Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Synergistic modeling of gene-brain couplings with applications in affective neuroscience (SYNEURGY)

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: Sweden,Sweden
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IOF, 2011)
Start date: 2012-07-01
End date: 2015-06-30
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 250483.2
EU funding (EUR): 250483.2
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

Exploiting cross-modal integration for enhanced power and sensitivity, the recently emerged field of imaging genomics is at the frontline of available tools for identifying genes which influence the neurobiology of human behavior and psychiatric illness. Computational approaches are not, however, up to par with the complexity of the disparate data: there is an urgent need for integrative predictive modeling to overcome the interdisciplinary fragmentation between genomics and neuroimaging to harvest the full potential of the data. The methodological objective of this project is therefore to develop and implement integrative cross-modal algorithms for synergistic modeling of human genetic effects on brain responses patterns. To this end, the project will use tools from machine learning which allow powerful, multivariate, generic, data-driven, general purpose predictive modeling. Application side, the project will target the neurobiology of affective behavior and disorders through modeling gene-brain correlates in a population of individuals carrying a mutation resulting in atypical sense of affective touch and insensitivity to pain. Employing a cross-modal, multi-disciplinary approach, integrating genomics, neuroimaging and engineering at the frontier of neuroscience research, the project enables holistic modeling of genetic correlates of human behavior and psychiatric conditions revealing new therapeutic avenues. The project embodies the work program by providing excellent international, multi-disciplinary, cross-modal academic training, establishing a solid yet dynamic basis for a prolific long-term scientific career for the Fellow. The project will increase the attractiveness of the ERA through promoting the world-leading Swedish neurobiology research and facilitate mutually beneficial relations with Singapore; moreover, the project will aid the ERA in benefiting from rather than competing with the growing science and technology investments in Asia.

Keywords: genetic mapping,neurophysiology,neurobiology,modelling tools,brain research
Molecular mechanisms leading to generation of Type 1 regulatory cells and their role in autoimmunity (TR1 CELLS)

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-2011-IOF, 2011)
Start date: 2013-07-01
End date: 2016-12-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 271943.7
EU funding (EUR): 271943.7
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Activated autoreactive lymphocytes cause inflammation and subsequent damage in the CNS. IFN-β is used as the first line treatment of relapsing-remitting MS. Yet, its mechanism of action remains obscure. Recently published data indicate that IFN-β might suppress MS via production of IL-27. IL-27 then might suppress pro-inflammatory Th17 cells and induce generation of regulatory cells, namely Tr1 cells. We have found that IRF1 is specifically induced early on during Tr1 generation and that IRF1 is required to generate Tr1 cells both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, it is also induced in cells treated with IFN-β. This suggests that IRF1 is a crucial target of both IL-27 and IFN-β and that these two cytokines might synergize to induce Tr1 cells, as well as to suppress pro-inflammatory effector T cells arising during MS. Therefore, we want to further explore the link between the two cytokines as well as their signaling through IRF1. We will use a mouse model of MS (EAE) to demonstrate the effects of combined treatment of IL-27 and IFN-β. We will examine T cell responses during formation of the proinflammatory environment as well as T cell infiltrations in the CNS. We hope to specifically demonstrate that the success of IFN-β treatment is the result of the cytokine effect on Tr1 cells. This will be possible as we have a model mouse that will allow us to remove IL-10 secreting Tr1 cells. We will further evaluate the importance of IRF1 in IL-27 and IFN-β signaling. Last, but not least, we will perform a whole genome microarray analysis of cells treated with a combination of IFN-β and IL-27 which will allow us to investigate new possible treatment targets.

Keywords: clinical biology,immunology,neurobiology,autoimmunity,multiple sclerosis,applied biology
Qualitative indicators of tourism’s role in poverty alleviation (QUAL-POT)

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-2011-IEF, 2011)
Start date: 2012-09-01
End date: 2014-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 167390.4
EU funding (EUR): 167390.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

This research project addresses the knowledge gap that exists in the assessment of qualitative indicators of poverty alleviation in tourism. Currently measurement of poverty and its alleviation is based chiefly on quantitative measures, arguably because qualitative indicators are difficult to operationalise in evaluation efforts. If poverty is understood as a multi-dimensional phenomenon, measuring poverty needs to address the qualitative character of poverty as well to reach meaningful results. The field of tourism research has for some time addressed the role of tourism in poverty alleviation of developing countries and least developed countries. Whether or not tourism helps to alleviate poverty remains uncertain. Like in other fields, research has focussed on measuring quantitative 'net-benefits'. While qualitative benefits and costs of tourism are frequently entioned, there is a lack of operationalise qualitative indicators that would allow evaluation efforts to be conducted systematically across the field. To address this lacuna, the researcher will conduct an empirical case study of four global ‘slum-tourism’ destinations in order to develop qualitative indicators and use them in the assessment of the cases. Slum-Tourism is extremely well placed to study qualitative indicators of poverty alleviation because poverty is not only the context in which tourism takes place, but becomes part of the tourist product, the tourist experience and tourist’s travel purpose. The research project will improve the ability to measure of poverty understood as a multi-dimensional phenomenon and its alleviation. It is relevant not simply in the field of tourism, but also in the study of urban and international development.

Keywords: social sciences,social anthropology,third world studies,social geography,political sciences,urban sociology,human geography,tourism studies,development studies
Fish Speciation and the Origin of Marine Biodiversity: A Comparative Genomics Approach (FISHSPECIATIONGENOME)

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: Spain
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IOF, 2011)
Start date: 2013-11-01
End date: 2016-10-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 267078.0
EU funding (EUR): 267078.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Speciation, or the evolutionary process by which new species arise, is among the most controversial topics in evolutionary biology. The presence or absence of gene flow between incipient species occupies a central role in this discussion. The conventional view states that there is no gene flow during speciation and that genomes are cohesive units. The recently proposed Genic View of Speciation (GVS) theory challenges this paradigm and states that genomes are porous and that gene flow during speciation is possible. Under this scenario, the genes influenced by disruptive selection should start diverging first, whereas neutral genes should flow freely between emerging species, generating a heterogeneity of genetic divergences among different regions of the genome. Thus, the GVS predicts that speciation with gene flow (sympatric) leaves a distinct genomic signature different from that of speciation in isolation (allopatric). Our project consists of the first comprehensive test of the GVS using coral reef fishes, a very diverse group with high dispersal ability, which defies the traditionally accepted pre-requisite of complete isolation for formation of species. We will test for heterogeneous divergences among thousands of loci using a novel high throughput DNA sequencing method (RAD-sequencing) to test predictions of the GVS in both allopatric and sympatric species pairs and identify genomic signatures of speciation modes. The questions that will be addressed are of fundamental importance to studies in evolutionary biology and include: Do different speciation modes leave distinct genomic signatures? Are there genes that flow freely across incipient species boundaries? Is introgressive hybridization common in fishes and how does it affect molecular clock calibrations? Outcomes from this project will further our understanding not only on the diversification of reef fishes, but also on general patterns of molecular evolution and the origin of marine biodiversity.

Keywords: evolutionary biology,genomics,phylogeography,molecular evolution,phylogeny,molecular markers,biodiversity
Efficient use of resources in energy converting applications (EURECA)

Framework: FP7 — Cooperation
Programme: Joint Technology Initiatives (Annex IV-SP1)
Theme: Public-private partnerships
Destination: Fuel Cells and Hydrogen
Action type: Collaborative project
Partnership: FCH (Art-185)
Countries involved: Serbia,France,Greece,Germany,Spain,Spain,Germany,Germany,Germany
Call:  (FCH-JU-2011-1, 2011)
Start date: 2012-07-01
End date: 2015-08-31
Duration (months): 38.0
Total project cost (EUR): 6299714.2
EU funding (EUR): 3557293.0
Participants: 9
Project status: CLOSED

EURECA develops the next generation of µ-CHP systems based on advanced PEM stack technology. The idea is to overcome the disadvantages of complex gas purification, gas humidification and the low temperature gradient for the heat exchangers in a heating system. EURECA will develop a new stack generation based on PEM technology with operating temperatures of 90°C to 120°C. Thus results in a less complicated and therefore in a more robust µ-CHP system with reduced costs. The development of a new stack generation includes various parallel working tasks. EURECA will optimize materials to operate in that temperature range – including membrane and bipolar plate materials. Also the catalyst will be improved with a lower platinum loading – design target < 0.2g/kW. The stack design and the flow field of the bipolar plates will be optimized for the operating conditions. All development steps will be supported by state-of-the-art modeling. As the final step the developed stack will be integrated in an adapted µ-CHP system to achieve proof-of-concept in the target application. Important part of the project is the validation of the design targets. The µ-CHP system – including the reformer – is expected to operate at an electrical efficiency of 40%. Lifetime tests with defined test procedures on single cells and short stacks will indicate a stack lifetime of approx. 12.000 h. In all development processes the partners have agreed to a design-to-cost approach. This includes the producibility in series production processes. A cost assessment will indicate the cost savings by the less complicated system. The consortium is well balanced along the supply chain. Component suppliers and system designers are backed by research institutions. High quality of the development process is of top priority to all partners. Therefore the consortium will agree at the beginning of EURECA on specific quality and management procedures - including contingency planning measurements.

Keywords: fuel cell,chp system,micro-chp,pem,mt-pem,new stack and cell design,medium temperature fuel cell,mea design
Efficient Tumor Targeting and Therapy Using Near-Infrared Nanoparticles (NANOPDT)

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: France
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IOF, 2011)
Start date: 2012-11-01
End date: 2015-10-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 268555.2
EU funding (EUR): 268555.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a clinically approved cancer treatment relying on the use of a photosensitizer, i.e., a fluorescent molecule producing cytotoxic species upon irradiation with light. PDT also provides the ability to image and locally treat diseased tissues without ionizing radiations, thus sparing healthy tissue. Yet, only five photosensitizers are now approved for clinical applications and all suffer from serious drawbacks, including low selectivity and skin sensitization. Photosensitizer-loaded nanoparticles could potentially solve these problems. They can accumulate at the site of tumors by either passive or active targeting. Their physicochemical properties can also be tuned to accelerate clearance, and reduce non-specific binding. In this study, we propose to investigate a novel class of polymer-based organic nanoparticles whose most relevant physicochemical properties can easily be tuned by controlling synthesis parameters. Benefiting from expertise of researchers at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (Boston, MA, United States), the research fellow will design a wide range of polymer fluorescent nanoparticles. These particles will be tested to find a formulation with optimal blood half-life, low non-specific binding and good targeting capabilities. The research fellow will then synthesize and test the most efficient particles at the Institut Albert Bonniot (Grenoble, France) on head and neck tumor rodent models using 2D and 3D fluorescence imaging. The PDT efficacy will be monitored by following tumor growth and survival rate of the animals. This fellowship application has the potential to solve a longstanding problem in PDT while providing outstanding international training and promoting the career of a talented European researcher.

Keywords: photodynamic therapy,anticancer therapy,polymer chemistry,fluorescence imaging,biodistribution,pharmacokinetics,polymer nanoparticles,theranostic,clinical translation
Criminal Intelligence in the EU (EUCRIMINTEL)

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-2011-IEF, 2011)
Start date: 2012-10-01
End date: 2014-09-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 191675.4
EU funding (EUR): 191675.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

By collecting, organizing and interpreting a vast bulk of data intelligence allows greater awareness of criminal threats and it permits law enforcement authorities to be more efficient in preventing and discovering crimes. Due to the growing importance of international intelligence cooperation, the European Union (EU) has taken action in the field. The present study focuses on criminal intelligence analysis, i.e. the process of interpreting information for mapping, foreseeing and discovering crime threats, in the EU. The project will provide a scientific basis for the tradecraft and use of criminal intelligence in the EU by undertaking an analytical examination of the function of intelligence at EU level. Taking into account the needs to minimize the impact on fundamental rights and to respect the democratic principles of transparency and accountability of public action, the project aims to: assess the effectiveness of intelligence analysis in preventing and repressing crime; propose solutions to increase the efficiency of intelligence analysis in full respect of fundamental rights and of the democratic principles. With a view to reconstructing the fragmented picture of EU intelligence analysis , the project will collect and analyze all relevant EU documents and map all agencies and bodies who perform or foster intelligence analysis, listing their powers and instruments. It will then dig theoretically into the concept of intelligence: through the study of existing legal and criminological literature it will try to lay a general theoretical framework for intelligence in the EU, providing a clear definition of it and of the role it should play within the context of the criminal justice system. To assess the quality and efficacy of intelligence analysis the applicant will will attempt to evaluate how it is crafted and used by collecting intelligence reports, conducting interviews with experts in the field and researching on existing European and national case-law.

Keywords: intelligence - criminal justice - criminal procedure - european law - fundamental rights - transparency - accountability
The anatomy and dynamics of the cortical processing of naturalistic sounds (BRAININNATURALSOUND)

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-2011-IEF, 2011)
Start date: 2012-07-01
End date: 2014-06-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 278807.4
EU funding (EUR): 278807.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Sensory systems evolve to allow organisms to know the environment. Psychophysics research of everyday naturalistic sounds shows that audition enables us to get to know the objects in the environment, sound sources, based on the processing of multiple types of sound-related information. This project aims to integrate psychophysics and cognitive neuroscience methods in order to clarify: [Study1] what information drives the cortical processing of everyday naturalistic sounds; [S2] how cortical processes enable us to recognize sound sources. Each of these questions will be addressed within one multimodal fMRI/MEG study. [S1] Studies of the cortical encoding of naturalistic sounds reveal a widespread sensitivity for sound categories. It is unclear the extent to which this sensitivity is mediated by systematic between-category differences in low-level acoustical structure and in higher-level semantic factors. We aim to clarify this issue within a study of highly diverse naturalistic sounds. [S2] Previous cognitive neuroscience studies revealed cortical regions sensitive to the properties of the sound source (e.g., object size) or to its identity (e.g., speaker). The relationship between the cortical processing of source properties and identity is unclear, and the extent to which general cortical mechanisms mediate the representation of highly diverse sound sources is largely unknown. We aim to clarify these issues within a study of vocalizations and impacted-object sounds. We will measure stimulus-information encoding in both activation- and pattern-based measures of the cortical activity (average BOLD vs. spatial BOLD distribution in a cortical volume; power vs. temporal pattern of windowed timecourse of MEG source). Results will answer open scientific questions and characterize in detail the anatomy and temporal dynamics of the cortical encoding of naturalistic sound information.

Keywords: cognitive neuroscience,experimental psychology,psychophysics,hearing,environmental sounds,source perception,fmri,multivariate brain mapping,acoustics,sound features,perception,category,semantics
Synchronization in heterogeneous Networks (HUBSYNC)

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-2011-IIF, 2011)
Start date: 2013-02-15
End date: 2015-02-14
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 209033.4
EU funding (EUR): 209033.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

In most realistic networked systems where synchronization is relevant, strong synchronization may also be related to pathological activities such as epileptic seizures and Parkinson disease in neural networks, to extinction in ecology, and social catastrophes in epidemic spreading. Recent experiments have revealed that various levels of synchronization are needed to avoid pathological activities and enable a system to have flexibility and robustness. Despite the growing interest in network dynamics, the present state of knowledge cannot explain the various levels of synchronization observed in real-life complex systems. A fundamental goal of this project is the development of a theory for emergence spontaneous of synchronization in heterogeneous networks of interacting dynamical systems. A core intention is to determine how the network ability to complement various levels of stable synchronization depends on the network structural parameters such as degree distribution and spectral properties of the graph. These results play a vital role towards the ultimate goal of understanding the emerging spontaneous collective motion in complex systems.

Keywords: chaos theory,probability theory,differential equations,statistical physics