Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in human adrenal chromaffin cells (NRHACC)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Incoming Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Spain
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IIF, 2012)
Start date: 2013-07-29
End date: 2015-07-28
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 166336.2
EU funding (EUR): 166336.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) containing the alpha6 subunit have been implicated in neurological and psychiatric conditions including Parkinson’s and nicotinic dependence. Despite their potential therapeutic importance, little is known about the biophysical properties of these receptors in part because of their restricted tissue distribution and poor expression in heterologous systems. Nevertheless, a recent report by Dr. Albillos’ laboratory demonstrated that the alpha6beta4 subtype is the main nAChR expressed in human adrenal chromaffin cells. This seminal report constitutes the only functional demonstration of native human alpha6beta4 nAChRs and represents a timely opportunity to gain valuable insights into its biophysical properties and to further our understanding of this receptors involvement in the stimulus-secretion response of chromaffin cells. This proposal intends to characterize the biophysical properties of native human alpha6beta4 nAChRs, their interaction with mitochondria via calcium, and their functional regulation by reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by mitochondria under pathological conditions. The specific aims of this proposal are: 1) to characterize the alpha6-containing nAChR subtype(s) present in human adrenal chromaffin cells and to investigate the regulation of their expression by nicotine; 2) to study the functional interaction between alpha6beta4 nAChRs and mitochondria; 3) the regulation of this nAChR subtype by mitochondrial ROS.

Keywords: human adrenal chromaffin cells,alpha6 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors,conopeptide,calcium signaling,mitochondria
Catalysis driven Manufacture and patterning of Graphene at the nanoscale using probe technologies. (CAMGRAPH)

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-2012-IEF, 2012)
Start date: 2013-05-01
End date: 2015-04-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 221606.4
EU funding (EUR): 221606.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Graphene is now a leader among new super-materials poised to transform the electronics and nanotechnology landscape. Specifically, graphene nanoribbons are purported to enable a host of applications such as superfast electronics. However, problems associated with large scale growth and patterning of graphene akin to silicon components constitute one of the main obstacles to using this material in device applications. I address this challenge by proposing a disruptive and novel method to produce graphene nanoribbons directly on arbitrary substrates via a unique probe-based nanomanufacturing approach that combines nanoscale catalysis and nanomechanical exfoliation for a scalable, manufacturable process. This would be a very significant enabler for large scale manufacturing of high performance graphene devices, as this would allow us not only to make standard graphene devices, but also allow one to rework or repair existing chips, create wearable electronics and pattern on arbitrary substrates such as plastics. This work will be carried out in a high-impact group with unique yet complementary expertise.

Keywords: g311 materials engineering,chem,c126 new materials,c102 nanochemistry,c128 nanomaterials,graphene,patterning,atomic force microscopy,tip enhanced raman spectroscopy
Exploring the Formation and Adaptation of the Brain Connectome (FABRIC)

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-2012-IEF, 2012)
Start date: 2013-08-01
End date: 2015-07-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 179137.2
EU funding (EUR): 179137.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Endeavors to explicate the architecture and functional capacities of the human brain confront its vast complexity most pronouncedly when describing the interactions and interconnections of its neuronal processing units. Efforts in this direction gave rise to the notion of connectomics, research investigating large-scale interactions mediated by axonal fibers (structural connections) or characterized by causality or co-activation of distributed domains (functional connections). The processes that shape the connectome into its mature form or the mechanisms that underlie the dynamics of re-organization during disease are yet poorly understood. They are important for both basic research and in a clinical context. The aim of the proposed project is to construct and utilize an image processing framework for studying the dynamically shaping structural and functional brain networks. The project will focus two phenomena that offer insights into related mechanisms from different perspectives: the developing brain during in utero maturation and the re-organizing brain during adaptive processes. The project FABRIC will build on recent advances in fetal functional magnetic resonance imaging techniques including the breakthrough in observing resting state networks in fetuses. Diffusion tractography will be utilized to explore the emergence of large-scale anatomical pathways that presumably render information exchange channels for the forming of functional activity. These observations will be integrated into a temporal atlas of fetal connectome development. In the clinical setting, we will investigate the influence of fetal neurodevelopmental diseases and adult brain tumors on the structural and functional network topology. Ultimately the project will result in insights into the relationship of functional and structural connectivity during development and re-organization, providing for surrogate markers for clinical evaluation, function loss, and neurodevelopmental diseases.

Keywords: l510 neuroimaging and computational neuroscience
Towards Long-lived and Efficient Organic Light-emitting Electrochemical Cells (LEOLEC)

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-2012-IEF, 2012)
Start date: 2013-04-01
End date: 2015-01-12
Duration (months): 18.0
Total project cost (EUR): 154763.1
EU funding (EUR): 154763.1
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Conventional incandescent lamps are being phased out in Europe due to their low energy efficiency. Organic light-emitting electrochemical cells (OLECs) are potentially a promising alternative to them. This proposal aims to tackle two major challenges currently limiting practical applications of OLECs, i.e. their relatively short lifetime and low efficiency. The short lifetime of OLECs is due to the fact that the illumination zone is positioned close to the cathode. We have designed several experiments to examine possible causes for this close-to-cathode illumination zone. A better understanding of the reason for the close-to-cathode illumination position could help to increase the device lifetime. In terms of efficiency, the host group has recently demonstrated a novel approach to significantly improve the efficiency of white-light organic light-emitting diodes by incorporating biological materials into the device. We propose to extend this promising approach to OLECs. We will also perform photophysical experiments to examine the exact function of the biological materials. A better understanding of physics behind efficiency improvement will help to improve the device efficiency further. In addition to the research objectives, the proposal also aims to train the fellow with new knowledge and skills which are necessary for him to reach his medium- and long- term career goals by means of the personalised project. The fellow will also expect to gain transferable skills (including leadership skills, teaching skills, etc.) through attending workshops and teaching courses for PhD students. The proposed project falls directly under ‘European Organic and Large Area Electronics’ of the 7th Framework Programme, which underlines the relevance of the work. By addressing two challenges currently faced by the OLEC research community, the expected research findings will enhance the European Research Area competitiveness.

Keywords: p214 molecular electronics,p302 physical chemistry,p205 electronic properties of materials and transport,p219 biophysics,light-emitting devices,electrochemistry,spectroscopy
Climate and nutrient impacts on lake biodiversity and ecosystem functioning (CLIMBING)

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: Denmark
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IEF, 2012)
Start date: 2013-05-01
End date: 2015-04-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 308587.8
EU funding (EUR): 308587.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Freshwater biodiversity is declining at an alarming and unprecedented rate due to the concomitant impact of several anthropogenic pressures. Recent studies indicate that climate change will markedly exacerbate eutrophication problems through a complex set of mechanisms yet to be clarified. The additive effects of climate change and eutrophication may further deteriorate freshwater biodiversity and induce a major shift in ecosystem metabolism towards stronger emission of greenhouse gases. Thus, the objective of the proposed project is to gain much needed insight into how a changing climate interacts with nutrient supply to alter the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem metabolism in lakes. The project will employ and integrate multifaceted approaches at a range of spatial and temporal scales and use ecoinformatics to assess drivers and predict responses: a) the world’s longest running freshwater ecosystem mesocosm experiment; b) time-series analysis of data; c) a unique European spatial scale dataset; and d) new module-based lake models. The project will provide novel insights on key questions: How do temperature and nutrient interplay to affect the relationship between lake biodiversity and ecosystem metabolism across short and long temporal and large-scale spatial gradients? Which shifts in biodiversity and ecosystem functioning can be expected under climate and eutrophication future scenarios? My training and career development objectives include: 1) to acquire new competences in the forefront of ecological research (ecosystem processes, global change ecology, macroecology) and the most novel methodologies within ecology research (e.g. ecoinformatics, large-scale mesocosm manipulation); 2) to strengthen my publication record; 3) to strengthen my project management and dissemination skills; together leading to my establishment as a leading senior researcher, with my own research group, transferring my knowledge to the institution where I establish.

Keywords: v302 biodiversity - comparative biology,v305 ecology,climate change,lake,eutrophication,ecosystem functioning,metabolism,global change ecology,ecoinformatics,macroecology,phytoplankton,size structure
Decompression and fragmentation of andesitic magmas during explosive events at open-vent volcanoes (DFAM)

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-2012-IEF, 2012)
Start date: 2013-06-16
End date: 2015-06-15
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 231283.2
EU funding (EUR): 231283.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Some andesitic volcanoes at subduction plate margins experience periods of sub-continuous eruption during years, decades, or centuries (open-vent activity periods). Such long-lived periods typically include outgassing events, extrusion of viscous lava flows and domes, and explosive activity of low to moderate intensity. This background activity can be disrupted by violent explosive events of short duration (violent strombolian to subplinian in style), with potential generation of pyroclastic flows. In populated areas these explosions may be highly hazardous because they take place with little or no warning during ongoing open-vent activity. The conditions of magma transfer and controls on fragmentation associated with both the background explosive phases and the paroxysmal events are poorly constrained. To address these questions we propose to combine (1) morphological studies of particles from tephra fall deposits of background and paroxysmal explosive eruptions of Tungurahua volcano (Ecuador) which have known an open-vent activity period since 1999 with (2) analogue decompression experiments of 3-phase flows. Quantitative analyses of the shape and surface structure of pyroclastic material will be performed using innovative tools for morphological analyses (Malvern Morphologi G3 instrument for the study of the shape, and MeX metrology software for the 3D analysis of the surface roughness). The decompression experiments will be set up using a viscous solution of acetone, gum-rosin and particles to simulate the ascent of an expanding 3-phase flow. The morphology data and the analogue experiments will allow us to decipher the fragmentation mechanisms and to investigate the physical conditions of magma ascent in the conduit to the surface. This work will inform not only hazard assessment for andesitic volcanoes but will also help to constrain source terms for models of ash dispersion from volcanic plumes.

Keywords: volcanology,open-vent,andesitic volcanism,magma transfer,pyroclasts,morphology,analogue experiments
Observation of the Higgs production mode in the ttH channel at ATLAS (ATLASTTH)

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-2012-IEF, 2012)
Start date: 2014-01-01
End date: 2016-01-14
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 231283.2
EU funding (EUR): 231283.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

On the 4th of July 2012, the ATLAS and CMS experiments at CERN independently announced the discovery of a “Higgs-like” particle. This remarkable discovery is of tremendous importance to our understanding of the Universe. The discovered particle cannot yet be confirmed as the Higgs boson because several of its properties must be measured and compared with the theoretical predictions. In the proposed programme, the fellow aims to address the nature of the “Higgs-like” particle by measuring some of its properties by analysing the proton-proton collision data collected by the ATLAS experiment. He will work on the observation of Higgs production in association with a pair of top quarks (ttH) followed by the Higgs decay to bottom quarks (H->bb). The observation of this challenging channel will be possible with the large dataset being accumulated in 2012. The analysis performed on this channel will contribute to the measurement of the Higgs coupling to the top and bottom quarks. The fellow will use the same channel to measure the CP parity of the particle, a key parameter for confirming its nature. The fellowship will be carried out in the Particle Physics group within the Physics Department at Royal Holloway University of London. The group was one of the founding members of the ATLAS collaboration in 1992 and has a broad research programme. In particular the host has a strong experience in Higgs and top physics which are both relevant for the project. This fellowship will allow the candidate to restart his research career in particle physics. During the two years of the project, the fellow will learn all tools and techniques required for completing an analysis in the ATLAS experiment, and more in general for working at LHC. By the end of the Fellowship will be an independent and experienced researcher.

Keywords: atlas,tth,higgs
Regulation of Clathrin-mediated Endocytosis by AP2 complexes (CME-REG)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Outgoing Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IOF, 2012)
Start date: 2013-07-01
End date: 2017-11-01
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 282561.0
EU funding (EUR): 282561.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The plasma membrane represents the interface between cells and their neighborhood, mediating diverse processes such as cell–cell communication, cell–matrix interactions and uptake of nutrients. As a result, clathrin mediated endocytosis (CME) has a central role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and function and mis-regulation of endocytic traffic is linked to many human diseases. Yet, the mechanisms regulating CME remain poorly understood. We aim to define the role(s) of the adaptor protein-2 (AP2) in regulating CME. Using state-of-the-art molecular cell biology including siRNA knockdown and reconstitution through bicistronic retroviral mediated transfections, as well as genome editing we will generate stable cell lines expressing WT and functionally defined AP2 mutants. These will be analyzed by live cell total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, in combination with sophisticated particle tracking algorithms and mathematical analyses to measure effects on discrete early stages of CME. We will determine how PI4,5P2, cargo, clathrin and endocytic accessory factor binding to AP2, as well as phosphorylation events trigger conformational changes in AP2 to regulate initial events in clathrin coated pit (CCP) assembly, stabilization of nascent CCPs and their maturation. Together these studies will test the hypothesis that allosteric conformational changes in AP2 play a central role in regulating early, critical events in CME. These interdisciplinary studies benefit from combining and transferring the most up-to-date experimental techniques and expertise in molecular cell biology, structural biology, microscopy, and mathematics. The collaboration between outgoing and European host ensures the expertise necessary to accomplish this complex goal. Most importantly it gives an opportunity to the applicant for training and career development in leading research institutions under the guidance of mentors who are world experts in their respective fields.

Keywords: endocytosis,clathrin,adaptor protein-2,endocytic accessory proteins,conformational changes,pi-4,live-cell microscopy,clathrin coated pits,particle tracking algorithms
Light-induced spatiotemporal control of membrane fusion for targeted therapy (LISCOMF)

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-2012-IEF, 2012)
Start date: 2013-10-01
End date: 2015-09-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 175974.6
EU funding (EUR): 175974.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Targeted therapy remains one of the greatest challenges in modern medicine. In response, I propose synthetic, liposomal vectors capable of delivering diverse and clinically relevant therapies to targeted sites in the body, whose therapeutic action is triggered exclusively by applied light. This approach challenges traditional approaches to targeted vector-based therapies and addresses the common failings of existing technologies. The use of light as a stimulus for therapy makes this technology ideally suited to the treatment of skin disorders, including melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, dominant negative genetic disorders, infection and inflammation. In execution, the interdisciplinary research program will be a logical and through progression from organic chemistry to cell culture lab and will be underpinned by foreseen pan-European collaboration. The 2-year program will validate the proposed vector as a viable technology for future animal studies and I expect to be in a strong position to apply for follow-up funding following the Fellowship. My 5-year career goal is to establish my own independent research group at one of Europe’s top university backed by long-term and prestigious funding. To achieve this, I must be able to demonstrate: 1) Practical experience across a wide range of disciplines spanning chemistry and biology, 2) Project leadership, 3) People management and mentoring skills, 4) Exposure to and experience of the relationship between academic and commercial sectors, 5) A strong track record of publication and grant applications, 6) Presentation skills, and 7) Demonstrated track record of working effectively in cross-discipline and international collaborations. This proposal has been carefully designed to provide me with all these attributes, putting me in the strongest possible position to achieve my future career ambitions.

Keywords: c134 biological chemistry,c141 organic chemistry,peptide chemistry,nanotechnology,photosensitive biomaterials,drug delivery,skin