Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Emergent Gravity, String Theory and the Holographic Principle (EMERGRAV)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Fundamental constituents of matter
Countries involved: Netherlands
Call:  (ERC-2010-AdG_20100224, 2010)
Start date: 2011-04-01
End date: 2016-03-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2033983.0
EU funding (EUR): 2033983.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The study of black hole physics and string theory are leading to a novel perspective on gravity and space-time. The old frameworks are replaced by a new paradigm in which gravity is understood as an emergent phenomenon. A central role in this revolution is played by the holographic principle put forward by ‘t Hooft. It states that the microscopic information associated with the physical world can be stored on the boundary of space. From this holographic viewpoint I have recently derived the familiar laws of Newton and Einstein using only first principles. Gravity appears as an entropic force caused by changes in information associated with matter. With this ERC proposal I am aiming to build a research group that will further develop this new entropic view on gravity. The powerful string theoretic tools, such as the holographic correspondence between gauge theory and gravity, will be used to illuminate and further clarify gravity’s entropic origin. In addition, I plan to investigate the implications of the emergence of the gravitational force for the areas in which gravity plays a crucial role, in particular cosmology. For instance, the entropic viewpoint is expected to shed new light on the nature of dark energy and possibly dark matter. It may also lead to a new perspective on the other fundamental forces, since the notions of inertia and mass need to be reconsidered as well. The understanding of gravity as an emergent phenomenon will also influence and benefit from the conceptual ideas developed in condensed matter physics, such as the recently discovered connection between quantum critical electron systems and black hole horizons. The university of Amsterdam and the Netherlands provide an excellent environment for a successful completion of these goals.

Keywords: gravity,string theory,condensed matter
Harmonic analysis on reductive groups (HARG)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Mathematical foundations
Countries involved: Netherlands,Germany,Germany
Call:  (ERC-2010-AdG_20100224, 2010)
Start date: 2011-03-01
End date: 2016-02-29
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1769000.0
EU funding (EUR): 1769000.0
Participants: 3
Project status: CLOSED

We propose to attack a variety of fundamental open problems in harmonic analysis on $p$-adic and real reductive groups. Specifically we seek solutions to the local Langlands conjectures and various normalization problems of discrete series representations. For $p$-adic groups, affine Hecke algebras are a major technical tool. Our understanding of these algebras with unequal parameters has advanced recently and allows us to address these problems. We will compute the Plancherel measure on the Bernstein components explicitly. Using a new transfer principle of Plancherel measures between Hecke algebras we will combine Bernstein components to form $L$-packets, following earlier work of Reeder in small rank. We start with the tamely ramified case, building on work of Reeder-Debacker. We will also explore these methods for $L$-packets of positive depth, using recent progress due to Yu and others. Furthermore we intend to study non-tempered unitary representations via affine Hecke algebras, extending the work of Barbasch-Moy on the Iwahori spherical unitary dual. As for real reductive groups we intend to address essential questions on the convergence of the Fourier-transform. This theory is widely developed for functions which transform finitely under a maximal compact subgroup. We wish to drop this condition in order to obtain global final statements for various classes of rapidly decreasing functions. We intend to extend our results to certain types of homogeneous spaces, e.g symmetric and multiplicity one spaces. For doing so we will embark to develop a suitable spherical character theory for discrete series representations and solve the corresponding normalization problems. The analytic nature of the Plancherel measure and the correct interpretation thereof is the underlying theme which connects the various parts of this proposal.

Keywords: harmonic analysis,langlands parameter,formal degree,fourier-transform.
Early phases of galaxy evolution (EARLY)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Universe sciences
Countries involved: France
Call:  (ERC-2010-AdG_20100224, 2010)
Start date: 2011-04-01
End date: 2016-03-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2478615.0
EU funding (EUR): 2478615.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

This project is aimed to support a comprehensive survey of the early phases of galaxy evolution to better understand how galaxies formed and evolved. The goal is to focus on the redshift range 2.5<z<7, based on a new ultra-deep spectroscopic survey just approved by ESO, the largest ‘Large Program’ ever on the VLT with 648 hours allocated, for which I am the PI. In a ground-breaking effort, this Legacy survey will assemble 12,000 galaxies in total with VLT-VIMOS, over 1deg² in 3 fields (COSMOS, ECDFS, VVDS-02), to study the formation and evolution of galaxies at this key epoch. It will increase by one order of magnitude the total number of spectral measurements ever obtained in this redshift range, including >300 new galaxies with z>5, considerably increasing our knowledge of the galaxy population at these epochs. This large sample of galaxies will enable a number of detailed studies, most importantly: (i) the evolution of the global star formation rate and the build-up of the mass for different galaxy populations, (ii) the study of very young galaxies and search for the long sought PopIII stellar populations, (iii) the evolution of the morphology of galaxies as they are building up, (iv) the clustering of galaxies to infer the mass growth of underlying dark matter halos, (v) the contribution of mergers to the mass growth of galaxies . The support from the ERC will be used to conduct efficient exploitation of this leading survey. The survey observations and data processing will be performed with new generation methods. The data will be secured and accessed via an open database. Dedicated analysis tools will be developed to firmly establish the properties of galaxies at these epochs. This will lead to the elaboration of a comprehensive scenario for early galaxy evolution. In supporting this project the ERC will help maintain European leadership in this field, developing expertise for the coming new infrastructure at ESO and ESA.

Keywords: deep galaxy redshift surveys
The anti-inflammatory actions of Developmental Endothelial Locus-1 (Del-1) (ANTIINFLDEL)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Germany
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-RG, 2010)
Start date: 2010-09-01
End date: 2014-08-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Leukocyte recruitment is an important component of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders and consists of selectin-mediated rolling, the chemokine-induced activation of leukocytes, the integrin-dependent firm adhesion and the subsequent transendothelial migration. LFA-1 is an important leukocyte integrin mediating adhesion by binding to its endothelial counter-receptors ICAM-1 and -2. Whereas many adhesion receptors are known to promote leukocyte recruitment, very little information exists about endogenous inhibitors of the cascade. The lab of the applicant has recently identified the endothelial-derived secreted molecule Developmental Endothelial Locus-1 (Del-1, Edil3) as a potent endogenous inhibitor of the leukocyte adhesion cascade. Del-1 acted as an inhibitor of LFA-1-dependent leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium. Consistently, Del-1-/- mice displayed a pro-inflammatory phenotype with higher leukocyte recruitment in vivo. Recently, we found that Del-1 expression is abundant in the immunoprivileged eye. In the first aim of the present project we plan to study the expression and functional contribution of Del-1 in models of eye inflammation. These studies may identify Del-1 as novel therapeutic approach in eye inflammation. In addition, previous reports have demonstrated that Del-1 is elevated by tissue ischemia or hypoxia. Relative tissue hypoxia is a hallmark of acute inflammation. The mechanisms regulating the hypoxia-related anti-inflammatory response are not well understood. In the second aim of this project we will study whether Del-1 acts to regulate the hypoxia-related anti-inflammatory response. The pro-inflammatory effects of hypoxia in mice can be tested in models of ambient hypoxic exposure (e.g. 8% oxygen for 4-8 h) that induce increased permeability of endothelial and epithelial barriers e.g. lung and intestine, as well as enhanced recruitment of inflammatory cells. In summary the present proposal will focus on characterizing further the fun

Keywords: immunology,inflammation,leukocyte adhesion,endothelium,hypoxia
Design and evaluation of a bioadhesive film with easy peeling properties for transdermal drug delivery: application for osteoporosis treatment (BIOTRANSOS)

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: France
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-RG, 2010)
Start date: 2011-01-01
End date: 2013-12-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 45000.0
EU funding (EUR): 45000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Current transdermal drug delivery relies primarily upon occlusive patches, and is now considered to be a mature technology. This method is capable of delivering drugs, reducing side effects of oral administration and poor compliance due to the need for frequent administration. However, the disadvantages of transdermal delivery systems have been skin irritation, relatively high manufacturing costs and less-than-ideal cosmetic appearance. Regardless of the transdermal drug delivery system in development, the patient acceptability from an aesthetic point of view and lack of irritation perspective remain nowadays the main focus for the newer products entering the market. The originality of the project is reflected in idea on formulating a simplest transdermal drug delivery system constituted by a monolayer structure which includes the backing, adhesive and drug reservoir functions and which can be easily removed from the skin after use. The approach consists of using biocompatible natural polymers for the elaboration of the bioadhesive film and the specific surface functionalization processes for achievement of the desired surface characteristics (adhesion and easy skin removal properties). The functionalization of the biocompatible drug loaded matrix by grafting stimuli responsive polymers (e.g. temperature, light) will allow to introduce a ‘switch’ mechanism on the surface for an easy removal on demand. Thus, a transdermal device, containing a natural biocompatible matrix with conventional biopolymers properties, but with advanced stimuli responsiveness properties will be created. This new transdermal device will show application for osteoporosis treatment. This project, based on the combination of surface modification methods (plasma treatment, etc), is at the interface of several disciplines: material chemistry, surface chemistry, pharmaceutics, etc.

Keywords: transdermal,drug delivery,surface modification,stimuli responsive polymer,non-thermal plasma,osteoporosis,biopolymer
Regulation of RNA polymerase III transcription by Id proteins and E47 (ID AND POL III)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Switzerland,United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-RG, 2010)
Start date: 2012-01-01
End date: 2014-12-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 75000.0
EU funding (EUR): 75000.0
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

The Id (Inhibitor of differentiation) family consists of four related transcription factors that are expressed at high levels in rapidly proliferating cells, including those found tumour cells. Overexpression of Id proteins in transgenic mice causes cancers. Ids have been shown to inhibit differentiation and promote cell proliferation in a variety of systems. This is achieved through interactions with other transcription factors such as MyoD, E47 and Ets. To date, all of the published targets of Id regulation are genes encoding protein. However we have discovered that Ids can also stimulate expression of short non-coding RNAs that are transcribed by RNA polymerase (pol) III, such as tRNA and 5S rRNA. This regulation appears to be direct, as endogenous Id proteins can be crosslinked in vivo to pol III transcribed genes. We also detect E47, a protein that promotes differentiation of several cell types, at these genes and find that it represses pol III transcription. This is consistent with the established antagonism between Id proteins and E47. It is well documented that pol III transcripts are overexpressed in many tumours. Our data suggests that, direct activation by Id proteins may contribute to this. It may be important, because elevated tRNA expression was recently shown to have proliferative and oncogenic effects in cell culture and in mice. This proposal aims to dissect molecular mechanisms responsible for Id mediated activation of tRNA and other pol III transcribed genes. We will also investigate the functional significance of pol III-Id interaction. RNAi will be used to test the hypothesis that Id proteins stimulate and E47 antagonises the proliferative and transforming effects of tRNA synthesis by pol III. Furthermore we will test if raising pol III transcription is required for the oncogenicity of an Id. Such experiments elucidate activity of Id proteins and their association with cancer.

Keywords: natural sciences,biological sciences,molecular biology
Safety in Design Ergonomics (SIDE)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-RG, 2010)
Start date: 2012-03-26
End date: 2015-12-25
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 75000.0
EU funding (EUR): 75000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Safe design of equipment is of key importance in all hazardous work domains. This research will focus on safety in design from a user-centred perspective, and will apply human factors knowledge and structured risk management methods to the equipment design process. It will build on the applicant’s previous work in the industrial and transportation domains. In these domains, new technologies are too often designed and deployed without full consideration of the human element in equipment operation and maintenance, often with resultant safety issues. Firstly, a ‘Safety in Design Ergonomics’ (SIDE) technique will be developed and applied to mobile equipment in the industrial domain. This domain is proposed as it builds on the Applicant’s contacts where he currently works (Australia) plus his existing contacts in Europe (particularly the UK). In addition, the safe design of such industrial mobile equipment has long been a key issue in mining, manufacturing and construction. Second, the SIDE technique will be evaluated, adapted and applied to new equipment and technologies in another field, most likely in the transportation domain. Third, safety in design for older workers will be considered; considering their strengths and limitations, the SIDE technique will be extended to include this growing (and valuable) workforce sector. This will build on the existing contacts of both the host (such as, their inclusive design research) and the applicant (such as, his transportation work). The outcome of the research will be a robust SIDE technique that focuses specifically on the human element. The technique will be tailored to fit with existing design processes, so ensuring that it can be effectively used by designers. The results will be disseminated widely: not only in the academic literature, but also to those responsible for equipment design.

Keywords: user-centred design,ergonomics,design engineering,vehicle engineering,safety technology
“Science against Poverty” Conference under the Spanish Presidency (SCIENCE AGAINST POVERTY)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Socio-economic sciences and Humanities
Destination: Socio-economic sciences and Humanities
Action type: Coordination and support actions
Countries involved: Spain
Call:  (FP7-Adhoc-2007-13, 2007)
Start date: 2010-03-03
End date: 2011-01-02
Duration (months): 10.0
Total project cost (EUR): 370070.0
EU funding (EUR): 150000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The “Science against Poverty” Conference represents the most visible action during the Presidency Term under the Inclusion heading. It aims to convey a clear message to society on the contribution of science and innovation to the fight against poverty and exclusion. In February 2010 the Ministers for Research provided ample support and compromise to advance towards a more responsive science under the Donostia Declaration. The Conference will gather scientific, political and societal stakeholders with the aim of creating a forum for a focused debate on the role science can play in the fight against poverty and exclusion and of suggesting policy recommendations for a more effective design of European and National research and innovation policies. Its conclusions will reach the agenda of the Competitiveness Council of Ministers of the EU on 26 May 2010. The topic of the conference covers multiple facets of knowledge and action: some as urgent as global access to innovative medical technologies and medicines and the fight against the digital gap, but also an understanding of the social dynamics that cause poverty and the mechanisms to create and maintain economically sustainable communities, without overlooking how to involve all the players in this challenge and the promotion of social entrepreneurship. Next to plenary sessions of a more political nature, the Conference will include both thematic sessions (food and nutrition; dynamics of poverty; technological gap; energy; environment and climate change; water and sanitation; health) and cross-disciplinary sessions (stakeholders involvement; education and training; innovative solutions; gender issues; social sciences and poverty; sustainable business). Witin this general objective, the “Science against Poverty” conference will aim to assure political continuation with the Trio Presidencies and beyond, as well as further communication of the conference results to the public.

Keywords: science against poverty,social dimension,multiple facets of knowledge and action,undestanding of social dynamics
SirT1 Regulation of Aggrecan Expression in Human Chondrocytes (EUCUREOA)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Israel
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-RG, 2010)
Start date: 2010-09-01
End date: 2014-08-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease of the articular cartilage (AC) characterized by accelerated extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and severe pain- dysfunction. The chromatin modifying enzyme, SirT1 has been shown to affect cartilage-type ECM gene expression. More specifically, SirT1 forms complexes with Sp1/Sox9 transcription factors (TFs), and induces collagen IIa1 (Coll-II) transcription. Similar to Coll-II, aggrecan has also been established to positively correlate with SirT1 expression. In AC, Coll-II and aggrecan are co-expressed and both genes present Sp1 and Sox9 binding sequences. I therefore hypothesize that Sp1 and/or Sox9 are involved in SirT1-aggrecan proximal promoter- Exon1 (APP/Ex1) association and aggrecan expression. Accordingly, my specific aims are to (1) characterize Sox9 and Sp1 binding to human APP via chromatin-immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis and Luciferase assays; (2) establish SirT1 association with Sp1/Sox9 and SirT1-Sp1/Sox9 complex localization on APP/Ex1 using reverse immunoprecipitation (revIP) and Sequential ChIP (SeqChIP), respectively; (3) test if SirT1- Sp1/Sox9 complex is essential for APP/Ex1-driven gene expression. This will be achieved by co-transfecting a luciferase-tagged-APP/Ex1 with SirT1 and Sp1/Sox9, followed by quantitative luminescence; (4) elucidate the presence of known SirT1-associated CMEs (i.e. GCN5 and SET7/9) and their respective histone hallmarks AcH4K5 and 3MeH3K4. This aim will be achieved by means of ChIP analyses of the actively transcribed APP/Ex1. Despite the high incidence of OA in developed countries, there is no treatment for this debilitating disease. Expectdly, the proposed study in humans will provide a regulatory mechanism for aggrecan production, thus identifying novel targets for the treatment of OA and the early diagnosis of susceptible individuals. This last notion is highly relevant, as susceptible subjects may be advised to prevent overloading of their joints.

Keywords: natural sciences,osteoarthritis,sirt1,aging,transcription factors,aggrecan,tissue engineering,human chondrocytes