Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Impact of polyaromatic hydrocarbons on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and biochemical and molecular mechanisms involved in plant protection and pollutant dissipation (REMEDIAM)

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: Belgium
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-04-01
End date: 2016-03-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 177000.0
EU funding (EUR): 177000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) originating mainly from anthropogenic activities, are frequently associated to polluted soils. These persistent organic pollutants are harmful for human health (carcinogenic and/or mutagenic) and can disrupt the ecosystem functioning. To clean-up the PAHs-polluted soils, phytoremediation assisted by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) represent an innovative approach, cost-effective and environmental friendly. However, prior to any remedial strategy, it is necessary to understand the impacts of PAHs on AMF and conversely the potential of these obligate root symbionts in protecting the plants from PAHs. The present project aims to determine the impact of PAHs on AMF having different life history strategies, i.e. adapted to grow either under stable (K-strategists) or disturbed (r-strategists) environments. We postulate that PAHs may differently affect AMF r/K-strategists which in turn may (1) protect the plant from PAHs toxicity in a different way and (2) differently participate in the dissipation of PAHs. To investigate this hypothesis three successive questions are addressed: (1) do PAHs differently impact the morpho-anatomy and physiology of AMF r/K strategists? (2) do AMF r/K strategists differently affect the resistance of plants to PAHs and crude oil? (3) do r/K strategists differently affect oil dissipation? To answer these questions, innovative technological and methodological approaches will be followed via an extensive training program conducted at UCL and supported via short stays in two laboratories in Italy and France to include a mobility schema. The training will include, among others, microarray (to investigate genes expression profiling as affected by PAHs in presence/absence of AMF) and confocal microscopy (to determine the cellular and subcellular localization of spitzenkörper: a group of vesicles involved in colony architecture). Both techniques are novel to the fellow and will increase her scientific expertise.
Gravity, Fundamental Physics and Astrophysics: The Missing Link (ASTROGRAPHY)

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: Italy
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2015-01-01
End date: 2016-12-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 179739.6
EU funding (EUR): 179739.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

New precision observations of compact objects and the imminent advent of gravitational-wave (GW) astronomy provide us with the unique opportunity to test fundamental physics with astrophysical observations to unprecedented level. Neutron stars (NSs) and black holes (BHs) can be used as cosmic labs where matter in extreme conditions, particle physics, and even the very foundations of Einstein's theory can be put to the test. Triggered by recent breakthroughs at various levels, the area of strong gravity is experiencing a second Golden Age. In parallel with novel electromagnetic observations, advanced GW observatories in Europe and USA will open new windows to the unexplored strong-gravity regime and will finally shed light on the properties of ultradense matter in NS cores. The potential of GW astrophysics is enormous and far to be fully explored. Counterintuitive effects taking place near isolated compact objects have been recently discovered, but their GW signatures in realistic environment remain to be investigated. We are now in the exciting position of using observations to make contact between relativistic astrophysics and fundamental questions. The goal of our innovative project is to connect this missing link. We propose to investigate strong-gravity effects via precision GW phenomenology. In particular we aim to: 1) Develop semianalytical methods to study NS-NS binaries and spinning isolated NSs, and to constrain the behavior of matter at nuclear density using GW observations; 2) Develop a model-independent framework to study GW signatures of accretion onto massive BHs; 3) Investigate the interplay between “BH bomb” instabilities and accretion in the context of puzzling phenomena, such as jet emission or gamma-ray bursts; 4) Constrain dark matter candidates by studying their interaction with BHs and NSs in realistic scenarios. Our proposal is located at the interface between astrophysics and fundamental physics and can have a profound impact for both.

Keywords: gravitational waves,neutron stars,black holes,gravity,astrophysics,high-energy physics,general relativity
Wiring Cognition: How the organisation of our brain enables uniquely human abilities (WIRINGHUMANCOGNITION)

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-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-08-01
End date: 2016-07-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 231283.2
EU funding (EUR): 231283.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Our human cognitive skills trump those of our primate relatives in many domains, ranging from logical reasoning to managing complex social lives and from tool-use to language. A basic yet powerful faculty might underlie many of these characteristic functions of the human mind: instant abstract inference. Humans can quickly infer high-order abstract relationships, even between physically separate objects and across sensory modalities. Interestingly, other primates need to learn these relationships by gradual reinforcement over hundreds of trials while they have no problem learning relationships between physically linked objects. I will test the hypothesis that abstract inference has evolved as a critical and uniquely human cognitive faculty, building upon neural mechanisms of physical inference and multi-sensory integration that we share with other primates. The evolutionary emergence of this faculty likely relies on the relative re-organization of large-scale connections in the human brain compared to those in other primates since our last common ancestor. Recent evidence highlights two candidate pathways, the arcuate bundle and the extreme capsule, but their role in the evolution of human cognition, and specifically language, remains highly disputed. Using novel comparative neuroanatomy methods exclusively available at Oxford University, I will map these networks in macaque monkeys, chimpanzee apes, and humans in unprecedented detail, quantifying potential shifts in connectivity. Second, I will target the altered connections isolated in study 1 using an innovative combined neurostimulation and neuroimaging approach testing whether and how they enable abstract inference in humans. This project unites two previously isolated fields of science: cognitive neuroscience and evolutionary biology. Together, these two avenues of research will provide a complete picture of the neural mechanisms and evolutionary uniqueness of a fundament of characteristically human cognition.

Keywords: human cognition,primate evolution,brain connectivity,neuroimaging,neurostimulation,abstract inference,multi-modal integration,attentional selection,feature binding,language
Electric field driven Magnetization switching in multiferroic Nanoislands (ELMAGNANO)

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-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-05-01
End date: 2016-04-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 231283.2
EU funding (EUR): 231283.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Magnetoelectric (ME) multiferroics (MF) are prospective constituents for applications in micro- and nanoelectronics. Offering the possibility to switch magnetization (M) by electric field, their utilization would improve device performances. Though, at the state of the art several conditions hamper consideration for actual applications: mesoscopic devices with planar geometry, high WRITE voltages, non-unambiguously differentiable M states. The aim of this project is to prove that employment of ME MF nanoislands for electric field driven M switching represents the solution for all the said drawbacks, meeting production requirements (nanoscale and perpendicular geometry), requiring low WRITE voltages, and displaying differentiable M states. MF ME nanoislands will be fabricated by a Focused Ion Beam milling procedure, starting from lamellas and thin films of single-phase or artificial MF. The project will develop into two consecutive objectives. In first place ferroelectric switching in nanoislands will be investigated by Piezoresponse Force Microscopy (PFM) in order to establish the conditions and extent of control for selectable polarization switching. In second instance, a combination of PFM switching experiments and nanoscale magnetic investigations will reveal the degree of coupling between the two order parameters, and the reliability of electric field driven M switching. The proposed project will give the possibility to deepen and broaden European knowledge in materials for nanoelectronics, both by the fundamental (deeper knowledge of switching processes) and practical point of view (a route for improving device performances). The fellowship will be fundamental for the fellow to reach a position as research group leader in academy by diversifying his technical skills and scientific knowledge, improving his management and leadership skills, and strengthening his visibility and collaboration within the international community.

Keywords: micro- and nanoscale pattern formation,magnetoelectric effects,multiferroics,multiferroic/magnetoelectric films,dielectric,piezoelectric,ferroelectric,and antiferroelectric materials
Chiral Base C−H Activation (CHIBACHA)

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: Switzerland,France
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IIF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-11-03
End date: 2016-11-02
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 269743.8
EU funding (EUR): 269743.8
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

The goal of this proposal is to develop a new strategy for asymmetric C(sp3)−H activation using a chiral base instead of chiral ligand, and will focus on oxidative addition-induced and decarboxylation-induced reactions. Using this new strategy, a wide range of representative and valuable chiral four-membered (hetero)cyclic and five-membered (hetero)cyclic organic molecules will be synthesized. Typical chiral Br¢nsted acids and the designed ionic liquid-functionalized chiral phosphoric acids will be prepared by using commercially available raw materials. They will be tested in the two proposed concepts. In the case of oxidative addition-induced reactions, some feasible examples aiming at synthesizing chiral indanes, indolines, dihydrobenzofurans, benzocyclobutenes, and lactams will be developed from readily available aryl or alkenyl halides or triflates. For the decarboxylation-induced reactions, a racemic version will be first developed. Then, the chiral base concept will be applied in the synthesis of chiral benzocyclobutenes, indanes, indolines, and dihydrobenzofurans. In each of the reactions involved, some key reaction parameters including chiral acid, ligand, solvent, base, reaction temperature as well as the structural features of the substrates will be studied. In addition, recyclable ionic liquid-functionalized chiral Br¢nsted acids and the effect of traditional ionic liquids as the additives or solvents will be first studied in enantioselective C(sp3)−H bond activation. In order to get a clear understanding on the nature of the asymmetric induction during the catalytic cycle, computational studies will also be performed using DFT methods. The applicant's previous research experience in C−H activation, ionic liquids catalysis and asymmetric catalysis areas will benefit the project. The project will foster mutually beneficial research collaboration in Europe in the field of C−H activation and green chemistry.
On electrokinetic material response in marine clays. (EMPIRIC)

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: Sweden
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-09-01
End date: 2016-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 197811.6
EU funding (EUR): 197811.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The aim of the proposal is to investigate the effect of electrokinetics on the hydro-mechanical behaviour of sensitive marine clays using an innovative combination of techniques from material science, geotechnical engineering and electrical engineering. Two extremes will be experimentally and theoretically investigated: (1) Rapid laboratory testing of marine clays by electrokinetically enhanced consolidation in element testing; (2) Rapid electrokinetic enhancement of the hydraulical and mechanical soil properties for soil improvement. The first case will potentially offer a tenfold decrease of test duration for laboratory tests on marine clays enabling better material characterisation. The second case enables to develop novel new strategies for in situ improvement of marine clays using electrokinetics without detrimental side effects. The traditional geomechanical test setup for testing super-soft soils, such as marine clays, will be adapted for the application of electromechanical loading with multiple inductors of conductive plastic, and the application of static and modulated electrical excitation. The same set of electrodes will be used for the novel application of resistivity and capacitive sensing measurements of the soil properties. This will allow optimizing the electrokinetic method for rapid soft soil improvement and the rapid testing of soft soils in laboratory tests. The effect of the electrical excitation on the fundamental soil properties will be probed on the micro-scale using Fourier Raman Spectroscopy. Finally, the acquired fundamental insight of the material response will be used as basis for new continuum models, addressing the electrokinetic effects in the formulation, and validation of these models for the tested marine clays.

Keywords: marine clay,electrokinetics,characterisation,soil improvement
Dynamics of Confined Complex Suspensions (DYCOCOS)

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-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-09-01
End date: 2016-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 194046.6
EU funding (EUR): 194046.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Soft condensed materials are ubiquitous in nature: from polymer melts to a human cell. These systems are characterized by complex order on mesoscale, a length scale a lot larger than the individual building blocks (e.g. atoms or molecules) but smaller than can be seen by naked eye. Examples of complex soft materials are provided by colloidal systems - 0.1-10 micron particles suspended in a homogeneous fluid or liquid crystals (LCs) which can have order (orientational/translation) but can flow like fluids. In anisotropic complex fluids the morphology of the phase is inherently connected to the dynamics (e.g. flow). Confinement effects also play a major role in technologically relevant configurations e.g. sedimentation or microfluidics. The candidate proposes computational research of the sedimentation dynamics of confined colloidal solutions as well as the dynamics and optics of liquid crystals in microfluidics ("optofluidics"). Confining walls hinder the sedimentation dynamics, leading to decreased draining. Very recent experiments showed an increased sedimentation velocity of colloids when confined in cylindrical capillaries (Heitkam et al. PRL (2013)). This serves as a natural starting point for the research. Subsequently, the studies will be expanded to include various confining geometries and interactions (particle-particle and particle-wall). Due to the coupling between the LC orientation and imposed flow, confining LCs in microfluidic channels allows optical manipulation ("optofluidics"). Proposed research of LC optofluidics will govern LCs with orientational (nematic) and combined orientational/translational (cholesteric) order. The results can be expected to have significant technological relevance, although the primary aim is to provide fundamental physics insights of the coupling between flow and order in confined complex fluids. This will be achieved by employing state-of-the-art simulations (lattice Boltzmann) in close contact with experiments.

Keywords: soft matter,complex fluids,colloids,liquid crystals,confinement,sedimentation,microfluidics,optofluidics,lattice boltzmann,high performance computing,materials simulation
Continuity and change in the emergence of the Hellenistic Glass industry in Greece (GLASSTECH2013)

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-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-10-01
End date: 2016-09-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 221606.4
EU funding (EUR): 221606.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

This innovative interdisciplinary investigation of ancient Greek glass dating to between 1100BC and 300BC is designed to transform the knowledge base for the material so as to enhance in fundamental ways archaeological, art historical, socio-economic and technological interpretations. It will also simplify and prioritise the planning of appropriate conservation strategies for the glass. It will be the first such study to define the provenance of glass raw materials and glass within the region of Greece. A further research objective is to identify the locations where primary production of Greek glass occurred, clarifying the economic dynamics governing Hellenistic glass production and trade and enhancing the knowledge of the ancient Greek economy. The project will allow Dr. Oikonomou to work in a leading-edge interdisciplinary environment that will give him the best possible opportunity to move to other research and teaching institutions in Europe. He will be trained in a range of transferable skills including sample selection and preparation, in the use of innovative, advanced and state-of-the art chemical, isotopic and micro-structural scientific techniques and a range of interpretative interdisciplinary and statistical methods. The fellowship will allow him to enhance dramatically his knowledge base. The research project will provide a powerful contribution to the European Research Area and will generate other research that will contribute strongly to the study and conservation of European Heritage after the end of the fellowship. The interdisciplinary team that will train Dr. Oikonomou is formed from international experts in their fields, both in the University and industrial sectors. The support infrastructure at Nottingham University is geared to provide clear and groundbreaking opportunities for postdoctoral fellows. Outreach activities will make fundamental contributions including to secondary schools, the museum sector and a structured web page.

Keywords: society,glass,glassmaking,materials,industry,greece,scientific analysis,interdisciplinarity,provenance,geology,archaeology,chemistry,isotopes
A Chemical Biology Approach to Understand the Release of Sonic Hedgehog (CB-HEDGEHOG)

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-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-05-01
End date: 2016-04-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 231283.2
EU funding (EUR): 231283.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

With 2,6 million new cases and 1,26 million deaths in 2012, cancer is the most important cause of death in the European Union (EU). The most common cancer forms are breast cancer, prostate cancer, bowel cancer and lung cancer. The Hedgehog pathway is one of the most important signalling pathways in tumourigenic processes and known to be involved in all of these four types of tumours that represent 52% of all cancer cases in the EU. Thereby, the key mediator of the signalling pathway in mammals is the protein Sonic Hedgehog (Shh). During its maturation, the morphogen Shh is post-translationally modified in the endoplasmic reticulum (e.g. autocatalytically cleaved and lipidated) and transported to the cell membrane. The subsequent release of the signalling fragment into the surrounding area of the expressing cell results in the formation of Shh multimers that are able to induce genes involved in the development of target cells. Due to its emerging impact on cancer development, several therapeutic approaches target the Shh pathway. Currently there are numerous ongoing clinical trials of corresponding drugs. In the context of the development of new cancer diagnostic and treatment approaches, it is of vital importance to fully understand the mechanisms of signalling pathways involved in the tumourigenic process in order to design effective therapies. However, crucial aspects of the Sonic Hedgehog pathway, particularly the mechanism of release of the Shh singalling complex from the expressing cell, remain to be elucidated, due to a lack of tools to investigate this multiply chemically modified protein complex. The aim of this project is to investigate the mechanism for release of Shh and the formation of well-defined active Shh multimers through a combination of organic synthesis with proteomics and cell biology to elucidate this essential process in molecular detail for the first time. This highly multidisciplinary approach lies at the cutting edge of chemical biology.

Keywords: sonic hedgehog,scube 2,release of membrane bound proteins,shh nanostructures,multimer formation,signalling pathway,cancer development,photo-cross-linking,bioorthogonal labelling,proteomics