Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
PRedicting Individual fish response as a Measure of Environmental change (PRIME)

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): 168256.91
EU funding (EUR): 168256.91
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Human activities and global changes are increasingly impacting the functioning of aquatic ecosystems. The ability of ecologists to determine how threatened populations may respond to these environmental changes is crucial for conservation management and the setting of the European environmental policy agenda. Given their position at the top of the food-web, apex predators are ideal candidates for researching their effects. Thus, the aim of the project is to predict the response of individual fish to measures of environmental change (habitat alterations and global change), using northern pike (Esox lucius) and brown trout (Salmo trutta) as model species of apex predator. The specific objectives are to collect literature derived, experimental and field data to parameterise an Individual Based Model (IBM); use the IBM to predict the present day distribution and growth rates of the species in the proposed study area; and test these predictions using existing and collected data from the study area. Finally the IBM will be used to predict the response of individual fish to various environmental change scenarios, with subsequent demonstration of the practical application to conservation management. To achieve these objectives, field and laboratory investigations will utilise literature review, experimental laboratory studies, and field data collection that includes environmental characteristics, fish movement (telemetry) and stable isotope analyses. To maximize the opportunity for successful completion, the Fellowship will be nested within, and will receive training and complementary skills from, the host institution, Bournemouth University, UK. Supervision will be undertaken by a highly experienced Scientist-in-Charge, with strong support from a steering committee comprising of experts. The fellowship will provide the candidate with access to world-class expertise and technical know-how, and obtain a high level of research training for the development of his career.

Keywords: animal ecology,modelling and modelling tools,freshwater ecology,invasion,ecosystem management,biodiversity conservation,anthropogenic impact on ecosystems,fisheries science
Rationally Designed Supramolecular Bio-inorganic Hydrogels for Tumour Therapy (HOT SHOT)

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: 2008-02-15
End date: 2010-02-14
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 169390.93
EU funding (EUR): 169390.93
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Almost 2 million people in Europe are diagnosed with cancer each year, over half of whom die within 5 years as a consequence. Cancer has been designed by the ESF as one of the priority targets for the development of new technologies. The side effects and poor efficacy of today’s treatments mean there is a pressing need for new innovative multifunctional drug carriers able to specifically target tumours and decrease patient morbidity. HOT SHOT is a multidisciplinary project which proposes such a novel drug delivery approach based on highly engineered nano-materials. The drug carriers will consist of composite hydrogels made of protein-resistant polymer molecules cross linked together by rationally designed self-assembled peptide strands which can disassemble in response to stimuli such as defined temperature and pH transitions. Gold nanorods or nanoshells will be covalently bound to the termini of the peptide strands and embedded within the hydrogels. Thanks to the innovative design and attractive chemical and physical properties of the components, the drug carriers will possess notable properties: a) drug delivery specifically to tumours by means of enhanced permeability of tumoral vascular system to nano-sized hydrogel beads; b) drug release on demand or in response to exact local conditions (i.e. lower pH of the tumoral tissue with respect to blood); c) gold nanoshells and nanorods acting as contrast agents in tumour tomography imaging and d) as heat sources for tumour thermal ablation therapy when irradiated with near-infrared light. HOT SHOT will contribute to the creation of a multidisciplinary network of research groups within Europe in which the fellow will be embedded and experience excellent collaborations. It will provide the fellow with intense multidisciplinary scientific training and significant results in medical and engineering research and thereby an exceptional opportunity to attain professional maturity.

Keywords: cancer therapy,biomaterials engineering,pharmaceutical technology,nanotechnology,nanomedicine,drug delivery,nanomaterials engineering,peptide engineering,nanoparticles,hydrogels
Isotope Studies of the Sulfur Cycling using the Four Sulfur Isotopes: Developing Tools to Investigate the Flow of Sulfur through Biogeochemical Systems (SULFUTOPES)

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: Germany
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2007-4-1-IOF, 2007)
Start date: 2008-08-01
End date: 2011-07-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 238026.4
EU funding (EUR): 238026.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

New developments in isotope ratio mass spectrometry have made possible the use of both traditional and rare sulfur isotopes in biogeochemical systems studies and open new ways to explore natural sulfur cycle. The project will focus on the detection of the abundances of four sulfur isotopes in reduced and intermediate sulfur compounds such as sulfide, dispersed particulate elemental sulfur, polysulfides, thiosulfate and polythionates in natural aquatic and sedimentary systems. Quantitative detection of these compounds together with determination of four sulfur isotopes abundances will allow development of the method, which answers the following long-standing questions: a) how to differentiate between the systems, where production of hydrogen sulfide from sulfate is due to sulfate reduction to sulfide, and the systems, where disproportionation of intermediate compounds like sulfur occurs; b) how to differentiate between the systems, where intermediate sulfur compounds, especially dissolved (polysulfidic) and non-soluble (elemental) zero-valent sulfur, are produced by oxidation of hydrogen sulfide by biotic and abiotic routes. Various systems with different rates (from minutes to thousands of years), microbial activities, pH and mechanisms of reduced and intermediate sulfur compounds cycling will be studied. Systems may include: Black Sea, North Sea, salt marshes, meromictic lakes, monomictic lakes, acidic pools (i.e. at Yellowstone National Park) and soda lakes. The samples from both water column and sediment will be analyzed in order to reconstruct the flow of sulfur through the complex biogeochemical system. Bacterial cultures will be studied to explain the role of microbial processes in sulfur isotopes fractionation.

Keywords: geochemistry,stable isotopes,rare sulfur isotopes,sulfate reduction,sulfur disproportionation,hydrogen sulfide,zero-valent sulfur,oxygen depleted systems,lakes,black sea
Microbial persuasion: cross-species triggering of biofilm dispersal as a competitive strategy in marine Bacilli (BIOFILM DISPERSAL)

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: 2008-03-01
End date: 2010-02-28
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 177740.04
EU funding (EUR): 177740.04
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The predominant mode of growth of bacteria in the natural environment is in biofilms. Although biofilm formation can be advantageous for bacteria, it has also some disadvantages, such as limited migration to an environment with fewer competitors or more nutrients. It is therefore not surprising that bacteria are not only form biofilms, but also are able to actively escape from the biofilm, a process called dispersal. Furthermore, in a competition between species, the production of signalling molecules that can actively induce the biofilm dispersal pathway of the competitors has evolved. In preliminary work, we observed that mature biofilms of a marine Micrococcus luteus strain and Escherichia coli could be dispersed by metabolites from a growing biofilm culture of a marine Bacillus licheniformis isolate. These results suggest that the dispersal of the M. luteus and E. coli biofilm may be an inducible, physiologically mediated process. This proposal aims to identify the compounds produced by the marine B. licheniformis EI-34-6, which brings about dispersal of the M. luteus and E. coli biofilms, and genes required for biosynthesis of these BDCs. Furthermore, we want to study the biofilm dispersal process on a single cell level using confocal scanning laser microscopy.

Keywords: natural sciences,biofilm dispersal,gene regulation,bacillus licheniformis,cell-cell signalling,quorum sensing
Computational modeling and physiological studies of neural form and function in the aging brain. (ANAMNISIS)

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: Greece
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2007-4-1-IOF, 2007)
Start date: 2008-03-01
End date: 2010-02-28
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 204141.86
EU funding (EUR): 204141.86
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Aging-induced memory deficiencies are caused by dysfunctions of various brain regions, including the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex. Currently not much is known about the anatomical and biophysical properties or the underlying molecular mechanisms that enable these regions to contribute to memory formation or the effects of aging on neural learning and storage capacity. In this project, we propose to combine electrophysiological and modeling approaches to address issues pertaining to aging induced changes in cellular properties and how these influence the information processing capacity of hippocampal and neocortical cells. Towards this target, we will first perform electrophysiological experiments to characterize the intrinsic properties of young and aged pyramidal neurons and then use the accumulated as well as existing data to build realistic compartmental models of these cells. Models will incorporate both anatomical and biophysical information and will be used in simulation experiments to study the effects of aging on the excitability and integrative properties of hippocampal and neocortical neurons. We are especially interested in (a) investigating the ability of aged neurons to support nonlinear dendritic integration and process incoming signals like multi-layer neural networks and (b) identifying key mechanisms that influence dendritic integration properties as they may serve as a basis for new medical interventions that can alleviate memory loss in the elderly.

Keywords: neurophysiology,neuroinformatics,aging,hippocampus,cortex,dendritic integration
Influence of periodic climate changes on the evolution of mountain ranges (GEOCYCL)

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-2007-4-1-IOF, 2007)
Start date: 2008-09-01
End date: 2011-08-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 149407.22
EU funding (EUR): 149407.22
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

Recent studies have highlighted complex linkages among erosion, tectonics and climate in active mountain belts. Although the exact nature of those interactions is still widely debated, clearly they have a crucial impact on the evolution of geologic systems. Furthermore, it is well known that Late Cenozoic climate oscillates between glacial and interglacial periods at time scales of 10-100 kyrs. Yet, the effects of climate variability at these frequencies are seldom considered in studies of the evolution of active mountain belts. For this reason, we propose to investigate the impact of oscillating climate in such settings. We are motivated to understand how specific climatic frequencies influence the rates, patterns and modalities of tectonic deformation and surface processes in those contexts. We hypothesize that the dynamics of orogens are sensitive at “climatic” timescales to the removal and imposition of loads via erosion and glacial or sedimentary loading, respectively. Our study will focus on the Central Himalayas: a highly suitable site given its tectonic and geomorphic activity and the large dataset available. We will examine the climatically dependent, time and space evolution of fluvial and glacial erosion and explore the impact on the tectonic and geomorphic evolution of the range. To achieve those goals we will develop an integrated approach that spans spatial scales ranging from the catchment to the whole mountain range, in order to capture the specific processes involved and reconcile them over the different scales. A key element of this research will be its multidisciplinarity with coordinated use of numerical modelling of tectonic and erosional processes, quantitative geomorphology and Cosmogenic Radionuclides. This project is expected to deliver essential insights on the dynamics of the tectonics/erosion/climate coupled system and to provide a critical perspective concerning the potential impact of current climate change on geological systems.

Keywords: climate change impact,paleoclimate,glaciations,erosion,quantitative geomorphology,himalayas,active orogens,cosmogenic radionuclides,numerical modelling
Internalist vs externalist evolutionary biology: do we need a New Synthesis? (NEWSYN)

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: 2009-02-23
End date: 2013-04-28
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 230110.92
EU funding (EUR): 230110.92
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The theory of evolution is fragmented by two different views of life: the externalist and the internalist perspective. From the formulation of the theory of natural selection by Darwin, in 1859, externalist view has dominated in evolutionary thought. In the last decades, internalist perspective has recovered vigour in the light of recent empirical advances in molecular genetics. An alternative theory is emerging. The major aim of this project is to contribute to the development of a common conceptual framework that will eventually facilitate a true integration of these century-old perspectives. We will reach the philosophy of science to analyse the conceptual framework of these evolutionary theories. Furthermore, in an effort to show the importance of the philosophy for science, the second principal goal consists to finding out exactly what is implied by the contrast between the two perspectives, as far as empirical claims are concerned.

Keywords: evolutionary biology,structuralism,functionalism,darwinism,modern synthesis,developmental biology
Unveiling the physics of cellular processes: new approaches to study macromolecules at work (MACROMOLECULESATWORK)

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): 150802.06
EU funding (EUR): 150802.06
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The objective of this proposal is to combine different computational methods to study the physics of specific cellular components and processes which involve biological macromolecules. We will especially concentrate on the study of polyelectrolye DNA chains and analogous biopolymers and will investigate on their interaction with cellular structures and on the mechanisms of modifications of their physical properties. The understanding gained will allow us to explore different cellular processes related to gene delivery such as self-assembly of cationic lipid-DNA complexes and membrane fusion, relevant because of their fundamental properties as well as their applications in the biomedical sector. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to reach time and length scales in which macromolecules evolve, a regime that is out of reach of standard modelling approaches. To this end, we intend to adopt and refine a new chemically-aware coarse grained scheme and use complementary state of the art modelling techniques such as atomistic molecular dynamics and unspecific coarse graining. In addition, supercomputing techniques and resources will be exploited to provide unique scientific insights. The proposal will benefit from the expertise in biomolecular studies of scientists at the Barcelona Biomedical Park (PRBB), which will guarantee feedback and a cross-field perspective to the management of the project and to the production and interpretation of scientific results. This project is very relevant to the goals of the IEF activity of the people work programme because of its ingrained multidisciplinary character and because it directly targets key research areas indicated by the EU such as biotechnology and nanotechnology. The different training and research activities planned would increase and diversify the scientific competences of the fellow, leading him to a more independent and mature professional status on which to build his future career.

Keywords: molecular biophysics,computational physics,multiscale modelling,dna,proteins,membranes,gene delivery,cross-field research
Analysis of natural-genetic variation controlling the timing of GIGANTEA expression in Arabidopsis (DIVERSITY OF RHYTHMS)

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-2007-2-1-IEF, 2007)
Start date: 2008-04-01
End date: 2010-03-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 158127.84
EU funding (EUR): 158127.84
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The circadian clock regulates many physiological and developmental processes in plants. The GIGANTEA (GI) protein plays a major role in the clock mechanism and controls important clock outputs including photoperiodic flowering. GI expression follows a circadian rhythm, with a peak in the evening, and changes in the timing of GI expression have dramatic effects on biological programs such as flowering. Natural-genetic variation in the timing of circadian-clock-controlled-gene expression is important in the adaptation of plants to growth at different latitudes both in nature and in agriculture. This project proposes to identify the molecular basis of natural-genetic variation that causes differences in the timing of GI expression between accessions of Arabidopsis. The three major objectives are (1) to map QTL implicated in the control of GI expression (2) to isolate the gene underlying at least one of these QTL and thereby identify a new gene, or natural allele of a known gene, that alters the timing of GI expression (3) to initiate the functional characterization of the identified GI regulator. To reach these objectives 85 Arabidopsis accessions were originally transformed with a GI::Luciferase transgene and several of them showed differences in the timing of GI expression compared to the reference accession Col. Two of these lines were crossed with Col and study of the F2 progeny demonstrated wide variation in the timing of GI expression. The results support the feasibility of the objectives, and these populations will be used in this program to identify QTL. Training on the study of natural variation will take place at the Max Planck Institute in Cologne and will complement the researchers existing skills in molecular biology. The technical expertise gained, the materials generated in the project and the expertise in project management that will be obtained will assist the applicant in reaching his goal of starting an independent research group in his home country.

Keywords: natural sciences,circadian clock,gigantea,gene expression,natural variation,qtl mapping,arabidopsis,luciferase reporter gene,flowering time