapy, the efficiency of loading has not been proven yet. This is due to our limited knowledge in how biophysical stimuli affects tendon healing, remodelling and biomechanical properties. In this application, we propose to investigate how the response of tendons to loading can be used to accelerate Achilles tendon healing and enhance the tissue’s biomechanical properties. Our approach will combine computational and experimental models to investigate: 1) the multistructural biomechanical behaviour of the intact Achilles tendon; 2) explore the mechanobiological effects on tissue composition, structure and biomechanical properties during repair; 3) identify the biophysical stimuli that promote tendon differentiation. This research will primarily develop novel computational tools that determine magnitudes and timing of loading on tendons that accelerate recovery and prevent re-rupture. The outcomes will help clinicians to improve the efficiency of existing therapies and propose new ones for enhanced tendon repair. The proposed project contributes to basic science on tendon mechanobiology which has clinical applications that improve public health. This application plans to expand the researcher’s multidisciplinary research skills by giving her a new set of skills in experimental tendon mechanobiology and biomechanics. She will also hone her existing computational skills in musculoskeletal research to strengthen her niche. The researcher will have the possibility to conduct training in leadership and pedagogy to increase her chances to secure a faculty position after the fellowshi

Keywords: soft tissue biomechanics,mechanobiology,tendon,collagen,differentiation,tendon healing,tendon remodelling,viscoelasticity,bioengineering,finite element modelling,computer model
Dynamic Flow Control and Self-Assembly on Bioinspired Slippery Surfaces (DYNASLIPS)

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: Finland
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IOF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-09-01
End date: 2017-08-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 270814.2
EU funding (EUR): 270814.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Biomimetics and bioinspiration have been proven to be fruitful approaches to designing novel liquid and dirt repellent coatings. For example, lotus-mimetic superhydrophobic surfaces have gained enormous amounts of interest during the past 10-20 years. Today, superhydrophobic coatings are making their commercial breakthrough and can be bought from hardware stores and sprayed on practically any surface. However, another class of bioinspired repellent surfaces is emerging at the moment. This new type of coating has the potential to overcome many of the problems associated with lotus-mimetic superhydrophobic surfaces, such as the poor durability and lack of omniphobicity. Whereas the lotus-mimetic superhydrophobic surfaces are based on rough low-energy coatings, the new type of coating mimics the liquid-infused porous surface of pitcher plants. These new Slippery Liquid-Infused Porous Surfaces (SLIPS) repel almost any liquids and solids, including films of living matter. The goal of this Marie Curie project is to explore dynamics of liquid droplets on these novel surfaces introduced two years ago in 2011. Specifically, the project aims at forming a set of methods for controlling the flow of liquid droplets and understanding how the solid-liquid hybrid surface interacts with moving droplets, leading to energy dissipation. In addition, the Marie Curie project explores also how SLIPS can be used for advanced self-assembly of both macroscopic liquid droplets and nano/microscopic particles. Together the results from these research objectives will significantly improve our understanding of the dynamical aspects of SLIPS. In addition, the knowledge transfer from the world-leading biomimetic laboratory in Harvard will be beneficial for the biomimetics research in ERA.

Keywords: slippery surfaces,biomimetics,bioinspiration,dynamics,liquid flow,flow control,self-assembly,dynamic self-assembly,droplets,digital microfluidics,electrowetting,magnetowetting
High throughput analysis of the in vivo metabolite/protein interactome in plants. (TAPMIN)

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-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-06-01
End date: 2016-05-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 235000.0
EU funding (EUR): 235000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

In the last decade, new technologies have emerged to study protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interactions under near-physiological conditions at large scale. In contrast, development of similar performing technologies for screening and discovery of in vivo metabolite/protein interactions has received little attention. Nonetheless, metabolites comprise a large and important fraction of the cellular molecules. Many can bind proteins as substrates, products, cofactors, and ligands, and thereby constitute metabolic networks or regulate a myriad of environmental and developmental responses, often at very low concentrations. Here, we will establish a performing method for the discovery of novel in vivo protein-metabolite interactions in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana by adapting an available high throughput protein affinity purification/mass spectrometry platform used for detecting protein-protein interactions. Receptor proteins involved in jasmonate signalling will be used as the model systems to discover new metabolites that interact in vivo with proteins. Ultimately, the role of the identified metabolites and the relevance of their molecular interactions for the jasmonate signalling cascades that steer growth and metabolism will be investigated.

Keywords: metabolite,f-box protein (coi1,tir1),interactome,metabolite/protein interactions,protein affinity purification,methanol extraction,chromatographic techniques,lc- and gc-ms,nmr,ja signaling
Development of novel Near-infrared Light-triggered CORMs for Cancer Treatment (LIGHT-CORM-CAT)

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: 2015-04-13
End date: 2019-08-10
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 274336.8
EU funding (EUR): 274336.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The capacity for imaging and treatment with a single assembly (“theranostic”) is a promising advance that seeks to further improve personalised cancer treatment. This project aims to contribute a revolutionary step to this field through the development of near-infrared light-activated carbon monoxide-releasing molecules (NIRA-CORMs). Carbon monoxide plays an important role in the regulation of stress response and in cell adaption to injury. Moreover, pre-clinical trials applying this gas as a therapeutic agent have already shown that it has therapeutic effects. As a consequence, the development of molecules that can release CO in a highly controlled fashion (CORMs) under physiological conditions has therefore become a major field of scientific and medical interest. So far, very little is actually known about the interaction of CORMs with living cells, both before and after release of CO. This represents a major barrier to their progression into clinical trials. To overcome these obstacles, a combination of new methodology and novel CORMs will not only provide a new non-invasive technology to elucidate the interaction of CO and CORMs with living organisms, but also deliver agents that can be used to simultaneously monitor and treat diseases in a specific and safe manner with optical-based techniques. This approach consists of upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs), which harvest NIR light and emit visible light, decorated with ruthenium-based, visible light-activated CORMs and a tumour-targeting peptide. It will be the first study of its kind to probe in detail the uptake, trafficking and light-triggered activation of photo-CORMs in cells using a suite of high-resolution spectroscopic techniques in the multidisciplinary environment at Monash University and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf. The applicant has the opportunity to learn a lot of new research methods in the field of cancer theranostics, and it is a crucial step in developing her independent carrier.

Keywords: theranostics,ruthenium complexes,co-releasing molecules,upconverting nanoparticles,biospectroscopy,optical imaging
Binary Evolution and Low-Level Accretion (BELLA)

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: 2014-12-01
End date: 2016-11-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 231283.2
EU funding (EUR): 231283.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Although X-ray binaries constitute to the brightest X-ray point sources in our Galaxy, a peculiar subgroup is orders of magnitude fainter in the X-rays than the general population. These sub-luminous X-ray binaries may harbor unusual donors, tracing rare binary evolution paths, and represent a relatively poor explored regime of accretion. This proposal aims at elucidating the nature of this tantalizing population of X-ray binaries to advance our understanding of binary evolution and accretion flows occurring at low rates.

Keywords: x-ray binary,neutron star,black hole,accretion,binary evolution