Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Direct neutrino mass determination with cryogenic microcalorimeters (NUMASS)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: European Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Portugal
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2007-2-2-ERG, 2007)
Start date: 2008-03-01
End date: 2011-02-28
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 45000.0
EU funding (EUR): 45000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Highly-sensitive energy detectors are a frontier and challenging R&D topic. Cryogenic microcalorimeters are currently the best detector candidates for X-rays, electrons, nuclear recoil, etc. The future direct neutrino mass determination international and funded experiments are using this technology. While the microcalorimeter operating principle is simple, the full detector performance and optimization, is not trivial, and still currently being under R&D. The theoretical predictions for its optimum performance has not been experimental reached and the modelling of such a behaviour is a state-of-the-art complex fundamental superconductivity topic, but also a key element for the detector performance and noise assessment. The intrinsic vortex dynamics and intermediate state evolution, within the superconducting film volume, are fundamental features to clarify for pushing an experimental detector sensitivity to the sub-eV sensitivity threshold necessary to MARE. The proposed work focuses on two topics: the better understanding of the superconducting-to-normal phase transition of the sensor, absorber and overall microcalorimeter; low noise high-sensitive unconventional microcalorimeter readout electronics. In particular, the study of superconducting transition edge sensors and its phase transition induced by radiation, while in a current biased mode. The scientific programme of this proposal is part of the MARE scientific programme performed by the international collaboration.
Stem Cells and Cancer Stem Cells in Mouse Mammary Glands (MG STEM)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Greece
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2007-4-3-IRG, 2007)
Start date: 2009-05-25
End date: 2013-05-24
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

It is thought that, although cancer stem cells are a small minority in the tumor cell population, they can escape the toxicity of drugs used for treatment, as they are relatively quiescent, i.e. chemotherapy can lead effectively to remission, but not frequently to a cure. An important question that cannot be answered at present and should certainly be addressed is whether a therapeutic window can be identified from the differences between normal cells, including normal stem cells, and cancer stem cells. The proposed work is a first step towards addressing this crucial question by examining in the context of mouse models of mammary tumorigenesis the relationship between putative normal and cancer stem cells and comparing their expression profiles with a long-term goal of eventually identifying advantageous drug-targets for therapeutic intervention to treat breast cancer. The use of stemness signatures for treatment purposes may find additional applications in the cases of cancers at other anatomical sites.

Keywords: mammary gland,stem cells,cancer
3d-4f-3d trinuclear complexes precursors for heterospin systems - an alternative way towards multifunctional molecular materials (HETEROSPIN)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: European Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Romania
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2007-2-2-ERG, 2007)
Start date: 2008-03-01
End date: 2011-02-28
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 45000.0
EU funding (EUR): 45000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The current proposal is devoted to synthesis and characterization of multifunctional molecular materials by designing heterotrinuclear cationic complexes containing three different metal ions (3d-4f-3d’), which can be used as building blocks in the construction of magnetic systems containing four different spin carriers. The modular design of these systems is intended to control the dimensionality of the molecular architectures (by the proper use of the anionic metallocomplexes which can act as bridge, terminal ligands or non-coordinating counter-ions), and to modulate the chemical and physical properties by the appropriate selection of the metal ions used for the formation of the cationic trinuclear bricks and anionic metalloligands (e.g. a high value of the spin ground state, caused by a ferromagnetic coupling between the metal ions within the trinuclear unit, associated with large magnetic anisotropy originating from the 4f and/or 3d metal ions can generate a single molecule magnet behaviour). A topical trend in the field of molecular materials is to combine within the same material at least two different physical properties, such as magnetism and conductivity, which can coexist or interplay. In this direction, the co-crystallization of heterotrinuclear cationic complexes (3d-4f-3d’) with anionic species presenting multi-stability in different oxidation states and high tendency to self-organize in columns in solid state (TCNQ, bis-dithiolene complexes) can be envisaged as a rational method to obtain multifunctional materials (magnetic conductors).

Keywords: heterometallic complexes,heterospin systems,magnetic properties,multifunctional materials
Longitudinal analysis to study neurodegenerative diseases mechanisms in specific neuronal subtypes (NEURONAL SPECIFICITY)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Spain
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2007-4-3-IRG, 2007)
Start date: 2009-05-01
End date: 2013-04-30
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Huntington’s disease (HD) are the most common human neurodegenerative diseases. Each features an abnormal accumulation of proteins, but whether the aggregation leads to neuronal death is controversial. HD is caused by a single mutation that increases the number of CAG repeats. Mutant huntingtin (htt) forms intraneuronal inclusion bodies (IBs). To determine if IBs are pathogenic, incidental, or a beneficial coping response, we developed an automated microscope system that enabled us to follow individual neurons over long periods of time. We prospectively measured the survival time of individual neurons and simultaneously monitored features, such as htt expression levels and IB formation. Using survival analysis methods, we sought to identify the best predictor of neuronal death. We found that the amount of diffuse mutant htt predicted death and that IB formation decreased the risk of neuronal death. Thus, IB formation may be a coping response against the more toxic diffuse mutant htt forms. Another common pathological hallmark of neurodegenerative disorders is a strong specificity for the affected neuronal populations. Paradoxically, the proteins affected in these diseases are ubiquitously expressed and yet only specific subsets of neurons are affected. Interestingly, areas less affected in HD brain patients show more IBs. Because aggregation and neuronal specificity are hallmarks of neurodegenerative diseases, we hypothesize that the different capacities of neuronal subtypes for handling mutant proteins (i.e., efficient aggregation or/and activating degradation pathways) explain differences in survival among neuronal types. We will express proteins affected in htt variants or PD (mutant versions of LRRK2) in different subtypes of primary neurons. Using longitudinal survival, we will determine if aggregation or degradation determines survival or death differentially in particular neuronal subtypes.

Keywords: neurobiology,huntington's disease,parkinson's disease,longitudinal survival analysis
Lax Algebras in Homotopy Theory (LAXALGHOMOTOP)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Switzerland
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2007-4-3-IRG, 2007)
Start date: 2009-01-01
End date: 2012-12-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The researcher Dr. Gavin J. Seal will investigate the theory of lax algebras in the context of homotopy theory. His work will be conducted at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, in Switzerland, in collaboration with Prof. Kathryn Hess Bellwald and her research group. Based on the most recent developments in category theory, lax algebras allow a unified approach to the main fundamental structures of topology. The project will contribute to the advancement of the theory of lax algebras by exploiting its links with categorical homotopy theory: the theory of locales, higher-dimensional category theory, model theory, convergence theory, descent theory, etc. In return, the abstraction allowed by lax algebras will provide a reference point for the development of generalizations of homotopy theories, ranging from metric to uniform interpretations. The researcher's original, independent, and successful research career, as well as the high quality of his host at the host institute, all contribute to the success of the project. The researcher's international professional network, as well as his expertise, will provide the European Union with a crucial mathematical asset.

Keywords: algebraic topology,convergence theory,locale theory,domain theory,category theory,fibrewise topology,descent theory
Genomic Analyses of Arabidopsis Flower Development: sORFs, miRNAs, and transcription factor-coding genes (GEANARAFDEV)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Spain
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2007-4-3-IRG, 2007)
Start date: 2008-04-01
End date: 2012-03-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The focus of this proposal is to characterize the functions of novel components of the flower development gene regulatory network in Arabidopsis, using various genomic approaches. The proposed work will target: (1) novel coding small open reading frames (sORFs) detected in intergenic regions; (2) novel or uncharacterized microRNAs and protein-coding genes potentially implicated in flower development (by previous genome-wide expression analyses); and (3) selected transcription factors known to participate in the process. Extensive genetic analyses of flower development in Arabidopsis and Antirrhinum have led to the identification of key regulatory genes of the process. Most of these regulators code for transcription factors, and microarray analyses have revealed the existence of a complex transcriptional network underlying the floral development process. Yet, many components of this network likely still remain to be identified (belonging to classes of genes that have been more untractable by classic genetic and molecular biology methods, such as sORFs and miRNAs); and many protein coding genes that likely participate in the process remain functionally uncharacterized. In addition, targets of the known regulators are still largely ill-defined. The objectives of the project are: (1) to conduct expression profiling experiments aimed at identifying novel sORFs that may participate in flower development, and at understanding their roles; (2) to begin to elucidate the functions of novel, uncharaterized components of the regulatory network (sORFs, miRNAs, and protein-coding genes) through various reverse-genetic approaches; and (3) to use novel genomic methods, in particular the recently developed ChIP-Seq approach, to identify target genes of known regulators. While these objectives are diverse in the nature of their molecular targets and in the experimental methods used, their combination is required for a deeper understanding of developmental regulatory networks.

Keywords: arabidopsis,flower development,sorf,mirna,transcription factor,dna microarray,genome-wide,chip-seq,network,target gene
X-ray studies of nearby galaxies (X-RAY-GAL)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Greece
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2007-4-3-IRG, 2007)
Start date: 2008-10-01
End date: 2012-09-30
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The current suite of X-ray observations provides a new window to address questions related to stellar evolution, formation of compact objects, and galaxy evolution. To tackle these questions I propose to study a carefully selected, representative sample of nearby star-forming galaxies spanning a wide range of morphological types and starformation properties. I will employ high quality observations in X-ray, optical and infrared wavebands from major space observatories (Chandra, XMM-Newton, HST and Spitzer) and ground-based facilities. These multiwavelength observations will be used to: (a) decompose the galactic X-ray emission to the discrete X-ray source and diffuse components and measure their parameters; (b) identify multiwavelength associations of the X–ray sources and (c) derive star-formation histories for different regions of the galaxies. The comparison of the X-ray source populations (classified based on their X-ray properties and multiwavelength associations), with the star-formation histories and the galactic parameters will provide a direct picture of their connection. Similar comparisons for the diffuse emission will address the heating and chemical enrichment mechanisms of the gas. Finally comparison of the observational results with prediction from state of the art X-ray binary population synthesis models will constrain channels of binary formation and evolution and will elucidate the physical mechanisms of the connection between X-ray source populations (and hence compact objects) and of star-formation. This project will produce a heritage dataset for future studies of nearby galaxies, while its results will have implications for X-ray studies of galaxies in cosmological distances, studies of gravitational wave sources, and galaxy evolution.

Keywords: physical sciences,astrophysics
Towards better point of care devices: Conducting polymers as smart surfaces in biosensors. (CP-SMARTSURFACES)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: United Kingdom,Ireland
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2007-4-3-IRG, 2007)
Start date: 2008-05-01
End date: 2015-07-06
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

Discovered just over 20 years ago, conducting polymers (CPs) have gained considerable attention because of their unique chemical and electronic conducting properties. As a result they have various (bio)analytical and technological applications. CPs are easily synthesised, both chemically and electrochemically under mild conditions, opening up vast possibilities for the immobilisation of biomolecules. Immobilisation of antibodies by entrapment within films or by covalent binding on these films permits the straightforward fabrication of biosensors. In electrochemical biosensors, non-specific binding (NSB) of molecules, e.g. proteins in serum, can occur, lowering overall device performance. In the past, surface chemistry has been employed to prohibit NSB on electrodes with sites that do not have antibodies attached. This surface chemistry however, impairs device performance. CPs have inherent dynamic surface properties that can be easily switched upon the application of an appropriate electrical potential. Their ability to be switched between different oxidation states and the associated switch in properties such as doping level, resistance and surface wettability can be controlled by changing the electrical potential resulting in reversible switching. Routes to nano-dimensional CPs, exhibiting markedly improved properties from those of the bulk materials, have been recently developed. We therefore propose to exploit the dynamic chemical nature of CPs to inhibit NSB in electrochemical bio-assays and demonstrate the efficacy of this approach using a simple nanostructured electrochemical prostate cancer diagnostic platform made from conducting polymers. One can imagine the significance of a biosensor that provides increases in performance and shorter detection times, since the immobilising platform, transducer and dynamic surface control are implemented within a single material.

Keywords: nanotechnology,electrochemistry,conducting polymers,biosensors,smart surfaces,medical diagnostics,point of care devices,antibodies,prostate cancer
CELL THERAPY EMPLOYING ENDOTHELIAL PROGENITORS FOR EXPERIMENTALLY INDUCED CARDIAC ISCHEMIA (EPETER)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Romania
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2007-4-3-IRG, 2007)
Start date: 2008-04-01
End date: 2010-03-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 50000.0
EU funding (EUR): 50000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Introduction: Transdifferentiation of umbilical cord (UC) blood, bone marrow (BM) and vessel derived stem cells into endothelial progenitors has been reported both in vitro and in vivo. Encouraging but limited success with these studies suggested the need for identification of more versatile populations of endothelial progenitors or signaling pathways to improve their homing to ischemic sites seeking angiogenesis and neovascularization. Objective: We propose to isolate and characterize in vitro endothelial progenitors derived from BM, placental vessels, and UC blood/matrix and to investigate whether successful in vivo endothelial regeneration, differentiation and maintenance can be achieved by systemic delivery when a defined demand is placed on the endothelium. Next, we propose to investigate whether endothelial progenitors homing to ischemic sites can be enhanced by delivery of chemoatractant molecules into the ischemic bed. Materials and methods: BM, placental vessel, and UC blood/matrix derived stem cell subpopulations will be assessed in clonal growth assays under conditions that promote endothelial commitment, and molecularly characterized for the expression of molecules and genes associated with endothelial lineage. The capacity of these cells to participate in vascular regeneration will be examined following systemic delivery into immunodeficient NOD/SCID mice with experimentally induced cardiac ischemia. Various chemokines will be investigated for their ability to augment endothelial progenitors homing to ischemic sites and to promote endothelial regeneration. Endothelial progenitors contribution to vascular reconstitution will be assessed by histology, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy and clonal analyses of ischemic tissue samples. Relevance: The proposed study will bring new insights into stem cell research field, advancing the development of cell therapies for vascular regeneration relying on angiogenesis and neovascularization.

Keywords: endothelial progenitors,stem cells,plasticity,chemokines,bone marrow,cord blood,placental vessels,umbilical cord matrix,cardiac ischemia,angiogenesis,neovascularization,cell therapy
Alzheimer disease progression: Molecular studies of Abeta amyloid peptides aggregation and trafficking in neuronal cells (ADPROGRES)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: France
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2007-4-3-IRG, 2007)
Start date: 2008-06-01
End date: 2011-05-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 75000.0
EU funding (EUR): 75000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Amyloid fibrils are likely causative or contributing agents in diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. AD represents a major health problem and heavy economic burden in industrialized countries. AD is characterized in pathology by the presence of several kinds of amyloid plaques in the brain patients. The main component of these plaques is the amyloid beta peptide (Ab). Because Ab is suspected to play a crucial role in AD, it represents an obvious therapeutic target. It is therefore, critical to understand the mechanisms by which Ab triggers a neurodegenerative cascade. Current evidence indicates that intraneuronal accumulation of Ab is an early pathological biomarker for the onset of AD. Interestingly, there are evidences showing that exogenous fibrillar Ab can lead to intracellular accumulation of endogenous Ab in cell culture. Recently, exogenous induction of cerebral Ab-amyloidogenesis by injection of amyloid-plaque-containing brain extracts in transgenic mice has been observed. These data are suggestive that exogenous fibrillar Ab are transmissible, by their ability to induce aggregation of endogenous Ab inside the cells. This hypothesizes a molecular mechanism similar to the propagation of the infective amyloid prion proteins. However, there are not yet studies evaluating this hypothesis. In the present application we propose to investigate through which molecular mechanism exogenous Ab aggregates may induces the aggregation of endogenous Ab, and to clarify the relevance of this process for the progression of the disease. For this purpose, we propose to determine whether endocytosed Ab aggregates may propagate their aggregation state to the endogenous Ab in neuronal cells. We propose also to investigate the effect of amyloid structure and metal binding of Ab peptides, the role of RAGE and thioredoxin anti-oxydant system, on Ab internalization and trafficking in neuronal cells.

Keywords: health sciences,degenerative diseases,neurochemistry,alzheimer,diabetes,amyloid,infectious,prion