Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Development of novel computational biology pipeline for the efficient classification of titin SNPs for clinical use (TTNPred)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: Marie-Sklodowska-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Individual Fellowships (IF)-Standard European Fellowships
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Panel: Life Sciences
Countries involved: Germany
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2016, 2016)
Start date: 2018-01-01
End date: 2020-02-28
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 171460.8
EU funding (EUR): 171460.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Mutations in the giant muscle protein titin are a major cause of heart disorders in human populations. Routine DNA screening of patient cohorts is now becoming feasible, with a staggering number of titin truncations and missense single nucleotide polymorphisms (mSNPs) rapidly accumulating in genomics databases (>17,000 mSNPs). While the link between titin truncation and disease is now becoming clarified, detecting the pathogenic potential of mSNPs remains a substantial challenge. In mSNPs classification, bioinformatics evaluation is a necessary first filtering step, but existing predictors are poorly reliable. To address this problem, we aim to develop a new titin-centric scoring function that predicts the mechanistic effect of an mSNP exchange in the titin protein by considering the specific characteristics of its poly-domain chain. For this work, we will build a medium-throughput molecular diagnostic pipeline that harvest existent structural models of titin components in estimating mSNPs-induced changes in free energy and conformational dynamics in the protein. Calculations will be benchmarked against experimentally obtained biophysical and biochemical data. To develop this methodology, we will use a clinically pertinent training set of 75 mSNPs. However, in a subsequent step, stable predictions will be extrapolated to the rest of the titin chain by exploiting the repetition of structural and functional loci within the chain. A titin map of vulnerability “hot-spots” so calculated will be distributed to the research community. Ultimately, we aim to produce a tool that can aid clinicians to identify patients at risk of developing a titin-based heart condition at early disease stages, where intervention is still possible.

Keywords: msnps,protein simulations,protein bioinformatics,protein charcterisation
Genetic Epilepsy Models in Zebrafish (GEMZ)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: Marie-Sklodowska-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Individual Fellowships (IF)-Standard European Fellowships
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Panel: Life Sciences
Countries involved: Norway
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2017, 2017)
Start date: 2019-01-01
End date: 2020-12-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 196400.4
EU funding (EUR): 196400.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Recent advances in clinical genetic studies of epilepsies have identified a steadily growing number of mutations in new candidate genes, creating a need for an effective approach to rapidly provide functional data as to their in vivo function. Furthermore, there is an urgent need to create new, cost- and time-effective animal models which successfully mimic genetic epilepsies in humans, as well as efficient drug discovery approaches to identify compounds useful in the management of these diseases. Here, using established genetic methods, loss- and gain-of-function zebrafish epilepsy models for gene variants recently identified to cause severe, drug-resistant epileptic encephalopathies (EE) will be created. Using a multidisciplinary "deep-phenotyping" strategy of pharmacological profiling (i.e. assessment of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) with known mechanisms of action), high-throughput analysis of locomotor activity and seizure-like behavior, electroencephalographic recordings, histopathological analysis of zebrafish mutant brains, single-cell RNA expression profiling and high-resolution (SPIM) Ca2+ imaging analysis of brain activity, these models will be fully characterized and validated. Finally, a large-scale screen using a library of synthetic small molecules, drug-like natural products and FDA-approved drugs to identify compounds with antiepileptic activity will be performed in one of these models. The main objective of this project is to create and validate new zebrafish models of epilepsy, which will provide both new insights into the mechanisms of epileptogenesis in vivo and indicate potentially novel entry routes for therapeutic intervention.

Keywords: zebrafish,model of epilepsy,gene,loss of function,kcna2,scn8a,antiepileptic drugs
Inhibiting BAF to Improve Gene Delivery (IBAF)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Diseases
Panel description: Medical technologies and tools for prevention, diagnosis and treatment of human diseases, therapeutic approaches and interventions, pharmacology, preventative medicine, epidemiology and public health, digital medicine
Countries involved: Switzerland
Call: ERC Advanced Grant (ERC-2019-ADG, 2019)
Start date: 2020-11-01
End date: 2025-10-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2390625.0
EU funding (EUR): 2390625.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

Safe and efficient delivery of nucleic acids to tissues and cells is a shared challenge in the clinical translation of gene therapy and gene editing. At the intracellular level, DNA delivery is hindered by endo/lysosomal sequestration, inefficient transport into the nucleus and a retention mechanism mediated by the barrier-to-autointegration factor (BAF) protein that detects, clusters and locks away intruding double-stranded DNA in membrane cages. The first two of these intracellular obstacles are well-known bottlenecks and are being addressed by many laboratories. However, preliminary in vitro data suggest the detrimental impact of BAF’s mechanism on transgene expression is underestimated. We hypothesize that transiently suppressing BAF or one of its regulating factors will increase the cytosolic availability and mobility of transfected DNA, facilitating its transport to the nucleus and ultimately boosting transfection efficiency. We will tackle this rather uninvestigated mechanism through two parallel strategies: i) identifying novel small-molecule inhibitors of BAF or its regulators via high-throughput screening of chemical libraries, and ii) producing a recombinant kinase that phosphorylates BAF in situ and thus supresses its DNA-clustering function. The BAF suppressors will be co-delivered to cells with rationally-designed nucleoprotein nanoparticles consisting of a reporter plasmid and a dual-function fusion protein to facilitate endocytosis and endosomal escape. The combined transfection-enhancing effect of the BAF suppressors and the nanoparticles will be extensively characterized in vitro, and in vivo proof-of-concept will be obtained in mice. Besides expanding our fundamental knowledge on this unexplored DNA retention mechanism, the project will provide powerful transfection enhancers that can boost already-existing gene delivery platforms (viral and non-viral), so that these can reach their full potential for gene therapy and gene-editing applications.

Keywords: barrier to autointegration factor,gene delivery,nanoparticles
Applying silicon solar cell technology to revolutionize the design of thin-film solar cells and enhance their efficiency, cost and stability (Uniting PV)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Starting grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: Products and processes engineering
Panel description: Product and process design, chemical, civil, environmental, mechanical, vehicle engineering, energy processes and relevant computational methods
Countries involved: Belgium,Belgium
Call: ERC Starting Grant (ERC-2016-STG, 2016)
Start date: 2017-03-01
End date: 2022-08-31
Duration (months): 66.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1986125.0
EU funding (EUR): 1986125.0
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

Thin film (TF) photovoltaics (PV) hold high potential for Building Integrated PV, an important market as European buildings require to be nearly zero-energy by 2020. Currently, Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 (= CIGS(e)) TF solar cells have high efficiency, but also a simple one-dimensional cell design with stability and reliability concerns. Furthermore, its present research has been mainly focused on improving the absorber and buffer layers. Scientifically, Uniting PV aims to study the practical boundaries of CIGS(e) TF solar cell efficiency. For that reason, its goal is to revolutionize the design of CIGS(e) solar cells through implementation of advanced three-dimensional silicon (Si) solar cell concepts. This novel design consists of (i) surface passivation layers and (ii) light management methods integrated into ultra-thin (UT) CIGS(e) solar cells: (i) Passivation layers will be studied to reduce charge carrier recombination at CIGS(e) surfaces. The aim is to create new understanding and thus scientific models. (ii) Light management methods will be studied to optimize optical confinement in UT CIGS(e) layers. The aim is to examine the interaction between light management and charge carrier recombination in UT CIGS(e), and to create scientific models. The main reasons to introduce these developments is to reduce charge carrier recombination at the CIGS(e) surfaces and in the CIGS(e) bulk, while maintaining optical confinement. Technologically, the project targets to establish a solar cell with: (1) Increased cell efficiency, at least 23.0 % and up to 26.0 %; (2) improved stability and reliability, due to reduced CIGS(e) thickness and passivation layers hindering alkali metal movement; and (3) reduced cost, due to the use of less Ga and In, and industrially viable materials, methods and equipment. Hence, its outcome will be upscalable, valuable for other TF PV materials, and start a new wave of innovation in and collaboration between TF and Si PV research fields.

Keywords: photovoltaics,solar cells,thin film,cu in,ga se2,cigsse,cigse,cigs,silicon,perc
Real Time 3D Motion Graphics Studio for Creative Music Industry SMEs (VisualMusic)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Industrial Leadership
Programme: Information and Communication Technologies
Action type: Innovation actions
Countries involved: Italy,Spain,Italy,Germany,Belgium,France
Call: Support technology transfer to the creative industries (H2020-ICT-2016-1, 2016)
Start date: 2016-11-01
End date: 2018-06-30
Duration (months): 20.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1259375.0
EU funding (EUR): 998262.5
Participants: 7
Project status: CLOSED

In today’s entertainment sector, the ability to provide compelling visual animation presentations during musical events in clubs, concert halls and other such venues, is restricted to large scale events promoters, artists, and mega-clubs. The main reason for this is that such visual animation presentations must be designed in advance for a particular event and specifically tailored for the music to be played. Moreover, designing, developing and finally rendering such visual presentations is costly both in terms of time and budget. Such projects require the user to contract expensive video artists to create bespoke animation content and, during the live entertainment event, there is also a need to have an expert operator triggering the content as the music is playing. Such barriers to entry restrict the development and proliferation of real-time 3D Motion Graphics technology amongst creative SMEs in this sector of the mass entertainment market. The aim of project VISUALmusic is to remove existing barriers to entry and extend the use of this technology by developing a more affordable, Real Time 3D Motion Graphics Studio for Creative Music Industry SMEs. The VISUALmusic studio will eliminate the need for expensive design and development expertise in both the preparation and delivery of animation content. Furthermore, the VISUALmusic studio will provide the user with the capability to generate visual animation presentations in real-time as the musical event is in session. In order to reduce costs and improve capability, project VISUALmusic proposes to transfer the power of partner Brainstorm’s real time graphics technology, normally used in the broadcasting industry, to the “live event” sector of the entertainment business. The aim of the VISUALmusic Real Time 3D Motion Graphics Studio for Creative Music Industry SMEs is also to provide experts in motion graphics design and development with a marketplace for new content.

Keywords: motion graphics,music,animation,audio features extraction
Tree rewriting grammars and the syntax-semantics interface: From grammar development to semantic parsing (TreeGraSP)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: European Research Council (ERC)
Theme: European research council
Destination: Consolidator grants
Action type: ERC actions
Panel: The Human Mind and Its Complexity
Panel description: Cognitive science, psychology, linguistics, theoretical philosophy
Countries involved: Germany
Call: ERC Consolidator Grant (ERC-2016-COG, 2016)
Start date: 2017-07-01
End date: 2023-06-30
Duration (months): 72.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1995890.0
EU funding (EUR): 1995890.0
Participants: 1
Project status: SIGNED

The increasing amount of data available in our digital society is both a chance and a challenge for natural language processing. On the one hand, we have better possibilities than ever to extract and process meaning from language data, and recent techniques, in particular deep learning methods, have achieved impressive results. On the other hand, linguistic research has a much broader empirical basis and can aim at rich quantitative models of language. Unfortunately, theory and application interact too little in these areas of meaning extraction and grammar theory. Current semantic processing techniques do not sufficiently capture the complex structure of language while grammatical theory does not sufficiently incorporate data-driven insights about language. TreeGraSP bridges this gap by combining rich linguistic theory with data-driven approaches to large scale statistical grammar induction and to semantic parsing. The novelty of its approach consists in putting semantics at the center of grammar theory, putting an emphasis on multilinguality and typological diversity, and adopting a constructional approach to grammar. TreeGraSP is interdisciplinary and innovative in serveral respects: It contributes to the field of linguistics by a) making theories of grammar explicit, b) providing a grammar implementation tool for typologically working linguists and c) developing means to obtain a quantitative grammar theory. And it contributes to the field of computational semantics by providing a probabilistic theory of meaning construal that can be used for textual entailment and reasoning applications. The challenge lies in the intended transfer between theoretical linguistics and statistical natural language processing.

Keywords: syntax semantics interface,frame semantics,grammar implementation,grammar induction,semantic parsing
Rare Earth based Upconversion Luminescent Nanomaterials as novel bioprobes for the detection of cardiac biomarkers (RECORDER)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: Marie-Sklodowska-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Individual Fellowships (IF)-Standard European Fellowships
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Panel: Information Science and Engineering
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) (H2020-MSCA-IF-2015, 2015)
Start date: 2016-07-13
End date: 2018-08-25
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 195454.8
EU funding (EUR): 195454.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) which include acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and stroke are the main causes of premature deaths in the EU and in Asian countries including India. Researchers have identified and reported that biomarkers can provide advance information about cardiac dysfunction which leads to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and stroke. However technologies for sensitive and accurate detection of CVD biomarkers are not available. The nature of the CVD also demands efficient simultaneous detection of these biomarkers that the current approaches are incapable of. RECORDER aims to develop a novel biophotonic sensor methodology and technology concept for unambiguous detection of multiple biomarkers, which give confidence in the early diagnosis of CVD that in the longer term can be developed for point of care (POC) applications. The underpinning sensor principle in RECORDER is based on measureable fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) from rare earth (RE) doped nanoparticles under infrared laser (wavelengths >900 nm) excitation known as upconversion fluorescence to acceptor nanoparticle with specific absorptions in the presence of very small concentrations (1-0.01ng/mL) of biomarkers. The investigation of parameters including sensitivity, specificity and speed of detection of CVD biomarkers such as cardiac troponin (mainly, cTnI), heart fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP) lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA2) and myoglobin (Mb) based on upconversion and upconversion fluorescence energy transfer (UC-FRET) to overcome large noise in signal due to autofluorescence if excited with ultraviolet or visible wavelengths as in conventional FRET, will be a highly novel approach. UC-FRET applied to detect CVD biomarkers in this project will lead to a novel platform technology that will revolutionize biomarker analysis in a cost effective manner for better patient management in hospitals, primary health care and in the long term at POC.

Keywords: materials for sensors,nanomaterials,medical engineering and technology,diagnostic tools,biosensors,cardiovascular
Optimal utilization of seafood side-streams through the design of new holistic process lines (WASEABI)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Industrial Leadership
Programme: Nanotechnologies, Advanced Materials, Advanced Manufacturing and Processing, and Biotechnology
Theme: Public-private partnerships
Destination: Bio-based Industries
Action type: Research and Innovation actions
Partnership: BBI (Art-187)
Countries involved: Spain,Spain,Spain,Belgium,Sweden,Sweden,France,Denmark,Denmark,Denmark,Denmark
Call: Resolve logistical, infrastructural and technological challenges to valorise residual and side streams from aquaculture, fisheries and the aquatic biomass processing industries (H2020-BBI-JTI-2018, 2018)
Start date: 2019-05-01
End date: 2023-10-31
Duration (months): 54.0
Total project cost (EUR): 4033546.25
EU funding (EUR): 3197397.0
Participants: 17
Project status: SIGNED

The current exploitation of the aquatic resources is hampered by inefficiency as up to 70 % end up as low-value products or waste, which is unsustainable considering the rising populations. In order to utilise this currently poorly exploited biomass for higher value purposes, provision of proper logistics and infrastructure to ensure high quality of side-streams for a prolonged window of time is essential. Also promising technologies currently available at lab level need to be adapted to industrial scale and integrated into a biorefinery approach. The objective of the WASEABI project is to solve challenges that prevents more sound exploitation of the aquatic resources. This will be obtained by developing, sorting technologies, storage solutions and decision tools that will secure an efficient, sustainable supply system for by-catches, as well as for solid and liquid side-streams from aquaculture, fisheries and the aquatic processing industries to biorefining operations. This will result in valorisation of these raw materials into marketable products. By addressing side-streams from six different raw materials emerging from typical aquaculture, fisheries and aquatic processing industries in Europe, WASEABI will take a whole chain perspective to succeed with high quality production of: i) bioactive peptides for nutraceutical, food and feed applications, ii) protein-based food ingredients, iii) savoury ingredients and mineral supplements for food and feed. WASEABI will also construct biorefining approaches and validate selected solutions in pilot scale at the premises of participating companies. The commercial potential of the produced ingredients will be evaluated and specific environmental, economic and social impacts of the proposed solutions will be quantified. Several of the developed technologies will be transferable across seafood companies. WASEABI addresses all the objectives described for BBI 2018. SO1.R1.

Keywords: seafood side streams,sorting,storage,decisions tools,logistic chain,enzymatic hydrolysis,flocculation,ph shift technology,proteins,bioactive peptides,flavors,minerals,life cycle analysis
Sonic inquiry in urban research: advancing policy analysis and design through sound planning tools (SONINURB)

Framework: Horizon 2020 — Excellent Science
Programme: Marie-Sklodowska-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Individual Fellowships (IF)-Global Fellowships
Action type: Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions
Panel: Social Sciences and Humanities
Countries involved: Italy,Canada
Call: Individual Fellowships (H2020-MSCA-IF-2019, 2019)
Start date: 2021-03-01
End date: 2024-02-29
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 237768.0
EU funding (EUR): 237768.0
Participants: 2
Project status: SIGNED

The sonic environment constantly surrounds us, and strongly contributes to give a special atmosphere to every location, a particular ‘sense of the place’, which directly influences the quality of urban environment. This is because atmosphere has the capability to attract or repulse people, to make them feel comfortable or uncomfortable, secure or unsecure: it represents the immaterial framework of the living environment and perfectly reflects the effects of every urban transformation. In particular, urban atmosphere drives people’s experience of everyday public space, and its social and political implications can be finely investigated through sound, especially in regards to those vulnerable areas dealing with critical urban issues (such as depopulation, segregation, transformation and expiration of local identities and intangible cultural heritages), and to those vulnerable citizens who experience social, racial, religious, and gender issues. Is it possible to better acknowledge –and contribute to improve– the atmosphere of a vulnerable urban area undergoing spatial and social transformation by investigating and intervene its sonic environment? What are the related political, social, and cultural implications? The action intends to advance Urban research for urban policy analysis and design by implementing a participatory and collaborative approach to urban sound design, and sound planning tools oriented to vulnerable areas. In particular, the research aims to demonstrate how the investigation of sonic environment can support policy analysis and influence policy design, and aims to explain how the use of urban sound installations and sonic intervention can promote social inclusion, and sustainable local development.

Keywords: urban studies,sound studies,policy analysis and design,soundscape analysis,urban sound design,urban sound planning,community engagement,participatory processes,sound art,public art