Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Analyzing Heterogeneity in Release of Synaptic Vesicles (WIERDA-HETEROGENEITY)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Intra-European Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Germany
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2007-2-1-IEF, 2007)
Start date: 2008-08-01
End date: 2009-07-31
Duration (months): 12.0
Total project cost (EUR): 166415.26
EU funding (EUR): 166415.26
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Recent studies in the Calyx of Held, a specialized synapse in the auditory pathway, have now produced clear evidence of heterogeneity in release-‘willingness’ among releasable vesicles. The general aim of this project is to investigate heterogeneity of release willingness in typical CNS synapses and to characterize the molecular mechanisms that control this heterogeneity. We will first develop a method that allows single synapse recording in primary cultured hippocampal neurons using pharmacological isolation of single visually identified (fluorescently labelled) synapses. By combining electrophysiology, fluorescence microscopy and pharmacological tools (e.g. hyperosmotic sucrose to assess total synaptic release pool size), we will perform a detailed description of (the heterogeneity in) synaptic vesicle release from single synaptic boutons. In addition, the combined research methods permit simultaneous pre- and postsynaptic assessment of neurotransmission efficacy, allowing us to pioneer in segregating pre- and postsynaptic plasticity mechanisms. Furthermore, a recently developed EGTA-based calcium-cage (DMNPE-4) allows stringent control over presynaptic Ca2+ concentrations, thereby enabling detailed analysis of Ca2+-sensitivity of synaptic vesicles within a single presynaptic terminal. Similar analyses will be performed in neurons deficient for candidate molecules or expressing mutated candidate molecules, thereby illuminating their role in controlling release willingness and/or Ca2+ sensitivity of synaptic vesicles. A detailed understanding of these molecular mechanisms is a fundamental starting point for unravelling synaptic mechanisms behind learning and memory. In general, these efforts will provide new insights in synaptic processing and plasticity, bring us closer to the understanding of human pathogenic mechanisms in the terminal and may provide insights into the pathology of ‘synaptopathies’.

Keywords: neurotransmission,synaptic vesicle release,synaptic plasticity,presynaptic release machinery,electrophysiology,fluorescence imaging
The Riemann-Hilbert Problem and Random Matrix Theory (RHP-RMT)

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-2007-4-1-IOF, 2007)
Start date: 2009-02-01
End date: 2012-05-13
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 242774.77
EU funding (EUR): 242774.77
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The Riemann-Hilbert problem (RHP) has a long and impressive history going back to Riemann's dissertation (1851) and Hilbert's related results at the beginning of the 20th century. The RHP, which can be described as a problem of finding an analytic function in the complex plane with a prescribed jump across a given curve, is closely connected to one-dimensional singular integral operators, convolution operators, Toeplitz operators, and Wiener-Hopf operators. A great deal of the importance of the RHP these days is due to its use in random matrix theory, orthogonal polynomials (OPs) and integrable systems. Random matrix theory (RMT) has its origins in the 1920s in mathematical statistics and in the 1950s in the works of Wigner, Dyson and Mehta on the spectra of highly excited nuclei. Since then the subject has developed fast and found applications in many branches of mathematics and physics, ranging from quantum field theory to statistical mechanics, integrable systems, number theory, statistics, and probability. We aim to study asymptotic problems for OPs by means of Toeplitz and Hankel determinants with several classes of symbols; compute and quantify the entropy of entanglement; deal with the moments of families of L-functions and in particular derive conjectures for their non-integer moments with all terms in asymptotics; and investigate the density of the roots of the derivative of certain characteristic polynomials in order to gain better understanding of the horizontal distribution of the zeros of the derivative of the zeta function. Our approach will be based on the use of powerful Riemann-Hilbert methods, computation of asymptotics of Toeplitz and Hankel determinants, analytic number theory, and numerical studies. Our proposal aims to provide the fellow with competencies to conduct research in areas different from his previous research, reinforce his previous experience and expand knowledge between the Courant Institute and the Bristol RMT group.

Keywords: random matrix theory,riemann-hilbert problem,orthogonal polynomials,toeplitz determinants,hankel determinants,mathematical physics,mathematical analysis
Building the concept of Europe. Majolica pottery as a common symbol of European countries in Modern times (ARCHSYMB)

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-2007-4-1-IOF, 2007)
Start date: 2008-10-01
End date: 2011-09-30
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 226282.47
EU funding (EUR): 226282.47
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The project presented here is focused on the technological characterization of 16th and 17th century majolica colonial pottery from Central America and Southern United States, as a traceable symbol of European countries abroad. To study the technological change influenced by the European pottery technology, is proposed to analyze archaeometrically a relevant number of majolica pottery from Central America and Southern United States. One of the main goals of this project is to assess the acculturation level of societies which were in contact with European trade and culture influence through the study of the majolica pottery as a symbol of Europe. In order to achieve the main objectives of the project, I propose to study the archaeological artifacts by means of chemical, physical and mineralogical analysis. Consequently, XRF, XRD, SEM, LA-ICP-MS, SEM analysis and Mechanical Properties tests will be carried out to success on trustworthy results and strong hypothesis and conclusions.

Keywords: humanities,historical archaeology,applied chemistry,archaeometry,archaeology,pottery,majolica,physical sciences,technological sciences
High Temperature Sensors (HITS)

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-2007-4-2-IIF, 2007)
Start date: 2008-10-09
End date: 2010-10-08
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 178874.06
EU funding (EUR): 178874.06
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

High-temperature piezoelectric sensing technology is of major importance for the chemical and material processing, automotive, aerospace, and power generating industries. Aurivillius phase ceramics are of interest for these applications because of their high Curie points (Tc up to ~950C). Modified bismuth titanate compositions can be used for sensor applications up to 500C. If a higher operating temperature is required there are currently no suitable polycrystalline ceramics available. The objective of this project is to systematically investigate the effect of doping on the properties (ferroelectric, piezoelectric, dielectric, Curie point, electrical conductivity, thermal depoling and ageing) of candidate Aurivillius phase ceramics. Having identified promising optimised compositions, we will then determine a processing route using Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) to produce highly textured microstructures with enhanced piezoelectric coefficients.

Keywords: ferroelectric,piezoelectric,sensors,aurivillius,spark plasma sintering
Implication of connexin 43 in chronic renal failure (CX43-CRF)

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-2007-2-1-IEF, 2007)
Start date: 2008-12-01
End date: 2010-11-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 172167.92
EU funding (EUR): 172167.92
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Chronic renal failure (CRF), one of the main causes of disability in western societies, is promoted by a variety of factors including hypertension, diabetes, ischemic, immunological and toxic injury. These factors are linked by their common ability to promote chronic inflammation and fibrosis leading to decline of renal function. Dialysis and transplantation are the only available options that allow survival of patients. Arresting the progression of CRF is one of the major challenges of public health today. Alterations of the expression of the gap junction protein connexin 43 (Cx43) have been associated to the development of inflammation in chronic vascular pathologies. Thus, Cx43 expression was increased during atherogenesis, whereas Cx43 inhibition protected vessels from the development of atherosclerotic plaque. An up-regulation of the Cx43 expression has been also reported in renal inflammation and hypertension suggesting that this connexin may be involved in renal disease. In this project we intend to study the role of Cx43 in CRF and to propose treatments and diagnostic tools targeting this protein to protect against the disease. Thus, in our project: i) we will use the RenTg mice, expressing high steady levels of renin, to study modulation of Cx43 expression during progression of hypertension-induced renal disease; ii) Cx43-specific blockers will be administer to RenTg mice to see whether decreasing Cx43 expression could reverse the decline of renal function. Cx43 expression will be also reduced genetically by interbreeding the RenTg with the Cx43+/- mice; iii) we will attempt to delineate molecular mechanisms involving Cx43 regulation in endothelial cells in vitro under angiotensin II treatment, a peptide known to participate to renal vascular fibrosis. As perspectives, we will transfer knowledge obtained from this project in humans by testing renal biopsies. Thus, we hope to establish a correlation between Cx43 expression and human CRF.

Keywords: nephrology,physiology,cell biology,molecular biology
Genomics of the Botrytis cinerea grapevine interaction (BOTRYTISGENOMICS)

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-2007-2-1-IEF, 2007)
Start date: 2009-01-01
End date: 2010-12-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 224640.41
EU funding (EUR): 224640.41
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The training objective of the proposed research is to complete the researcher’s existing knowledge in mycology and molecular biology by an interdisciplinary experience in infection physiology, genomics and modern bioinformatics, thus providing a boost for her career development and independence. The research objective of the project is to investigate fungal pathogenicity at the genomic level. The chosen model is the interaction between grapevine and grey mould because wine production plays an important role in European agriculture (several billion € market value), because grey mould is a major pathogen of this crop and because the high amounts of fungicides used to control the pathogen each year increase production cost and raise environmental issues. The genomes of the fungus B. cinerea and the plant V. vinifera have recently been sequenced, and the new available genomic tools should, for the first time, allow the drawing of an integrated view of the interaction between the pathogen and its host, and the deciphering of the largely unknown molecular mechanisms that support the fungus attack or the plant defence. As part of an effort to fully characterise the infection process, the aims of this project are 1) to identify the major fungal molecular players at work in the interaction between grapevine and B. cinerea and 2) the validation of these players in search of new targets for fungicides. Transcriptomic analyses of the infection will be performed using micro arrays, and a global profiling of the fungal genes will be obtained. Gene replacement will then be used to disrupt cellular functions highlighted by the genomics data, and analysis of the mutants will reveal the genes important in the infection process. This project should help develop control strategies that are novel, more efficient and/or environmentally safer. This project is lastly in harmony with the aims of the Community to structure EU research and to promote the participation of women in science.

Keywords: mycology,genomics,bioinformatics,molecular biology,plant protection
MACROPHAGES ON THE ROAD TO B? (MAC TO B-CELLS)

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: France
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2007-4-2-IIF, 2007)
Start date: 2009-01-01
End date: 2010-12-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 163643.71
EU funding (EUR): 163643.71
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Transcription factors have been shown to play an important role in the tight control and for fine-tuning of lineage decisions that take place during the development of the various different cell types present in blood. Interestingly, certain factors appear to be essential for genetic programming of specific lineages, and in the absence of such factors, lineage promiscuity has been observed. We have now derived a novel mouse model system to further address the role of specific myeloid transcription factors during hematopoeisis and to determine their essential functions during macrophage specification. Interestingly, in vitro differentiation of cells derived from these animals gives rise to terminally differentiated, functional macrophage cultures with sustained self-renewing activity. Preliminary results show that in addition to myeloid-specific markers, such macrophages can upregulate some B-cell specific genes in response to M-CSF withdrawal. Whereas lymphoid to myeloid reprogramming has been well documented, the reverse has not been achieved. Here we will analyse whether macrophage to B-cell reprogramming is also possible and outline a novel experimental system to test this hypothesis both in vitro and in vivo. Knowledge gained from these experiments will add strength to a growing body of evidence supporting the role of specific transcription factors in the control of lineage reprogramming and plasticity.

Keywords: health sciences,haematology,transcription factor,macrophage,lineage
The development of a timely and robust tool to analyze relations that link crop and livestock diversity and income to nutrition in poor rural areas in Sub-Saharan Africa (AGRINUTS)

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-2007-4-1-IOF, 2007)
Start date: 2008-04-01
End date: 2011-03-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 216121.65
EU funding (EUR): 216121.65
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Undernutrition is a worldwide problem. Advances in agricultural technologies have enormously increased food production worldwide, however, still 854 million of people remain chronically underfed. Addressing the links between agriculture and nutrition is crucial to translate agricultural successes into nutrition outcomes. The project will develop a practical and timely tool to carry out in-depth assessment studies of the relations that link crop and livestock diversity and income to nutrition in poor rural areas of Sub-Saharan Africa. This tool will be developed by integrating a multidisciplinary data set of the Millennium Villages Project (MVP) and related literature into a simulation model. The MVP dataset allows exploration of many factors that affect the relationships between crop and livestock diversity, income and nutrition. Using this model the hypotheses that crop and livestock diversity and income increase enhance nutrition will be evaluated and factors that affect these relations will be identified. In-situ collection of additional data as well as the use of the extensive dataset and scientific findings of the Consortium of Improving Agriculture based Livelihoods in Central Africa (CIALCA) will significantly strengthen the robustness of the model. During this project, a highly qualified scientist with strong research experience as bioengineer and PhD scholar in tropical agriculture will be trained by two excellent hosts to cross scientific disciplines within society-oriented research. The combination of the candidate and this project offers an opportunity to provide a cross-disciplinary trained highly qualified scientist in the domain of rural development. With the European Union as biggest provider of developmental aid worldwide, this project will strengthen the EU utilization and management of developmental funds through providing strong supporting research.

Keywords: nutrition - rural development - crop and livestock diversity - agricultural economics - developmental economics
Elucidation of Stem Cell Fate and Cell-type Characterization by 1H-NMR-based Metabonomics (HESC METABONOMICS)

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: Spain
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2007-4-2-IIF, 2007)
Start date: 2008-07-01
End date: 2010-06-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 153070.1
EU funding (EUR): 153070.1
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESCs) harbour the extraordinary ability to self-renew and differentiate into cells of all tissue types and thus, hold great promise for the treatment of a range of diseases. Mechanisms controlling hESC fate are yet to be elucidated but are believed to involve regulation by intrinsic and extracellular metabolic factors including hormones, growth factors and small cell-permeable molecules. High resolution proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful, non-invasive technique that can be used in conjunction with statistical modeling methods to characterize perturbations in metabolic pathways that occur during cellular events. This approach, termed ‘metabonomics’, can also be used to acquire a metabolic fingerprint of a cell at a particular time point or state. Such information can be used for better comprehending underlying cellular events as well as for cell-type classification. In this project, NMR-based metabonomics will be employed to realise two main objectives; 1) identification and characterisation of metabolic factors involved in hESC differentiation, and 2) cell-type classification of differentiated hESCs. These objectives are closely interrelated as the elucidation of factors controlling stem cell fate would provide the means for “directed cellular differentiation” and prove invaluable for regenerative medicine and drug discovery applications.

Keywords: stem cell differentiation,metabonomics,nuclear magnetic resonance,multivariate statistics,regenerative medicine
Hybrid Quantum Systems - Integrating Atomic/Molecular and Solid Sate Quantum Systems (HQS)

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-2007-2-1-IEF, 2007)
Start date: 2008-09-01
End date: 2010-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 163017.73
EU funding (EUR): 163017.73
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Quantum physics is fundamental for our understanding of nature, and consequently at the centre of the development of new methods and technologies. In recent years it became evident that quantum physics in itself can have fare reaching implications. A robust technological implementation of quantum physics has the potential to be one of the defining technologies of the 21st century. Presently quantum physics is confined to its separate worlds. For quantum physics to emerge from fundamental research, one of the main challenges is how to link different quantum systems to each other and preserve the quantum nature also over the link. One has to be able to quantum interconnect the different domains. A robust technological basis for this is currently not available. The objective of the present proposal is to bring together all the fantastic possibilities of QIPC with a cooper pair box and circuit CQED (transmon physics) with the physics to cool and trap and control atoms/molecules. All together will be integrated in a hybrid device by adapting the AtomChip concept to the environment of the Solid State QIPC. Our first approach will be to use the near field enhancement in high finesse strip line MW resonators of circuit CQED to couple single MW photons to collective excitations in the trapped atomic clouds, thereby establishing a quantum interconnect between solid state quantum device and an atomic ensemble acting as a quantum memory. Our research towards this ambitious goal will establish the scientific and technological foundations of a new class of instruments, a hybride quantum processor. By connecting the fast processing in a solid sate device to the exceptional long coherence times in an atomic/molecular system as a quantum memory will add essential features, presently missing in existing QIPC implementations.

Keywords: quantum mechanics,atomic physics,molecular physics,solid state physics,optics