Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Targeting nucleic acid structures by site-directed ligand discovery (TNSBSLD)

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): 172240.8
EU funding (EUR): 172240.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Nucleic acids and nucleic acid-protein interactions play an important role in biological processes of medical importance and can be considered as attractive targets for drug design. Small molecules or peptides that interact with such targets and control their functions are of great interest. Thus there is a need for a general method for rapidly identifying such low molecular weight small molecules or peptides. The focus of this proposal is to establish a new method based on a combined fragment-based and site-directed approach that exploits the power of dynamic combinatorial chemistry (DCC). This method will be used as a general strategy to target functional nucleic acid structures and their protein complexes.

Keywords: health sciences,natural sciences
Preparation of Multi-Functional Metal Organic Frameworks catalysts (MULTIMOF)

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: Netherlands
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IEF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-03-01
End date: 2012-02-29
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 161748.8
EU funding (EUR): 161748.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The overall aim of this project is to engineer new mono and multifunctional nanostructured solids to be used as catalyst for multi-step, one-pot reactions. The key objectives are: 1. Create stable nano-structured super basic catalysts based on Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) by using synthetic and/or post-synthetic approaches. 2. Create nano-structured solids containing covalently bonded sulphonic groups by using synthetic and/or post synthetic methods. 3. Create acid MOFs with metal nanoparticles encapsulated in the MOF cavities (acid-metallic catalyst). 4. Produce acid-base MOFs by using synthetic and/or post synthetic approaches. The main motivations for the exploration and development of efficient catalysts are to conserve energy, to produce fine chemicals and to develop environmentally friendly and safe technologies. Despite major improvements over the past few decades, many existing commercial catalysts are still plagued by low efficiency, high cost, and/or production of large quantities of hazardous wastes. Furthermore, many of them have been designed to catalyze a single reaction in multi-step reactions or to produce multiple products, in contrast to industry’s needs for efficient multi-step, one-pot catalytic processes. The tailoring of multifunctional catalysts is a big challenge for the research community and for the society in general, since proper catalysts may reduce the economical and environmental costs of crucial catalytic process. Multifunctionality in heterogeneous catalysis has been scarcely studied, with respect to multifunctional solids, the heterogeneous catalysis toolbox is still empty. In this sense MOFs are called to play an important role in the near future due to their wide chemical versatility and modifiability. The emphasis and final target of this proposal is to design and to apply MOFs as bi-functional catalysts. The main part of the proposed project, will be carried out at the Delft University of Technology, abbreviated as TU

Keywords: heterogeneous catalysis,metal organic framework,multi-functional catalysts,hybrid organic inorganic frameworks,nanoporous solids
Developing Chiral Isothioureas as Asymmetric Organocatalysts; Synthesis, Catalysis and Mechanistic Investigations (ISOCAT)

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: 2010-07-01
End date: 2012-06-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 173240.8
EU funding (EUR): 173240.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Nucleophilic or Lewis-base catalysis encompasses a multitude of different catalyst types and reactions. Despite intense interest within this field, there still exists a need to develop novel small molecule catalyst architectures that display high catalytic efficiency and enantioselectivity in a range of C-C bond forming reactions. This project is concerned with the design, synthesis and validation of a range of chiral catalysts based upon the isothiourea architecture as Lewis bases. Building upon established precedent, materials will be designed that possess exceptional catalytic properties that will enable new asymmetric processes to be delineated. A full mechanistic evaluation of these catalysts will be completed, and applications of the optimised catalysts to carbocycle, heterocycle and natural product synthesis established. This project is of relevance to the Work Programme as it has the potential to generate excellent science and exceptional training for the Fellow that will help to contribute towards Europe’s scientific output and competitiveness. Furthermore, the professional development of the fellow will also be established, ensuring that she is well placed for re-integration with her chosen career path after the end of this fellowship.

Keywords: asymmetric catalysis,organocatalysis,isothiourea,asymmetric synthesis,synthetic methodology
Elucidating the control of cell size in plants (CESICOP)

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: Germany
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IIF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-10-01
End date: 2012-09-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 169969.0
EU funding (EUR): 169969.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Cell size is a crucial determinant of overall organ size. The size of a cell can be influenced by various hormones; it depends on the identity of the cell; and it is positively correlated with the cell’s ploidy level. However, the molecular mechanisms that determine when cell expansion stops to ensure an appropriate cell size are poorly understood. In plants, the presence of a cell wall means that the extent of cell expansion, and thus the amount of cell wall synthesized, is also of paramount economic importance, given our dependence on plant cell-wall material for classical uses (paper, textiles, etc.) and for bioenergy production. The Lenhard group have recently isolated mutations in an Arabidopsis kinesin, a microtubule-based motor protein, that lead to larger cells despite normal ploidy levels. The kinesin associates with Golgi-stacks and appears necessary to ensure their even distribution within the cell. Given the importance of the Golgi-apparatus for secretion of cell-wall material, the current working hypothesis is that more uneven cell-wall biosynthesis in the mutants resulting from the uneven distribution of the Golgi-stacks triggers cell-wall integrity-sensing pathways, which in turn lead to the synthesis of more cell wall and excess cell expansion. This proposal will address the basic function of the identified kinesin by analyzing plants lacking also a highly similar, probably functionally redundant kinesin; study the mechanism of action of the kinesin in question by analyzing an identified interacting protein; assess the cellular basis for the observed cell enlargement by testing several of the assumptions and predictions of the working hypothesis outlined above; and investigate the relation between the excess cell enlargement in the kinesin mutant and that seen in the phenomenon of ‘compensation’. Together, these studies will provide important new insight into the regulation of cell-wall synthesis and cell expansion in plants.

Keywords: cell size,arabidopsis,cell wall,kinesin,cytoskeleton
Mechanotransduction in situ (TOUCH IN SITU)

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-2009-IEF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-08-01
End date: 2012-07-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 161661.0
EU funding (EUR): 161661.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Mechanotransduction is the conversion of mechanical force into a cellular response. Many physiological processes involve mechanotransduction such as touch, pain, hearing and balance. Touch receptors are sensory neurons with their cell somas in the dorsal root and trigeminal ganglia and their axons innervating somatic tissues, like the skin. Sensory information is sent to the central nervous system but transduction is far removed from the soma. Due to this anatomy, direct study of mechanotransduction in situ has not yet been possible. Here we will clarify the physiological basis of the mechanotransduction by using a novel experimental approach to overcome these technical limitations. We will set-up an electrophysiological preparation in which the site of transduction is close enough to the ganglion cell body to measure intracellularly single-cell responses to mechanical stimulation. We will dissect out mouse DRG neurons and transplant them into the skin of a host mouse. After innervation of the host skin, skin innervated by transplanted sensory neurons will be prepared and mechanotransduction currents in the transplanted neurons will be recorded using the patch-clamp technique. We will be able, therefore, to stimulate mechanoreceptors with their endings embedded in the skin as occurs in vivo, while recorded from the cell soma. For the first time, we will measure the electrophysiological properties of mechanosensitive ion channels upon physiological stimulation as well as the firing properties of the same mechanoreceptors in current clamp mode. Moreover, using genetically-labeled DRG neurons, we will be able to examine mechanotransduction in different classes of mechanoreceptors or nociceptors. Moreover, given that pain is often evoked by light touch under neuropathic conditions our results will also clarify the physiological mechanisms of transduction of painful sensation, raising the possibility of testing novel methods and drugs to treat sensory disorders.

Keywords: animal physiology,ion channels,pain,touch
Discrete Volume Assembly at Nano-Scale (DIVAN)

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: 2010-12-01
End date: 2011-11-30
Duration (months): 12.0
Total project cost (EUR): 120394.8
EU funding (EUR): 120394.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The objective of DIVAN is to develop a robust, potentially industrially viable process for the discrete assembly of individual Carbon Nano Tubes (CNTs). This competence allows realising devices and applications in which individual CNTs are integrated with micro-scale structures, to provide unique performance or new functions. Applications can be found in sensors, scientific instruments, and a wide variety of nanoelectronic devices like switches. A CNT is a cylindrically shaped nanostructure composed of carbon hexagons. CNTs are grown on a substrate in large numbers using a chemical process. Currently there is no viable method to volume assembly of discrete CNTs. DIVAN aims to rationalise the nano-scale assembly process by developing a set of linkable basic assembly operations. Basic operations include sorting, characterisation, handling and placement of CNTs. The basic assembly operations can be linked together to form complete assembly process chains for bringing CNTs from their fabricated state to their assembled and interconnected state. An essential contribution of the project to the field is the development of an assembly theory for nano-scale assembly. This assembly theory defines the boundary conditions for the assembly operations to be developed, and provides the backbone for structured design and evaluation of nano-scale assembly processes for specific cases. In this way, a systematic engineering and production perspective is added to the predominantly fundamental research oriented field of nanotechnology. Innovative principles for implementing the basic operations will be investigated, including the use of micro-fluidic devices to dispense CNTs, and the use of micro-scale handling structures. A benchmark device, a NEMS accelerometer, will be realised to evaluate and demonstrate the developed processes. An essential criterion is that the assembly processes have to be compatible with microfabrication processes to ensure volume upscalability.

Keywords: nanodevices,carbon nano tubes (cnt),discrete nano-scale assembly,volume manufacturing,micro-technology
The Ethics of Information Warfare: Risks, Rights and Responsibilities (EIW3R)

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: 2010-06-01
End date: 2012-05-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 166040.8
EU funding (EUR): 166040.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

This is a two-year research project on the ethical implications of information warfare. Information warfare is a new form of conflict characterised by strategies designed to strike at communication nodes and infrastructures, and by the deployment of artificial agents as tools of offence (robotic weapons). It has its roots in the military use of intelligence as a strategic means, but has developed thanks to the revolutionary transformations caused by the pervasive use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) artefacts on the battlefield. The overall research objective is to provide an ethical analysis of information warfare, which will seek to solve three ethical problems: 1. How can the risks of increasing the number of ICT-based conflicts in the world and hence of civilian casualties be avoided? 2. How can the erosion of individual rights of privacy, anonymity and personal liberty be balanced against the right of a community to be safe from cyber-attacks? 3. How can the levels of responsibilities for the actions performed by robotic weapons be fairly evaluated? The objective will be achieved by developing an interdisciplinary ethical study, combining research in Information and Computer Ethics (ICE) with the acquisition of relevant expertise in ICT and AI. The project will be developed in collaboration with leading European experts, and fully supported by the UNESCO Chair of Information and Computer Ethics, held by Prof. Floridi at the University of Hertfordshire, UK. The novelty and importance of the problems tackled by the project and its interdisciplinarity will enable the researcher to acquire new skills and advanced expertise and to stand as an independent and mature scholar. The project will benefit the Work Programme by enhancing long lasting interdisciplinary cooperation among leading European experts in ICE, ICT, and AI and by promoting a European approach to the ethics of information warfare.

Keywords: humanities,computer ethics,cyber conflicts,information conflicts,information ethics,information warfare.
Mechanisms and functions of microtubule plus end tracking proteins in mammalian cells: development of inhibitory strategies. (MT-TIP INHIBITORS)

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: 2011-05-01
End date: 2013-04-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 169535.2
EU funding (EUR): 169535.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Microtubule plus end tracking proteins are a group of factors that accumulate specifically at the ends of growing microtubules where they control microtubule dynamics and the interactions with different structures, such as mitotic kinetochores, actin cytoskeleton and the cell cortex. The core components of the microtubule plus end tracking machinery are End Binding (EB) proteins, such as EB1, which autonomously track the growing ends of microtubules and recruit to microtubule tips multiple functionally diverse proteins. The aim of this proposal is to use a wide range of microtubule-targeting anti-cancer compounds to systematically probe their effects on the microtubule-EB binding and thus gain insight into the basis of the enigmatic plus end recognition mechanism by the EBs. We also intend to use the detailed knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the interactions of EB proteins with their partners to develop novel reagents to inhibit microtubule plus end tracking of a broad range of proteins and thus probe the general significance of this phenomenon. In addition, we plan to use this knowledge to develop new tools to efficiently visualize growing microtubule ends in different cellular settings.

Keywords: health sciences,microtubule,eb1,cell migration,anti-proliferative drugs,cell division
Linking tannins, biological activities and genetic maps in a unique willow germplasm collection (TANNIN STRACTURE QTL)

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: 2010-06-28
End date: 2011-08-27
Duration (months): 14.0
Total project cost (EUR): 180103.2
EU funding (EUR): 180103.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Recent research in livestock farming has focussed on condensed tannins (CT) in feeds, because of their potential benefits for ruminant nutrition and health and for improving the quality of animal products. In the past, all tannins were mistakenly described as ‘anti-nutritional factors’. More recent studies have, however, demonstrated that CT can generate useful benefits for animal welfare and production. Unfortunately, most studies involving CT and animal feeds have been carried out ignoring the great structural diversity that exists among plants and have led to contradictory findings. Plants produce a wide range of different tannins, and tannin composition can differ enormously between plant species, varieties and plant parts. Therefore, investigations into the beneficial or detrimental effects of tannins need to consider all aspects of their structural variation in order to allow conclusions that are scientifically sound. The scientific community urgently requires sound data in order to select plants with desirable tannin properties and to generate sustainable, high quality animal products. This research project seeks (1) to analyse tannin contents and structures in a model plant species (Salix spp.) within a unique and genetically well-characterised germplasm collection; (2) to investigate relationships between tannin structure and their biological effects for ruminant production and health; (3) to identify the genetic traits that control tannin structural features and their bioactivity. If successful, this project will generate a scientific breakthrough in terms of tannin traits that should be evaluated and selected in future research programmes in order to improve the sustainability and quality of ruminant production systems. Results from this research will contribute to developing a basis for improved and more sustainable feeding systems for ruminants in the EU and facilitate application of the results to other CT-rich plants.

Keywords: willow,tannins,tannin bioactivity,ruminal biohydrogenation,anthelmintic activity,qtl analysis,plant biochemistry
Argumentation Strategies (ASTRA)

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: Netherlands
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IEF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-04-01
End date: 2011-08-31
Duration (months): 17.0
Total project cost (EUR): 153548.8
EU funding (EUR): 153548.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Important aspects of everyday life (e.g. healthcare, commerce, law) increasingly rely on networks of distributed but co-operating computer systems. An understanding of negotiation, joint decision making and control of private information in such systems has therefore become a key challenge for computer science. My work will address this challenge by creating a theoretical foundation with which systems with conflicting information, goals and assumptions can jointly decide how to act by exchanging arguments (e.g. when one system provides sound reasons for another to grant access to private information). Whilst work to date has focussed on protocols that restrict the various communicative acts that can be made during such argumentation-based interactions, what is lacking is an investigation into how the choice of which act to make affects the outcome of the interaction. The proposed work will address this shortcoming by developing the first formally validated set of strategies to allow selection of communicative acts to make in order to influence a joint decision about how to act. This will establish a groundbreaking methodology for the intelligent design of argumentation-based interaction strategies. The significant results expected will consolidate my growing reputation as a leading researcher in the field of computational argumentation. As a result of the proposed mobility, I will considerably develop my academic network, establish new interdisciplinary collaborations, develop necessary research skills and gain experience in a variety of research areas. This fellowship will allow me to develop my personal research agenda and will stand me in the ideal position to go on to have an internationally successful independent research career. At the end of the fellowship I will be competitively placed to acquire a permanent academic post at a leading European university and will be in a position to apply for funding with which I can start to build up my own research group.

Keywords: artificial intelligence,intellegence agents,logic,argumentation,multi-agent systems,dialogue,strategy