Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Swimming for reproduction (REPRO-SWIM): Identification of swimming induced metabolic and hormonal switches that trigger reproduction (REPRO-SWIM)

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: Spain
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2007-2-1-IEF, 2007)
Start date: 2008-10-01
End date: 2010-09-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 151369.07
EU funding (EUR): 151369.07
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

A long standing question in the reproductive physiology of fish is how the metabolic status determines the onset of sexual reproduction, which often coincides with the start of reproductive migration. We hypothesize that swimming in that case triggers metabolic and hormonal changes critical for the induction of maturation. Studies on migrant fish like eel and salmon support the hypothesis that swimming triggers sexual reproduction, mobilises energy reserves for fuel and positively influences gamete quality. The mechanism behind this is however non-elucidated. Exercise, such as performed by migratory species, can be used as an experimental factor in studying the interaction between the metabolic processes and the onset of sexual maturation. This knowledge is important in optimising aquaculture of commercially interesting species, taking rainbow trout as a model. This study will identify the key metabolic and hormonal factors and their expression profiles in the onset of sexual reproduction as induced by swimming. Using microarray technology, the transcriptional response to exercise of all important tissues involved - gonad, muscle, liver, fat, brain and pituitary - will be analysed in a holistic approach. The main genes involved in both reproductive and metabolic functions will be identified. The role of insulin-like growth factors, the most important candidates, will be established. The expression profile of the main identified genes will be confirmed by real time PCR. The function of the main regulated genes will be investigated in vivo by implanting zebrafish cells that express each of the selected genes. The career objective of the applicant is to acquire additional skills and expertise in becoming a multidisciplinary fish reproduction expert. In addition he would have insight in the role of swimming as natural reproductive trigger. The host and collaborators have an excellent scientific status and are capable to support this project.

Keywords: natural sciences,biological sciences,zoology,animal physiology,animal endocrinology,animal reproduction,aquaculture
Autotrophic-Heterotrophic Interactions in Cyanobacterial Aggregates (AHICA)

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-2007-2-1-IEF, 2007)
Start date: 2008-08-01
End date: 2011-01-31
Duration (months): 30.0
Total project cost (EUR): 241538.23
EU funding (EUR): 241538.23
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Large, filamentous nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria (Trichodesmium spp., Nodularia spumigena and Aphanizomenon spp.) play an important role for primary production, input of nitrogen, and the microbial food webs in the ocean, in brackish waters (e.g. the Baltic Sea) and in lakes. Gas vesicles within filaments make these cyanobacteria positively buoyant to reach high light intensities in surface waters where they cover the energy needed for nitrogen fixation through photosynthesis. These large cyanobacteria create their own microenvironment with steep gradients of gases and nutrients at the sea surface. Hence, their growth conditions are significantly different to those of the bulk water. Direct measurements of small-scale physical-chemical characteristics and biogeochemical processes associated with large, filamentous nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria are hence crucial to understand the role that these cyanobacteria have on a large scale in respect to their overall input of carbon and nitrogen from the atmosphere into aquatic systems. The present project aims at a detailed understanding of the carbon and nitrogen fluxes in aggregates of large, nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria and their associated heterotrophic community.

Keywords: natural sciences,environmental science
Assessment of Bone Quality in Metabolic Bone Diseases (BONEQUAL)

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: Finland
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2007-2-1-IEF, 2007)
Start date: 2008-08-01
End date: 2010-07-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 172507.22
EU funding (EUR): 172507.22
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Osteoporosis, currently diagnosed by measuring bone mineral density (BMD) using dual-energy X.-ray absorptiometry, is the most common metabolic bone disease in Europe. It results in highly increased fracture risk, which is not optimally predicted by BMD. Bisphosphonates are used for medical treatment of osteoporosis. They have an advantageous impact on bone microarchitecture, but long term treatment can lead to deterioration of bone structural integrity and increased fracture risk, despite high BMD. Several factors related to bone quality. i.e. bone architecture, geometry, turnover and mineralization and accumulation of microfractures contribute significantly to fracture risk. Development of new coherent methods for evaluating bone quality is necessary to improve diagnostics, and to monitor treatments and assessment of fracture risk. The aims are to 1) improve the understanding of bone quality in health and disease, 2) diagnose more effectively early osteoporosis and 3) predict more accurately fracture risk. Specifically, we assess the effects of aging, osteoporosis, and long term bisphosphonate treatment on structural, compositional and mechanical properties of trabecular bone from human cadavers. MicroCT is used to analyze trabecular microarchitecture and spatial BMD. Cellular events and bone remodeling processes are analyzed histomorphometrically. Microscopic and spectroscopic methods are used to study composition of organic and non-organic components. Also, novel backscattered ultrasound methods are used for trabecular bone diagnostics and to assess their feasibility for clinical practice. Interrelationships between bone characteristics will be addressed using statistical and modeling techniques. The techniques will provide quantitative information on bone quality, not previously possible. University of Kuopio provides excellent facilities to carry out this study, including well-known bone researchers (profs Jurvelin and Kröger), who will act as supervisors.

Keywords: biomedical engineering,biomechanics,orthopaedics,osteoporosis,bone quality,evaluation techniques
Defense mechanisms of innate immunity against influenza virus (INIMIN)

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-2007-4-1-IOF, 2007)
Start date: 2009-09-01
End date: 2012-08-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 225715.46
EU funding (EUR): 225715.46
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Influenza virus represents a major worldwide health problem and influenza pandemics are amongst the deadliest disease events for humans and many animal species. Although it is known that the innate immune system represents the first line of defense against the virus, the mechanism by which it is activated in response to influenza virus remains to be elucidated. This project aims to study the interaction between the innate immune system, particularly the complement system, and influenza virus. Four specific objectives are proposed: 1) Examine the role of complement C3 and complement receptors Cr1/2 in the development of memory B cells. We will characterize the humoral response to influenza in knock-out C3-/- and Cr1/2-/- mice to evaluate the long-term production of anti-flu antibody (Ab). We will use different methods, including serological techniques, EliSpot and FACS analyses, to characterize the neutralizing Ab titers and reveal the frequency of Ab-producing cells. 2) Examine the role of natural IgM in host innate and adaptive responses to influenza. We will try to identify clones of natural IgM that neutralize the virus, by screening a panel of B-1 cell hybridomas for virus binding and neutralization. The identification of the antigenic epitope recognized by the natural IgM could provide a conserved target for vaccine development. 3) Describe the trafficking of flu-specific B cells in influenza-infected mice. We will study the interaction between fluorescently-labeled virus and immune cells in the lymph node of transgenic mice. We will use intravital microscopy that allows real-time analysis of cellular trafficking within live animals. 4) Study how the viral RNA polymerase affects host innate immune pathways. We will study the effect of the viral polymerase on host signal transduction and gene expression. We will use two-hybrid screening, siRNA and microarray technology, to identify innate immune genes the expression of which is affected by the viral polymerase.

Keywords: influenza virus,innate immunity,complement system,polymerase complex
The Extragalactic Interstellar Medium - Measuring Dust Extinction using Gravitational Lensing (DUST-ISM/)

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: Denmark
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2007-4-1-IOF, 2007)
Start date: 2008-10-18
End date: 2011-10-17
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 235876.29
EU funding (EUR): 235876.29
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

One of the most intriguing recent results in the physical sciences, has been the growing body of evidence that 70% of the energy content in the universe comes from an unknown energy field (‘dark energy’). One of the most promising methods for quantifying dark energy, is using SNe Ia as standard candles. However, a key issue in SN Ia studies is whether the results are biased by cosmic dust. The interstellar medium (ISM) of galaxies causes light passing through to be partially extinguished. The extinction depends on wavelength, and is directly related to the dust composition of the ISM. While the extinction from the ISM has been mapped extensively in the Milky Way, little is known about the extinction properties of more distant galaxies. Therefore, when correcting for dust, typical Milky Way dust extinction is assumed, even though dust properties in galaxies are expected to depend on redshift. This proposal aims at measuring extinction curves of distant galaxies using gravitationally lensed multiply imaged background sources. The proposal is in part based on proven methods, and in part based on a new technique, extending the method to a larger sample. The importance of this work is not limited to SNe Ia surveys, but impacts any astrophysical probe, as incorrect assumption on the dust properties can cause a non-negligible bias in derived quantities. In addition, the measured evolution of dust with redshift will give insight into galaxy formation. The fellowship provides the fellow with an excellent opportunity to perform independent research at cutting edge institutions (Princeton and NBI), and collaborate with experts in the field. This gives the fellow an opportunity to become an independent researcher with expertise in the ISM. The fellowship will be mutually beneficial to the researcher and hosts well beyond the training period. The forging of strong, productive links between the hosts and researcher will form the basis of continued collaborations.

Keywords: interstellar medium (ism),gravitational lensing,cosmology
Colonization, transmission mode and evolution of the fungus-growing termites of Madagascar (MAD-FUN)

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-2007-2-1-IEF, 2007)
Start date: 2008-05-01
End date: 2010-08-31
Duration (months): 28.0
Total project cost (EUR): 159434.23
EU funding (EUR): 159434.23
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Rare colonisation events may strongly affect evolution of biotas, especially from large continuous biomes into smaller isolated ones. Colonisation is often difficult, particularly for bilateral mutualists: successful dispersal requires partners either to be permanently associated or to find one another after dispersing separately. Vertical transmission of symbionts should facilitate colonization, as partners disperse together. I will study this hypothesis using fungus-growing termites and their obligate fungal symbionts (genus Termitomyces). This system allows strong tests of these ideas, as fungus-growing termites show horizontal and vertical transmission and the transmission mode is particular to species groups. It is thus ideal for examining rare colonisations and their evolutionary and ecological consequences. Madagascar, isolated from Gondwanaland 165 mya, has a well-characterised termite fauna, with only three fungus-growing termite genera described. Recent data show that Microtermes is ubiquitous and that the other putative genera appear to phylogenetically nest within Microtermes. Microtermes (with presumably, uniquely, vertical transmission) may thus have found free niche space in Madagascar and diversified there in analogous ways to relatives in African tropics, and thereby show extraordinary morphological convergence. Phylogenetic reconstructions will determine i) the origin and age of Malagasy fungus-growing termites and their symbiotic Termitomyces, ii) the relevance of transmission mode for colonization and iii) the extent to which hosts and symbionts have co-speciated. Furthermore, symbiont transmission mode of Malagasy termites will be studied and advanced DNA techniques will be applied to trace Termitomyces spores in soil to test whether the availability of the right spores limits fungus-growing termite colonisation. Finally, combined spatial and phylogenetic analysis will elucidate how Malagasy fungus-growing termites evolved and diversified.

Keywords: biogeography,ecology,phylogeny,adaptive radiation,co-evolution,colonization,fungus-growing-termites,madagascar,microtermes,speciation,mutualistic symbiosis,termitomyces,transmission mode
Protecting the Environment. Transnational Networks in the Emergence of a new EC Policy in the 1970s (ENTRANET)

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-2007-2-1-IEF, 2007)
Start date: 2008-06-01
End date: 2010-05-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 161225.98
EU funding (EUR): 161225.98
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The proposed research project sets out to describe and explain the establishment of an environmental policy at the EC level in the 1970s that eventually led to its incorporation into the treaties with the Single European Act in 1987. It seeks to elicit why and how it was possible to institutionalise a new policy area at the level of the European Community that had not originally been foreseen in the Rome Treaties. This development is even more puzzling, because environmental policy was very different in its thrust – addressing adverse consequences of growth – whereas the EEC Treaty focused on economic modernisation and prosperity. Contrary to traditional state-centric accounts of European integration history, the guiding hypothesis of this project is that informal networks of actors coalesced to shape and institutionalise the new policy agenda. These networks comprised supranational actors like the European Commission, some member-states and also non-governmental actors like the environmental movement, which set up the European Environmental Bureau in Brussels as early as 1974, and scientists providing expertise. The project will focus on the early years of European environmental policy, examining the emergence of the policy network in the context of the First and Second Environmental Action Programmes of 1973 and 1977, based on sources from European, national and NGO archives and interviews. The goal is to map and analyse the emerging policy network, conceptually informed by policy network approaches from the social sciences. For the first time, this research will provide in-depth knowledge about the origins of EC/EU environmental policy. Studying networks the project will not only contribute to a decisive conceptual innovation in European integration history. It will also provide important new insights into the establishment of the specific patterns of policy making and governance that continue to shape the present-day EU.

Keywords: contemporary history,political history,social history,eu environmental policy,transnational networks,policy networks,political sciences,governance,involving society,scientific advice
Marine Micro-Algae as Global Reservoir of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Degraders (MARPAH)

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-2007-4-1-IOF, 2007)
Start date: 2008-10-20
End date: 2011-10-19
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 333744.53
EU funding (EUR): 333744.53
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are recognised as priority pollutants to the environment and human health because of their poor water solubility, recalcitrance, inherent toxicity and potential to bio-accumulate in higher organisms – EU Water Framework Directive (No. 2000/60/EC). To manage and mitigate the impacts of PAH pollution in the marine environment, it is necessary that we understand the mechanisms involved in their biodegradation. For this, the applicant has identified a previously unrecognised niche – i.e. the surfaces of marine phytoplankton – to which both specialist and generalist PAH-degrading bacteria (PAH-DB) are associated. This new finding is significant for three main reasons: (1) It defines for the first time a physical zone in our oceans that harbours PAH bio-catalytic activity; (2) It suggests that, based on the ubiquity of phytoplankton in our oceans, this pool of biocatalytic activity is widespread and likely to be concentrated within the euphotic zone; and (3) The association of this bacterial catabolic activity with phytoplankton could help government task forces improve on methods to mitigate marine oil and PAH pollution. The aims of this Outgoing International Fellowship are to utilise the expertise offered by the US host (University of North Carolina) in their exclusive use of a unique set of uniformly 13C-labeled PAH compounds coupled with molecular techniques (DNA-SIP, qPCR, DGGE) to identify and quantitatively assess PAH-DB that are specifically associated with phytoplankton species representing the major taxonomic groups. Together with the applicant’s extensive experience, and the skills and techniques (C14 PAH degradation, respirometry etc) offered by the return host (University of Lancaster), these objectives will be accomplished through the initiation of a trans-Atlantic collaboration between the European Union and the USA in a study that for the first time aims to define a link between PAH-DB and marine phytoplankton.

Keywords: biodiversity inventory: systematics phylogeny taxonomy,bacteriology,industrial hazards,pollution control,marine environment impact
Cold season climate reconstructions from Lakes in the Alpine regions of Switzerland and Sweden (CLASS)

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-2007-2-1-IEF, 2007)
Start date: 2008-05-01
End date: 2010-04-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 178730.72
EU funding (EUR): 178730.72
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Past variations in interannual climatic variability are currently not well understood, mainly due to a lack of temperature reconstructions for the winter season. This proposal aims to provide quantitative data on winter-spring temperatures for two lake sites in the Alpine regions of Switzerland and northern Sweden, since these are likely to contain sensitive archives of past climate change. The reconstruction of winter temperatures in these two regions is highly relevant, since local winter temperatures and precipitation are controlled by the variability and strength of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). Increased knowledge on the impact of NAO in these sensitive mountain regions is crucial for a better understanding of future impacts on e.g. lake ecology, water-and energy supplies and winter tourism. In addition, obtained data can be compared to existing summer temperature reconstructions to study changes in interannual variability. A novel methodology developed at the host institute is proposed, using Chrysophyte stomatocysts as a proxy for winter-spring temperatures. However, to distinguish between climate-induced changes in stomatocyst assemblages and the impact of other factors affecting lake ecology, such as human influence, a multi-proxy approach is required including the analysis of pollen, C and N ratios, total biogenic silica and sediment grainsize. At the Swiss site the proposal targets three time periods; I) modern time (AD 1864-present), for validation with measurement data, II) the most intense phase of the Little Ice Age, including the Maunder Minimum (AD 1650-1800) and III) the warmest phase of the Mediaeval Warm Anomaly (a 100 years window, possibly AD 850-950). In Sweden the proposed method has not been applied before, and therefore the method will be tested her for the calibration period, AD 1913-present.

Keywords: climate variability (climate change),paleoclimate (climate change),interannual variability,winter-spring temperature,alpine lakes,chrysophyte stomatocysts