Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional regulation of male courtship behaviour: understanding Fruitless molecular networks (FRUITLESS TARGETS)

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: Austria
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IEF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-03-01
End date: 2010-05-31
Duration (months): 3.0
Total project cost (EUR): 163122.8
EU funding (EUR): 163122.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Innate behaviours are well studied in many animals and yet little is known regarding how these behaviours are encoded via neural circuitry and how genes regulate their development. A number of “master switch” genes have been defined that specify (i.e. are necessary and sufficient for) developmental processes, e.g. the eyeless gene, which regulates the differentiation of multiple cell types to direct eye formation, even when expressed ectopically (1). Less well defined however is if, and how, master regulator genes are able to direct innate behaviour. Fruitless (fru) has been suggested to be one such “master switch” gene as it has been shown to specify male courtship behaviour in Drosophila (2). It is thought that fru acts by specifying sex-specific neural circuits within the CNS, which allow a particular, stereotyped behavioural response (3), however it is unclear at a molecular level, how this occurs. This project will explore, using fru as a model, how a single gene can direct the specification of neural circuitry underlying a given behaviour (Drosophila courtship). Understanding the molecular cascades directed by fru will not only allow an understanding of how genes control courtship behaviour, but more broadly suggest mechanisms by which the construction and coordination of neural circuits can be specified by genetic switches.

Keywords: neurobiology,molecular genetics,transcription factors,behaviour,innate behaviour,neural circuits,gene regulation.
Multiscale Charge-Transport Simulation of Organic-Based Materials and Devices (TRANSSIM)

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: Spain,France
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IEF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-06-21
End date: 2012-06-20
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 173162.4
EU funding (EUR): 173162.4
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

This project aims at developing innovative multiscale computational tools for tackling charge transport in organics materials (organic crystals, organic thin films, etc.). Based on some combination between first principles calculation and mesoscopic transport approaches, We will investigate charge transport in materials of strong technological interest, at an advanced realistic level. The method will take into account strong electron-phonon coupling and related polaronic states, as well as material imperfections (disorder) on the same footing. The exploration of temperature dependent charge mobility will be undertaken for bulk as well as for low dimensional organic compounds. A close interaction with local experimental groups will be conducted.

Keywords: computational physics,soft matter and polymer physics,chemical physics
Sustainable routes to shaped nanoparticles for selective catalysis (NANOTUNE)

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-2009-IIF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-05-17
End date: 2012-05-16
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 173240.8
EU funding (EUR): 173240.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The IIF project NANOTUNE aims to design novel palladium nanoparticle-based catalysts with tuned particle properties, and use them to control the selectivity of catalytic reactions. Changes to the support and addition of second metals will be used to tune the electronic properties of the nanoparticles. In addition, the particle shape will be varied using templating species such as organic ligands or changing the porosity of the support. By a combination of these techniques, it will be possible to design a catalyst to give high catalytic selectivity. The catalysts will be tested in the direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide from hydrogen and oxygen, and chemoselective hydrogenation of substrates relevant to the fine chemicals and pharmaceutical industries. The reactions were selected on the basis of their relevance to the sustainability and economic development of Europe. A high-level understanding of the shape and surface chemistry of the nanocatalysts will be achieved by using advanced characterisation methods, including solid state NMR, X-ray synchotron techniques, high resolution TEM and Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS). Work in these areas will be in collaboration with the academic sector, both in the UK and Europe. The Fellow, Dr. Elena Cristina Corbos, is currently working in Japan, and will move to the UK and bring knowledge of the preparation of modified supports and DRIFTS catalyst analysis to the EU and to the host. The project has the potential to impact significantly on the future economic and sustainable development of the EU. Synthesis of catalysts with controlled properties is in line with the vision of the knowledge economy, which is a key part of the EU’s future prosperity. Increased selectivity of catalytic reactions will improve sustainability, with fewer raw materials and energy required for the same yield of product.

Keywords: catalysts,palladium,nanoparticle,shape,hydrogenation,hydrogen peroxide,selectivity,chemoselective
Novel Organocatalysts for Asymmetric Addition of Me3SiCF3 to Carbonyl Compounds (CHIRCAT)

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-2009-IEF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-12-06
End date: 2012-12-05
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 180603.2
EU funding (EUR): 180603.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Molecules containing fluorine (F) atoms have very important roles in medicinal chemistry. F atoms impart certain properties to the biological activity of a drug, such as making it easier to absorb by the body (bioavailability), and greater potency (metabolic stability). On the other hand, being able to produce specific enantiomers (‘mirror images’) of a molecule is also critical, as enantiomers often have very different biological activities. There is a great need to produce optically active molecules containing F atoms, especially for producing drugs and crop protection. One of the most important fluorinated groups is the trifluoromethyl (CF3), which appears in many compounds possessing potent bio- and physicochemical properties, for example efavirenz (antivirotic) and befloxatone (antidepressant). Currently, there are no effective means of achieving enantioselective trifluoromethylation of carbonyl compounds (aldehydes and ketones). In this project, new methods will be developed for the direct asymmetric introduction of CF3 into organic molecules. By designing a brand new class of chiral metal-free phosphorous-containing catalysts to facilitate these reactions, we will provide a way to synthesize optically pure CF3-containing products from carbonyl compounds, in just one step. Successful implementation of the scientific program will enable Dr. Sheshenev to realize his full potential as an independent researcher and reach his ambition to an academic career in the European Union. At the same time, it will also directly benefit the agrochemical and pharmaceutical industries, by enabling them straightforward access to non-racemic fluorinated building blocks of considerable interest, from readily available starting materials. This will raise the profile and maintain the competitiveness of European research in the highly topical areas of asymmetric catalysis and organic synthesis.

Keywords: organic chemistry,organic synthesis,enantioselective synthesis,asymmetric catalysis,chiral organocatalysts,trifluoromethylation reaction
Pheromone Identification for Environmentally Responsible Control of Thrips (PERFECT)

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-2009-IIF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-06-01
End date: 2012-05-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 181103.2
EU funding (EUR): 181103.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Thrips are insects that are important crop pests in agriculture and horticulture. They cause most damage to protected (greenhouse) crops, which have an annual EU production of 37 billion euros. Growers are struggling to control thrips but are also under pressure to reduce pesticide use. The EU Directive on the Sustainable Use of Pesticides (2009) requires alternatives to pesticides to be used wherever possible. There is also the imminent threat that an invasive species, Thrips palmi, will devastate protected crops when it reaches the EU. This is a multi-disciplinary project that uses skills in biology and organic chemistry to improve crop protection in agriculture and horticulture by developing new methods for the monitoring and control of thrips. Aggregation pheromones of thrips can be used to monitor thrips populations so that pesticides are only applied when necessary and also to modify behaviour to enhance the effectiveness of control methods. The project will identify the aggregation pheromone of Thrips palmi and also make the aggregation pheromones of other pest thrips species easily available for monitoring and control. The project addresses the EU policy objectives of minimising the use of pesticides and promoting sustainable horticultural production methods that meet consumer requirements for a safe food supply chain and environmentally responsible growing systems. The success of the project depends on bringing together complementary skills. The MC fellow has significant skills in the organic chemistry of natural products, while the Keele group has considerable expertise in thrips biology, chemical ecology and the translation of research results into practical outcomes for horticulture. This research will develop an environmentally responsible method of monitoring and controlling a range of pest thrips in Europe and other countries leading to a reduction in crop damage and pesticide use and a strengthening of EU competitiveness in horticulture.

Keywords: crop protection,entomology,organic chemistry,agriculture,horticulture,thrips,pheromones,natural products
Multidisciplinary modelling approaches to understand harmful algal blooms dynamics (MOHAB)

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: France
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IOF, 2009)
Start date: 2011-06-01
End date: 2014-10-01
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 246932.2
EU funding (EUR): 246932.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) cause large economic losses every year in aquaculture and fisheries worldwide, due to shellfish toxicity and mass fish mortality. Understanding HABs dynamics requires an integrated strategy that includes not only observation but also modelling. Models are essential tools toward defining the complexity of HAB events and forecasting their occurrence (e.g., bloom initiation, intensity, duration, and decline). Coupling physical effects (turbulence, shear, advection) and biological behaviour (migration, physiological adaptation) holds the key to understand HABs dynamics. However, biological models are still at basic stages due to the lack of knowledge of the life history parameters and behaviour patterns of HABs species. In this project, we propose the development of an expert system, using non-linear techniques, which will include existing and newly acquired knowledge of the behaviour of HABs species in the study areas. This expert system will account for the physiological condition and behaviour of individual organisms in a Lagrangian particle-tracking model. Advection and diffusion used to force the IBM will be obtained from simulations of coupled physical models This multidisciplinary modelling approach will be a very useful tool to elucidate the mechanisms involved in HABs dynamics through the joint effects of organism behaviour and physical forcing.

Keywords: harmful algal blooms,alexandrium spp.,pseudo-nitzschia spp.,models,forecast,population dynamics,expert systems,artificial intelligence,behaviour
Innovative Control, Identification and Estimation Methodologies for Sustainable Energy Technologies (ICIEMSET)

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: Switzerland,Italy
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IOF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-09-01
End date: 2013-08-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 247027.9
EU funding (EUR): 247027.9
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

The aim of this project is to boost the knowledge, expertise and international contact-network of the young outgoing researcher in the field of systems and control, in order to foster his career and to support him in the development of stable, high-quality research and technology transfer activities at the return host, thus contributing to strengthen the research and development system at local, national and European levels. This aim will be pursued primarily via a structured three-years long program involving both theoretical and applicative, interdisciplinary research at the outgoing and return host organizations. Innovative robust control methodologies, able to cope with constrained, distributed and highly nonlinear processes, will be investigated during the two-years stay at the Center for Control, Dynamical systems and Computation of the University of California Santa Barbara, widely recognized as one of the world best research groups in this field. Such advanced control design techniques will be coupled with the innovative data-driven identification and estimation methods that the Complex Systems Modeling and Control group of Politecnico di Torino, the return host organization, has been investigating during the past 30 years, thus becoming a center of excellence in these topics. The expected theoretical outcome will be an organized set of methodologies that encompasses and links identification, estimation and control for complex uncertain systems. Among the numerous fields where such innovative techniques could be employed, the application to renewable and sustainable energy technologies will be pursued because of their actual critical importance, their relevance in the EU research roadmap and the personal interest of the researcher. In particular, the challenging problem of control of electric power grids that connect diverse kinds of generators and the breakthrough technology of high-altitude wind power using controlled airfoils will be deeply investigated.

Keywords: control engineering,automation,system identification,system estimation,smart grids,high-altitude wind energy
Role of adult-generated neurons in hippocampal network activity for stress integration and antidepressant effects (NEUROGPLACECELLADS)

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: Norway
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IEF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-11-01
End date: 2013-07-21
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 214072.0
EU funding (EUR): 214072.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Stress-related disorders, including major depression, represent the most leading cause of health problem worldwide and a large part of depressive patients remain insensitive to treatments. Hence, the uncovering of the relevant processes involved in these disorders is of crucial importance. Recent works suggest that hippocampal neurogenesis is involved in the pathophysiology and the treatment of these disorders. The ability of the adult mammals, including humans, to produce new neurons is a fascinating process that has generated considerable interests, but their precise function remains poorly understood. In this project, we aim to understand how the production of new neurons can influence hippocampal network activity and underlie antidepressant effects. We hypothesize that antidepressants, by increasing neurogenesis, may strengthen stress integration by improving the coupling between contextual information and emotional state. Accordingly, we will examine whether chronic stress, antidepressant and viral-mediated inhibition of neurogenesis in animal models can alter hippocampal cell activity, behavioral performance and stress system (HPA) activation in “emotionally-relevant” environments. A putative alteration of hippocampal activity in chronic stressed animals could be responsible for disrupted behavioral responses and emotional state, as occurring in depression. Inhibition of hippocampal neurogenesis will help to determine whether antidepressants require new neurons to reverse the detrimental effects of chronic stress on hippocampal activity, facilitating suited behavioral responses and recovery. In conclusion, investigating the specific contribution of hippocampal neurogenesis in these processes will be essential for the understanding of the normal brain functioning in encoding new representations as well as for the characterization of pathological conditions associated to stress-related disorders and of the therapeutic potentialities of manipulating neurogenesis.

Keywords: health,neurogenesis,hippocampus,stress,depression,antidepressant,dentate gyrus,ca3,pattern separation,remapping,place cell,animal model,electrophysiology in vivo,viral vector,optogenetic
(Dis)Connected Elders? Interfaces of Cosmologies, Subjectivities and ICTs in the Lifeworlds of Kinshasa's Old Aged (ICTS IN KIN)

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: Belgium
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IOF, 2009)
Start date: 2011-02-09
End date: 2014-02-08
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 237159.4
EU funding (EUR): 237159.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The project aims at analysing the ways in which Kinshasa&apos;s old aged make meaning of the diverse ICTs on offer in their city. Via ethnographical research, we want to understand (a) the perceptions of Kinshasa&apos;s elders on mobile telephones, television, radio and internet, (b) their uses of these ICTs, (c) the ways in which these ICTs impact on the elders&apos; social relations, and (d) the role of these ICTs in the elders&apos; religious lives. The intersection of ICTs and senectitude opens up a fascinating field that has not yet been addressed in an African context. The topic is until now even hardly studied in the West. The findings of the project will be of interest to anyone working on one or more of the following fields: urban studies, communication studies, development in the South, and third age. The project also links up with the the &apos;Social and Economic Concerns&apos; theme of the FP7 Cooperation Programme, which acknowledges the implications of ageing and the complexity of technology and society interrelationships. The proposed research program involves (a) 12 months of indepth fieldwork in Kinshasa, divided into 4 field visits over the three years of the fellowship and (b) participation in research communities in the US and in Europe. Fieldwork will include participation, observation and interviews with Kinshasa&apos;s elders, opinion leaders and ICT brokers. In order to benefit from current cutting-edge anthropological research on technology and society, half of the duration of the project will be carried out as a visiting researcher at MIT (Boston), a leading centre in the development of new technologies and the cultural implications of these.The final part of the project will be hosted by the Institute of Anthropological Research of the K.U.Leuven (Belgium), a centre with longstanding expertise on anthropological research in DR Congo.

Keywords: cultural anthropology,social anthropology,communication anthropology,ethnography
New Halogenated Ionic Liquids as novel task-specific fluids (HALOGENILS)

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-2009-IEF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-09-01
End date: 2012-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 153864.4
EU funding (EUR): 153864.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Organohalogen compounds are key materials in chemical, medicinal, agrochemical, and material sciences. They can also be used as basis for alternative reaction or extraction schemes due to their poor miscibility with both hydrocarbons and water. Hence, it is of great importance to develop environmentally benign selective halogenated systems. One of the key-issues concerning the current importance of ionic liquids is the fact that they can simultaneously act as sophisticated solvation or reaction media while avoiding dramatic impacts in the environment due to their general negligible volatility and non-flammability. Their ability to dissolve a wide range of compounds and their ionic nature provides new ways to carry out chemical reactions or industrial separations with enhanced yields. Following these trends it is of great importance to develop neoteric ionic liquids with halogenated alkyl chains that can boost their application into new research areas. Two main objectives are pursued on this project. On one hand these news ionic liquids can induce a breakthrough on ionic liquids research by the formation of three nanosegregated domains (polar, apolar and halogenated) with improved extraction properties. Understanding at a molecular level their nature and interactions can drive this research project a step forward into the industrial application of these compounds. On the other hand, the introduction of halogenated atoms on specific positions of the resonance ring of the imidazolium cation of an ionic liquid can induce lower viscosity, lower melting point, lower enthalpies of vaporization and higher vapor pressures compared to the already available ionic liquids. Fulfilling this objective eases the determination of energetic properties of ionic liquids, with more precise results that can be used to validate the simulation models developed and contribute to the implementation of more reliable predictive tools.

Keywords: environmental chemistry,applied thermodynamics,chemical engineering