Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Consistency and Composition for Managing Variability in Multi-View Systems (C2MV2)

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: 2010-08-01
End date: 2012-07-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 222173.6
EU funding (EUR): 222173.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Software Product Lines (SPL) are families of systems that share common functionality but also have variations tailored for distinct needs. Technology advances and demands for complex and varied applications have made reliable SPL techniques a necessity to tackle such demands. Most SPL methodologies integrate variability into software artefacts which contain both the common and variable parts. Depending on the features required, the unneeded variable parts are removed to build the system. As the number of variable parts increases so does the complexity of integrating them correctly. This complexity can potentially grow exponentially as all features and their interactions must be considered across all artefacts. Emerging SPL techniques advocate encapsulation of variable parts across multiple views into separated features, which are composed according to client needs. With the compositional approach, the complexity is reduced as only those variable parts that can be composed together need to be considered simultaneously. Compositional SPL techniques allow separate development of variable parts by encapsulating them. However, this capability poses consistency problems as changing a variable part without considering the other related parts may introduce errors. This is compounded when variable parts are described through multiple and distinct models (views). Common mainstream modelling techniques advocate the use of different yet related models to represent the different stakeholders&apos; needs - a practice known as Multi-View Modelling (MVM). MVM technologies provide different alternatives for handling consistency but have focused on one-of-a-kind multi-view systems without any variability considerations. Leveraging their use in compositional SPL approaches does pose a major challenge: how to extend them for handling consistency in and amongst the encapsulated multi-view variable parts while considering their composition. This is the foundation of the proposed work.

Keywords: software product lines,feature oriented software development,consistency checking,multi-view modeling,variability management,multi-dimensional separation of concerns,software composition
Operation of Cavity Optomechanics in Fluids for Ultrasensitive Mass Detection (OPTONANOMECH)

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: Spain
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IOF, 2009)
Start date: 2011-01-01
End date: 2013-12-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 234337.9
EU funding (EUR): 234337.9
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

In cavity nanomechanics, researchers are racing towards the mechanical quantum ground states, however, it remains unclear how these interesting system could be usable in real applications. This project proposes that the cavity nanomechanics could find important use in a broad range of applications in chemical and biological detection. The use of cavity nanomechanics as sensitive mass detection could potentially replace mass spectrometers in portable detection systems. These devices are light based force devices. They use recirculating light to enhance the interaction of light and mechanical structure achieving an improvement of orders of magnitude in the intrinsic sensitivity compared with the commonly used free-space interferometer. The high displacement sensitivity translates to high mass sensistivity if the devices are employed in a sensing environment. The nanomechanical component of the cavity optomechanics provide extremely high mass sensitivity in mass sensing due to their excellent combination of small mass, high frequency and high mechanical quality factor. Zeptogram mass sensing has been achieved at low temperature and in vacuum, however, the mass sensitivity in ambient air is much lower due to air damping. In this project, the active oscillation resulting from regenerative cavity back-action brings about a new concept for ultrasensitive mass detection. In contrast to passive resonators, these active oscillators do not require external ac stimulation and can be self-sustained. With the proposed resonator (2GHz), the theoretical mass sensitivity in vacuum is predicted to be 10-24g, close to the mass of a H atom. Under ambient conditions, the practical sensitivity will be compromised by air damping of the mechanical oscillator, the readout noise of the device systems and the molecular dynamic noise. Nevertheless, previous analysis shows that mass sensitivity on the order of 10-21g is possible with the optomechanical oscillators

Keywords: physical sciences,nanotechnology,applied physics,physiological biophysics,optronics
Mobile Optical Clock with Neutral Atoms in a Blue Magical Optical Lattice (MOBILE OPTICAL CLOCK)

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: 2010-09-01
End date: 2012-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 231427.2
EU funding (EUR): 231427.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

In today’s world, clocks play a very fundamental role in science and technology ranging from the Global Positioning System (GPS), international time standards to the test of the fundamental laws of physics at an unprecedented level of precision. In particular, millions of ultra cold neutral atoms confined in periodic light potentials can be used for precision metrology and quantum measurements. By carefully choosing the wavelength and polarization of the lattice laser, one can arrive at a situation where the two probed electronic states of an atom experience the same light shifts. In such a magical lattice, perturbations on the two electronic states due to light field cancel out and the spectroscopy becomes independent of the motion of the centre-of-mass of the atom. The main aim of this project is to create a novel mobile optical clock using Sr atoms in a “magic” blue detuned 3D optical lattice. The ultra narrow, 698 nm transition from 5s2 1S¬0 to 5s5p 3P¬0 is used as a clock transition. The clock, the first of its kind, has the fundamental limit at the level of 2×10-19 which is the minimum level of fractional uncertainty to date. In the first stage the project aims at a device to demonstrate relativistic geodesy and explore first applications. Furthermore this project will deliver enabling technology for various cold atom applications, such as force sensors for oil and mineral exploration or quantum simulation as a first step to full scale quantum information. These applications are now becoming mature with many fascinating laboratory demonstrations but suffer from a critical lack of readiness in terms of robust device-ready technology. This project aims at intra-European transfer of such technology from the German QUANTUS BEC in microgravity project to the UK and at the same time widen the application of the technology developed. It will link to ESA-programmes and closely collaborate with potential end users in geology and environmental sciences.

Keywords: mobile clock,cold neutral atoms,optical lattice,frequency comb,precision metrology,quantum measurements,relativistic geodesy.
Beauveriolide-Derived Cyclodepsipeptides as a New Class of Anti Alzheimer’s Drugs (BEAUVERIOLIDE)

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: 2010-06-14
End date: 2012-08-13
Duration (months): 26.0
Total project cost (EUR): 180603.2
EU funding (EUR): 180603.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The pathogenic event common to all forms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the abnormal accumulation of the amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) in specific regions of the brain. This accumulation of Aβ is considered a key pathological event in AD and is the basis of the so-called amyloid hypothesis of the disease. Therefore, therapeutic approaches that reduce the accumulation of Aβ are currently being sought. It has been shown definitively that the generation and clearance of Aβ in the brain is regulated by cholesterol levels. Compounds that perturb free cholesterol such as acyl-coenzyme A: cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) inhibitors have been shown both in vitro and in vivo to reduce Aβ production and secretion. However, it is generally the case that ACAT inhibitors exhibit poor oral activity. The beauveriolides are a new class of fungal metabolites that have been shown to be orally active ACAT inhibitors and are currently being investigated as potential therapeutics for atherosclerosis. NB No studies have been reported to date on the investigation of the Aβ-inhibitory effect of the natural product beauveriolides or beauveriolide-inspired compounds. Therefore, the hypothesis being tested in this proposal is that natural product beauveriolides or beauveriolide-inspired libraries of compounds should reduce Aβ-production and secretion in vitro via inhibition of ACAT and hence perturbation of cholesterol homeostasis. They would in such a case be a NEW CLASS of potential AD therapeutics working via an established mechanism of action and hence this proposal.

Keywords: chemistry,organic chemistry,pathology,molecular biology
A Bayesian Model of EEG Source Dynamics and Effective Connectivity (DYNAMICBRAINNETWORKS)

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: 2010-07-31
End date: 2012-07-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 173403.2
EU funding (EUR): 173403.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

This project addresses two methodological challenges pertinent to cognitive brain imaging: Estimating the time varying neural generators of electric/magnetic field recordings on the surface of the scalp, and estimating the time varying effective connectivity between these neural generators. Recent theoretical models of perception adopt a generative approach to perception, whereby stimulus processing is controlled by top-down influences that create predictions about forthcoming events. In some cases, these top-down influences can lead to perceptual errors or inflation of affective experience. The extent and nature of these modulations, as well as their neural dynamics, are still to be determined. These mechanisms are key in a wide variety of phenomena including normal decision-making, social behaviour, and mental health. We propose to utilise the dynamics of anticipatory responses preceding a stimulus to investigate these mechanisms. We have shown that anticipatory neural processes preceding pain correlate with the intensity of the pain experience. However, the spatial distribution of these activities varies during the course of anticipation and is not precisely time locked to the anticipation cues. Current methods for source reconstruction of anticipatory responses do not take into account the dynamics of the generating networks. We propose to develop a dynamical network model that estimates the sources of the EEG and their connectivity, simultaneously. The proposed dynamical network model is capable of estimating the spatial characteristics of the EEG sources, together with their temporal and connectivity characteristics. This represents a major leap forward to understand the causal mechanisms of brain function as it gives rise to perception and a substantial contribution to tools available for source and connectivity analyses. This will benefit neuroscience researchers who wish to apply the principles involved in the source model to their own areas of research.

Keywords: neurosciences,computational models,cognitive neuroscience,bayesian inference,causality,neuroimaging,inverse solution,regularization
The Criminal Regulatory Network for Private Security Companies: European and International Perspectives (EU CRIMINAL SECURITY)

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-2009-IEF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-09-01
End date: 2012-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 158945.6
EU funding (EUR): 158945.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Business entities play an important role in contemporary world, especially within the context of globalisation. Private security companies (PSCs) are entities that exchange security services for financial gain; their activity is constantly increasing and is relevant under both the law of peace and war. The present research studies the criminal regulatory network currently in place for PSCs. The analysis focuses on the interconnected liabilities of PSCs as legal entities and their personnel. The regulatory network is inspected from the EU viewpoint, within the framework of international law. The EU regulation is analysed in the light of the common foreign and security policy as well as cooperation in justice and home affairs. At the national level, the regulation of EU member states is compared to the legslation of non-European countries. The international implications of the EU regulation are studied by taking into account customary and treaty law, both inside and outside international humanitarian law. The research aims to: (1) understand what criminal rules apply to PSCs and their personnel; (2) investigate the crimes likely to be committed by PSCs and their personnel, the subjective scope of criminal liability, exceptions to liability, criminal procedures and sanctions; (3) evaluate the coherence and completeness of the regulatory network and show possible reform perspectives. The Project is relevant to the priorities of the FP7 Programme. It is specifically related to the areas ‘Socio-Economic Sciences and Humanities’ and ‘Security’.

Keywords: private security company,security personnel,criminal liability,european union,regulatory network.
Characterization of factors involved in proliferation of Bacillus subtilis L-forms (CFILP)

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: 2011-01-01
End date: 2012-12-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 172240.8
EU funding (EUR): 172240.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The main objective of the project will be to characterize the molecular cell biology of proliferation in cell-wall deficient (L-form) derivatives of Bacillus. subtilis. L-forms can apparently arise from a wide range of bacteria and are often found in clinical situations. Recent work in the Errington lab has provided a highly tractable model system for studying the L-form state. B. subtilis L-forms proliferate via a remarkable membrane extrusion and resolution mechanism. The aim of the project is to improve our understanding of L-form biology by identifying and characterizing genes required specifically for growth in the L-form state. Two complementary approaches will be used. First, a candidate gene approach, looking at whether genes involved in chromosome segregation or various forms of membrane dynamics are involved. Second, an unbiased genetic screen for such factors. The project will shed light on the basic cell biology of this important and neglected bacterial way of life and provide insights into their remarkable and unexpected mode of proliferation. It may also provide new antibacterial targets for the development of antimicrobial agents acting on persistent bacteria.

Keywords: microbiology,molecular genetics,bacillus subtilis,bacterial l-form,cell division,chromosome segregation,membrane dynamic
Chemical Biology for Tuberculosis Research (CHEMBIO4TB)

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-2009-IEF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-07-01
End date: 2012-06-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 173065.2
EU funding (EUR): 173065.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The aim of the proposal is the establishment of a yeast-three hybrid system for the identification of mycobacterial proteins that bind to selected small molecules. It is envisioned to use the system to (i) find targets of active molecules that have been identified in whole cell screenings; (ii) identify mycobacterial proteins that activate or deactivate drugs; (iii) establish simple assays for proteins previously identified as key targets. Since the identification of protein targets of a small molecule drug is challenging, improved methods are asked that facilitate their discovery. With the recent development of an optimised yeast three-hybrid system in the Johnsson group, the stage is set for its application to identify small molecule-protein interactions. This adapted version of the classical yeast two-hybrid system features an additional third synthetic hybrid ligand. It uses SNAP-tag (a self-labelling protein tag) as an anchor protein and O6-benzylguanine (BG) derivatives as synthetic ligands. Currently it allows the screening of human cDNA libraries for small molecule-protein interactions in yeast. To apply this system for drug discovery against tuberculosis, the construction of genomic libraries of M. smegmatis was initiated and libraries of M. tuberculosis will follow. We would start with conjugating known TB drugs (with known or unknown targets) to BG and screen them against genomic libraries. Suggested drugs to start are rifampicin and BTZ as positive controls and clofazimine and thiocarlide as drugs with unclear mechanism of action. Noteworthy that the three-hybrid screen can also be applied for the identification of proteins that activate a certain drug. Furthermore, once a protein-ligand is identified, the hybrid assay can be used to screen for new drugs against this target in HTS compatible competition assay.

Keywords: drug discovery,tuberculosis,yeast three-hybrid,natural sciences,chemical engineering,biological sciences,biochemical technology
Porphyrin-Based Dyes for Imaging Membrane Potential via Second Harmonic Generation (PORPH_IMP_SHG)

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: 2010-05-01
End date: 2012-04-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 172740.8
EU funding (EUR): 172740.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Based on recently published work from Anderson’s group in Oxford, this proposal aims to develop a new technique for optical imaging of membrane potential in living cells using second-harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy with porphyrin-based dyes. This technology should enable the function of neurons, and other excitable cells, to be monitored in real time, with high spatial resolution, in their native networks. The objectives of this project include (1) the synthesis of new porphyrins that bind efficiently to the plasma membranes of cells, exhibit strong voltage-dependent SHG and which avoid photo-damage and phototoxicity, and (2) the demonstration that these dyes can be used to monitor membrane potential in living cells. Prof. Anderson&apos;s group in Oxford has pioneered research into porphyrin-based nonlinear optical dyes for many years, and has great expertise in this area. The Department of Chemistry in Oxford has world-class facilities for this research. Ismael López Duarte will soon complete his PhD in the field of phthalocyanine chemistry, but he has no experience in the synthesis of porphyrins, nor of the design and testing of dyes for biological applications. This Fellowship will give him the opportunity to apply his expertise in synthesis to the creation of useful new biological probes. It will provide him with experience in a new and rapidly growing area of research and enable him to broaden his horizons.

Keywords: physical sciences,chemistry,organic chemistry
Gram positive Surface proteins in immune evasion (SURFACE)

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: Netherlands
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IIF, 2009)
Start date: 2012-01-01
End date: 2014-04-26
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 169535.2
EU funding (EUR): 169535.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The global incidence and rise of severe S. aureus infections accompanied by an alarming increase in antibiotic resistance warrants the development of novel treatment and vaccination strategies. This proposal combines the expertise of Dr. Nina van Sorge (Fellow) from the United States and the Prof. Jos van Strijp lab at the University Medical Center Utrecht in the Netherlands (Host institute). The Van Strijp lab is world leading in the identification and characterization of many secreted immune evasion molecules in S. aureus that prevent clearance of the bacterium even in the presence of vaccine induced opsonic antibodies. In other words, immune evasion molecules are vaccine evasion molecules. Dr. Van Sorge has unique expertise and knowledge on high-throughput assays, transposon library screening, whole bacterium assays and in vivo models relevant to the battle with S. aureus. Van Sorge in collaboration with the Van Strijp lab proposes a novel approach to identify suitable vaccine candidates by screening for surface-exposed S. aureus immune evasion molecules. The vaccine-induced antibodies directed against these proteins act as a double edged sword: they block the immune evasive properties of the bacterium by “inhibiting the inhibitor” and facilitate bacterial clearance through efficient opsonization and phagocytosis. The proposed research represents the first comprehensive study to identify S. aureus surface proteins with immune evasive properties, elucidate their mechanism of action and role in disease pathogenesis and evaluate them in a combination vaccine. The project at hand concerns a highly synergistic approach by which unique expertise, tools and knowledge becomes available to the European community.

Keywords: health sciences,vaccines,general pathology,immunology