Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
The effects of lineage differentiation into pancreatic beta-cells on the immunogenicity of amniotic fluid stem cells. (OXFORDWINSTON)

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: United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2007-4-1-IOF, 2007)
Start date: 2008-06-01
End date: 2011-05-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 333819.38
EU funding (EUR): 333819.38
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The use of stem cells for curing disease and ending disabilities may change the medical treatment in this century. However, there are some major roadblocks that need to be resolved before these cells are implemented in ordinary medical care. There are serious ethical issues regarding the use of embryonic stem cells, reliable methods for isolation and expansion of stem cells need to be established, stem cell plasticity raises the issue of tumorigenicity, the use of stem cell transplantation might encounter with rejection and more information is needed on stem cell immunogenicity. This proposal aims to address some of these roadblocks. Replacement of β-cells by transplantation of pancreatic islets has become a viable option for the treatment of certain patients with unstable Type 1 diabetes mellitus. However, the current supply of islets from pancreata of organ donors is very limited. Stem cells may serve as a new source of β-cells. Although promising results have been reported in the production of β-like cells from human embryonic stem cells, the process appears relatively inefficient. We have described the isolation of a novel class of human amniotic fluid stem (AFS) cells and showed that they are capable of extensive clonal expansion and can give rise to differentiated cell types derived from all three embryonic germ layers, but do not form teratoma tumors. Experiments with mouse AFS cells show that, when we forced the expression of the pancreatic transcription factor PDX-1, the cells can be induced to form islet-like clusters containing a high proportion of cells that synthesize proinsulin and display glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Studies with human AFS (hAFS) cells have confirmed that they can express mRNA for critical beta-cell lineage functions. However, in the clinical scenario hAFS cells will face potential alloimmune responses including autoimmunity.
Regulation of dopamine transporter function by the PDZ domain protein PICK1 (PICK1 AND DAT)

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-2007-2-1-IEF, 2007)
Start date: 2008-06-01
End date: 2010-05-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 201923.71
EU funding (EUR): 201923.71
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The dopamine transporter (DAT) belongs to the family of Na+/Cl- dependent neurotransmitter transporters and is responsible for rapid termination of dopaminergic signaling by mediating reuptake of dopamine (DA) from the synaptic cleft. The DAT is target for widely abused psychostimulants, such as amphetamine and cocaine, as well as modification in DAT activity has been associated with severe brain disorders like Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). An increasing number of proteins have been identified as interaction partners of the DAT but the functional implications of the interactions are poorly understood. Here we propose to investigate the molecular significance of the interaction between DAT and the PDZ domain protein PICK1. Based on a series of preliminary data we propose that binding of PICK1 via its PDZ domain to the DAT C-terminus operate to regulate uncoupled DAT mediated currents. Notably, these currents are likely to modulate the excitability of dopaminergic neurons and thereby the overall activity of the dopamine system. We hypothesize that PICK1 mediated regulation of these currents either involves enhanced DAT phosphorylation due to PICK1 mediated recruitment of protein kinase Ca or modulation of intramolecular interactions in the transporter molecule. We will test our hypotheses by employing an interdisciplinary strategy that combines the expertise of the applicants with those of the host laboratory and involves a broad spectrum of methods including patch clamp measurements, bioimaging and molecular biological procedures. We expect that the project will lead to significant improvement of our understanding of DAT regulation and thereby provide an important framework for future discovery of novel therapeutic strategies against diseases characterized by dopaminergic dysfunction.

Keywords: neurobiology,degenerative diseases,schizophrenia,drug addiction,dopamine transporter,pick1,amphetamine,pkc
Influence of oxidants on cell fate determination by use of a GFP coupled redox sensor (ROS IN CELL FATE)

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-2007-2-1-IEF, 2007)
Start date: 2009-12-01
End date: 2011-11-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 158694.85
EU funding (EUR): 158694.85
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Reactive oxygen species are derivatives of aerobic metabolism. Their production is finely regulated to protect cells against severe and permanent damage to cellular components that could ultimately lead to programmed cell death. However at low levels, ROS act as second messagers in several signalling pathways leading to growth, differentiation, senescence or cell death. This dual function of ROS appears to be due to differences in their concentrations, their sub-cellular localization and the pulse-duration. Using a newly developed fluorescent redox biosensor that allows dynamic live imaging of the intracellular glutathione redox state, I will study the role of endogenous oxidants in cell fate decision at the G1 checkpoint. I will follow the intracellular redox state of 3 primary cell types as they grow in culture, respond to mitogenic stimuli or differentiation factors and undergo senescence. Oxygen sensitivity of these processes will be also evaluated by modifying the oxygen culture conditions. Murine adult neural stem cells will serve as a model to study the balance between self-renewal and differentiation while mouse embryonic fibroblasts and human adult skin fibroblasts will be studied in terms of proliferative capacity versus senescence induction. Furthermore, we plan to generate transgenic mice constitutively expressing the redox sensor. This will allow us to compare endogenous redox levels in different tissues, over time and under pathological conditions.

Keywords: oxidants,senescnce,stem cell biology,redox sensor,cytology
Evolution in island birds: testing patterns and investigating mechanisms (EVOLUTION ON ISLANDS)

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-2007-2-1-IEF, 2007)
Start date: 2008-09-01
End date: 2009-09-30
Duration (months): 13.0
Total project cost (EUR): 233164.62
EU funding (EUR): 233164.62
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Species on islands are widely believed to undergo similar evolutionary changes as an adaptation to the island environment, a process referred to as the ‘island syndrome’. These changes affect morphological, reproductive, physiological and behavioural traits such as sexual selection. Evolutionary change on islands is believed to relate to genetic (e.g. bottleneck) and ecological factors (e.g. release from natural enemies such as parasites and predators). However, very few broad-scale tests of these patterns have been conducted and few detailed studies examined the underlying processes. Additionally, previous studies were mostly based on data obtained from the literature, which are typically variable in quality. This is surprising given the central role of islands in ecological and evolutionary theory. Whether an ‘island syndrome’ does exist or not can only be established by demonstrating that a set of traits has arisen independently several times in unrelated taxa and geographically distinct areas. We propose to examine whether there are consistent patterns of adaptation in morphological, reproductive and sexually selected traits of island birds worldwide and to investigate some of the underlying causes. To this end, we will first collect standardised data from museum specimens for islands and nearby mainland areas from around the world consisting of morphological, egg and plumage colour measures. Subsequently, we will investigate in detail some of the underlying processes and consequences of evolutionary change on islands in the Gulf of Guinea using weaver (Aves, Ploceidae) species, for which phylogeographic data is available, on the island of São Tomé and nearby mainland Gabon. Specifically, we will address the interaction between decreased parasite pressure, immunity, intensity of sexual selection and reproductive investment to elucidate some of the constraints and trade-offs that lead to changes on islands.

Keywords: insularity syndrome,sexual selection,immunocompetence,bird colouration
14th International Conference of Women Engineers and Scientists " A changing world: new opportunities for women engineers and scientists" (ICWES14)

Framework: FP7 — Capacities
Programme: Science in Society
Destination: Science in Society
Action type: Coordination and support actions
Countries involved: France
Call:  (FP7-Adhoc-2007-13, 2007)
Start date: 2007-09-01
End date: 2008-08-31
Duration (months): 12.0
Total project cost (EUR): 593750.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

ICWES Confernces are the principal events of the international Network of Women Engineers and Scientists (INWES). Every three years, engineers and scientists gather from all over the world, enjoying the opportunnity to exchange information on academic, industrial, small and medium-sized enterprise research. The conference includes scientific and technical presentations as well as sessions on gender and methods to improve the position of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The theme of the conference, "A changing world: new opportunities for women engineers and scientists", is an opportunity for all participants to exchange scientific and multidisciplinary skills as weel as the best methods. The audience expected: 700 women engineers and scientists from 50 countries.The duration of the conference is from July 15th, 2008 to July 18th, 2008. The main objectives are: - to encourage women scientists and engineers from all over the world to meet and share their researches and experiences in order to work out an international vision of them to everyone's benefit. - to disseminate and strengthen the role of women engineers and scientists in society by their contribution to the cultural change in professional or academic research environment. The program is built by everyone contributing to the sessions: plenary lectures, oral presenttaion, posters.The official language is English, in all kind of session and printed material. The main topics are: the impact of science on sustainable development both technologicaly and on the human side, promoting science education for girls in schools, developing women networks and diversity, giving a greatest insight into European-based activities of women in engineering and science which will be presented in a specific forum. We are keen this event will be of benefit to all European women in STEM in order to reinforce their position in research community, in the academic and in the private careers.

Keywords: international conference,women in science and engineering,researchers,scientific topics,gender issues,awards
Brain Circulation - From Brain Drain to Brain Gain (MOREBRAIN)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: MSCA other
Action type: Coordination and support actions
Countries involved: Israel,Spain,Iceland,Ireland
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2007-5-3-ERA-MORE, 2007)
Start date: 2008-07-01
End date: 2011-06-30
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 149439.0
EU funding (EUR): 149439.0
Participants: 4
Project status: CLOSED

The Brain Drain in Europe is a worrying issue for Europe and of primary importance on a national and pan-European scale. Obviously researchers prefer to move and to stay in a country which offers them a higher salary, career development, status and of paramount significance, a prestigious institute. But when these countries are beyond the borders of Europe, we are encountering a major loss of Europe's finest and brightest scholars. As promoters of the Mobility of Researchers, are we enhancing this process or can we act creatively to convert this problem into an advantage? This era of increasing globalization provides new opportunities which were not available previously. For example broadband communications that enable fast and available transfer of information allow for remote working. This may be one option for overcoming the brain-drain problem apart from total reintegration, as it enables affiliation, or working from more than one location. Total reintegration is not necessarily the most effective way to convert brain drain into brain gain. Increasing mobility of researchers is a priority of the Commission and apparently looks like it's enhancing the problem of brain drain. We can't control mobility of researchers; however understanding the factors which influence the stream in each direction makes it possible to overcome this problem. Understanding existing factors and creating new factors which can be controlled might make it possible to convert brain drain into brain gain. For this reason the project will introduce new concepts of "e-reintegration" and co-sharing and study their feasibility.

Keywords: brain gain,brain drain,e-reintegration,co-sharing
Noble gases in fluid inclusions of stalagmites as a new palaeoclimate proxy (NOGAFLUIS)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: European Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Hungary
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2007-2-2-ERG, 2007)
Start date: 2008-03-01
End date: 2011-02-28
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 45000.0
EU funding (EUR): 45000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The project being delineated in this proposal intends to study fluid inclusions in speleothems. It is assumed that atmospheric noble gases dissolve in the seepage water according to the cave temperature, when speleothems, namely stalactites and stalagmites, are being formed. Since the cave temperature not too close to the entrance corresponds with the annual mean air temperature, except in case of too deep caves and/or the ones affected by thermal effects, the NGT of the seepage water reflects to the mean temperature of the air. During the formation of speleothems, tiny amounts of dripping seepage water can be enclosed between the precipitating carbonate layers. This water constitutes the fluid inclusions. The whole research project is based on mass spectrometric measurements of the noble gas content of fluid inclusions of speleothems. All of the five noble gases, namely helium, neon, argon, krypton and xenon are expected to be examined. During the performance of the research project, a preparation line for treatment of stalagmite samples will be built. Additionally, an appropriate measurement process will be developed. Although, the first results in the previous Marie Curie Fellowship have shown that many stalagmite samples include a significant fraction of air-filled inclusions that makes the sample preparation and the evaluation more complicated, it has been found that appropriate stalagmite samples that contain very little air inclusions do exist. In this latter case, about 1 ºC error for noble gas temperature determination can be achieved, which provides the possibility to apply this method as a palaeoclimate proxy. The present project in this proposal intends to go on in this new field.

Keywords: noble gases,fluid inclusion,stalagmite,climate change,noble gas temperature,palaeoclimate archive
Development of Laser-Based Technologies and Prototype Instruments for Genome-Wide Chromatin ImmunoPrecipitation Analyses (ATLAS)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Health
Destination: Biotechnology, generic tools and medical technologies for human health
Action type: Collaborative project
Countries involved: Italy,Italy,France,Netherlands,Belgium,Sweden,Romania,Spain,France,Lithuania
Call:  (FP7-HEALTH-2007-B, 2007)
Start date: 2009-04-01
End date: 2012-09-30
Duration (months): 42.0
Total project cost (EUR): 3841277.0
EU funding (EUR): 2930599.0
Participants: 11
Project status: CLOSED

Deciphering the complexity of chromatin-encoded information is the prerequisite for understanding the regulatory circuits governing development and (patho)physiology. Transcription factors and epigenetic modulators translate chromatin-embedded information in a dynamic and cell/gene context specific manner to orchestrate homeostasis, growth and differentiation. To date, the most powerful and commonly used approach is immunoprecipitation of chemically cross-linked chromatin (XChIP) coupled with single gene or global analysis using DNA tiling arrays (ChIP-chip) or parallel single molecule sequencing (ChIP-seq). At present, serious limitations of the XChIP technology preclude factor-DNA interaction studies at dynamic ranges below minutes. Moreover, conventional XChIP cannot be used to study samples of &lt;106 cells or cell populations within complex biological samples. Based on established proof-of-principle experiments, the multidisciplinary ATLAS consortium will develop novel types of femtosecond (fs) UV tunable lasers to induce highly efficient DNA-protein crosslinking for ChIP analyses with unprecedented precision and reproducibility, and extending the present dynamic time range by order of magnitudes. ATLAS will further validate LaserChIP (LChIP) technologies and integrate them e.g. with manipulation of irradiated (frozen) tissues slices and microfluidic cell sorting systems. Combining LChIP with proximity ligation approaches will facilitate the analyses of cell-selective (epi)genetic programs on small pre-defined cell populations down to the single cell level. Integration of innovative SMEs with physicists, oncologists, biologists, chemists and mathematicians secures efficient introduction and application of LChIP in basic and translational research. This consortium has the technical and commercial expertise as well as the capacities to successfully develop and commercialize laser-based ChIP technologies.

Keywords: uv laser crosslinking,global chromatin ip,chip on chip,chip on seq,microfluidics systems coupled with laser,selective chip
Polymeric nanocomposite profiles for curtain walls (FACOMP)

Framework: FP7 — Capacities
Programme: Research for the benefit of SMEs
Destination: Research for SMEs
Action type: Research for the benefit of specific groups
Countries involved: Spain,Sweden,Italy,Spain,United Kingdom,Italy,Spain
Call:  (FP7-SME-2007-1, 2007)
Start date: 2008-10-01
End date: 2011-08-31
Duration (months): 35.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1395181.0
EU funding (EUR): 954304.4
Participants: 7
Project status: CLOSED

Curtain wall facade is being constituted in one of the most used at the present time due to its facility of construction, lightness and to the great variety of materials and finished textures that are possible to obtain. The curtain walls are constituted by two elements clearly differentiated: • The structural profiles of the curtain wall (the one in charge to support the glass or the coating panels and to join structurally the facade to the building) • And the coating material which is the one that provides the final finished one. Generally this finishing is glass although exists the possibility of using other materials if it’s required to give an opaque finish to the end item. At the present time the materials more used for the structural profiles are aluminium and steel. These materials have a widely extended use although they often present/display problems of supply and recycling. Besides, it’s thermal behaviour is not appropriate since they are materials of great thermal transmission. This project is intended to define a new system and a new nanomaterial to be used in substitution of the steel and aluminium for structural profiles. The system to develop must fulfil the same or better mechanical characteristics than the steel and aluminium, must be lighter, weather resistant and with better thermal and acoustic behaviour. The introduction of a new material will also imply a redesign or an adaptation of characteristics of the rest of materials that compose the curtain wall (joints, silicone adherence, glass, etc). The materials that will be used for the profiles are polymeric nanocomposites reinforced with fibres and nanoparticles. These materials exhibit several advantages comparing with those of the aluminium and steel: Mechanical properties: Lightness, Maintenance, Chemical behaviour, thermal properties, Design flexibility and Fire properties.

Keywords: nanocomposite,polymer,nanoparticle,fibre