Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Developmental Context-Driven Robot Learning (DECORO)

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-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-09-22
End date: 2016-09-21
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 231283.2
EU funding (EUR): 231283.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Robots and robotics are becoming increasingly important outside their normal industrial applications, and are seen as having enormous potential for social good, as well as industrial and economic value. The research project at the heart of this career training and development proposal will explore real-time developmental learning in a humanoid robot on practical real-world manipulation tasks. Such learning is essential if robots are to fulfil their promise for improving lives and living. The learning will be driven by the complete high-dimensional sensorial context of the robot, not just a task-specific subset of sensors and pre-established features. The principal scientific objectives of this project are to study how the full sensorial context of an embodied robot platform can be used to drive behaviour; how such behaviour can be self-organized in real-time to enable learning in dynamic (and learning) contexts; and how to not only ground existing symbols in the sensorimotor interaction, but also adapt the structure of the neural substrate to enable a development of the set of symbols used. These objectives will be achieved through theoretical studies concerning the relationship of a robot’s “state” and a robot’s sensed context; through an open source software implementation of a developmental learning that associates high-dimensional sensor input to actuation in real-time; and through controlled experimental evaluations with the iCub humanoid robot and human teachers. Findings will be openly published to allow replication, verification and refinement by the research community; stimulating commercial development and adoption of useable technology.

Keywords: developmental cognitive robotics,robot learning,intelligent systems,human-robot interaction
Developmental genetics and adaptive bases of a major ecological transition - How to walk on water! (WATER WALKING)

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: France
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2015-04-01
End date: 2017-03-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 194046.6
EU funding (EUR): 194046.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Evolutionary developmental biology has provided invaluable contributions to our understanding of the relationship between genotypic and phenotypic change. Similarly, evolutionary ecology greatly advanced our understanding of the relationship between the phenotype and the environment. To fully understand the evolution of the organismal diversity, a thorough integration of these fields is required, and this remains highly challenging. Semi-aquatic insects (Heteroptera, Gerromorpha) have conquered water surfaces worldwide and represent by far the dominating group of insects in these habitats. Their well-understood ecology of adaptation constitutes the necessary foundation for integrative studies. We will dissect the developmental genetic basis of key morphological adaptations associated with the ecological transition from ground to water surfaces. A morphological character that has been critical to this transition is the evolution of hydrophobic bristles, whose density, morphology, and orientation, allow the trapping of air at the leg–water interface. A second spectacular adaptation, that followed this invasion, is the occupation of running waters by some members of the family Veliidae. This was facilitated by the evolution of a swimming fan on the tarsus of the propelling mid-legs, which greatly enhances their movement on running waters. The objective of this project is to develop a multi-level approach to study how the interplay between developmental genetic pathways and the ecological environment can drive morphological evolution. We will take full advantage of the unique foundation in terms of ecology, diversity, and technical tractability that water-walking insects offer, combined with the use of next generation sequencing along with assays of gene function and organismal fitness. This approach is a critical step forwards in evo-devo and will provide a coupling of molecular function to concrete measure of fitness associated with the phenotype.

Keywords: evolutionary developmental biology,ecological transition,key innovation,semi-aquatic insects,next generation sequencing,gene expression,rna interference,fitness assays.
Functional organization of heterochromatin at the nuclear periphery in cell differentiation (CHROMO-ANCHORING)

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-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2015-01-01
End date: 2017-05-06
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 199317.6
EU funding (EUR): 199317.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Co-ordinating the patterns of gene expression that drive the development of a complex organism requires multiple layers of regulation, extending from sequence-based DNA-protein interactions to higher-order architecture of the genome. The spatial organization of chromatin within the nucleus is thought to reflect a functional compartmentalization that mirrors changes in cell fate. Recently, the signals and proteins involved in the topological organization of heterochromatin in complex organisms started to be addressed. In C. elegans, cell differentiation is accompanied by a cell-type specific 3D re-organization of the nucleus, leading to the internal localization of active tissue-specific promoters and the perinuclear sequestration of repressed tissue-specific promoters. Through a highly successful genome-wide RNAi screen the Gasser laboratory identified histone H3K9 methylation as an essential signal for the peripheral anchoring of heterochromatin in undifferentiated embryonic C. elegans cells. However, as embryos differentiate into worms the perinuclear sequestration of heterochromatic arrays is re-established, even in absence of H3K9 methylation. This strongly argues that alternative, unknown anchoring pathways that are induced during differentiation exist and orchestrate heterochromatin spatial segregation. With this project, I aim to identify the chromatin signals and “reader” molecules triggering heterochromatin anchoring at the nuclear periphery in differentiating worm cells. Moreover, I will determine whether compartmentalization of chromatin is required for appropriate cell-type differentiation. I predict that defects in tissue maintenance will arise, albeit possibly subtle ones, when chromatin fails to segregate into active and inactive domains. Overall, this project will significantly contribute to understanding how genomic nuclear organization impinges on epigenetic regulation.

Keywords: nuclear organization,heterochromatin,lamin,cell differentiation and identity,live microscopy
Fluorinated Weakly Coordinating Anions for Coordination Chemistry of Unusual Ligands (FLUOCOORCHEM)

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: Slovenia
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IOF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-07-01
End date: 2017-06-30
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 238134.0
EU funding (EUR): 238134.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The aim of the project is to prepare metal-complexes of weakly coordinating anions and unusual ligands (nitrous oxide, dihydrogen trioxide, krypton difluoride, xenon tetrafluoride, xenon difluoride, and hydrogen fluoride) and subject them to single crystal X-ray diffraction in order to obtain a detailed structural information of the ligand (dihydrogen trioxide) or the metal-ligand interaction (nitrous oxide, dihydrogen trioxide, krypton difluoride, xenon tetrafluoride, xenon difluoride, and hydrogen fluoride). The approach of the proposal is based on merging the experimental techniques (low temperature isolation and structural characterisation, especially used and developed in noble gas chemistry) and chemistries (fluorinated super weakly coordinating anions) with the fields (nitrous oxide and dihydrogen trioxide chemistry) where they have not been used before. Fundamental insights on the nature of the interactions between metals and aforementioned ligands (nitrous oxide, dihydrogen trioxide) would have environmental, technological, and implications in biological systems.

Keywords: trioxidane,nitrous oxide,weakly coordinating anions,metal complexes,fluorine,dihydrogen trioxide,single crystal x-ray diffraction,crystal structure.
Mechanisms underlying hemogenic induction in human fibrobalsts (INDUCING HEMOGENESIS)

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: Portugal
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IIF, 2013)
Start date: 2015-02-18
End date: 2017-02-17
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 202630.0
EU funding (EUR): 202630.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Hematopoietic Stem Cell (HSC) transplantation whether from bone marrow, mobilized peripheral blood or cord blood is the best example of regenerative cell therapy. HSCs have remarkable therapeutic applications in a broad range of diseases that affect the blood forming and immune system. Nevertheless, there remains a shortage of usable genetically-matched material for all needs. Growing HSCs in vitro from adult or fetal sources or generating them from embryonic stem cells has proven to be challenging despite of 20 years of intensive research. An alternative approach would be to generate transplantable HSCs directly from patients own adult cells using programming technology. We have recently demonstrated the direct induction of mouse fibroblasts into hematopoietic progenitor cells using a combination of four transcription factors (TFs). This induction progress through an endothelial-like intermediate cell. We now have strong evidence that the same blood forming process can be induced in human skin-derived fibroblasts with a similar set of TFs. We first propose to characterize the human induction process using cell surface phenotypes, global gene expression analyses and functional assays. We further propose to dissect the molecular mechanisms of such induction by the identified group of TFs. Specifically, we will investigate the mechanisms that mediate this process by studying how these factors modify the epigenome and therefore directing and establishing a new cell identity. We propose to map TF binding, DNA methylation and histone modifications at a genome-wide level during the induction process. The dissection of such molecular mechanisms may ultimately allow for the use of programmed cells in the clinic. The successful generation of directly programmed HSCs will have a highly significant impact not only on patient specific therapeutics for immuno-hematopoietic diseases but also provide novel technologies to correct genetic disorders.

Keywords: direct reprogramming,hematopoietic stem cell,trancription factor,chromatin,dna methylation,stem cell transplantation,hematopoiesis,blood,hemogenic endothelium,fibroblast,gata2,c-fos,gfi1b
Photonic Cluster States from Diamond (PHOCLUDI)

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: Austria
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-03-01
End date: 2016-02-29
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 179137.2
EU funding (EUR): 179137.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The main objective of the proposed research project is to build a diamond-based single-photon source that is capable of emitting strings of entangled photons for resource-efficient photonic quantum computing. This addresses the main challenge of measurement-based quantum computing in realising scalable multi-photon quantum information processing. We will follow recent theoretical work to realise the generation of a string of single photons that are entangled as a cluster state – the generic resource for measurement-based quantum computing. To achieve this ambitious goal we will push current technology far beyond state-of-the-art by obtaining high light-collection efficiency from and advanced quantum control of single-photon emitters based on nitrogen-vacancy centres in diamond. To date, these light sources have been only used for obtaining individual, un-entangled photons. This will break new ground for the efficient generation of entangled photons, and will make large regions of previously inaccessible quantum state space available for modern quantum technologies. We will develop new theory to perform feasible quantum state tomography of the emitted light by using only passive optical elements. Furthermore, we will use new experimental methods for the implementation of quantum gates; the combination of fast electro-optical switches and high-efficiency superconducting detectors will enable adaptive measurements for error correction and deterministic quantum logic operations. The results of these experiments will be crucial in the development of scalable quantum computing in realistic scenarios, and open alternative perspectives for novel applications using quantum-enhanced information technology.

Keywords: quantum optics,photonic cluster states,entanglement,quantum information,one-way quantum computing,solid-state physics,nitrogen-vacancy centres,diamond,diamond photonics,external microcavities
Gold(I)-Containing Metallopolymers: Synthesis, Self-assembly, and Applications (XMHIM)

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-2013-IIF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-11-10
End date: 2016-11-09
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 231283.2
EU funding (EUR): 231283.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The incorporation of metal centers into polymers represents a promising approach to various new advanced materials. A wide range of metallopolymers containing different metals have been developed and studied. However, soluble, high molecular weight gold(I)-containing metallopolymers and their potential applications are virtually unexplored, although molecular gold(I) complexes have been extensively investigated over the past two decades and have shown promising applications in self-assembly, sensing, light-emission, catalysis, and biomedicine. The planned work in this proposal includes three aspects: (i) design and synthesis of three different types of gold(I) metallopolymers, (ii) investigation of the self-assembly of the gold(I) metallopolymers, and (iii) studies on sensing and light-emitting applications. Dr. He brings with him his extensive and detailed knowledge of gold chemistry and luminescent gold materials obtained during his Ph.D and postdoctoral research. By working on this project in the Ian Manners lab at Bristol, in the UK, Dr. He will become an expert in the field of metallopolymer-related materials research. Thus, the complementary and essential expertise of Dr. He and Prof. Manners’ group will allow the proposed project to succeed. The experience will be of great benefit to the future independent academic career that Dr. He intends to take up at the end of the 2 year fellowship.

Keywords: gold,metallopolymer,self-assembly,luminescence,sensing,light-emitting device
Teacher leadership for school improvement: community capacity building towards effective leadership, educational success and social cohesion (TEACH-IN)

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-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-04-22
End date: 2016-04-21
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 299558.4
EU funding (EUR): 299558.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The applicant, Dr. Gisela Redondo Sama is associate professor at the Department of Sociological Theory, Philosophy of Law and Methodology of the Social Sciences at the University of Barcelona since 2009. She is also researcher at CREA (Centre for Research in Theories and Practices that Overcome Inequalities). She earned her PhD in Sociology in 2011 and she is an expert in democratic education and school improvement. The host organisation is the Faculty of Education at the University of Cambridge, UK, with Dr. David Frost supervising the activities of the fellow. The main aim of the fellowship is to help the applicant advance on her career in education and social sciences research, under the guidance of world renowned experts. The research will focus on developing a comprehensive understanding of teacher leadership and its effectiveness for school improvement and how to implement it in schools and communities in successful ways. The interdisciplinary analysis across teacher leadership, successful actions and learning communities can provide an innovative and powerful framework to combat early school leaving and promote social cohesion. It will also provide the applicant with research training related to the methodology and concepts of education in the particular area to be developed, as well as in complementary skills like project management and academic leadership, thus enabling her to manage interdisciplinary research in the future. The 24 months of fellowship will provide the fellow with the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills which will contribute to the development of her career. The results of the research that she will conduct will mean a relevant impact for educational policies at national and EU-level.

Keywords: teacher leadership,school improvement,effective leadership,educational success,social cohesion
Comparative Study Negative Campaigning and its Consequences (CSNCC)

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-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-08-01
End date: 2016-07-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 221606.4
EU funding (EUR): 221606.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Negative campaigning consists of criticizing one’s political opponent in an attempt to ‘win’ voters by diminishing the attractiveness of the opponent. The opposite is positive campaigning which consists of acclamation and self-praise aimed at raising one’s own attractiveness to voters. Although these forms of political discourse can be traced back to ancient Greek times, scholarly investigation is relatively recent, and more explicitly directed to negative campaigning than to its positive counterpart. The reasons for this are practical as well as normative. On the practical side, the increasing professionalization of politics and campaigning generated an increased demand for evidence-based recommendations about how to wage campaigns in order to ‘win’ elections. On the normative side are apprehensions about undesirable side-effects of negative campaigning for the quality of representative democracy: citizens exposed to negative campaigning are often said to become more cynical about the responsiveness of public officials and about the electoral process, and that they would, as a result, be less likely to take part in elections. Yet, our knowledge of negative campaigning and its effects is still quite limited. This study has the following four research objectives (a) generate new knowledge about the systemic conditions in which negative campaigning is more or less prevalent, by explicit comparison between multiple countries and political contexts; (b) produce new insights into the effects of negative campaigning; (c) contribute to the further conceptualization and theorizing of negative campaigning by specifying it as a specific case of the more general phenomenon of political attack rhetoric; and (d) contribute to further theorizing by integrating insights from different disciplinary traditions in the study of negative campaigning and attack rhetoric, such as electoral studies, comparative politics, political theory, communication theory and media effect studies.

Keywords: political systems,legitimacy of governance,democracy,elections,negative campaigning,political parties,voters,experiments
Chiral veterinary medicines in the environment (CVME)

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-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-04-01
End date: 2016-03-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 221606.4
EU funding (EUR): 221606.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Veterinary pharmaceuticals are potent environmental contaminants. Special attention has been paid to antibiotics because of their potential health risk. Research has been undertaken to understand their environmental fate and toxicity. However one very important phenomenon has been overlooked and it is that more than half of the drugs currently in use are chiral compounds. Chiral compounds can exist in the form of enantiomers, which have similar physicochemical properties but differ in their biological properties and, therefore, in their potency, toxicity and biodegradation. Because of the most of studies on chiral pharmaceuticals do not explicitly account for individual stereoisomers, they implicitly and incorrectly assumes that enantiomers have identical environmental behavior. Furthermore, there is also a lack of information concerning enantioselective toxicity of chiral pharmaceuticals in the environment. This might lead to a significant under- or overestimation of their toxicity, as well as, an incorrect environmental risk assessment.Trace analysis of pharmaceuticals in environmental samples is always challenging due to the complexity and diversity of sample matrices, and until today only few chiral analytical methods for environmental trace-level determinations have been developed being the most of them focus on a few pharmaceuticals, and none of them in a group of several veterinary pharmaceuticals of environmental relevance. The proposal concerns the development and validation of a method for enantiomeric analysis of a group of chiral veterinary medicines of environmental relevance in environmental matrices using microextraction techniques and determination by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, the study of their environmental fate and their toxicity effects towards different organisms and the evaluation of the environmental risk posed by these compounds.