Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear super focusing in plasmonic systems (NONLINSUPFOC)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Life-long training and career development
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Israel
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG, 2012)
Start date: 2013-03-01
End date: 2017-02-28
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

I propose a theoretical study of the effects of a self-focusing nonlinearity in plasmonic nano-structures. First, I will exploit the field enhancements in tapered plasmonic waveguides in order to implement strong nonlinear modifications of the plasmon wavelength and group velocity. I would like to achieve slow light, and if possible, even stopped and reversed light. Second, I will study nonlinear focusing in plasmonic waveguides, an effect which unlike soliton formation, was not studied in the context of plasmonics before. Nonlinear focusing, also known as beam collapse, corresponds to focusing of macroscopic beams down to the diffraction limit, but not beyond it. Thus, it is of fundamental interest to study this effect in plasmonic systems that do allow beams of subwavelength sizes in order to unveil the maximal focusing level achievable. Furthermore, I will study the analogy between the geometrical focusing imposed by the tapering and the nonlinear focusing imposed by the self-focusing nonlinearity. Third, I will exploit the link between plasmonic waveguides and metal nano-particle pairs, as established by transformation optics techniques, to study the effect of a self-focusing nonlinearity on the super-focusing effect in the nano-particle pair geometry. This will be done by extending the linear theory of transformation methods to nonlinear media. The proposed research aims at the realization of novel and stronger than ever nonlinear effects in the tapered waveguides, at the realization of diffraction-unlimited nonlinear focusing, and the realization of nonlinear effects at ultimately small volumes in the nano-particle geometries. As such, the research aims at bridging the gap between the plasmonics and nonlinear optics communities, thus stimulating further studies of nonlinear plasmonic systems. In addition, the research may lead to the development of techniques such as nonlinear transformation-optics whose relevance extends to many other wave systems.

Keywords: p108 optics and quantum optics,nano-plasmonics,surface plasmon-polaritons,transformation optics,self-focusing nonlinearity,subwavelength nonlinear optics.
Magnetic imaging of individual nanomagnets (NANOMAG-SQ)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Life-long training and career development
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Israel
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG, 2012)
Start date: 2013-03-01
End date: 2017-02-28
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Magnetic nanoparticles have a number of present and proposed applications in biology and medicine, such as bio-separation, drug delivery, magnetic resonance imaging and hyperthermia cancer treatment, as well as important role in future high density data storage and spintronic devices. Therefore, there is high interest and strong need to characterize them properly. So far the common characterization method has been to measure a large number of them together in order to accumulate sufficient signal. This is problematic because the magnetic properties of nanomagnets are inherently sensitive to small variations in volume, shape and structure, and this strong variability is averaged in the bulk. It is therefore vital to characterize nanomagnets individually. Successful experiments are rare and required extensive efforts to characterize one single particle. I propose to use a scanning SQUID with sufficient sensitivity and spatial resolution to detect an individual nanomagnet and use the scanning capability to sample many individuals to gain statistics about the variability of their physical properties. In addition to establishing a breakthrough characterization tool, I plan to address physical questions of interest such as the nature of the interactions between small numbers of particles, the dynamics of these particles and the distribution of physical properties. To accomplish this we need an extremely high moment sensitivity, sufficient spatial resolution, minimal magnetic influence of the probe on the particle, and access to various temperatures. These requirements point to the SQUID as an ideal candidate for this task. In the framework of this grant I plan to investigate two types of nanomagnets: FePt particles, which are candidates for biomedical applications; and CoFe dots fabricated on multiferroic materials for electric-field control of local ferromagnetism. The latter is of high interest for memory and logic device applications.

Keywords: p211 magnetism,p212 nanophysics,p320 medical physics
Elucidation of DNA Damage Response mechanisms in human normal and leukemia stem cells (HSCSPECDDR)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Life-long training and career development
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Israel
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG, 2012)
Start date: 2013-07-01
End date: 2017-06-30
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Life-long blood regeneration is critically dependent on self-renewing multipotential hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). HSCs’ nearly unlimited self-renewal potential and lifetime persistence in the body, in contrast to the committed progenitors (CP), signifies the need for HSCs genome integrity tight control. Indeed, accumulation of unrepaired DNA damage in HSCs is associated with bone marrow failure and accelerated leukemogenesis. Our recent findings revealed for the first time striking differences in DNA Damage Response (DDR) characteristics between HSCs and CPs isolated from umbilical cord blood. Human HSCs exhibited attenuated DNA repair, persistent DDR signaling and increased apoptosis relative to CPs. Yet, the molecular basis and physiological significance of these HSC-specific DDR characteristics remain unexplored. To bridge the gap in this highly significant knowledge I propose the following research objectives: 1) To analyze in details DDR signaling in the highly purified HSC and CP subsets isolated from physiologically distinct developmental stages of human hematopoiesis: fetal, neonatal and adult; 2) To identify functional regulators engaged by genotoxic stress in normal and leukemia stem cells. To address these questions I will employ multi color flow cytometry, functional genetic screens, mRNA/microRNA expressional profiling, clonal in vitro assays and, most importantly, in vivo repopulation assays of human normal HSC and leukemia-initiating cells. Furthermore, we will pursue a novel DNA repair fluorescent reporter strategy to examine DNA repair activity and fidelity in live human HSC. This original study will form the foundation for my long-term goals of identifying regulators of DDR in human HSCs and in leukemia-initiating cells, revealing mechanisms utilized by self-renewing cells to maintain genome integrity and combat stress, and provide novel insights into leukemogenesis, blood regeneration and aging.

Keywords: hematopoiesis,hematopoietic stem cells,dna damage response,dna repair,self-renewal,xenotransplantation assay,leukemia,committed progenitors,nhej,irradiation
Electronic stopping power from first principles (ELECTRONSTOPPING)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Life-long training and career development
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Spain
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG, 2012)
Start date: 2014-03-01
End date: 2018-02-28
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Ions traveling through matter at enough speed give rise to non-adiabatic processes by which the electrons of the system become excited. The quantitative understanding of these processes and the ability to reproduce them accurately on the computer is of direct relevance to, among others, the nuclear and space industries and to cancer radiotherapy with ions. In spite o this importance, ab initio calculations of the electronic stopping power in materials represent a research field still to flourish. We have recently demonstrated the possibility of accurate calculation and analysis of such processes in two paradigmatic cases (light projectiles in LiF and in Au). This project proposes to establish the method with flexibility and generality, so that it can be applied to a large variety of systems by agents in the mentioned fields, while we explore the behavior of the electronic excitation processes in a set of varied materials and situations. We will start by (i) simulating the electronic stopping of H and He in aluminum, to address recent interesting and unexplained experimental observations. We will then proceed to (ii) a systematic comparison of electronic stopping among insulating solids of different chemistries, studying the behavior of the threshold effect in the electronic stopping power when changing band gap and bond type. We will then (iii) explore the dependence of the electronic stopping power on impact parameter when in channeling conditions, allowing for trajectories to deviate from the channel direction along the way. Finally (iv) we will study the electronic stopping power in liquid water, and in (v) a guanine -cytosine nucleoside pair in water.

Keywords: p205 electronic properties of materials and transport,first principles,electronic stopping power
Role of Themis1, a new T cell signaling protein, in normal and pathological immune responses (THEMIS)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Life-long training and career development
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: France
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG, 2012)
Start date: 2013-03-01
End date: 2017-02-28
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

A critical step of an immunological response is the activation of T lymphocytes through intracellular signaling pathways downstream of T cell receptors (TCR). THEMIS1 is a new actor of T cell signaling that belongs to a newly identified family of proteins. THEMIS proteins each contain a previously uncharacterized globular domain (called 'CABIT') whose structure and function are currently unknown. We generated THEMIS1 knockout mice and show that this protein is essential for developing T cells in the thymus. THEMIS1 is also express in CD4+ and CD8+ peripheral T cells. Since very few T cells egress to peripheral organs in THEMIS1 knockout mice, little is known about this protein during immune responses. THEMIS1 has recently been pointed out as a susceptibility factor in Celiac disease and Multiple sclerosis, and recent study in rats also revealed that THEMIS1 deficiency leads to the development of spontaneous inflammatory bowel disease. Whether this results directly from THEMIS1 deficiency in T cells or is a secondary effect due to the decrease numbers of T cells in lymphoid organs (lymphopenia) needs to be resolved. The objective of the present proposal is: 1) to perform a structural and functional analysis of THEMIS1 CABIT domains and to establish THEMIS1 interactome in T cells, 2) to determine the physiological and cellular role of Themis in peripheral T cells, 3) to study the contribution of Themis on the development of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases using experimental murine models. I discovered THEMIS proteins during my post-doctoral research at the National Institutes of Health (Bethesda, USA) and I have recently established a lab in France (sponsored by the French government) to pursue our researches on this new family of molecules. Additional supports are now essential to fully develop our projects that we believe could lead to major findings in structural biology, immunology and immunopathology.

Keywords: l604 immunosignalling,l612 biological basis of immunity related disorders,l107 structural biology,l307 cell signalling and cellular interactions
Activatable Fluorescent Probes as Smart Diagnostic Tools for Microendoscopy Imaging (ENDOIMAGE)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Life-long training and career development
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG, 2012)
Start date: 2013-08-01
End date: 2017-07-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

My research proposal aims to develop smart fluorescent probes to be used as in-situ and real-time diagnostic tools by fibre-based confocal microendoscopy imaging with local administration. The probes will target relevant biomarkers in cancer and infection, and will be generated through a multidisciplinary approach that involves organic chemistry, cell biology, imaging and respiratory medicine. Activatable fluorescent probes are advantageous in that their fluorescent signal is triggered by a target protein, and hence they emit fluorescence ONLY AFTER interaction with the defined target (e.g. enzyme) or environment. This strategy leads to optimum signal-to-noise ratios with increased sensitivity over other optical imaging approaches and enables their use in small concentrations with no systemic administration, hence reducing any potential adverse effects and facilitating the translation to clinical applications. The current proposal will focus on two projects: 1) enzyme-activatable probes for imaging endoscopically-accesible cancer (initially targeted at lung cancer, but later also applicable to oesophagus and pancreas cancer), and 2) environment-sensitive fluorescent probes for the detection of fungal infection in lungs (i.e. pulmonary aspergillosis).

Keywords: l702 diagnostic tools,c134 biological chemistry,l406 cancer and its biological basis,l708 health services - health care research,c103 spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques,imaging
Nano-Engineered Fiber-Reinforced Polymers (NFRP)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Life-long training and career development
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Spain
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG, 2012)
Start date: 2013-04-01
End date: 2017-03-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP's), stronger per unit of weight than steel or aluminium, are highly demanded for high-performance applications. The use of FRP's in aerospace structures can lead to a significant reduction of maintenance costs, carbon imprint by fuel consumptions, COx and NOx emissions, etc. This is the reason why the last civil Airbus aircraft contains up to 52% in weight of composite materials and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner claims to be the first aircraft with a fully composite fuselage. However, composites materials presents several drawbacks that need to be overcome to fully take advantage of their excellent mechanical properties. From a mechanical perspective, aerospace composites are made of carbon fiber “plies” which are held together by a polymer. This polymer can crack easily, which results in the delamination of the plies and the failure of the structure if it is not detected on time. It is also required for aerospace materials to be protected from common environmental occurrences, such as lightning strikes, electromagnetic interferences, electrostatic discharge, etc. Various methods are used to address these concerns, such as the use of metallic meshes or foils. However, these meshes/screens are difficult to handle for both production and repairs, and increase significantly the overall weight of the aircraft. Here, I propose to develop a novel nano-architecture to enhance the mechanical and electrical properties of the composite in the through-the-thickness direction. This nano-architecture will also act as a sensing system, enabling damage detection and localization by resistive-heating based non-destructive evaluation. In summary, the nano-engineered composite proposed here is an intrinsically multifunctional material, with expected over the state-of-the-art mechanical and multifunctional properties.

Keywords: g301 aerospace engineering,g311 materials engineering
Fast Molecular WOCs (FAST MOLECULAR WOCS)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Life-long training and career development
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Ireland
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG, 2012)
Start date: 2013-04-01
End date: 2017-03-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

This proposal focuses on a cutting-edge approach to the development of the next generation of molecular water oxidation catalysts (WOCs). Artificial water splitting is as an essential technology because it allows for the conversion of abundant solar energy and H2O to the carbon-neutral fuels O2 and H2. However, artificial water splitting technologies have been impeded by slow WOCs. To date, an unsystematic approach to designing WOCs has been taken. No attention has been directed towards how the intrinsic properties of the catalyst, such as oxidation state, spin state, d-electron count, and ligand field affect the catalytic activity. Additionally, the factors that affect O-O bond formation, the most demanding step in water oxidation catalysis, are poorly understood. Our key goals are to utilise a first principles, bottom-up approach to water oxidation catalyst design to develop the next generation of fast molecular WOCs. Specifically, we propose: 1) To develop a family of ML complexes (M = Mn, Fe, Co, Ru) utilising ligands (L) that enforce octahedral, trigonal bipyramidal, and tetrahedral ligand fields; 2) To apply the family of ML complexes as WOCs in order to gauge how oxidation state, spin state, d-electron count, and ligand field, affect the catalytic activity; 3) To carry out detailed mechanistic investigations into O-O bond formation using the ML complexes. The CIG grant will play a major role for the applicant in his transition from an early career researcher to an independent, established European scientist with a higher research profile.The CIG will be the principle source of funding for lab supplies, equipment and travel for the researcher's new group, and salary for the applicant, and two young researchers. The CIG will allow the applicant to more quickly attract other research grants and thus to contribute to EU research output. The CIG grant will thus provide the candidate with the launchpad for an independent career of scientific excellence in the EU.

Keywords: c112 catalysis,c132 coordination chemistry,c136 homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis,c142 molecular chemistry,c114 chemical reactions
Mechanisms of Influenza virus assembly and budding (INFLUENZA BUDDING)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Life-long training and career development
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG, 2012)
Start date: 2013-03-01
End date: 2017-02-28
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Influenza virus is an enveloped virus of significant medical importance. One of the least understood aspects of influenza virus biology is the process of virus particle assembly and budding. Recently we have found a new role for the cytoplasmic tail of the influenza virus M2 protein, the mediation of membrane scission. The research described in this proposal is designed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of influenza virus assembly and budding as mediated by the M2 protein. This research has three main objectives: 1. To determine the structure and function of the M2 cytoplasmic tail 2. To determine the molecular mechanism by which the M2 amphipathic helix alters membrane curvature 3. To analyze and reconstitute influenza virus budding in vitro Each of these objectives will be addressed using a similar collection of experimental protocols. To better elucidate the functions of the M2 cytoplasmic tail, mutations will be made throughout the region and incorporated into recombinant viruses. These mutants will then be assessed for function through a variety of assays including: viral assays (growth rate and budding efficiency), protein assays (cholesterol association, protein localization and ion channel activity) and in vitro budding assays performed in giant unilamellar vesicle systems. These functional studies will be supported by structural studies of the M2 cytoplasmic tail, as obtained by NMR, and modelling of M2 amphipathic helix-membrane interactions by molecular dynamics simulations. The successful completion of this research project will inform as to the structure and function of the M2 cytoplasmic tail. This research has significant implications in the understanding of influenza virus assembly and budding, establishes an in vitro model system for the investigation of virus budding that can be utilized to study the budding of many different enveloped viruses and provides the molecular details necessary for future drug discovery research.

Keywords: l101 molecular biology and interactions,l106 biophysics,l107 structural biology,l607 microbiology,l608 virology,p219 biophysics,influenza virus,budding,assembly,scission.