Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Toward the Understanding of Stereopsis Recovery and its Application for an Amblyopia Treatment (STEREOAMB)

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-2012-IOF, 2012)
Start date: 2014-03-01
End date: 2016-02-29
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 182902.2
EU funding (EUR): 182902.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Stereopsis is the perception of depth through the differences between the two eye images (binocular depth cues). A substantial proportion of adults cannot process those cues correctly. In a recent experiment, stereoblind observers recovered stereopsis in a perceptual learning task in which binocular depth cues are mixed with monocular depth cues. Stereopsis was recovered durably so that observers could experience stereoscopic depth in 3D movie theatres and everyday life for the first time. We propose to investigate that phenomenon, to improve it, to use it for an amblyopia treatment and to localize the brain areas involved in stereopsis. Stereopsis recovery offers a unique opportunity to discover the neural correlates of stereopsis with fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging): our first study can overcome current protocol limitations because two contrasting conditions can be now devised with exactly the same task and stimuli and only a perceptual difference (before and after stereopsis recovery). In study 2, we will first document whether stereopsis can be more easily recovered using action video games, which were shown surprisingly efficient in perceptual learning. Second, we investigate whether amblyopic observers, who suffer from a monocular cortical loss of visual acuity, can take advantage of stereopsis recovery. Amblyopic observers usually also suffer from stereoblindness. We anticipate that after being able to use both eyes simultaneously in a stereoscopic task (stereopsis recovery), the amblyopic eye acuity will increase. Finally, in study 3, we investigate how to maximize stereopsis recovery by addition of several kinds of monocular depth cues (perspective, shading, shadows or motion parallax). All together, these three studies will go a step beyond the current understanding of perceptual learning, stereopsis and amblyopia, and could provide an efficient cure for adult amblyopia, for which no treatment exists at the moment.

Keywords: l508 behavioral neuroscience,l507 cognition,l510 neuroimaging and computational neuroscience,amblyopia,stereopsis,perceptual learning
Adsorbed Layers of Natural Organic Macromolecules on Solid Substrates: Structure, Interactions, and Mechanisms of Growth (ADSORPLAYERS)

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-2012-IEF, 2012)
Start date: 2013-05-01
End date: 2015-04-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 184709.4
EU funding (EUR): 184709.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Surface adsorption of organic substances in aqueous solutions is a ubiquitous mechanism that affects many environmental processes, such as fate and transport of contaminants. In engineered systems, adsorption of organic molecules causes fouling and prompts biofilm formation. Fouling is a major impediment to the successful development of membrane technology to increase the supply of safe water. Control of surface adsorption in aquatic systems requires fundamental knowledge of the physicochemical interactions at water-solid interfaces. The objective of this study is to understand the mechanism of adsorption of humic substances and polysaccharides onto surfaces with well-defined surface composition. In particular, the substrate chemistry will be tailored to represent environmentally relevant surfaces. Surface adsorption/desorption will be investigated either by optical reflectometry or surface plasmon resonance under varying physicochemical conditions. The layer structure, hydration, and conformational properties will be analyzed by surface topography and using the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). The atomic force microscope (AFM) will be used to image the lateral structure of the adsorbed layers, while the interaction forces involving the dissolved natural compounds and surfaces will be studied by direct force measurements. Using the latter technique, both the adhesion mechanism and the mechanical properties of the organic layer will be investigated using a colloidal probe and tip-surface geometry, respectively. This protocol will allow systematic investigation of the physicochemical determinants of film development and conformation. The experimental data will be analyzed in the light of extended DLVO models. The complex systems are expected to give rise to nonelectrostatic forces originating from acid/base and hydrogen bonding. This work will have implications on manifold environmental processes, including the control of fouling in engineered systems.

Keywords: humic substances,polysaccharides,surface adsorption,aqeuous solution,environmental chemistry,interfaces,solid/water,adsorbed layer,water treatment,membranes
A novel modeling framework for predicting animal communities under global change (SESAM-ZOOL)

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-2012-IEF, 2012)
Start date: 2013-09-01
End date: 2015-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 184709.4
EU funding (EUR): 184709.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

A major challenge of the coming years will be to maintain biodiversity under changing environmental conditions. Anticipation is an important dimension to tackle this challenge, where models play a major role. So far however, our capacity to predict communities from single species has remained limited. We now need to improve existing models and develop new ones to better account for assembly processes. This is the aim of the recently proposed SESAM framework (Spatially-Explicit Species Assemblage Modeling). Arising from this theoretical formulation, I aim to develop, implement, and test an innovative framework to model species assemblage combining many pre-existing approaches to biodiversity prediction to produce improved spatially explicit projections and overcome single methods limitations. As efforts are currently made on plants, this project will be the first to attempt this comprehensively on animal assemblages, here European reptiles, in 3 nested study areas. To ensure its feasibility, it will be developed in a step-by-step way: i) gathering species and environmental data; ii) performing modeling analyses (species distribution models) to obtain the potential composition of assemblages filtered only for abiotic constrains; iii) defining macroecological constraints on community properties through macroecological modeling; iv) identifying species interactions and deriving ecological assembly rules (EARs) for the considered assemblages, to be used as biotic filter; v) using data and results previously obtained to unify all components; for this, I aim to develop a highly original step to integrate the identified EARs in the novel predictive process. I will test the robustness and scale-dependence of all component and of the whole framework; and finally vi) applying the framework to derive a new generation of climate change projections for reptiles assemblage at all scales. Project results will be relevant for both theoretical science and conservation biology.

Keywords: v305 ecology,sesam,sdms,macroecological constraints,ecological assembly rules,climate change,animal communities,european reptiles.
Advanced stellar spectroscopy in the Gaia era (GAIASPECTROSCOPY)

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: 2014-03-13
End date: 2016-03-12
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 197811.6
EU funding (EUR): 197811.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

A new generation of surveys has begun the collection of high-resolution spectra for millions of individual stars in the Milky-Way Galaxy. In the frameworks of the Gaia-ESO and HERMES surveys, international research teams will decipher the information and derive precise chemical abundances and stellar parameters with unprecedently large statistics. In a year’s time, the Gaia satellite will begin its mission to complement the data with stellar distances and kinematics. The knowledge of chemical compositions and ages of stars with enough statistics to sample the dynamics of the Galaxy will undoubtedly revolutionize our understanding of how it formed and evolved. The first part of the proposal is aimed at considerably improving the spectroscopic methods applied in large-scale surveys. A novel technique will be developed that models spectral line formation in non-local thermodynamic equilibrium in atmospheres computed with radiation-hydrodynamical convection simulations. Thereby, erroneous physical assumptions that bias almost all quantitative spectroscopy today will be removed so that automated analysis pipelines can determine both accurate and precise chemical abundances and stellar parameters for large samples. A successful outcome is secured by a careful calibration of the analysis methods on the Sun and other standard stars. The second part concerns the science exploration that will commence based on the superior information derived from the Gaia-ESO data. With the early universe in focus, a large sample of extremely metal-poor halo stars will be analysed and shed light on the formation and nucleosynthesis of the very first stars. This ambitious proposal ties together international expertise in atomic data calculations, stellar atmospheres, and chemical evolution modeling of our Galaxy, and directs the effort towards a common goal.
Understanding photoprotection mechanisms in DNA by two-dimensional UV spectroscopy (UPDUS)

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: Italy
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IEF, 2012)
Start date: 2013-11-01
End date: 2015-06-30
Duration (months): 20.0
Total project cost (EUR): 149783.0
EU funding (EUR): 149783.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Since its discovery, DNA, the biomolecule that encodes the information necessary for the replication of life, has been the object of a vast amount of studies. The completed map of the human genome is a good example that illustrates the highly detailed information currently available about static properties of the DNA. In contrast, much less is known about the dynamic properties of DNA, i.e. about those processes occurring over ultrafast timescales shorter than a picosecond. A particularly important dynamic process is the photoprotective mechanism. When ultraviolet (UV) radiation is absorbed by the DNA, the electronic energy acquired by the molecule is efficiently converted into vibrational energy (heat) on an ultrafast timescale (from a few tens to a few hundreds of femtoseconds) thus preventing DNA damage. This UV-induced damage to DNA has serious biological consequences, including skin cancer. In this project we aim to establish a novel two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy technique in the ultraviolet (UV) range to study the photoprotective mechanism of the DNA. The high temporal resolution and broad spectral tuning of the setup will enable to experimentally observe the fate of photoexcitation in DNA base monomers. These observations will unravel the details of the underlying mechanisms involved in the UV radiation dissipation, which are not only important to understand the photoprotection, but also to identify the mechanisms leading to DNA photodamage. In addition, the results derived from this project will be crucial for further investigations in the field. For example, it will enable to investigate the misfolding mechanisms in proteins which have been connected to diseases such as Alzheimer, Parkinson and diabetes.

Keywords: p109 lasers and laser physics,p114 non-linear physics,p219 biophysics,p308 chemical physics,p314 physical chemistry of biological systems,p319 photochemistry,dna photophysics
Magnetohydrodynamics and Radiative Transfer: Development of a combined Solar Prominences modeling technique (COMBINED MHD AND RT)

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: 2015-12-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 221606.4
EU funding (EUR): 221606.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The project aims to study the physics of solar prominences by coupling together two distinct areas of prominence research - the Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Simulations which describe the evolution and structure of prominence magnetic fields and the Radiative Transfer (RT) Modeling which is used to interpret spectroscopic observations of the Sun. This project will integrate these two areas together to construct the first prominence models with realistic MHD processes producing the 3D configuration of the magnetic field within the prominence and non-LTE RT Modeling used to obtain the synthetic radiation emerging from realistically structured prominence plasma. The project combines the expertise of the "fellow" in RT Modeling with the expertise of the "researcher in charge" in MHD Simulations in a unique interdisciplinary project aiming to achieve two distinct but complementary goals. First is to generate a new technique for combining idealized but realistic 3D MHD Simulations with RT Modeling which will have wide applicability to the wider Solar Physics community. Second is to apply this newly developed technique to more specific cases of real-world prominences and to compare the obtained configuration of the magnetic field and resulting synthetic spectrum with magnetic field and spectroscopic observations. Accomplishment of these goals will result in a new sophisticated tool with a considerable effect on Prominence Research. The coupling of MHD Simulations and RT Modeling will broaden both research fields and will open new possibilities to study complex issues of Prominence Physics. This project will provide the "fellow" with expertise beyond his current research field and with extensive set of research, managerial and personal skills which will help him to achieve position of professional maturity. It promotes integration of the European Research Area and reinforces the position of European Solar Physics.

Keywords: solar physics,solar prominence,mhd simulations,radiative transfer
Autonomous Paper-based Point-of-Care Biosensing System (APPOCS)

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-2012-IOF, 2012)
Start date: 2013-08-16
End date: 2017-02-15
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 254925.9
EU funding (EUR): 254925.9
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The objective of this proposal is the development of a fuel cell powered point-of-care analytical device based on paper microfluidics. The device would comprise a power source, biosensors, electronics module and display, to allow the autonomous quantitative measurement of a biological sample and visualize the results within a thin, flexible and disposable package. A first phase of the project (outgoing) will be dedicated to acquiring the skills and methodology to develop paper-based microfluidic devices such as fuel cells and biosensors. The second phase (return) will be dedicated to transfer these skills into the host organization and integrate the paper-based fuel cells and biosensors with the proper electronics and display on a flexible plastic substrate. The outcome of the project will be a functional working prototype transferable to the manufacturing technology used in organic electronics (OE).

Keywords: lab-on-a-chip,micro fuel cell,point-of-care,organic electronics,g313 micro(system) engineering,g302 chemical engineering,g306 energy systems,c109 electrochemistry-microfluidics,l702 diagnostic tool
Elucidation of forskolin biosynthetic pathway in Coleus forskohlii (BIOFORS)

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: 2013-03-01
End date: 2015-02-28
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 298932.6
EU funding (EUR): 298932.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Coleus forskholii is a shrub of the Lamiaceae family, used as an ayurverdic medicinal plant. The roots of this plant are producing a labdane type diterpene named forskolin, known mainly for its pharmaceutical activity for protection against heart failure problems, hypertension treatment as it acts as vasodilator, anti-inflammatory properties and its effects in treating respiratory track problems. The medicinal activities of forskolin are due to its ability to activate the enzyme adenylyl cyclase and therefore to increase the levels of cyclic AMP (cAMP) in the cells. Today it is known that forskolin is produced exclusively by the roots of the species Coleus forskohlii, together with a plethora of different diterpenes, hence its availability is restricted. Thus, the aim of this research proposal is to set the base for the elucidation of the coleus diterpenoids pathways and second to generate production platforms for the controlled biotechnological synthesis of the metabolites of interest. This will be achieved using state of the art technologies and methodologies. New generation sequencing will be used for deep sequencing of the root bark transcriptome (the specialized root tissue responsible for the synthesis and accumulation of forskolin). Genes involved in forskolin and other diterpenoids production will be identified from the generated data bases, will be cloned and functionally characterized for identifying their exact role in the pathways. Upon characterization, selected genes will be expressed in the microbe yeast and/or in the moss Physcomitrella (a novel plant based terpenoid production platform, exhibiting numerous advantages in comparison with microbial systems) for the sustainable production of pure bioactive diterpenoids, which will enable the studies of the therapeutical properties of these metabolites but also the future scalable-up applications to meet pharmaceutical/commercial interests.

Keywords: plant secondary metabolites,forskolin,biotechnology,diterpenes,medicinal plants,biosustainable production of plant phytochemicals,l204 metabolomics,transcriptomics
A genomics approach to increasing disease resistance in dairy cows through improvements in innate immunity (INNATELYBETTERCOWS)

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-2012-IIF, 2012)
Start date: 2013-07-29
End date: 2015-07-28
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 309235.2
EU funding (EUR): 309235.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Our hypothesis is that genetic selection for high yielding dairy cows has been associated with reduced innate immune responses. This predisposes cows to common diseases such as mastitis and endometritis, reducing fertility and decreasing longevity. We propose that this trend could be reversed by identifying key genes involving innate immune function and selective breeding of more robust cows. The research objectives are: (1) to perform genome wide association studies to identify regions associated with relevant health traits; (2) to use comparative genomics to identify candidate genes associated with innate immune responses; (3) to test endometrial responses to lipopolysaccharide in cells with up- or down-regulated expression of a candidate gene involved in innate immunity; (4) to sequence selected candidate genes in different cattle populations to discover novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs); (5) to validate the relevance of these genes in association studies with disease in two new populations of UK and Chinese dairy cows and (6) to perform a functional validation study on blood cell responses to bacterial pathogens in cows with differing genotypes for the selected candidate genes. The project combines the expertise of Huazhong Agricultural University, China (HZAU) and the Royal Veterinary College, UK (RVC) in farm animal genetics and genomics, dairy cow production and the innate immune system. The objectives will be met by the mobility of Professor SJ Zhang to the UK, when she will work closely alongside a team of four RVC scientists led by Professor DC Wathes and share with them her experience of selection for disease resistance. A return phase will support a validation study and transfer results back to HZAU. Both groups have worked together before, are experienced in knowledge transfer to the dairy industry and are committed to use the information generated to breed healthier cows, improving profitability and welfare and reducing antibiotic usage.

Keywords: l101 molecular biology and interactions,l201 genomics - comparative genomics - functional genomics,l601 innate immunity,l611 prevention and treatment of infection by pathogens
Knowledge Transfer of Smart Optical Fibre Sensor Technology (SOFST)

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-2012-IIF, 2012)
Start date: 2014-03-06
End date: 2016-03-05
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 231283.2
EU funding (EUR): 231283.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The proposed knowledge transfer project on Smart Optical Fibre Sensor Technology (SOFST)via this International Incoming Fellowship (IIF) programme will bring the knowledge and expertise of the Marie Curie IIF Fellow Dr Qizhen Sun from the University of Huazhongin Chinawith the integration of the advanced optical fibre devicesfabrication technology and sensing applications of the EU host – Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies (AIPT) of Aston University to (1) develop advanced fibre grating and nano-micro structure based sensor platform; (2) explore speciality optical fibres for high function and multi-parameter sensors; (3) utilise functional nano and bio coating materials for sensor performance enhancement; (4) develop fibre laser based sensor systems for high resolution detection; (5) develop label-free on-line fibre sensor detection systems for food quality and security control. Together with proposed collaboration with 4 academic and 4 industrial co-hosts in Europe, the outcome of this project will not just enhance the EU leading position in smart fibre sensor technology but also the competiveness in commercialisation and wide range applications of this technology.

Keywords: p108 optics and quantum optics,p109 lasers and laser physics,p116 metrology and measurement,p219 biophysics,p302 physical chemistry