Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Controlling the orientation of molecules inside liquid helium nanodroplets (DROPLETCONTROL)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Fundamental constituents of matter
Countries involved: Denmark
Call:  (ERC-2012-ADG_20120216, 2012)
Start date: 2013-05-01
End date: 2018-12-31
Duration (months): 68.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2409773.0
EU funding (EUR): 2409773.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

In this project I will develop and exploit experimental methods, based on short and intense laser pulses, to control the spatial orientation of molecules dissolved in liquid helium nanodroplets. This idea is, so far, completely unexplored but it has the potential to open a multitude of new opportunities in physics and chemistry. The main objectives are: 1) Complete control and real time monitoring of molecular rotation inside liquid helium droplets, exploring superfluidity of the droplets, the possible formation of quantum vortices, and rotational dephasing due to interaction of the dissolved molecules with the He solvent. 2) Ultrafast imaging of molecules undergoing chemical reaction dynamics inside liquid helium droplets, exploring rapid energy dissipation from reacting molecules to the helium solvent, transition between mirror forms of chiral molecules, strong laser field processes in He-solvated molecules, and structure determination of non crystalizable proteins by electron or x-ray diffraction. I will achieve the objectives by combining liquid helium droplet technology, ultrafast laser pulse methods and advanced electron and ion imaging detection. The experiments will both rely on existing apparatus in my laboratories and on new vacuum and laser equipment to be set up during the project. The ability to control how molecules are turned in space is of fundamental importance because interactions of molecules with other molecules, atoms or radiation depend on their spatial orientation. For isolated molecules in the gas phase laser based methods, developed over the past 12 years, now enable very refined and precise control over the spatial orientation of molecules. By contrast, orientational control of molecules in solution has not been demonstrated despite the potential of being able to do so is enormous, notably because most chemistry occurs in a solvent rather than in a gas of isolated molecules.

Keywords: laser control of molecular orientation,superfluid helium droplets,time-resolved molecular rotation,ultrafast reaction dynamics,molecule-solvent interaction,quantum vortices
Pushing the Frontier of Brittlness Damage Resistant Glasses (DAMREG)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Products and process engineering
Countries involved: France
Call:  (ERC-2012-ADG_20120216, 2012)
Start date: 2013-06-01
End date: 2018-05-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1821596.0
EU funding (EUR): 1821596.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

In order to improve the strength of a glass part (flat display, window, lens, fiber, etc.), most investigations so far were devoted to thermal and chemical surface treatments aimed at generating compressive stresses at the surface. The DAMREG project focuses on the incidence of the glass composition and atomic network structure on the mechanical properties, and specifically on the cracking and fracture behavior, and is based on the experience and expertise of the PI on the structure-property relationships in glass science. This project proposes to address the fundamental issue of glass brittleness in a new paradigm of thinking, questioning the usefulness of the standard fracture toughness parameter, with emphasis on the surface flaw generation process (multiscale approach), and aims at determining novel routes to improve the mechanical performance of glass further promoting innovative applications. DAMREG involves revisiting the fundamental fracture mechanics concepts, the preparation of novel glass compositions, and nanoscale physico-chemical and mechanical characterization. So far most glass fracture studies focused on the crack tip behavior, and were limited to vitreous silica. A crack acts as a lever arm for the stress so that the singular stress at the tip is proportional to the crack length and inversely proportional to the square-root of the tip radius (provided this has a meaning). Since a crack can hardly be cured or shielded at ambient, the presence of a sharp crack is already detrimental. On the contrary to this approach, DAMREG is aimed at understanding the crack initiation process, and the main objective is to define some roadmap to design glasses (composition, thermo-mechanical treatments etc.) with better damage (initiation) resistance.

Keywords: glass
Deciphering the role of thyroid hormones in seasonal reproduction (THYROREPRO)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Life-long training and career development
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: France
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG, 2012)
Start date: 2012-08-01
End date: 2016-07-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Most mammals living at temperate latitudes exhibit seasonal reproduction, which is synchronized by photoperiod through the central action of melatonin. In the ewe this translates into the initiation of the breeding season as day-length shortens while the anestrus season is triggered by the photoperiod lengthening, which occurs at the end of winter. We recently characterized a complex pathway by which melatonin acts in the rostral part of the pituitary, known as the pars tuberalis, to yield a local increase of triiodothyronine (T3) within the adjacent medio-basal hypothalamus (MBH). This mechanism accounts for early observations that T3 increase within this region is mandatory for anestrus to occur. Building on these findings, this research program aims at a thorough characterization of the downstream events which ultimately tie the local increase in T3 to the shutdown of the gonadotropic axis. I propose a transcriptomics approach to reveal T3 target genes within the MBH and decipher how their photoperiodic control eventually impacts on the activity of GnRH neurons. Since the long-term objective of this work is to obtain out-of-season lambing without adverse hormonal treatments, the identification of T3 target genes will provide us with potential levers. The use of genetic databases in different ovine breeds presenting varying degrees of seasonality will help to assess the physiological role of these genes and lead to an improved genetic selection. The increase of T3 within the MBH requires the presence of its precursor, the thyroxine T4, in the cerebrospinal fluid. Since T4 gains access to the CSF through the choroid plexuses, the latter constitute another potential target to modulate seasonal reproduction. Therefore, we will also evaluate the impact of photoperiod on the transcriptome of this tissue. These data will provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of photoperiodism and offer potential avenues to develop innovative breeding strategies.

Keywords: l101 molecular biology and interactions,l202 transcriptomics,l403 endocrinology,l502 molecular and cellular neuroscience,l504 sensory systems
Quantum Computation, Logic, and Security (QCLS)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Computer science and informatics
Countries involved: Netherlands
Call:  (ERC-2012-ADG_20120216, 2012)
Start date: 2013-05-01
End date: 2018-04-30
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2500000.0
EU funding (EUR): 2500000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Quantum computing involves a new computational paradigm based on the laws of quantum mechanics. It uses qubits, which are superpositions of ordinary bits, and exploits the `strange' quantum phenomena like entanglement of qubits. It promises new forms of very fast, distributed computation. First applications are now appearing in computer security, based on the manipulation of individual qubits. The realization of large scale quantum computing, involving multitudes of qubits is still a technological challenge, beyond the scope of this proposal. Quantum computing originated, understandably, in physics. This project abstracts from this physical level and will transform and develop the relevant phenomena at a mathematical level so that they can be integrated in computational models, logics and formal methods used in computer science. The project will use the unifying language and tools of category theory, which are working as a ``Rosetta Stone'' in the multi-disciplinary area of computer science, mathematics and physics. The project will clarify the subtle but fundamental difference between quantum computation/logic on the one hand and probabilistic and non-deterministic computation/logic on the other. This should result in (programming) logics and models that are clear and usable for computer scientists, in particular in the area of (formal methods for) computer security. Overall, the proposal aims to ensure that the discipline of computer science is well-prepared for the (approaching) moment when quantum computing becomes a reality.

Keywords: quantum computation,semantics,logic,probability theory,coalgebra,security,formal methods
Tensor Decomposition for Data Analysis with Applications to Health and Environment (DECODA)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Systems and communication engineering
Countries involved: France
Call:  (ERC-2012-ADG_20120216, 2012)
Start date: 2013-09-01
End date: 2018-08-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1500000.0
EU funding (EUR): 1500000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Multi-Way factor Analysis (MWA) is attracting growing interest in many disciplines of engineering, as described in this proposal. Because the applications are much more numerous than those that serve as focus for this project, the tools developed in the framework of the project will have major impact. MWA is probably the simplest extension of the well-known (linear) Factor Analysis. However, despite its extremely wide panel of applications and its apparently simple expression, it still, surprisingly, lacks theoretical background. The reason is that this identification problem disguises challenges of unexpected magnitude. In fact, several tensor problems still remain open for several decades, and the difficulties should not be overlooked. Yet, the lack of identifiability results (existence, uniqueness) prevents the design of efficient numerical algorithms. The first objective is to address these theoretical problems and develop appropriate identification algorithms. Multilinear models underlying MWA are shown to be closely related to tensor algebra and multivariate polynomials, so that tools can be borrowed from Algebraic Geometry, with the goal of developing theoretical solutions and numerical algorithms. The second objective is to apply these solutions to practical problems in various realms of application. In particular, it centers on creating modified models, better matched to analysis of health (e.g., EEG) or environmental data (e.g., water resources, microbial ecosystems), to analyzing their identifiability, and to developing corresponding identification algorithms. The final goal is to design a device able to detect and track suspect or toxic molecules in river or tap waters. This very challenging research proposal is positioned in close collaboration with specialists in the above-mentioned application fields, and is at the core of European population health.

Keywords: factor analysis,data mining,electroencephalography (eeg),environment
Bayesian Statistics in Infinite Dimensions: Targeting Priors by Mathematical Analysis (INFINITEBAYESIAN)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Mathematical foundations
Countries involved: Netherlands
Call:  (ERC-2012-ADG_20120216, 2012)
Start date: 2013-05-01
End date: 2018-04-30
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2190000.0
EU funding (EUR): 2190000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

I propose novel methods for understanding key aspects that are essential to the future of Bayesian inference for high- or infinite-dimensional models and data. By combining my expertise on empirical processes and likelihood theory with my recent work on posterior contraction I shall foremost lay a mathematical foundation for the Bayesian solution to uncertainty quantification in high dimensions. Decades of doubt that Bayesian methods can work for high-dimensional models or data have in the last decade been replaced by a belief that these methods are actually especially appropriate in this setting. They are thought to possess greater capacity for incorporating prior knowledge and to be better able to combine data from related measurements. My premise is that for high- or infinite-dimensional models and data this belief is not well founded, and needs to be challenged and shaped by mathematical analysis. My central focus is the accuracy of the posterior distribution as quantification of uncertainty. This is unclear and has hardly been studied, notwithstanding that it is at the core of the Bayesian method. In fact the scarce available evidence on Bayesian credible sets in high dimensions (sets of prescribed posterior probability) casts doubt on their ability to capture a given truth. I shall discover how this depends strongly on the prior distribution, empirical or hierarchical Bayesian tuning, and posterior marginalizaton, and therewith generate guidelines for good practice. I shall study these issues in novel statistical settings (sparsity and large scale inference, inverse problems, state space models, hierarchical modelling), and connect to the most recent, exciting developments in general statistics. I work against a background of data-analysis in genetics, genomics, finance, and imaging, and employ stochastic process theory, mathematical analysis and information theory.

Keywords: nonparametric-bayes asymptotic-statistics
Integrated geodynamics: Reconciling geophysics and geochemistry (IGEO)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Earth system science
Countries involved: Netherlands,Switzerland
Call:  (ERC-2012-ADG_20120216, 2012)
Start date: 2013-05-01
End date: 2018-04-30
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 3480600.0
EU funding (EUR): 3480600.0
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

How are deep mantle processes related to the mapped geological record? How can we reconcile geochemical observations with geophysical inferences? These are first order unanswered questions despite our steady progress in imaging the Earth's internal structure and understanding the high temperature and pressure properties of minerals. To make a breakthrough, we have to understand solid-state convection in the Earth's mantle in much greater detail. Much is known about the physical processes, such as melting and the delicate interaction between thermal and chemical buoyancy, but the parameters that enter their mathematical description are not very well known. Once these parameters are determined, the thermo-chemical evolution of our planet can self-consistently be modelled. The state-of-the-art is to roughly estimate these parameters and qualitatively compare the modelling to some relevant geophysical, geochemical or geological observations. This comparison is not comprehensive and never explains all observables. We propose a radically new approach, where all observables are used together to infer these parameters directly, using a fully non-linear Bayesian inference technique based on neural networks. This will determine for the first time the initial conditions at the Earth's formation, the Earth-like flow parameters essential to model the thermo-chemical evolution of our planet and produce models that are simultaneously consistent with the main different geophysical and geochemical datasets.
Coupling laser spectroscopy to mass spectrometry and ion mobility: from fundamentals to analytical sciences (LASER-IMS)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Physical and Analytical Chemical sciences
Countries involved: France
Call:  (ERC-2012-ADG_20120216, 2012)
Start date: 2013-04-01
End date: 2018-03-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2489100.0
EU funding (EUR): 2489100.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The motivations for studying the gaseous structures of peptides and proteins range from developing efficient methodologies for protein identification and quantification to fundamental understanding of folding processes and biomolecular architectures. Mass spectrometry allows analyzing biomolecular ions in a variety of different forms, for example, as a function of charge state, bound to their targets or in multimers following aggregation. Ion mobility-mass spectrometry is a revolutionary technique regarding the separation of complex mixtures and structural isomers and can now play an important role in the study of protein shapes and their complexes. In parallel, optical spectroscopy is also emerging as a key element in gas phase methods available for investigating biomolecular ions. In this proposal, we want to combine spectroscopic approaches with high resolution mass spectrometry and ion mobility to widen and deepen the scope of mass spectrometry in its various fields of applications including structural biology, protein identification and quantification. The general idea behind our approach is to simultaneously obtain “orthogonal” information on gas phase molecular conformation from ion mobility and optical spectroscopy, with in addition the possibility of using light to induce conformational changes or the formation of new species. A goal of this cross-disciplinary proposal is to study the structural reorganization of proteins occurring in relation to aggregation, radical formation and oxidation, focusing on misfolding and the earliest stages of tau protein assembly. Moreover, fundamental understanding of structure and reactivity of peptides and proteins will serve as a lever for the development of applications in analytical sciences using photon based dissociation. Major advances are expected from pioneering instrument development and from crossing boundaries between physics, chemistry and biology.

Keywords: mass spectrometry,ion mobility spectrometry,laser spectroscopy,protein folding and aggregation,protein identification and quantification
Processing of biomolecular targets for interferometric quantum experiments (PROBIOTIQUS)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Advanced grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Fundamental constituents of matter
Countries involved: Austria
Call:  (ERC-2012-ADG_20120216, 2012)
Start date: 2013-04-01
End date: 2018-03-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2266904.0
EU funding (EUR): 2266904.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Recent studies in Vienna have shown that surprising quantum phenomena, such as matter-wave interferometry with molecules composed of hundreds of covalently bound atoms, are actually feasible. PROBIOTIQUS will now be the first project world-wide to develop experimental tools for matter-wave physics with large biomolecules from amino acid clusters up to proteins and self-replicating molecules. First, we shall exploit the full potential of coherent molecule metrology for biomolecules, and molecules in a biomimetic environment. This research connects quantum physics with chemistry and biophysics, since already a restricted number of precisely determined geometrical, electrical, magnetic or optical properties may provide tell-tale analytical information. Embedding the biomolecules in a hydrate layer will allow us to study their properties in a context that approaches the ‘natural’ environment. Second, we will develop molecular beam methods, optical manipulation tools and detection schemes to prepare proteins and other large biomolecules for advanced quantum experiments. This includes new laser-assisted acoustic and thermal volatilization methods, slowing and focusing in optical forces, diffraction at ionization and neutralization gratings as well as tagging of proteins with ionizable small biomolecules. Third, we will prepare a cryogenic biomolecular sample in a buffer-gas loaded ion trap, where optical ionization and neutralization will be optimized in order to enable optical diffraction gratings. The target temperature of 10 K will be the starting point for interference experiments with proteins and self-replicating RNA, on the way towards full viruses. Quantum interference with large biomolecules at the edge to life has remained an outstanding challenge throughout the last two decades. The ERC advanced grant will now focus on this goal with novel and interdisciplinary strategies, in world-wide unique experiments.

Keywords: quantum interferometry with biomolecules,physical chemistry for quantum experiments,quantum enhanced metrology with biomolecules