Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Methodologically Accurate Modelling of BOne: new experimental methods for the validation of cortical bone tissue computer models (MAMBO)

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-2012-IEF, 2012)
Start date: 2013-05-01
End date: 2015-04-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 221606.4
EU funding (EUR): 221606.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Multiscale modelling of the human body is becoming an essential approach in large part of biomedical engineering research, as well as in the development of technologies for clinical applications, such as the Virtual Physiological Human. Bone is a hierarchical material and plays a fundamental role in the framework of the musculoskeletal system. In the last years the bone models at the tissue level (10-10000 microns) have been considered the weakest link in the multiscale modelling chain due the complexities of defining reliable experiments to validate them (i.e. to verify their accuracy in predicting the reality). The goal of the proposed study is to generate a set of accurate experiments for the validation of numerical models for cortical bone by using state of the art experimental techniques (micro-CT, nano-indentation), image processing (Digital Image Correlation) and engineering numerical methods (Finite Element (FE) models). To do so, a custom made jig will be designed to be able to perform stepwise loading on cortical bone samples inside a micro-CT. The sample’s mechanical properties and the strain field will be computed between each loading level and compared to the outputs of the FE models generated from the acquired 3D images. The output of this project would be relevant for a variety of clinical and basic research applications: osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, regenerative skeletal medicine, fractures associate to bone tumours, better understanding of association between form and function in the skeleton, etc. Moreover, the bone research community would benefit from the sharing in Public Domain of reliable experimental results that could be used by other researchers as a benchmark for their modelling methods. The expertise of the researcher (Enrico Dall’Ara), the scientist in charge (Marco Viceconti) and the host organization (University of Sheffield) will provide the perfect environment to accomplish the goals of the project in the planned 24 months.

Keywords: g203 simulation engineering and modelling,g314 medical engineering and technology,biomechanics,experimental methods
Solvent dynamics in enzymatic catalysis: a molecular dynamics simulations and kinetic terahertz absorption spectroscopy study (MOLDYKITA)

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-2012-IEF, 2012)
Start date: 2013-12-16
End date: 2017-01-22
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 161968.8
EU funding (EUR): 161968.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

With ever new emerging experimental techniques and advances in computer simulations, it could be shown that solvation dynamics plays a fundamental role in many processes that are essential to life on a molecular scale. In particular, an ongoing intensive activity aims to elucidate the dynamical features of hydration water in the picoseconds time scale and terahertz (THz) spectral range, owing to the fact that numerous processes in water occur on this time scale. The main aim of the project MOLDYKITA is to characterize the solvation dynamics at THz frequencies for a physiologic scenario of enzymatic catalysis, i.e. the interaction between a zinc metalloprotease enzyme and collagen-like molecules. The study will be carried out by means of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and time resolved kinetic THz absorption spectroscopy (KITA) techniques, thus providing a robust basis for the interpretation of the experimental results. The catalytic domain of human membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) will be used as model enzyme. Two collagen-like molecules, a highly flexible single chain peptide (SCP) versus a more rigid triple helical peptides (THP), will be used as model substrates and compared in the process of substrate-enzyme docking. This project will provide a microscopic picture of the changes in the water motions associated with substrate binding in the MMP-SCP and MMP-THP system. The aim is to answer to fundamental questions regarding solvation in enzyme catalysis, e.g. do water networks motions play a role in enzymatic catalysis and can water networks sense different substrates. The results of the project will show whether changes in protein and solvent dynamics are not mere epiphenomena, but have a vital role in substrate binding and recognition. These answers are of paramount importance for the fields of Physics, Chemistry and Biology and might turn out to be crucial for technological applications in drug design.

Keywords: solvation dynamics,enzymatic catalysis,molecular recognition,molecular dynamics simulations,kinetic terahertz absorption spectroscopy,metalloproteinases,collagen
Chalcopyrite Quantum dots for Intermediate band Solar cells (CHALQD)

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: Portugal
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IEF, 2012)
Start date: 2013-04-01
End date: 2015-03-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 147210.0
EU funding (EUR): 147210.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Solar cells based on today’s technology are limited to power conversion efficiency around 30%. To achieve mass deployment of photovoltaic systems there is the need to lower the actual production costs and one way to do so is to produce solar cells with very high efficiencies. Intermediate band solar cells are, in theory, limited to efficiencies as high as 60% and they can be prepared by incorporating quantum dots in a matrix material. The purpose of this proposal is to prepare intermediate band solar cells based in quantum dots of chalcopyrite materials. Chalcopyrites were chosen because they are known to have good optoelectronic and material properties as demonstrated by their performance when used in thin film solar cells. Solar cells based in chalcopyrites exhibit the highest performance of all the thin film solar cells. To achieve this proposed aim the project is structured in three objectives. The first one is the preparation of chalcopyrite quantum dots using molecular beam epitaxy, the second one deals with the choice and growth of a suitable matrix material and the last one consists in bringing these two parts together and creating a solar cell stack. The candidate has a sound experience in chalcopyrite thin film solar cells and will be trained in the cross-disciplinary areas of preparation, characterization, and theory of nanostructures based in quantum dots. The main objectives are therefore: (1) Development of controlled growth of chalcopyrite-type QDs, and tuning their optoelectronic properties for suitable application in photovoltaic energy conversion (2) Development of a suitable matrix material (3) Tuning the properties of the interface between QDs and matrix to provide the basis for efficient photovoltaic energy conversion. A successful outcome will make significant progress in the knowledge of very high efficiency photovoltaic.

Keywords: quantum dots,intermediate band solar cells,photovoltaics,molecular beam epitaxy,chalcopyrites
Organoboron-Based Luminescent Nanomaterials via Crystallization-Driven Self-Assembly (ZHIM)

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-2012-IIF, 2012)
Start date: 2013-03-01
End date: 2015-02-28
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 221606.4
EU funding (EUR): 221606.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The scientific objective of this proposal is to incorporate luminescent organoboron functionality into PFS-based block copolymers. In doing so, functional nanostructures will be created by crystallization-driven self-assembly, and their potential applications in nanoscale display technology, bioimaging, and biodiagnostics will be investigated. The exceptionally talented applicant, Dr. Hudson, has extensive experience in organoboron chemistry, luminescent materials chemistry and displays from his Ph.D. in Canada. The Manners group in the UK has well-known internationally-leading expertise in polymer and materials science, block copolymers, and crystallization-driven self-assembly. Thus, the experiences of Dr. Hudson and the Manners group are fully complementary and both are essential for the proposed research to succeed. At the end of the proposed 2 year fellowship period Dr. Hudson aims to return to Canada to a faculty position at a top research-intensive University.

Keywords: organoboron materials,luminescent soft materials,block copolymers,crystallization-driven self-assembly
The compilation of a second generation ‘web-based’ ornithological atlas for Kenya (BIRD ATLAS)

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: Denmark
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IIF, 2012)
Start date: 2013-07-20
End date: 2015-07-19
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 308587.8
EU funding (EUR): 308587.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Kenya’s avifauna is one of the better studied in Africa, second probably only to South Africa. Despite this, and whilst there are many bird watchers active in Kenya and thousands of tourists visit Kenya specifically for ornithological safaris, we still know very little about changes that have occurred in species’ distribution and status over the past 25-50 years. Range extensions and contractions have been noted but only from ad hoc observations. While records of birds found in Kenya are very much up to date, a real gap exists in our understanding of avian distributions and the contribution of changing global climate on observed species distribution patterns. Over a timeline of 2 years based at the Natural History Museum of Denmark, during which the applicant will initiate the project and receive thorough training in the techniques required to achieve the project, followed by a third year return to the National Museums of Kenya, where the applicant will transfer these techniques to local parties who will be vital to the continual expansion of the project, this proposed project will provide the applicant with the required training to enable him to take community based observational data, and use it in order to deliver a demand driven, continually evolving web-based bird atlas for Kenya. In addition to mapping the current avian diversity, the atlas will contain climate-based species niche modelling and genetic data, in order to provide a comprehensive view of the avifauna and its future prospects. This will consolidate the position of the host institute as one of the most innovative Natural History Museums in the world, in particular with regards to moving away from standard ‘collecting’ to innovative new ways of bringing natural history to the public.

Keywords: v104 geographical information systems - cartography,v302 biodiversity - comparative biology,v304 conservation biol,v305 ecology
Investigating Photo Catalytic Reactions at the Molecular Scale (PHOTOSTM)

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-2012-IOF, 2012)
Start date: 2013-06-01
End date: 2016-05-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 252742.2
EU funding (EUR): 252742.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Understanding the mechanism of photo catalytic reactions is a key to systematically improve their efficiency and therewith enhance substantially the impact of green chemistry. Photo catalytic reactions are determined by the electronic level alignment between a catalyst and the reactant. This energy level alignment depends strongly on the local morphology of the catalyst and the absorption site of the reactant but is only poorly understood due to the difficulty to study photo catalytic reactions at the molecular length scale – the critical length scale for photo-catalytic processes. This project focuses on understanding the local electronic structure of catalyst and adsorbed reactant spectroscopically with molecular scale resolution and compare it to the local photo catalytic reactivity using state of the art Near Field Optical Microscopy and Ultra High Vacuum and Low Temperature Scanning Tunneling Microscopy. Semiconducting iron oxide nano wires will be studied as catalyst since this system is specifically promising for photo catalysis in combination with molybdenum hexa carbonyl as reactant model system. This challenging work will be realized by leveraging the unique expertise in surface catalytic reactions and nano scale electronic structure characterization at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the Max Planck Institute for Nanoscale Science in Stuttgart respectively. The fast paste, inspiring and highly interdisciplinary environment at both institutions together with their career development programs for PostDoctoral fellows, and the challenging aspect of combining the expertise from varies fields to succeed with the proposed project will inevitably allow the applicant to develop as an independent and emerging researcher in the field of photo catalysis, creating the base for a highly successful scientific career.

Keywords: p313 catalysis,p319 photochemistry,p306 surface science,scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy,near field optical microscopy,p207 semiconductors nano wire,reaction sites,energy level alignment
Specification of anterior definitive endoderm, the role of extracellular matrix and Akt1 signalling (SPECADE)

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-2012-IEF, 2012)
Start date: 2014-01-01
End date: 2016-09-06
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 221154.6
EU funding (EUR): 221154.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Deciphering the specific role of signalling and the niche in which cells develop and differentiate is one of the central problems of developmental biology. Approaching this problem has been difficult in vivo, as embryonic development involves complex signalling machinery directly instructing the cell fate, or influencing the environment which itself drives the cell specification. Embryonic stem (ES) cell technology affords a new approach, allowing in vitro reconstitution of elements guiding cell differentiation in a defined manner. ES cells can therefore be used to break down developmental decisions and understand the molecular basis of cell fate choice. In SPECADE, I will use mouse ES cells to analyse the signalling underlying differentiation of anterior definitive endoderm (ADE), the precursor of the ventral foregut and a number of visceral organs including pancreas and liver. I will build on previous work at the hosting Brickman laboratory, which has recently shown an unexpected role of extracellular matrix (ECM) in patterning the definitive endoderm. Revealing, that Fibroblast Growth Factor and coupling PI3K/Akt1 signalling pathways act both in vitro and in vivo to regulate protein level of Fibronectin in the ECM. The aims of my project are therefore to identify and understand the mechanism by which PI3K/Akt1 signalling modifies the ECM composition and how the specific ECM induces the anterior character in the endoderm. SPECADE’s approach is to study ES cells as a whole system, including its surrounding environment. This will enable us to understand and recapitulate in vivo development, bringing us closer to successful generation of functional cell types in vitro, such as hepatocytes and pancreatic beta cells. This can be used therapeutically for the treatment of diseases such as diabetes and cancer and is one of the main objectives of the current research at the hosting institute, the Danish Stem Cell Center (DanStem).

Keywords: mouse embryonic stem cells,differentiation,anterior endoderm,extracellular matrix,akt1 signalling
Predictable Rhythm in Speech - Benefits for Perception and Production (PREDICTSPEECH)

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-2012-IEF, 2012)
Start date: 2013-09-01
End date: 2015-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 194046.6
EU funding (EUR): 194046.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

What comes next? We are constantly asking this question – whether in times of economical crisis, when crossing a street or when having an argument with someone. Making predictions about future events is essential for adapting our social actions. In the auditory domain, regular rhythmic patterns allow most efficiently to make predictions. Findings show that regular rhythm enhances memory, monitoring and processing of sound. While most of this research was done in cognitive sciences, studies are rare that investigate the benefits of predictable rhythm in speech. This proposal aims at clarifying under which conditions predictable rhythmic patterns in speech improve speech perception and production in healthy individuals and individuals with speech disorders (i.e. stutterers). As a novel approach, speech is examined in light of a general cognitive framework (Dynamic Attending Theory). This allows studying the benefits of predictable rhythm in speech in relation to other human rhythmic processes (i.e. in particular motor processes). A series of speech perception and production experiments is conducted. The perception experiment investigates how motor action couples with predictable rhythmic speech patterns in order to foster memory processes. The goal of the production tasks is to examine how predictable rhythmic structure in speech combined with other rhythmic activity facilitates fluent articulation in stutterers. The language of investigation is French which represents a major rhythmic type among the languages of the world. Results are compared to previously obtained results on German. This will highlight language-specificity and generality of rhythmic processes. The project is multidisciplinary: it involves theories and methods from language sciences as well as cognitive sciences. Results will have practical outcomes for speech therapy and will interest a wide range of disciplines such as phonetics, (psycho)linguistics, movement sciences and cognitive neurosciences.

Keywords: s205 formal - cognitive - functional and computational linguistics,s209 language pathologies - lexicography,s203 neuropsychology and cognitive psychology
Route to On-Chip Resonating Optical Clocks via Nonlinear Optics (CHRONOS)

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,Italy
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IIF, 2012)
Start date: 2013-08-01
End date: 2015-07-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 187414.8
EU funding (EUR): 187414.8
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

“Measure what is measurable, and make measurable what is not so” (Galileo). Optical frequency comb sources are devices capable to emit light with a comb spectrum composed by narrow lines (i.e. colours) with a fixed frequency spacing. Their introduction gave to Science powerful clockworks capable to measure the frequency of the light and create ultrafast clocks with unprecedented accuracy, unveiling new science in astronomy, geology, biology and many other fields. Their importance in optical metrology has been recognized in the 2005 Nobel Award to T. W. Hänsch. The possibility to miniaturize these sources with strategies meeting the requirements of current electronic platforms would not only produce cheap and low consumption optical sources for ultrafast optical communication and metrological applications, but could bring a greater revolution in the current microchip technology, promoting a “photonic transition” of microelectronics. The recent realization of optical frequency comb sources by exploiting miniaturized resonators represents a fundamental advance towards this direction. However, the impact of these optical sources depends on the full understanding and control of their spectral phase: only when this control is achieved, these devices can be effectively exploited as ultrafast optical clocks. A mode-locking mechanism shaping the phase toward pulse generation was only recently tackled by the applicant and appears a viable solution: this scheme consists in embedding a nonlinear micro-resonator in a fibre laser cavity. It can be considered the precursor of a family of devices implementing phase control by exploiting nested cavities with different nonlinear roles. This project addresses in details this new class of designs, starting from the underlying physics, targeting in perspective the realization of on-chip precision optical clocks with ultra-high repetition rates.

Keywords: p108 optics and quantum optics,p109 lasers and laser physics,p114 non-linear physics