Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
The impact of the portrayal of the African continent in textbooks on racism against students of African ancestry in German schools (IMAFREDU)

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-2010-IEF, 2010)
Start date: 2012-01-01
End date: 2013-12-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 162163.2
EU funding (EUR): 162163.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The image of Africa in German textbooks and curricula is based on racist stereotypes, which can be traced back to the colonial era when dehumanisation of African people served to justify the colonisation of their continent. Poverty, violence and underdevelopment are the prevailing images of Africa in German history and geography textbooks. Pre-colonial African history, African culture and philosophy are not covered by the Eurocentric curriculum. Classic and modern western literature is interspersed with stereotypes about African people; these stereotypes often pass uncommented by the teachers. In an empirical case study we examine the impact of this presentation of Africa on the treatment and assessment of students of African ancestry by fellow students and teachers. The longitudinal study will be carried out in an urban school in Hamburg, with Year 7 students (12-13 years old). In the first phase the initial situation will be assessed using quantitative and qualitative data collection. In the second phase, the textbooks and curriculum will be reviewed in cooperation with historians and textbook authors and new unbiased tutorials will be developed. These tutorials will be based on up-to-date research and will consider the African perspective. In the third phase spanning over one academic year, the new tutorials will be implemented in the lessons. The lessons will be observed ethnographically. In the fourth and final phase the initial enquiry will be repeated. Comparing the results of the initial and the final enquiries we examine to which extend racism in schools can be combated on a cognitive level, by correcting the distorted image of Africa. The novelty and the relevance of this project is that we will go beyond revising the image of Africa to actually apply the new tutorials in real school lessons. Thus this research will contribute to a better education and will directly benefit curriculum developers, educators and students.

Keywords: curriculum studies,african studies,historical education,racism research,migration
Biophysical and structural studies on Wnt-regulatory complexes of LRP5/6, Dickkopf and Kremen (DICKKOPF)

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-2010-IEF, 2010)
Start date: 2011-07-01
End date: 2013-06-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 209092.8
EU funding (EUR): 209092.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Orchestration of developmental processes as well as function and homeostasis of tissues depend on fine tuned intercellular communication, necessitating carefully controlled extracellular gradients of a wide range of signalling molecules. Signalling by the Wnt family of secretory glycolipoproteins is renowned for its crucial roles in embryonic development and tissue homeostasis and is subject to a multi-layered system of regulation. Conversely, dysregulation of Wnt signalling is implicated in developmental defects, degenerative diseases, and cancer. Dickkopf (Dkk) proteins are secreted regulators of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signalling, which compete with the Wnt morphogens for their coreceptors LRP5 and -6. A second class of cell surface Dkk receptors, called Kremen (Krm1 and -2), amplify Dkk function by promoting cell surface expression of LRP5/6 in the absence of Dkk and inducing a rapid internalization in its presence. The goal of this proposal is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms behind the Wnt-regulatory activity of Dkk and Krm. I will use protein produced by transient secretory mammalian expression to reconstitute binary and ternary complexes of LRP5/6, Dkk, and Krm in vitro. A wide range of biophysical methods including analytical ultracentrifugation and surface plasmon resonance will be applied to characterize complex formation with respect to stoichiometry, minimal functional modules, affinity and kinetics. X-ray crystallization and electron microscopy will be used to study the structures of isolated complex components and the structural changes associated with complex formation. Based on biophysical and structural data, functional mutants of the proteins will be created and tested in a cellular setting using e.g. a Wnt-responsive bioluminescence reporter assay or confocal microscopy. By studying the interaction of LRP5/6, Dkk and Krm, I shall provide a new level of insight into the regulation of the Wnt signalling system.

Keywords: developmental biology,receptor-ligand interactions,structural and functional analysis,membrane proteins,intercellular signalling,complex formation,biophysical characterization
The Synthesis and Evaluation of Organometallic Dinuclear Ruthenium Complexes as Anti-Cancer Drugs (DINURU)

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: Switzerland
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IEF, 2010)
Start date: 2011-07-01
End date: 2013-06-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 178601.6
EU funding (EUR): 178601.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Current platinum-based anti-cancer drugs, such as cisplatin, are well established in the successful treatment of various forms of cancer, however, the use of these drugs is significantly limited by associated side effects and drug resistance. Ruthenium-based alternatives, some of which are in clinical testing, have shown considerable promise, exhibiting low general toxicity alongside selectivity and high activity toward cancerous tissue. This proposal takes advantage of these remarkable properties in the design, synthesis and evaluation of novel dinuclear ruthenium-based anti-cancer drugs. These complexes will contain two ruthenium moieties linked by an organic tether – the structure of which will have a major influence on the conformation of the complexes and will therefore influence their interactions with biomolecular targets. The relationship between complex structures and their anti-cancer properties will be studied and their biomolecular targets identified, allowing the rational development of more potent anti-cancer drugs that express their activity by non-DNA damaging modes of action – essential in overcoming the toxicity and resistance problems of established metal complexes. To achieve these objectives the candidate will build upon his experience in synthetic and analytical chemistry to isolate and characterize the complexes; he will develop expertise in bio-analytical techniques to allow him to identify their biomolecular targets and evaluate complex-biomolecule interactions/reactivity to probe their biological mode of anti-cancer activity. Through this project the candidate will gain substantial new expertise in biochemistry, proteomics and advanced mass spectrometry. He will gain experience in the management and coordination of an independent project whilst developing scientific and complementary skills, such as leadership qualities and teaching skills - essential in his development as a promising independent researcher.

Keywords: organometallic chemistry,organic chemistry,anticancer drug development
Stress cascades and Alzheimer's disease (STRESSAMYLOIDCASCADE)

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-2010-IEF, 2010)
Start date: 2012-10-01
End date: 2014-09-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 169863.2
EU funding (EUR): 169863.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Global increases in lifespan make the challenge to prevent and treat Alzheimer’s disease (AD) urgent. While the etiology of non-familial/sporadic AD is largely unknown, many AD patients have elevated stress hormone (glucocorticoid, GC) levels and recent animal studies show that high GC levels promote production of amyloidogenic peptides (key pathogenic players in AD) in association with memory deficits. Stress/GC are implicated in mood and cognitive disorders, and meta-analyses identify depression (often associated with cognitive deficits) as a risk for AD. This, and the fact that depression and AD involve similar limbic-cortical substrates, suggests shared spatio-temporal trajectories, with the two conditions representing early and late manifestations of increased amyloid beta (A-beta) levels. This proposal aims to i) define the spatio-temporal progression of the impact of stress on A-beta production based on morphochemical (immunochemical, gene expression, morphometric) mapping; and ii) identify the cellular targets and molecular mechanisms through which stress is pro-amyloidogenic (multiplex qPCR, Western blot, enzymatic activity assay). Two transgenic mice (arcAbeta and RiboTag mice) of different ages and sexes (women are more prone to AD and depression) will be used. Analysis of cellular events in genetically-marked (RiboTag) neuronal sub-populations adds innovative value. The applicant will apply his existing skills in structural and behavioral neurobiology, complemented by additional (primary neuronal culture, molecular and cellular neuroanatomy) and state-of-the-art methodologies (high-speed voltage-sensitive dye imaging and optogenetics), acquired at the host institute. Besides offering technical and generic skills, the host institute allows dialogue between basic and clinical researchers.

Keywords: brain research,alzheimer,chronic stress,degenerative diseases
The Space of Citizenship in Europe (EUCITISPACE-II)

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: Belgium
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IEF, 2010)
Start date: 2011-09-01
End date: 2013-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 157100.0
EU funding (EUR): 157100.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The aim of the present research project is the study of European statehood and of its current restructuring and redefinition. More precisely, this project will focus on two elements of statehood redefinition, that is EU citizenship and EU’s spatial policies, and their relationship. The objectives of the present research-project are the following: 1. Understanding how statehood and governmentality are being restructured in contemporary Europe, that is providing an account of European integration as a process of redefinition of national statehood, or at least of some of its elements, at the continental level. 2. Providing an account of how citizenship, as an element of statehood, is being rearticulated beyond the nation-state, even though in historical continuity with it, and of how geographical space is acting as a crucial element in order to redefine citizenship and government in contemporary Europe. 3. Rethinking the relationship between the two concepts of citizenship and space from the point of view of political theory, starting from the elements of transformation that Europe provides with respect to modern political grammar. In order to take into account the bi-univocal relationship between European citizenship and European state-space, we will concentrate on three case-studies: 1. I will take into account the policies concerning the regulation of free movement of people within the EU. 2. I will consider the link between geographical enlargement and political integration in the case of the referendums on the European Constitutional Treaty 2. I will take into account the space of the city as a place of contestation and of redefinition of citizenship in contemporary Europe

Keywords: eu policies,political sciences,governance,social geography,urban studies,european law,philosophy,philosophy of law,moral philosophy,democratic theory,citizenship,theory of the state,space
Novel si/miRNAs in epigenetic regulation of salt stress responses in M. truncatula (MEDEPIMIR)

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-2010-IEF, 2010)
Start date: 2011-05-09
End date: 2013-05-08
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 185748.0
EU funding (EUR): 185748.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The lifestyle of plants requires them to constantly adapt their growth and development to environmental variation. While highly related plants coding transcriptome are conservated, the non-protein-coding RNA (npcRNA) trascriptome diverges during evolution and within species. It is known that npcRNA can modificate spatio-temporal gene expression patterns, and play a key role in developmental adaptation and plasticity. In the last years, small/miRNA (two npcRNA families) have emerged as a novel and important class of regulators, due to their capacity to mediate transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of specific targets, including members of the epigenetic machinery, in development and stress response. Epigenetic mechanisms cause some of the stress-induced stable modifications of transcriptional states. Epimutations occur at a higher frequency than DNA mutations because they are not associated to changes in DNA sequence, playing a major role in mechanisms of adaptation because they allow rapid changes in gene expression. In addition, they can be maintained through mitosis and/or meiosis. Improving drought and salt stress tolerance in crops have been major goals in agriculture research for several years using classical breeding or genetic engineering of specific traits. However, several drawbacks have often been observed, including retarded growth or instability of the agronomic trait, sometimes due to transgene silencing, calling for new methods. In this way, as epigenetic changes account for the plasticity of plant genome responses to developmental and environmental cues, studies need to be performed to elucidate the regulatory loop involving mi/siRNA and the epigenetic machinery. The aim of the proposed project is analyze the role of mi/siRNA in epigenetic regulation of salt stress response in Medicago truncatula, using bioinformatics and genetic approaches, in order to create new epigenetic germplasms and improve crop productivity.

Keywords: epigenetic,salt stress,mirna,smallrna,tasirna,nasirna,medicago truncatula,plant plasticity,gene expression,histone modification,dna methylation,stress response,adaptation,plant development
Possible Stimulation by Mycophagous Collimonas Bacteria of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Functioning (COLLIAM)

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: Netherlands
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IEF, 2010)
Start date: 2011-05-01
End date: 2013-04-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 237499.8
EU funding (EUR): 237499.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) fungi are key components in sustainable agriculture as they enable efficient nutrient uptake by crops when chemical fertilization is reduced. AM fungal functioning is, however, influenced by other microbes that interact with their hyphae. One of these microorganisms is the recently discovered genus Collimonas. Collimonas bacteria show a great potential application in sustainable agriculture both as a biocontrol agent and as a P-solubilizer, based on its mycophagy (feed on fungi) and mineral weathering abilities. Here, I propose for the first time, the possible application of AM fungi and Collimonas bacteria as a consortium of beneficial microorganisms for sustainable agriculture purposes. The successful application is dependent on our understanding of the interaction between Collimonas and AM fungi. The aim of this proposal is to gain insights on the mechanisms involved in the interaction, its relevance in natural ecosystems and its influence on plant performance. The Collimonas-AM fungal interaction has both positive (increased hyphal branching, higher supply of nutrients) and negative (consumption of AM hyphae) components. My general hypothesis is that the interaction between both microorganisms commonly occurs in nature and results in a positive mutualistic relationship from which plants benefit. The hyphosphere would provide a beneficial environment for Collimonas growth, which in turn would increase nutrient availability for AM fungi and, consequently, for the plant. To test my hypothesis I propose a highly interdisciplinary approach combining advanced molecular, biochemical and microscopic techniques in natural ecosystems, microcosms and in vitro experiments. The results are expected to bring out new leads for novel strategies in sustainable agriculture by improving AM fungi functioning through Collimonas inoculation. The main benefits of the program for my career are enhanced independency and experience in cutting-edge techniques.

Keywords: arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi,collimonas bacteria,beneficial microorganisms,mycophagy,plant nutrition,phosphorous,sustainable agriculture,hyphosphere,rhizosphere,microbial interactions
Revealing the role of intrinsically disordered proteins in transcription and replication of measles and sendai paramyxoviruses using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. (VIRAL_IDP)

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-2010-IEF, 2010)
Start date: 2011-08-01
End date: 2013-07-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 185248.0
EU funding (EUR): 185248.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Over the last decade it has become increasingly clear that a large fraction (up to 40%) of the proteins encoded by the human genome are disordered. Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) remain functional despite a lack of a well-defined structure, such that the classical structure-function paradigm breaks down, and new insight into the relationship between primary sequence and molecular function is necessary. The object of this proposal is to study the role of IDPs in the replication and transcription of Measles (MeV) and Sendai viruses (SeV). Replication and transcription of the viral RNA in these related paramyxoviridiae is initiated by an interaction between the intrinsically disordered C-terminal domain, NTAIL, of the nucleoprotein and the highly flexible C-terminal domain, PX, of the phosphoprotein. Upon binding to PX, both NTAIL proteins undergo alpha-helical folding of the molecular recognition element, positioned at the C-terminal end of the unfolded domain of the nucleoprotein. To fully understand the molecular basis of this interaction, and to determine the role of the disordered domains, atomic resolution models of the proteins are necessary in their free, pre-recognition states and in complex with their partner proteins. In order to achieve this aim I will use high field solution state NMR, small angle neutron and X-ray scattering and molecular modeling. Due to its inherent flexibility solution state NMR studies of the NTAIL domain will also be performed in the context of the entire 13C/15N labeled nucleocapsid (particles whose size ranges from 10-500MD). These particles will be further studied using solid state NMR and electron microscopy. This system represents a paradigm of intermolecular interaction involving highly flexible proteins and will therefore reveal features of transient folding upon binding in IDPs, while shedding new light on viral replication molecular mechanisms whose comprehension is crucial for the design of new antiviral drugs.

Keywords: measles virus,transcription and replication machinery,intrinsic disorder,disorder-to-order transitions,residual structure
Image supramolecular binding processes on the molecular level by STM for fundamental understanding sensor (SEE 2 SENSE)

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: Netherlands
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IOF, 2010)
Start date: 2011-09-01
End date: 2014-11-03
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 234887.2
EU funding (EUR): 234887.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The goal of the project is to image supramolecular binding processes on the molecular level with the purpose to gain fundamental understanding of how a sensor operates. This understanding will subsequently be applied as a basis for new sensor design. Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM) will be used to visualize single molecule binding events of analyte molecules to receptor molecules adsorbed at a surface. In addition to topography changes, STM will also give valuable information about changes in electronic properties of the receptor upon the binding. This information will be used in the design of new, extremely sensitive sensors based on carbon nanotubes and graphene. The highly interdisciplinary research will be carried out by a promising young European researcher at MIT (USA) under the supervision of Prof. T. M. Swager, and at the Eindhoven University of Technology (the Netherlands) in the group of Prof. R. A. J. Janssen.

Keywords: sensors,scanning tunneling microscopy,stm,molecular recognition,nanodevices,supramolecular chemistry