Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Identification of new causative genes for congenital hypothyroidism (THYROGENE)

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: 2010-03-01
End date: 2012-02-29
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 241289.6
EU funding (EUR): 241289.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is the most common neonatal metabolic disorder and, if untreated, results in severe neuro-developmental impairment and infertility. CH is genetically heterogeneous and causative genes identified so far account only for a minority of cases. Therefore many genes causing CH still remain unknown. This project aims to identify new causative genes for CH by combining autozygosity mapping and positional-candidate gene cloning strategies. For this purpose we have already assembled a large cohort of consanguineous families with CH and to achieve the goals of this project we plan to execute the following studies on the samples collected: i) the exclusion of known causative-loci by linkage analysis; ii) genome-wide linkage scan and autozygosity mapping studies for the determination of novel loci in families not linked to any known-locus; iii) direct sequencing and mutation analysis of novel candidate genes in newly mapped regions. State-of-the-art laboratory technologies such as high resolution SNP arrays and high-throughput sequencing will be exploited for the execution of tasks. Our initial results indicated that our cohort includes several families suitable for mapping novel loci and genes for CH. Identification of new CH genes through this study would enhance the diagnosis and classification of the disease and may provide novel insights into thyroid physiology as well as into molecular mechanisms underlying the disease. This in turn might lead to the development of new diagnostic and management strategies for hypothyroidism. This project meets a relatively new EU aim and focus to increase understanding of rare disease conditions with a potential of leading to new preventive approaches for these diseases. If supported, this fellowship will be a major milestone for the fellow’s transition from clinics to research as well as for establishing himself in an emerging field.

Keywords: congenital hypothyroidism,molecular genetics,autosomal recessive,chng,consanguineous,autozygosity mapping,gene identification,microsatellite markers,snp array,dna sequencing
Large QED effects in free space (FREE SPACE QED)

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-2009-IEF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-09-01
End date: 2012-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 162622.8
EU funding (EUR): 162622.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

We propose to deepen the understanding Quantum-Electro-Dynamics (QED) effects by investigating theoretically and experimentally various aspects of light matter interactions at the single-atom single-photon level. The work-horse of the experimental work will be a single Barium ion trapped and cooled in front of large aperture optical elements. We will demonstrate efficient coupling between a single trapped ion and its own resonance fluorescence using a very high numerical aperture spherical mirror (from NA=0.4 to NA=1), and investigate the underlying energy shifts, changes in spontaneous emission and atomic motional states. Using this set-up, we plan to investigate the discrepancy between experiment and theory of free space coupling, and anticipate that our experiment will provide solid grounds and motivation for that. We will also implement sideband cooling on the quadrupole transition and measure the vibrational ground state using Electromagnetically Induced Transparency (EIT), which has the potential to yield a quantum-noise-limited read out of atomic motion. Last, collective level shifts and super-radiant effects between two ions will be investigated in a linear Paul trap. We wish to solve issues that quantum technology addresses and deals with both timely subjects such as basic components for quantum networks and light-matter interfaces at a quantum level and fundamental questions of quantum optics.

Keywords: physical sciences,atomic physics,quantum mechanics,optics,radiation physics,microscopy,quantum field theory,spectroscopy,precision engineering
Evidence-based risk management in global software development projects (E-RISK)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Incoming Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IIF, 2009)
Start date: 2011-06-01
End date: 2013-05-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 234089.6
EU funding (EUR): 234089.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

This proposal is to enable Professor June Verner, who is recognised as a leading researcher in project failure, global software engineering and project management, to work with the leading internationally recognized research group in evidence-based software engineering at Keele University. The project will produce a set of guidelines to assist project managers in the identification of risks relating to global software development (GSD) and to recommend ways in which the risks can be addressed, minimised or mitigated within different project contexts, based upon high quality empirical evidence. The project will also deliver a software tool for use by GSD project managers. The project will therefore reduce the high failure rate of GSD projects. Essential to the success of the project is the training of both the research fellow and the project team at the host institution. The project will facilitate the transfer of invaluable knowledge relating to GSD and its associated risks to Europe and form the basis of a long-term collaboration between the researchers. In addition, the research fellow will receive training in evidence-based software engineering techniques, including systematic literature reviews, which can be used within teaching and research, and also benefit software practice in Australia.

Keywords: software development,project risk,evidence-based software engineering
Ecology and Evolution of Shifting Range Margins in Glacier-fed Streams (SHIRMAN)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Incoming Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IIF, 2009)
Start date: 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

Ongoing climate change is resulting in an unprecedented rate and direction of species range shifts. Despite the urgent need to understand controls on and consequences of range shifts, little empirical work has been done. Glacier-fed streams provide an ideal ecological observatory for monitoring the dynamics of the leading edges of shifting ranges as glaciers rapidly recede and make available new stream habitat. The main objective of the proposed research is to use a novel blend of evolutionary and ecological tools to evaluate key influences on the shifting locations of range margins in glacier-fed streams. A secondary objective is to infer the outcome of upward range shifts on regional-scale patterns of stream biodiversity. The project comprises 4 main tasks. First, we select a glacial region (from a list of many of high potential) to accomplish a statistically robust study design for evaluating range margin vs. long-term stable locations. We do this for three target species – an insect primary and secondary consumer and a salmonid top predator – each with evidence of upward-shifting range margins. Second, we evaluate using molecular markers the recent demographic history of the primary consumer at range margin vs. long-term stable sites. Third, we analyse carbon stable-isotope ratios of each of the three target species to understand degree of feeding opportunism at the margin vs. stable sites. Fourth, we use species and genetic diversity estimates to test an existing hypothesis that upward-shifting ranges cause decreasing regional-scale (beta) diversity in higher-altitude streams. We hypothesize that limiting conditions present at the margins will yield a signal of demographic instability (bottleneck/founder events) and opportunistic feeding. The combination of methods in the study will provide a synthetic understanding of range margin dynamics and will stimulate research ideas in other ecosystems.

Keywords: climate change,species range,range margins,glacial streams,stable isotopes,microsatellites,population genetics,macroinvertebrates,salmonids
Nanoengineering of self-forming diffusion barriers for interconnect technologies (NANOS.BIT)

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): 173240.8
EU funding (EUR): 173240.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

At present, copper is the material of choice in the current processing technology for advanced semiconductor devices interconnects. However, the high diffusion rate between copper and silicon or silicon oxides requires the development of physical barriers to prevent interdiffusion across the interfaces. The thickness of the currently used barriers makes them an unviable option as the semiconductor industry moves from the 45 nm node to 32 nm and beyond, and alternative approaches are required. Some groups have proposed the use of the so called self-forming barriers, which have the potential to overcome the shortcomings of the current approaches. The aim of this project is to characterize and understand the formation of self-forming diffusion barriers layers for transistor interconnects and to optimize the creation process for future generations of device technology, in the framework of a network of European collaborations involving leading laboratories. With this purpose, the candidate will develop and apply a methodology of analysis based on electron beam related techniques in order to study these structures and interfaces at the atomic scale. Among others, aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy and three dimensional characterization techniques will allow the structure; composition and homogeneity of the barrier layers to be investigated while still remain sandwiched. A promising new technique that will be applied to this system will be scanning confocal electron microscopy (SCEM), which in theory is ideally suited to analytical work on systems with extended planar geometries. Indeed, the researcher in charge at the University of Oxford, is a world reference of leadership in the use of high resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy and in the development of SCEM. This stay abroad will provide the candidate a maturity and an expertise level in this scientific field, essential to develop an independent research career.

Keywords: technological sciences,physical sciences
Development and characterisation of novel materials for hydrogen storage (MATERHY)

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: Norway
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IIF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-08-03
End date: 2012-08-02
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 204568.0
EU funding (EUR): 204568.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Hydrogen storage is considered to be the key challenge in achieving a hydrogen-based economy. The long-term solution for many applications like in vehicles is hydrogen storage in solid materials. Light-weight complex hydrides are considered as the most promising materials. This proposal is focused on hydrogen storage in selected novel boron-based complex hydrides based on alkali and 3d/4d transition metals, so-called mixed borohydrides. The proposal addresses synthesis of novel compounds by advanced ball milling, characterisation with respect to thermodynamics, kinetics and structure and studies of the effect of catalysts. The researcher from Hiroshima University has a significant competence in methodology related to ball milling and thermal characterisation of novel complex hydrides. The host institution, IFE, has a significant experience in hydrogen storage materials, and in particular structural studies of such compounds. A major goal of the project is a transfer of knowledge related to novel methods for synthesis and thermal characterisation.

Keywords: hydrogen storage,energy storage,hydrogen energy systems
Problems in Extremal Graph Theory (PROEXGRA)

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: 2010-10-01
End date: 2014-10-02
Duration (months): 34.0
Total project cost (EUR): 165540.8
EU funding (EUR): 165540.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Graph theory is a modern branch of mathematics that has developed during the 20th century. Graphs allow us to model real life situations such as social networks, telecommunication networks or road networks. In order to fully understand which are the most relevent properties for graphs, one has to investigate how different properties of graphs interact. This is the core of extremal graph theory. One very natural question in the field is what parameters enforce the existence of a given particular subgraph. More generally, embedding problems seek sufficient condition a graph (or digraph) needs to have in order to contain a given subgraph. Roughly speaking Ramsey theory states that `complete disorder is impossible&apos;. In many cases, this means that if a structure which is arbitrarily partitioned in several pieces, a specific substructure is completely contained in one of these pieces. Within the project, we aim to solve several important problems in the above areas using probabilistic techniques such as the Regularity lemma.

Keywords: discrete mathematics,graph embeddings,directed graphs,ramsey theory
Role of Ebf3 in the distribution of Cajal-Retzius cells (NEUROMIGRATION)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Intra-European Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: France
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IEF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-11-01
End date: 2012-10-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 230247.2
EU funding (EUR): 230247.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Cell migration is a fundamental process during mammalian brain development since all neurons migrate to their final location. Cajal-Retzius (CR) cells are transient neurons that control the laminar organization of the cerebral cortex and form a monolayer at its the surface. It has been shown that CR cells are generated by focal sources surrounding the cerebral cortex and disperse on its surface. However, how the monolayer distribution of CR cells is achieved during development and what cell contacts are involved remains largely unknown. By candidate approach, we have recently shown that the inactivation of the transcription factor Ebf3 leads to a normal spreading of CR cells, followed by an abnormal local agglutination. The goal of this project is to unravel the mechanisms controlling CR cells distribution. To this aim, we will perform a detailed study of Ebf3 function in migration and adhesion by combining: i) phenotypic analyses of mutant mice; ii) cortical time-lapse imaging studies and ex-vivo contact inhibition assays comparing the behaviour of wild-type, mutant, and Ebf3-overexpressing CR cells; iii) cell-sorting and comparative transcriptome profiling. In parallel, to determine how CR cells interact with their environment we will set up a new approach to visualize cell contacts. We will take advantage of a strategy developed in worms and drosophila that relies on the reconstitution in trans of two membrane-bound fragments of the green fluorescent protein (GFP). These two fragments are not fluorescent, but upon physical interaction, they form a fluorescent GFP, thereby providing an on/off system to visualize physical interactions of CR cells with other CR cells or with surrounding cortical structures. Overall, this project will provide new insights on the mechanisms controlling CR cells distribution and on Ebf3 function in brain development. Furthermore, it will generate novel and essential tools to analyze cell/cell physical interactions in mammals.

Keywords: neurobiology,brain,development,neocortex,cajal-retzius cells,migration,genetics,mouse
Regulation of innate immunity in the female reproductive tract (RIIFERT)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Incoming Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IIF, 2009)
Start date: 2011-01-10
End date: 2013-01-09
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 173240.8
EU funding (EUR): 173240.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Implantation failure after natural mating or in vitro fertilization may be due to either embryo or endometrial factors. Recent evidence suggests that sub-clinical infection, inflammation or malfunctions of the immune system in the female reproductive tract (FRT) are major causes of implantation failure. Toll like receptors (TLRs) have been shown to have a key role in the induction of immune and inflammatory responses in mammals. TLRs are the main family of pattern recognition receptors, they recognise pathogen-associated molecular pattern and constitute a major part of the innate immune system. We have demonstrated the presence and distribution of TLRs in the human FRT and we have also reported cyclical expression of TLRs during the menstrual cycle in the human endometrium. TLRs expression and function is also affected by sex hormones in endometrial cell lines. Finally using in vitro assays of human implantation, it is clear that activation of TLR5 leads to a reduction in binding of human trophoblast cells to endometrium. Indicative of the role that this molecule plays in mediating human implantation process. We aim to systemically investigate the effect of sex hormones on expression and function of TLR5 in Human endometrial cells. We hypothesise that alteration of sex hormones in the environment of endometrial cells will result in alterations of TLR5 expression and function. Using a TLR5 gene-reporter system, TLR5-eGFP system and microfluditics we aim to construct an in vitro model for systemic analysis of TLR5 gene expression, protein production and function in endometrial cells in the presence of different combinations and concentrations of sex hormones. Data obtained will be used to establish an in silico model to predict alterations in expression and function of TLR5 at different stages of reproductive cycle, in health and disease. Such an in silico model will have diverse applications in improving diagnosis, treatment and care for infertility patients.

Keywords: innate immunity,toll-like receptors,genetical engineering,systems biology,reproductive biology
Utilitarian Fiction: Bentham's View of Language in its Theoretical and Historical Context (UTILITARIANFICTION)

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: 2010-09-01
End date: 2012-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 232589.6
EU funding (EUR): 232589.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) is very well known for his utilitarian ethics. However, he based his ethical views on a specific conception of language and mind. The project aims at giving a new account of Bentham’s philosophy of language, in its connection both with Bentham’s more known utilitarian claims in ethics, political theory and philosophy of law, and with the broad context of the Enlightenment debate on ethics, language and mind in Europe. This new account will be based on Bentham’s original manuscripts concerning philosophy of language and logic. These manuscripts have been very poorly edited in the 19th century edition of Bentham’s work, and this fact distorted the received view of Benham’s ideas on language. Bentham’s ideas on language have not yet received a comprehensive and satisfactory treatment, both from a conceptual point of view and from a historical perspective. A typescript of the original materials has been recently prepared at the Bentham Project, University College London, in the preliminary operations for the new authoritative edition of Bentham’s work on language, which has not yet been published. The research will take this typescript as its main ground, and will contribute to the the work needed for the new edition of Bentham’s writings on logic and language. Moreover, a detailed study of Bentham’s explicit and implicit sources in British and French thought will be conducted. In particular, three groups of authors will be considered: British Empiricists such as Locke, Hume, and Berkeley; French Enlighteners such as D’Alembert and Condillac; authors engaged in the discussion about language, grammar and etymology in Britain, such as James Harris and John Horne Tooke. These authors are explicitly mentioned by Bentham. Moreover, an inquiry of the semiotic tradition present in Hobbes’ philosophy of language and its influence on Bentham will be conducted. Finally, a view of the relations between language and ethics in Bentham will be produced.

Keywords: humanities,philosophy,moral philosophy,semiotics,philosophy of law