Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Levels of cognitive organization in human eye movements (EYELEVEL)

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: Finland
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IEF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-06-01
End date: 2011-11-30
Duration (months): 18.0
Total project cost (EUR): 139364.0
EU funding (EUR): 139364.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Visual perception is essential for the interaction with our environment and requires various types of eye movements. Clear and stable vision is limited to the small foveal region (ca. double the size of a thumbnail) and to the time of fixations (when the eyes are relatively stable). During fast saccadic eye movements the fovea is brought from one point to another and our vision is mainly suppressed. Characteristics in the interplay of fixations and saccades as well as in brain activity have been separately investigated in relation to basic, reflexlike mechanisms (e.g. the presentation of sudden visual changes) and higher cognitive functions, such as localization and identification of objects. The proposed research aims to further investigate these mechanisms by combining eye-tracking and Magnetencephalography (MEG) during free visual exploration. EyeLevel will contribute to a better understanding of eye movement control (in general and at the level of single fixations) and how this is related to the hierarchical cognitive organization. It will be examined 1) what are the neurophysiological mechanisms and involved brain regions responsible for the distractor effect, 2) if and how can different stages of processing expressed in distinct eye movement characteristics explained by the underlying brain activity and 3) how both research lines can converge for an online probing of processing modes? Carrying out the project, the fellow will acquire new skills such as the parallel recording of eye movements and MEG. After the fellowship the applicant intends to establish a junior research group under his leadership. His long-term career objective is a professorship at a European university. EyeLevel will provide the prerequisites therefore, in particular through managing this project and by gaining international research experience. EyeLevel thereby contributes to the applicant&apos;s career development and the enhancement of European excellence in the field of neuroscience.

Keywords: neuropsychology,cognitive science,experimental psychology,psychonomics
The formation, preservation and lithification of low viscosity magma pyroclasts (PYROCLASTS)

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: United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IOF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-09-01
End date: 2013-08-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 228638.2
EU funding (EUR): 228638.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The fragmentation mechanisms of low viscosity magmas such as kimberlite and carbonatite remain enigmatic despite comprehensive research on their more silicious counterparts. In order to understand how and why they erupt we must look at their pyroclastic deposits. The little that is known about the fragmentation of these low-viscosity magmas suggests that they behave differently to the higher viscosity magmas such as basalts and rhyolites, implying there may be something unique about the physical properties of kimberlites and carbonatites such as their low silica and high volatile contents. Some basaltic pyroclasts show affinities with kimberlite pyroclasts suggesting there may be a continuum of fragmentation styles related to changes in viscosity of the magma. This research proposal seeks to fill that gap in our current knowledge by establishing the spectrum of pyroclast types and unique parameters of the explosive eruption of ultra-low viscosity magma. In order to fill this gap in our knowledge I propose to investigate the pyroclast morphologies of kimberlite using a world class collection housed at the University of British Columbia. I then intend to gather a range of moderate to low viscosity pyroclasts from Hawaiian basalts and Italian carbonatites and compare and contrast the range of pyroclasts found. On establishing that there is a range of pyroclast shapes and internal morphologies developed by the different magma types I propose a series of analogue experiments, undertaken at Bristol University, to attempt to recreate the range of pyroclast morphologies observed in nature and assess the physical properties of the magma that influence the formation of the different styles of pyroclasts. The proposed research will not only fill a significant gap in knowledge but will be the first research to assess in any detail how pyroclast morphologies and internal features relate to magma properties such as viscosity and crystal content. The research will help to iden

Keywords: pyroclasts,low viscosity magma,fragmentation,kimberlite,carbonatite,basalt
ADVANCED NUMEREICAL STUDY OF FLAME ACCELERATION AND DETONATION IN VAPOUR CLOUD EXPLOSIONS (DETONATION)

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: 2011-07-21
End date: 2013-07-20
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 240289.6
EU funding (EUR): 240289.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The proposed research aims to tackle the extremely complex problem of flame acceleration, the conditions for transition from turbulent deflagration to detonation and detonation. These physical phenomena are highly multidisciplinary which involve fluid mechanics, combustion, shock dynamics and detonation. We will start with small scales for model development and validation. In such analysis advanced combustion models for flame acceleration will be coupled with detailed chemistry together with special measures to tackle the stiffness issues associated with the chemistry. On this basis, modelling techniques will be developed for large scale problems using simplified chemistry. The key objectives of the proposed research, which is tailored for the Fellow to transfer knowledge to the host and/or bring knowledge to Europe, are as follows: • To deliver a robust sub-model for predicting flame acceleration around obstacles on the basis of the coherent flame model which is a variant of the flame surface density approach; • To validate the above model with laboratory scale test data and DNS predictions; • To apply the above model to examine flame acceleration in vapour cloud explosions, and examine in particular the effect of repeated obstacles on flame acceleration and possible transition to detonation. • To implement a reaction model and combine it with fine tuned chemistry to predict vapour cloud detonation pressure and velocity. • To test and validate the model with large scale detonation test data. • To apply the above model to analyse some recent proprietary experimental data from industrial collaborators, previously published test results as well as historical accident scenarios in which there was strong possibility that large vapour cloud detonated. In particular the effect of cloud height and thickness on the development of overpressure and its decay will be examined. • To draw conclusions and guidelines from the research.

Keywords: hemical engineering,process engineering,explosion,detonation,deflagration to detonation transition (ddt),pressure decay
The role of anandamide-synthesising pathways of primary sensory neurons in the development of pathological pain (ANANDAMIDE AND PAIN)

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: 2010-06-15
End date: 2012-10-14
Duration (months): 28.0
Total project cost (EUR): 181103.2
EU funding (EUR): 181103.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Pain associated with chronic peripheral pathologies is often intractable and, thereby negatively affects the quality of life of patients and places a huge financial burden on public health systems. Therefore, identifying novel efficacious ways to control pain is essential. N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide) is a key signalling molecule which is produced by a major sub-population(s) of primary sensory neurons (PSN) following noxious stimulation or tissue damage. Exogenous anandamide, depending on concentration, duration of application and responsiveness of target molecules either inhibits or activates responses of a group of PSN, which plays a pivotal role in the initiation and maintenance of pain associated with peripheral pathologies. Further, our pilot data show that several enzymes implicated in anandamide synthesis are expressed in PSN in a cell-specific manner, suggesting that PSN-derived anandamide could induce responses in a pathway-specific fashion. Here, we aim to define the expression pattern of pathways and enzymes involved in anandamide production in PSN. Further, we aim to find changes in that expression pattern and activity of those enzymatic pathways by inflammation of peripheral tissues and injury to peripheral nerves. Finally, we aim to find the role of anandamide-synthesising pathways in the development of pain of inflammation and nerve injury origin. The Fellow will use cellular, molecular and behavioural approaches and broaden her technology repertoire by in vivo siRNA application, confocal immunofluorescent microscopy, microsurgery and analysing pain-related behaviour. Regulating anandamide levels in nPSN has previously been suggested for controlling nociceptive processing therefore anandamide-synthesising pathways in PSN are potentially targets for the development of novel analgesics. Hence, this work is the first steps towards new drug development programs that potentially could significantly improve the quality of life.

Keywords: neurobiology,neurochemistry,neurophysiology,pain,primary sensory neurons,anandamide,nape-pld,canilloid,cannabinoid
SMOOTH MUSCLE CELL TRANSCRIPTOMICS AND INFECTIOUS AGENTS (IN-SMC)

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,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): 181103.2
EU funding (EUR): 181103.2
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

A critical event in the formation of mature atherosclerotic plaque is migration of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) from the media to the intima, where they produce extra-cellular matrix (ECM) proteins, forming a fibrous cap above the pro-inflammatory and lipid core. SMC are highly plastic, and can alter their state of differentiation in response to environmental cues. Intimal SMC display pro-inflammatory properties, in that expression of the adhesion molecule P-selectin and cytokines are up-regulated and NFkB is activated. It is not explicitly known what triggers the pro-inflammatory phenotype of SMCs. We propose to utilize human carotid atheroma-derived SMC from endarterectomy specimens to identify the molecular basis of the pro-inflammatory phenotype of SMC in atherosclerosis via transcriptome analysis. Determining the specific gene expression pattern of SMCs in atherosclerotic plaques as well as in healthy tissue helps in gaining a better understanding of the plaque formation process. Since the oral cavity is well vascularized, we also hypothesize that infection in this site provides a direct route to the bloodstream and might contribute to plaque inflammation and changes in SMC responses. We will study whether biological samples from human periapical abscesses can induce inflammatory gene expression in SMC by using aspirates of bacteria from lesions of periodontal infection (containing bacteria such as Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans or Porhyromonas gingivalis) as well as contents of periapical abscesses from dental patients. The study of such pro-inflammatory events might provide insights into the development and/or destabilization of atherosclerotic plaque. The strong merit of the proposed study is the use of relevant human tissues which increases the translational value of the research and the possibility to understand human disease.

Keywords: health sciences,cardiovascular disease,cell biology,molecular biology,atherosclerosis,atherosclerotic plaque,transcriptomics,smooth muscle cells,human biology,inflammation,periodontal infection
Towards the deterministic modelling of immiscible flows in porous media: Mesoscale simulations and Experimental verification (REAL PORE FLOWS)

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): 230747.2
EU funding (EUR): 230747.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Immiscible two-phase flow in macroporous materials is a subject of significant applied and scientific interest. It is encountered in a series of environmental and energy-related processes such as soil remediation, enhanced oil recovery from fractured petroleum reservoirs, geothermal processes, CO2 sequestration etc. The study and optimization of such processes requires the development of rigorous modelling tools that successfully capture the physics of the flow process at the pore scale, and the careful setup of experimental studies to verify the precision of these tools. The proposed research aims at advancing the state-of-the-art in this direction through an integrated approach combining numerical and experimental techniques. The modelling of such processes will be based on a mesoscale description of the flow field within porous materials using a thermodynamically consistent Lattice-Boltzmann model that accounts for the interfacial physics and wetting properties from first principles. The complicated structure of the porous materials will be represented by digital domains constructed using a stochastic reconstruction method that reproduces the statistical properties of real porous media. This numerical approach will be validated through a series of experiments in mechanically engineered 2D porous domains, produced according to predefined specifications using a computer controlled etching machine. An experimental apparatus for controlling and monitoring the immiscible flow process through the domains will be used for the study of the population dynamics of Non Aqueous Phase Liquid blobs (NAPL’s) in oil/water systems and the construction of relative permeability curves. The proposed approach is expected to offer significantly improved quantitative results compared to other methods commonly used in these processes that lack this amount of detail in the description of both the flow problem and the representation of the medium.

Keywords: porous media,immiscible flow,modelling,lattice boltzmann,hydrology,water resources engineering,statistical physics,petroleum geology,soil remediation,chemical engineering
Peptide Dendrimers - A Chemical Platform for Functional Diversity (PEPTIDE DENDRIMERS)

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: 2011-06-13
End date: 2014-06-12
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 240817.9
EU funding (EUR): 240817.9
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Peptides have emerged as a therapeutically important class of drugs and offer the advantage of great specificity, potency and low toxicity. Short circulation half-life, poor proteolytic stability and bioavailability have however prevented them from becoming a mainstream source of drug candidates. Dendrimers are versatile, derivatizable, well-defined branched synthetic macromolecules with promising properties for a variety of applications in technology and medicine. Combining therapeutic peptides with dendrimers represents a promising approach to overcome bioavailability limitations, while at the same time introducing novel pharmacological and biophysical properties. The impact of the dendritic structure and multivalency on potency, selectivity, bioavailability and overall pharmacology will be studied on nicotinic acetylcholine and oxytocin/vasopressin G-protein coupled receptors, two important biomedical targets. A synthetic strategy based on efficient ligation chemistry and combinatorial assembly of building blocks will form the platform for the assembly of diverse multifunctional peptide dendrimers. These peptide dendrimers will undergo detailed structural, biophysical and pharmacological characterization for their use as diagnostic tools and therapeutics.

Keywords: peptide dendrimer,nicotinic acetylcholine receptor,oxytocin,vasopressin,solid-phase peptide synthesis,chemical ligation,structure-activity relationship,therapeutics,stability,bioavailablility
Understanding the dynamics of vasculogenesis from a biomechanical perspective (VASCULOFLOW)

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: 2010-07-01
End date: 2012-07-31
Duration (months): 25.0
Total project cost (EUR): 173662.4
EU funding (EUR): 173662.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The cardiovascular system is vital to every vertebrate and is the first functional organ in the developing embryo. As a consequence, the heartbeats generate hemodynamic forces that physically stimulate growing arteries and veins at the earliest steps of cardiovascular development. The mechanisms involved in vascular morphogenesis are poorly understood. One of the fundamental questions is whether vascular morphogenesis depends solely on genetic pre-programming or whether additional environmental cues provided by blood flow are needed. To date, the experimental data are few and somewhat controversial. This might be due to the fact that understanding of the roles of hemodynamic forces is challenging since flow patterns are highly dynamic and only accessible in live embryos. Thus, addressing the contribution of blood flow during cardiovascular development not only necessitates imaging techniques to visualize and quantify the flow forces but also proper experimental methods to alter and modify them in vivo. Primarily, this proposal is focused on developing fast imaging approaches allowing the visualization of blood flow patterns in specific regions of the cardiovascular system and the effect flow altering treatments on endothelial cells at different developmental stages. Secondarily, these experiments will be combined with molecular biology techniques to identify the genes activated by flows and conventional imaging to characterize the effects of flow alterations. In particular, we will develop live flow reporters to correlate the flow response with gene expression in vivo. The insights gained from these in vivo studies will significantly increase our knowledge on how genetic networks interact with their physical environment during vascular development. Ultimately, this work should lead to relevant findings for a better understanding of congenital cardiovascular diseases.

Keywords: vasculogenesis blood flow mechanotransduction cardiovascular system hemodynamic forces
TheoreticAl Study of MoleculAr Spin PlAsmonics for Nanoscale CommunIcAtions (TASMANIA)

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: 2011-03-01
End date: 2013-02-28
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 172403.2
EU funding (EUR): 172403.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Communication networks and molecular plasmonics are two scientific disciplines, which at first sight might seem completely unrelated but which are about to meet in the emerging fields of nano-networks and nano-communication. Currently networks on chips are still using electronics, which is limited by dissipation losses and low speed. Optics cannot be used on nanoscale because of the diffraction limit of light. Plasmonics on the other hand offers high speeds and can be confined in nanoscale waveguides. In order for it to be really applicable to nano-networks, active devices such as switches and repeaters have to be created. A promising path to explore in the search for active devices on the nanoscale is the coupling between molecules and plasmons. The project aims to study the coupling between archetypal optically active molecules, the metal phthalocyanines and surface plasmon polaritons. It will also look at the scattering of plasmons from molecules and their subsequent propagation in order to identify possible anisotropy, which would allow for the application of the molecules as a plasmonic switch. A preliminary theoretical study has given promising results in this direction. Thus, even though theoretical, the project could have important practical results. The third objective is even more audacious: it aims at looking for interactions between the molecular spin state and the surface plasmons. Such an interaction would constitute huge breakthrough and allow control of the plasmons on quantum level as well as single-shot readout of the molecular spin. Furthermore the project will allow the researcher to undertake an inter-disciplinary experience and establish her as an independent scientist. In this way she can fully utilize her multi-disciplinary, multi-sector background to contribute to the synergy of ICT and nano-technology, thereby increasing European competitiveness in the emerging fields of nano-networks and nano-communication.

Keywords: chemical physics,molecular physics,molecular plasmonics,plasmonics,surface plasmon polaritons