Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Microbial organo-sulfur desulfurization in the mycorrhizosphere (DESULFURIZATION)

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-2011-CIG, 2011)
Start date: 2011-12-01
End date: 2014-11-30
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 75000.0
EU funding (EUR): 75000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Sulfur is a macro-nutrient that is essential for growth and plants need 1-5mg sulfur per gram biomass. However, most of the sulfur in soils is bound to organic molecules (organo-S) as sulfate esters and sulfonates. While plants are almost entirely dependent on sulfate, many bacteria and fungi are capable to mobilize sulfur from sulfate esters, and specific bacterial guilds can utilize sulfonates as a sulfur source. Most plants receive nutrients not directly from the soil but largely through fungal networks. Mycorrhizal fungi are living in symbiosis with the plant host where the plant supplies the fungus with sugars and the fungus supplies the plant host with soil nutrients. Up to now, it is unclear where the soil sulfur comes from that mycorrhizal fungi supply to the plants. This is of special interest in agricultural systems where a sustainable sulfur supply through arbuscular mycorrhizas could replace inorganic fertilizer applications. The hypothesis of this fellowship is that sulfate esters and sulfonates are mobilised by certain fungi and bacteria in the mycorrhizosphere and arbuscular mycorrhiza transport the mobilised form to the plant host. The aim of this study is to i) determine the direct and indirect involvement of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, saprophytic fungi and bacteria in organo-S mobilization in the mycorrhizosphere and ii) to identify and quantify the activity of organo-S desulfurizing microorganisms. Fungi and bacteria will be isolated from mycorrhizal pastures. Monoxenic microcosms with Agrostis as host plant, Glomus as mycorrhizal symbiont and selected organo-S mobilizing microbes will be set up to quantify the flow of organically bound stable isotope S through this system. In addition, non-sterile mesocosm systems will be set up to follow the flow of S. Nucleic acids and proteins will be isolated from micro- and mesocosms to identify S cycle relevant expressed genes and to identify protein mass shifts in 36S containing key peptides.

Keywords: natural sciences,environmental soil microbiology,microbial desulfurization,desulfonation,soil sulfur,bacteria,mycorrhiza,grassland,glomus,s-protein sip,t-rflp
RNF20 and H2B ubiquitination: linking chromatin dynamics, transcriptional control and cancer (RUBICAN)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Physiology, Pathophysiology and Endocrinology
Countries involved: Israel
Call:  (ERC-2011-ADG_20110310, 2011)
Start date: 2012-01-01
End date: 2016-12-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2500000.0
EU funding (EUR): 2500000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Chromatin modifications play a major role in regulating genome function. Perturbations in such modifications can contribute to neoplastic processes. We will focus on a specific chromatin modification: histone H2B monoubiquitylation. The significance of monoubiquitylated H2B (H2Bub) will be studied by manipulating RNF20, the major E3 ubiquitin ligase responsible for H2B ubiquitylation as part of a heteromeric complex with RNF40. In one major line of research, we will assess the biochemistry of RNF20/H2Bub. The effects of RNF20/H2B on gene expression will be explored through identification of proteins that interact with H2Bub and through in vitro incorporation of H2Bub into nucleosomes. Effects of H2Bub on transcription elongation will be studied by a new high resolution ChIP-seq method (NET-seq). Based on recent ChIP-seq data, we will also explore links between H2B and regulation of splicing. Furthermore, we will investigate the regulatory crosstalk between H2Bub and microRNAs. The other major line of research will explore the biology of RNF20/H2Bub, with particular emphasis on cancer-related processes. This will be addressed through a combination of cell culture models and mouse models, including constitutive and conditional RNF20 knockout mice. The contribution of RNF20/H2Bub to various differentiation programs, with particular emphasis on embryonic stem cell differentiation, will also be investigated. In addition, we will study the impact of RNF20/H2Bub on NF-kB activity and on inflammatory responses; this will combine in vitro and in vivo systems, with emphasis on inflammation-related cancer. Finally, we will monitor changes in RNF20, RNF40 and H2Bub status in human tumors and investigate underlying mechanisms.

Keywords: chromatin,epigenetics,ubiquitin,ttranscription control,differentiation,promoter hypermethylation
QUANTUM PHENOMENA IN BIOLOGY: THEORY AND EXPERIMENTS TOWARDS NOVEL SOLAR ENERGY QUANTUM TECHNOLOGIES (QUANTUM BIOTECH)

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: Italy
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2011-CIG, 2011)
Start date: 2011-11-01
End date: 2015-10-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Nowadays, the alarming trends in global energy demand and the finite nature of conventional oil and natural gas reserves are unavoidably leading to the urgency of finding and timely developing new renewable energy technologies, by facilitating also participation by qualified researchers. In this context, quantum biology is a new strategically important and rapidly developing research field, whose practical implementations will be crucial for novel and more powerful solar energy ‘quantum’ technologies and for the creation of a European knowledge-based bioeconomy. Here, we will investigate theoretically and experimentally the role of quantum effects in biology, especially in natural photosynthesis, by studying theoretical models of energy transport in quantum complex networks and testing them by means of designed experiments based on quantum optical simulators, cold atoms in optical lattices, and ultra-fast laser spectroscopy on natural and artificial light-harvesting biomolecules. It will allow us, first of all, to have a deeper understanding of how Nature has been exploiting, since billions of years, quantum coherence and environmental noise to get very efficient and robust energy transfer in photosynthesis, and, even more desirably, to design new clean energy structures and light-harvesting molecular geometries, leading to future ‘quantum’ solar cells more efficient than today’s photovoltaic ones. Finally, it will help the Researcher, Dr. F. Caruso, whose previous expertise makes him very well suited for this project, to be reintegrated for the first time in his own country, at LENS in Florence, after a period of mobility of three years in foreign countries (UK, Germany), to have his own research budget, to set up an independent team, to transfer his knowledge in quantum biology (acquired abroad) making a pioneering contribution to Italian science and establishing himself as a leader there, with very promising prospects of a permanent academic position in Florence.

Keywords: quantum effects in biology,natural light-harvesting dynamics,energy transport efficiency,quantum simulators,artificial photosynthesis,clean energy,new efficient bio-solar quantum technologies
Transnational family networks: an analysis of care-giving arrangements within migrant families (TRANSFAM)

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: Belgium
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2011-CIG, 2011)
Start date: 2011-11-01
End date: 2014-11-30
Duration (months): 37.0
Total project cost (EUR): 77083.33
EU funding (EUR): 77083.33
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

This project aims to further develop theoretical and empirical knowledge on the interrelationship between geographic distance, care practices and family relations. The specific question this study addresses is the extent to which transnational adult migrants are able to exchange care and support with their geographically distant parents, and the specific role that intrafamilial dynamics play in the exchange of care between adult migrants, their siblings and their parents. This will be done by analyzing the experiences of Dominican migrants in Belgium and their geographically distant kin. The study will focus on three types of care-giving arrangements: long distance care-giving (provision of support from a distance) ; aged migration (permanent or temporary migration of dependent elderly parents in order to be cared for by their child(ren) in the host country) ; and migrants repatriation (migrants moving back home to care for their parents). Particular attention will be paid to gendered dynamics and power relations within the families, as well as other structural factors that influence decisions regarding each type of care-giving arrangement. Fieldwork will include semi-structured interviews and participant observation with Dominican migrants residing in Belgium, their parents (father and/or mother) and up to 2 key siblings.

Keywords: caribbean studies,migration,transnational families,care,gender,ageing,intergenerational relations
The International Politics of Law-enforcement Cooperation (IPLEC)

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-2011-CIG, 2011)
Start date: 2011-09-01
End date: 2015-08-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The proposal includes three studies in the field of international relations. These studies examine the political dimensions of international cooperation in law enforcement. Study 1 explores why states succeed or fail to cooperate against smuggling along a shared border. The goal is to explain why Jordan has cooperated with Israel in combating smugglers of goods and persons, whereas Egypt has been less cooperative. Based on fieldwork in the Israel-Egypt and Israel-Jordan border areas, the study links governments' domestic political concerns to their efforts against smuggling. Study 2 examines the Israeli efforts against intellectual property piracy of American and European goods. Based on fieldwork in Israel, this study explains why Israel's enforcement of intellectual property rights is ineffective. Study 3 examines international cooperation among courts in combating parental child-abduction. This study explains the origin and evolution of the unique international regime that tackles child abduction. The study also explains why many countries have been reluctant to join this regime. The study involves fieldwork in Europe and the United States as well as interviews with judges at international judicial conferences. The three studies advance the analysis of the politics of law enforcement within the field of international relations. These studies also offer important insights for policy.

Keywords: international relations,international cooperation,transnational crime,borders,smuggling,intellectual property rights,child abduction
Reinforcing Georgian international cooperation capacities in the field of Food and Biotechnologies (BIOPARTNERS)

Framework: FP7 — Capacities
Programme: Activities of International Cooperation
Destination: Reinforcing cooperation with Europe's neighbours in the context of the ERA
Action type: Coordination and support actions
Countries involved: Georgia,Spain,France
Call:  (FP7-INCO-2011-6, 2011)
Start date: 2012-01-01
End date: 2014-12-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 598812.5
EU funding (EUR): 500000.0
Participants: 3
Project status: CLOSED

The 36-month BIOPARTNERS project gives Georgia the possibility to improve the research activities of their highest quality in the FP7 thematic priority “Food, Agriculture and Biotechnology”, through twinning activities between one of the leading Georgian scientific and educational organisations, the Durmishidze Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology of Agrarian University of Georgia, (DIBBAUG) with their long term partner University of Murcia (Faculty of Biology). The S&T specialist (inno), an international S&T collaboration expert and experienced FP7 coach and trainer for the scientific organisations, will provide methodological, coaching and training support to the project. A coherent development strategy for DIBBAUG will be prepared, based on SWOT analysis and on the socio-economic analysis on Georgian, regional (Caucasus) and European level. A twinning plan will be prepared and it will include joint research plan developed and agreed by the twinned scientific partners. A plan for strengthening of collaboration research links between DIBB and other EU research organisations will be set up and implemented. The objective of this project is to improve the networking capacities of DIBB with research centres in Member States or Associated Countries in view of disseminating scientific information & results of research, and will help to identify new partners with similar scientific interests. It also aims to strengthen cooperation and research capacities of Georgian prominent research centre, DIBB, bringing them at the highest level. This project will include several main types of activities, thus forming a coherent plan for improving the DIBBAUG’ capacities in a number of fields relevant to the FP7 Thematic Priority “Food, Agriculture & Fisheries, and Biotechnologies”: • Twinning activities • Larger-scale networking & brokerage activities • Exchange of researchers and young specialists and organisation of joint events • Training and coaching activities

Keywords: europe-georgia biopartners,dibb,university of mercia,biotechnologies,cooperation & research,twinning activities
Neuronal processing of risky rewards (RISKYREWARDS)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Neurosciences and neural disorders
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (ERC-2011-ADG_20110310, 2011)
Start date: 2012-06-01
End date: 2017-05-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2466916.0
EU funding (EUR): 2466916.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Background: Rewards are important positive factors for our survival, reproduction and quality of life. They produce learning, constitute goals of voluntary behaviour and are outcomes of behavioural choices. However, in most natural situations rewards are probabilistic and uncertain. Thus investigations into the neurobiological foundations of motivated behaviour should address reward uncertainty. We aim to answer the most basic and important question on reward uncertainty, namely how does the brain take the uncertainty into account when producing optimal decisions? Objectives: We aim to identify neuronal signals that carry information about risky rewards that is crucial for reward valuation and affects economic choices. We achieve this objective by relating the activity of single neurons in monkeys to normal behaviour in controlled behavioural tasks. We translate the knowledge gained from primate neurophysiology to humans by studying functional magnetic resonance responses (fMRI) in specific human brain structures during comparable behavioural tasks. Significance: The experiments will systematically advance the knowledge about neuronal reward signals, explore the role of neuronal risk processing in decision-making and formally test a crucial axiom of economic decision theory. The experiments are sufficiently close together to be conceptually tractable and mutually supportive, and sufficiently spread out to cover basic neuronal mechanisms underlying decision-making under uncertainty. The work is based on fundamental concepts of economic choice theory and animal learning theory. The multidisciplinary approach will reveal basic reward risk mechanisms, inform, validate, challenge and select theories of normal behaviour, contribute to the foundations of neuroeconomics and provide necessary knowledge for investigating pathological reward and risk processes in human addiction, gambling and mental disorders.

Keywords: decision,choice,neuroeconomics,uncertainty,behaviour,dopamine fronktal cortex,amygdala,striatum,caudate,putamen,motivation,learning,utility,prospect,reinforcement
HIGH THROUGHPUT DRUG DISCOVERY STUDIES FOR MENINGIOMA THERAPEUTICS (HTDDSFMT)

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: Austria
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2011-CIG, 2011)
Start date: 2011-08-01
End date: 2015-07-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Meningiomas arise from arachnoid cells and account for approximately 30% of all primary intracranial tumors. Most meningiomas (80-90%) are categorized as benign tumors (WHO grade I), with the remaining 10-20% being atypical (WHO grade II) or malignant (WHO grade III). Gross total resection offers the best chance of cure. Unfortunately, for meningiomas that are difficult to access, complete resection often cannot be achieved safely. In patients whose tumors are incompletely resected, recurrence is common, approaching 70% with 10–15 years of follow-up; in the case of atypical and malignant meningiomas, the time to recurrence is shorter and long-term survival rates are low. There are no established treatments for recurrent meningioma when surgical and radiation options are exhausted and current experience with chemotherapy and various targeted therapies is disappointing. Therefore, novel therapeutic strategies which can be combined with surgery need to be developed to control tumor growth. This application is directed towards developing new therapeutic options for meningiomas in a high throughput small (HTS) molecule screening system using the NINDS custom collection II library consisting of 1040 drugs and bioactive compounds, FDA-approved, which cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In our primary screening, we identified drug candidates that were specifically toxic to meningioma cells. These promising preliminary data stimulate us to further evaluate the effect of these candidates on meningioma tumor models in mice and explore the possible molecular mechanism(s) of tumor inhibition mediated by these candidate drugs.

Keywords: health sciences,meningiomas,cancer,neurofibromatosis
Maximizing the Efficiency of Luminescent Solar Concentrators by Implanting Resonant Plasmonic Nanostructures (SOLAR-PLUS) (SOLAR-PLUS)

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-2011-CIG, 2011)
Start date: 2011-09-01
End date: 2015-12-01
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Maximizing the Efficiency of Luminescent SOLAR Concentrators by Implanting Resonant PLASmonic Nanostructures(SOLAR-PLUS) is a four-year interdisciplinary research project in optical electromagnetic modeling, material engineering and nanotechnology fabrication, whose aim is to reduce the cost of harvesting solar energy by exploiting advanced nanophotonic concepts. The main technical objective of the proposed work is to double the energy conversion efficiency of a typical monolayer luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) system, currently standing at <4% to >8%, by harnessing the interplay phenomena between fluorescence and localized surface Plasmon resonances. The deliverables of the project are: i) To understand the fundamental interactions between plasmonics and fluorescent molecules and through the gained physical insight to derive a set of design rules for metallic nanoparticles tailored to LSC applications, ii) to develop a generic simulation platform that combines nanoscale and macroscale modeling, to allow for rapid prototype performance assessment before proceeding to expensive fabrication, iii) to fabricate highly efficient prototype plasmonic-LSCs and, iv) to explore completely new research avenues that can bring about radical improvements to LSC efficiency. Improving the energy conversion efficiency of LSCs and reducing their cost are important steps towards the commercial viability of this technology, which will assist in the EUs efforts to limit its dependence on fosil fuels. In addition, the project will serve to ensure the long term professional stability of the fellow by assisting him in securing a permanent position in the department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at University College London.

Keywords: luminescent solar concentrator,photovoltaic,solar cell,renewable energy,nanotechnology,plasmonics,metallic nanoparticles,local surface plasmon resonance,fluorescent dyes,physical sciences