Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Symbolic Pattern Recognition in Drug Design - Statistical Models and Scientific Insight (SYMPATI)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Intra-European Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Switzerland
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IEF, 2010)
Start date: 2011-10-01
End date: 2013-09-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 170401.6
EU funding (EUR): 170401.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Profound understanding of the relationship between molecular structure and biological activity is an essential prerequisite for rational drug design. Due to the inherent non-linearity of these relationships, ordinary regression is often inadequate, and black-box machine learning approaches offer limited, if any, interpretability. As a solution, we propose to use symbolic regression, in conjunction with a unique approach to feature selection, to establish quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) that are succinct, non-linear, analytical, and interpretable. Symbolic regression is a stochastic optimization technique based on principles of evolution that searches the space of analytical expressions for equations that describe the investigated data. In other words, symbolic regression does not only fit the coefficients of an equation, but also the form of the equation itself. Our particular concept has not been used in QSAR before. We will combine theoretical investigations of the method with practical applications. Large combinatorial libraries will be analyzed to obtain validated QSAR models that are immediately and intuitively interpretable. Taking trypsin inhibition as an example, we will design, synthesize, and test new inhibitors suggested by our models. Our interdisciplinary project will contribute to European excellency in basic and applied pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry, in line with health as a top priority of the seventh framework programme.

Keywords: computational chemistry,cheminformatics,machine learning,biochemistry,medicinal chemistry,pharmaceutical chemistry,qsar,qspr,virtual screening,symbolic regression
Investing in Culture towards Economic and Social Development: International and European Law Perspectives (INVESTEUCULT)

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-2010-IEF, 2010)
Start date: 2011-09-01
End date: 2013-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 169485.6
EU funding (EUR): 169485.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Culture influences, and is influenced by, development. The protection of cultural heritage may foster development, understood both as economic development induced by a sustainable use of a state’s cultural patrimony, and human and cultural development sustained by a society’s sense of identity and continuity with the past. As foreign direct investment (FDI) fosters economic development, there can be positive synergies between the promotion of FDI and the protection of cultural heritage. However, this is not always the case. This study aims to explore the complex interplay between cultural policies and international investment law with a special focus on the EU external relations. As there is an increasing tension between the two different sets of normative values, which is shown by the boom of relevant international disputes, this study aims at 1) mapping in a systematic and complete fashion the relevant investor-state arbitrations in order to give policy makers, arbitrators, stakeholders and the public at large a complete survey of the relevant case law; 2) proposing legal methods to reconcile these different values both de lege lata and de lege ferenda; and 3) scrutinizing and critically assessing the EU external policies concerning investment law and culture. The key objective of the study is to find ways to reconcile economic development with cultural heritage protection. The underlying thesis of this work is that reconciliation is possible, and that development should be conceived as a broad concept inclusive not only of mere economic growth, but also of human flourishing and well-being to which cultural elements are crucial. The Fellowship would allow the applicant to conduct this research, thus having a strong impact on her scientific profile and her professional prospects. As cultural entitlements are deeply linked to human dignity and human rights, the project will have a high cultural and societal relevance.

Keywords: international law,european law,foreign direct investment,sustainable development economic growth,culture,cultural diversity,cultural heritage,human rights,human dignity,intercultural dialogue
Quantifying sources and residence time of contaminated sediment in human-impacted river basins: an integrated approach (SEDSRES)

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-2010-IIF, 2010)
Start date: 2011-07-11
End date: 2013-07-10
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 202049.6
EU funding (EUR): 202049.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The widespread and costly environmental impacts of sediment and associated contaminants on aquatic ecosystems are recognised by scientists, land managers and policy makers worldwide. While considerable effort is being made to reduce sediment and contaminant fluxes in European river basins, longer-term storage of contaminants in sedimentary sinks presents a credible threat to achieving EU water quality targets. Sedimentary sinks could become contaminant sources in the future. In this context, this project aims to develop an integrated approach for quantifying diffuse sources and residence times of contaminated sediment in river basins affected by industrial, mining and agricultural pollution. Development of the integrated approach will be undertaken in the River Tamar in south-west England, which is a predominantly agricultural basin with an extensive metal mining history. As such it offers a natural laboratory for exploration of key sediment-associated pollutants. The approach utilises fallout radionuclides and other sediment tracers to quantify diffuse sources of sediment and associated contaminants stored in channel deposits and transported in suspension over event and seasonal timescales. Potential sources include different agricultural land uses, mining waste deposits, channel banks, as well as secondary sources, including in-channel deposits and floodplains. The residence time of contaminated sediment in soils and channel sediments will be estimated by application of models which employ fallout radionuclides as chronometers over a range of timescales. Findings from the source and residence time analysis will be synthesized within a sediment budget framework, which can be used to directly underpin management decisions. This will provide river basin managers with a powerful tool to assess the potential impact of sedimentary sinks as secondary sources of water pollution in European rivers, a key requirement to meet the challenges of the Water Framework Directive.

Keywords: sediment source tracing,sediment residence time,fallout radionuclides,contaminated sediment,historic mining pollution,river basins,physical geography,hydrology (water science)
Quantum control and error correction with discrete and continuous variables (QCEC)

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-2010-IEF, 2010)
Start date: 2012-01-01
End date: 2013-12-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 164300.0
EU funding (EUR): 164300.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The goal of the project is to develop novel methods for quantum control and error correction with discrete and continuous quantum variables. The scope of investigation includes quantum feedback control, quantum control through dissipation, approximate quantum error correction, and fault-tolerant quantum computation. Some of the topics aim at developing novel tools for both discrete and continuous quantum variables while others are targeted specifically at the continuous-variable case. The project will allow the applicant to extend his expertise in quantum information and control to continuous-variable systems through developing advanced conceptual and methodological tools at the forefront of the field. The project contains four main work packages (WPs). WP1 aims at developing a theory of quantum feedback control for the task of implementing a given (generally stochastic) quantum operation. It is based on the idea of reducing any protocol to an effective Markovian stochastic process over the ball of normalized superoperators. WP2 aims at developing a framework for analyzing quantum control via dissipation in continuous-variable systems by characterizing the stable solutions of Markovian dynamics in infinite dimensions. It will also develop methods for remodelling the asymptotic solutions of a Markovian process by adding a suitably engineered Markovian term to it. The goal of WP3 is to develop a theory of approximate quantum error correction for continuous quantum variables. The theory will be used to answer important open problems about error correction with Gaussianity constraints. WP4 will investigate the possibility for continuous-variable fault-tolerant quantum computation. One of its goals is to develop techniques to overcome diffusive noise. The thresholds for different types of continuous-variable errors or the intolerance against insurmountable errors will be quantified. Possible experimental applications of the different work packages will also be studied.

Keywords: quantum information,quantum control,quantum error correction,continuous variables,open quantum systems,continuous measurements,fault-tolerant quantum computation
Epigenetic regulation of the sex chromosomes and male infertility (EPIGEFXY)

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-2010-IEF, 2010)
Start date: 2012-01-01
End date: 2013-12-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 185248.0
EU funding (EUR): 185248.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Human infertility affects ~15% of couples, each partner being equally likely to be affected. Sperm differentiation anomalies such as sperm absence, malformation or reduced motility, are commonly found in infertile men but their cause remains unknown in ~75% of the cases. In mammals, sperm differentiation requires a high proportion of genes located on the sex chromosomes and a tight epigenetic control of their expression. Alterations of the epigenetic marks associated with these spermiogenic genes are expected to contribute significantly to male infertility. The aim of our proposal is to understand the epigenetic regulation of sex chromosomes during sperm differentiation and its impact on male infertility. We will first investigate this process using innovative mouse models; we will then apply knowledge obtained from studies of mice to the study of human physiopathology. The long-term goal is to determine if abnormal epigenetic regulation of spermiogenic genes is at the basis of unexplained cases of human infertility. Through the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), the genetic and epigenetic causes of infertility may now be transmitted to subsequent generations, even in cases of severe spermiogenic failure. Between 1 to 4% of children born in the EU are conceived with the help of ART, and recent studies suggest that alterations in the epigenetic program of the father’s germ cells (in case of spermiogenic defects or exposure to environmental factors such as endocrine disruptors) are responsible for a higher incidence in birth defects. A better knowledge of the epigenetic events occurring during spermatogenesis is therefore of critical importance. This proposal will allow an experienced UK-based postdoctoral fellow to join a French team studying human infertilities. There, she will acquire expertise in epigenetics and human reproductive biology and considerably improve her chances of becoming an independent investigator in the near future.

Keywords: natural sciences,health sciences,male infertility,mouse,human,epigenetic regulation,spermatogenesis,sex chromosomes
Cytoskeleton architecture in host cells during Listeria infection using cryo-electron tomography (3DCELLART)

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-2010-IEF, 2010)
Start date: 2012-01-01
End date: 2013-12-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 162242.4
EU funding (EUR): 162242.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Bacterial infection into host cells is an important and highly active field of research. Understanding the interactions and the distribution of the host-cell scaffolding protein network during bacterial entry poses a major challenge. The molecular architecture of actin comet tails, filamentous structures assembled by internalized bacteria to move inside the host-cell cytoplasm and from cell-to-cell, remains unknown. Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) is the most advanced method for visualizing the architecture of hydrated cells at a resolution better than 5 nm. Cryo-ET will be used to visualize the three dimensional (3D) cytoskeleton reorganization directly in eukaryotic cells infected by Listeria. Measurements will be performed at cryo-temperatures, on vitrified cell samples preserved in a close-to-life state. Specimen thickness limitations will be overcome by the use of the focused ion beam (FIB) micro-machining method, to obtain 500 nm thick samples as required for the collection of good data. Cryo-ET will be combined with correlative cryo-fluorescence microscopy, to localize the scaffolding components recruited during Listeria uptake and motility: host-cell actin, septin and clathrin. We expect to achieve nanometer resolution maps of the cell area of interest. The distribution and the ultrastructure of the cytoskeletal scaffold at Listeria entry and of Listeria actin comet tails will be provided. The work will provide unprecedented insight into cytoskeleton architecture during bacterial pathogenesis. The applicant obtained her PhD at a structural biology institute in France. Joining the Baumeister laboratory in Germany, and collaborating with the Cossart group, will allow her to address new challenging questions on the structural organisation of the cell, at unprecedented resolution. The acquired combination of skills at a world-class level will contribute significantly to her professional maturity, and to increase the competitiveness of European science.

Keywords: correlative cryo-electron/fluorescence microscopy,listeria infection,3d architecture,cytoskeleton,actin comet tail,focused ion beam
Investigation of Cooperative Phenomena on the Atomistic Level (ICPAL)

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: Germany
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IOF, 2010)
Start date: 2012-01-01
End date: 2016-05-24
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 221920.0
EU funding (EUR): 221920.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Cooperative phenomena are ubiquitous in science. They occur when a sufficient number of particles interact and lead to phenomena that can only be explained by taking into account the whole ensemble. It is a fundamental, but still open, question how these cooperative phenomena begin and how the transition from single particle movement to hydrodynamics takes place. This question becomes increasingly relevant with nanotechnological applications reaching smaller and smaller scales. The proposed project puts forward an investigation of cooperative phenomena on the atomistic level. The proposed fellow will use an interdisciplinary approach to employ both computer simulations (outgoing host: University of California, Berkeley) and experiments (return host: Max-Planck-Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, Germany). The experiments will be conducted using "complex plasmas", which consist of micrometer-sized particles suspended in a weakly ionized gas. The particles can be visualized individually, allowing an investigation of their movement on the atomistic level. The fellow has already conducted experiments with mesoscopic complex plasmas on fluid effects and hydrodynamic instabilities. She will first build upon these studies and complement them with MD simulations of the particle movement. Then the fellow will use the expertise gained in the first simulations to numerically study the transition to hydrodynamics and the onset of cooperative phenomena. Finally, these simulations will be used to make predictions for additional experimental studies. This will make possible a comprehensive view of the underlying phenomena. This multidisciplinary project will add to the scientific and complementary skills of the fellow and significantly broaden the understanding of fluid physics on small scales. This way, the fellow will increase the knowledge in this interesting topic, transfer know-how to Europe and help Europe remain at the cutting edge of this fundamental research area.

Keywords: physical sciences,computational physics,plasma physics,complex plasmas,hydrodynamics,cooperative phenomena
Mimicry of biology supramolecular logics towards self-assembly of artificial components for life (SELFBIOLOGICS)

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: Netherlands
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IOF, 2010)
Start date: 2011-04-01
End date: 2014-03-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 246360.8
EU funding (EUR): 246360.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Whether a cell adheres to the extracellular matrix, or biological signals propagate within and between cells, highly selective interactions occur between the molecular ‘partners’ that materialize the process. Supramolecular chemistry studies the basic features of these interactions (knowledge) and their implementation for the design of non-natural systems (technology). This field bridges molecular chemistry and physics with biology, providing a interdisciplinary platform to understand biological structure (self-assembly) and function (recognition, reactivity and transport). Peptides that self-assemble in ordered nanostructures are a particular case of supramolecular chemistry. Peptides possess the biocompatibility and chemical diversity found in proteins, being particularly interesting for regenerative medicine and nanomedicine. Until now, peptide self-assembly systems have been studied individually. However, biological structures form in highly dense and heterogeneous molecular environments, such as the cytosol and extracellular matrix. The main scientific objective of this project is to recreate part of this complexity, by creating multi-component peptide self-assembly systems that form independent nano-assemblies in the same physical space. These systems will be used to provide technological solutions for the regeneration of ischemic neuronal tissues (artificial extracellular matrix) and the refined release of growth factors (capsules). These systems are also designed to be intermediate steps towards much more challenging future career objectives, namely cell-like bioreactors with the ability of protein production, self-maintenance or, even, self-replication. The beauty of this endeavor is that in the way towards such challenging scientific objectives, quite promising technological solutions can be derived, benefiting mankind health and welfare in ways that at the moment can just be painted with the faint colors of our imagination.

Keywords: supramolecular structures,nanobiotechnology,biomaterial engineering,nanodevices,molecular design,regenerative medicine,synthetic biology,molecular self-assembly,controlled drug release
Fairground Attraction - Molecular Machines (FRACTION)

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-2010-IEF, 2010)
Start date: 2011-04-01
End date: 2013-03-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 201049.6
EU funding (EUR): 201049.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

We will construct molecular assemblies (machines) of unprecedented complexity leading to unique function. The machines will be anchored to surfaces, like their macroscopic counterparts, and are molecular variants of familiar fairground attractions the ‘Big Wheel’ and ‘Teacups’ ride. The functional units which make up the assemblies are phthalocyanines and porphyrins such that they are themselves multichromophore arrays designed to allow energy and electron transport to and from a metal surface. There are possible applications of these structures including potential for multielectron processes of relevance for new generation energy capture systems, molecular computing, data storage and security. The challenge is to construct, in a controlled manner, complex assemblies using recently described chemistry from the hosting group as a starting point. This new chemistry, which allows the controlled construction and functionalisation of silicon, gemanium and boryl macrocycles, makes such assemblies achievable for the first time. The molecules are aesthetically beautiful and likely to capture the imagination of the wider scientific community. Characterisation and evaluation of these entities will be a crucial aspect of this programme and will be important to determine the potential of this approach for constructing functional molecular device components. Surface bound assemblies/machines will be characterised spectroscopically, electrically and microscopically. Preliminary function will be interrogated using time resolved spectroscopy, electrochemistry and interfacial charge injection processes, and spectroelectrochemistry. The programme combines high-impact research with exposure to wide-ranging training and experience. In addition to new synthetic techniques and protocols, the researcher will be the link-point in a multidisciplinary project, gaining exposure to advanced characterisation techniques, surface science and microscopy, photochemistry and device applications.

Keywords: supramolecular chemistry,nanoscience,organic synthesis,materials,phthalocyanines and porphyrins