Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Functional implications of inter- vs. intraspecific trait diversity in European forests (DIVERFOR)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Intra-European Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Germany
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IEF, 2011)
Start date: 2013-02-01
End date: 2016-05-09
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 167390.4
EU funding (EUR): 167390.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The study of the influence of biodiversity on ecosystem processes is an expanding research as a result of the growing concern that loss of biodiversity may impair ecosystem functioning. An important generalization assumes a positive relationship among the community diversity and its stability in response to environmental disturbances, thus a key subject under the global change scenario. Recently, the functional approach to diversity (i. e. the functional expression of diversity) has emerged providing a closer explanation to the actual mechanisms of biodiversity-ecosystem functioning relationships than the traditional expression of diversity. An important number of studies have thrown some light on trait meanings and assessments; and several works have addressed the development of indices and mathematical frameworks to estimate functional diversity. However, these methods have often neglected the intraspecific trait variability (phenotypic differences within a species), commonly comparing mean trait values per species. The aim of this proposal is to understand the extent and implications of the inter and intraspecific trait variability on forest functioning, in particular on the recruitment process and the productivity across a climatic gradient in European forests. The rationale for including within-species variability is that European forests are relatively species-poor, so the phenotypic variation in functional traits within species is likely to be more relevant for a community and ecosystem processes that at species level. In this context, to disentangle the relationships between functional diversity and forest functions, we will characterise the inter- and intraspecific variability of functional traits in tree species, analysing the extent of each component in different forests across Europe (Germany, Romania, Finland, Italy, Poland and Spain) and the scale in which they are more relevant (individual, species, plot, region).

Keywords: functional biodiversity,intraspecific variability,biodiversity status and trends,global change adaptation strategies (climate change),plant ecology,forest ecosystems (climate change)
Advanced Digital Signal Processing for Radio Astronomy Applications (ADSPRA)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Outgoing Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Spain
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IOF, 2011)
Start date: 2013-01-01
End date: 2015-12-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 256206.0
EU funding (EUR): 256206.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Very Long Base Line Interferometry is a key technology for high spatial resolution observations of the universe. Among its applications, it should be highlighted the study of galaxies, stars and planetary systems dynamics; the composition and dynamics of planetary atmospheres and the evolution of galaxy clusters. Radio astronomy instrumentation requires the constant development of custom high performance DSP systems. In the case of the radio telescope arrays, the computation power required scales as (bandwidth) × (Ntelescopes) 2, which can be significantly high taking into account that the number of telescopes can be of several hundreds. The need of such DSP power advocates the use of the current cutting edge technology. The FPGAs are in the forefront of the modern technology, especially when the applications require high processing speeds. One of the challenges of this project will be to bring to an end the most novel radio astronomy instrumentation to enable the measurements of the new radio interferometers. An application of particular importance is the Geostationary Synthetic Thinned Aperture Radiometer. The measurements obtained with this device will be crucial for atmospheric research and numerical weather prediction. A radiation tolerant ASIC-based cross-correlator needs to be developed. Therefore, another contribution of this project will be the development of this missing key technology.

Keywords: technological sciences,physical sciences
Marine inspired biosilica-filled hydrogels (DIADOM)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Outgoing Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IOF, 2011)
Start date: 2012-07-11
End date: 2015-03-13
Duration (months): 30.0
Total project cost (EUR): 229004.25
EU funding (EUR): 229004.25
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

This IOF fellowship merges together two unique concepts toward a common goal, which can have significant benefit to the end users – the patients. It investigates the potential of a less invasive approach to surgeries through the use of injectable biosilica-filled adhesive hydrogels comprised of a sustainable biosilica phase and a marine inspired adhesive hydrogel. The IOF fellowship is with Northwestern University and will also open up new avenues of research, with new approaches to established problems, and access to additional equipment and facilities for our group, thus adding value to the work.

Keywords: health sciences,marine inspired adhesives,hard tissue repair
THE GENETIC ARCHITECTURE OF SECONDARY SEXUAL TRAITS DURING HYBRID SPECIATION (ARCHIGENE)

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: Norway
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IEF, 2011)
Start date: 2013-01-01
End date: 2014-12-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 217396.8
EU funding (EUR): 217396.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Understanding the genetic basis of phenotypic traits is of fundamental importance in evolutionary and conservation biology, but especially in the field of speciation. Hybrid speciation essentially involves fusion and stabilization of two distinct genomes accompanied by reproductive isolation from the parental counterparts. I will investigate how genetic architecture of secondary sexual traits evolves during hybrid speciation and the consequences this may have on speciation. The Italian Sparrow (Passer italiae) is a stabilized and uniform hybrid taxon that originated from past events of hybridization between two divergent parental species, the House Sparrow (P. domesticus) and the Spanish Sparrow (P. hispaniolensis). The two parental species differ in a number of functionally important traits, including melanin-based plumage coloration. This system provides excellent opportunities to study the genetic architecture of secondary sexual traits, as adult male breeding plumage differs between species. These plumage traits are targets for mate choice in sparrows, and are hence also likely to function in species recognition. More specifically, I will study how the genetic structure of plumage ornamentations in a bird species changes during its origin through hybridization of two parental species. This goal will be achieved by using a combination of cutting-edge methods in quantitative genetics and molecular genetics.

Keywords: evolutionary biology,speciation,genetics
Artificial Cells for Enzyme Replacement Therapy for Phenylketonuria (AC FOR PKU TREATMENT)

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-2011-IEF, 2011)
Start date: 2012-05-01
End date: 2014-06-19
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 228082.2
EU funding (EUR): 228082.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is the most common genetic enzyme defect, with an overall incidence in Europe and the USA of 1:10,000-20,000 live births per year. Patients suffer from a genetic defect in the liver enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH), which normally metabolizes the amino acid phenylalanine (Phe) into the amino acid tyrosine. This specific enzyme defect, which results in an increase in the level of systemic Phe in the first few years of life, can lead to severe mental retardation. Herein we propose a research project in which we will further develop the sub-compartmentalized assembly named capsosomes, which consist of polymer capsules assembled by the layer-by-layer (LbL) technique containing intact liposomes, as an oral-delivered artificial cell for enzyme replacement therapy with the aim to provide a solution for the most common inborn disease: phenylketonuria. In particular, I will (i) substantially improve the actual capsosome assembly by constructing the polymer shell in a single step using poly-dopamine (PDA), (ii) encapsulate the PAL enzyme into the liposomal sub-compartments and perform the conversion of Phe into trans-cinnamic acid, (iii) study the preservation of the PAL activity for oral administration by exposing the enzyme-loaded capsosomes to different environments which mimic the stomach and the intestine track, (iv) design of liposomes which are pH-sensitive in alkali media by two different strategies in order to obtain liposomes with enhanced permeability at intestine physiological conditions and, finally (v) synthesize thiol-modified PDA (PDASH) with the aim to obtain biodegradable capsosomes at intestine physiological concentrations of glutathione (GSH).

Keywords: artificial cells,enzyme replacement therapy,inborn metabolic errors,oral drug delivery,capsosomes,chronic diseases,phenylketonuria
Stochastic reserving based upon mathematical statistics (RESERVING)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Intra-European Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IEF, 2011)
Start date: 2012-09-01
End date: 2014-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 278807.4
EU funding (EUR): 278807.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The aim of my proposal is to develop a coherent methodology based on classical mathematical statistics for the important area of reserving, transforming it into state-of-the-art mathematical statistics. In doing this, I will use my academic knowledge of modern mathematical statistics, in particular my extended experience in modern smoothing theory. The objectives are: - To develop models based on reported numbers of claims and aggregated claim payments, which provide better insights into the underlying drivers of the claims data - To investigate the use of external data to stabilise the predictions of claims liabilities - To incorporate models which allow for claims inflation in calendar, development year and underwriting year direction - To develop new bootstrap methodologies in order to obtain predictive distributions - Finally to transfer all the above results into a continuous data setting based on structured smoothing. Everything I proposed in this Fellowship is directly linked to what practical actuaries are doing today. They can follow step by step how their current reserves are being changed when adding more and more features of our new methodologies. One can therefore understand the difference between the innovative reserving methods of this project and current methods. It is expected that the suggested working stream will lead to popular methods with a good chance of quickly catching on in the industry. One major global insurer is already advocating such work in light of the increasing regulatory pressure on improved reserving methodologies formulated via Solvency II and it is hoped more will follow when the work develops and gets more widely accessible to practitioners.

Keywords: reserving,structured smoothing,claims inflation,bootstrap,external data,solvency ii
Understanding the metabolism of endothelial cells underlying physiological and pathological angiogenesis (EC METABOLISM)

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: Belgium
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IIF, 2011)
Start date: 2012-09-01
End date: 2014-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 169800.0
EU funding (EUR): 169800.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Angiogenesis is the process whereby new blood vessels are formed. Physiological angiogenesis occurs in a variety of settings, including embryogenesis, wound healing and inflammation. Pathological angiogenesis may occur in such settings as tumor and atherosclerotic neovascularization. Endothelial cells exhibit remarkable plasticity and can rapidly transition to migratory and proliferative phenotypes. This phenotypic transformation not only changes cellular physiology, but also cellular metabolic requirements, and thus cellular metabolism. The proposed research focuses on understanding the metabolism of endothelial cells underlying physiological and pathological angiogenesis. By specifically targeting the metabolic energy supply of tumor microvasculature, we hope to be able to limit tumor growth and metastasis while minimizing side effects to normal cells. Conversely, we believe that this knowledge will allow us to promote physiological angiogenesis in such settings as wound healing and myocardial infarction. There is a great deal of heterogeneity within endothelial cells and their biological functions, as they must be specialized to deal with their specific environments and tissue interactions. Arterial endothelial cells are generally quiescent and are exposed to high oxygen and glucose concentrations, as they line the primary conduit for nutrient delivery in the circulatory system. On the other hand, venous endothelial cells are often in deoxygenated environments and can function in sprouting and transport. Finally, lymphatic endothelial cells are often in anoxic environments (lacking oxygen) and have been characterized to participate in lipid uptake, inflammation and metastasis. Thus, we hypothesize that there are fundamental differences in the basal metabolism of endothelial cells of arterial, venous and lymphatic origin. In this proposal, we aim to address the unknown but important questions of whether cellular metabolism defines the fate endothelial cells.

Keywords: biological aspects of metabolism,endothelial cells,cell biology,cancer research,anti-cancer therapeutics
Atom chips on the submicron scale: Routes to hybrid cold atom-quantum electronics devices (HYCODE)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Intra-European Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IEF, 2011)
Start date: 2012-10-01
End date: 2014-09-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 209033.4
EU funding (EUR): 209033.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

This project merges two very successful branches of science, solid state and ultra cold atom physics. Although a combination of quantum systems from each of these fields is of great interest, interactions between the two fields remain rare. In this project we will develop a platform to cool and trap ultracold rubidium gases in the submicron vicinity of novel types of atom chips (current chips: 10-100 microns).Only at this distance scale, efficient, fast and sufficiently strong controlled coupling between the atomic and the solid state based quantum electronic system will be possible. The close surface limitations can be beaten by reducing influences of Casimir-Polder surface attraction, Johnson noise and trapping potential roughness due to fabrication imperfections.The project encompasses fabrication of thin membrane atom chips with two-dimensional electron gases (2DEG) and magnetic materials coupling to ultracold thermal and Bose-condensed atomic samples at submicron distances. As a first application we will map out and control the current and donor distribution of a 2DEG. This project is set within the Midlands Ultracold Atom Research Centre at the University of Nottingham interlinking scientists and research at the interface between atomic and condensed matter physics. The project brings a researcher who constructed a pioneering cryogenic cold atom apparatus at TU Vienna into the cold atom group of Scientist-in-Charge Prof. Peter Krüger with its experience in quantum gases and atom chips. In this thriving environment fast development of novel hybrid devices can be expected with quantum technology applications ranging from quantum information processing to metrology (Casimir forces, minute magnetic field patterns). Hence this project targets areas of national and European priority in an interdisciplinary area of leadership of science and technology within the European Research Area.

Keywords: experimental physics,atomic physics,physics of semiconductors
Smart Bandage for Cancer Margin Theranostics (BAN-CANCER)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Incoming Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IIF, 2011)
Start date: 2013-07-01
End date: 2015-06-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 209033.4
EU funding (EUR): 209033.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Successful surgical treatment of breast cancer crucially depends on accurate detection of the boundaries between malignant and healthy cells (tumor margins) and is a major determinant of patient survival. The current standard for assessment of margins is the evaluation by the surgeon in the operating room followed by histological sampling. The project “smart BANdage for CANCER margin theranostics” (BAN-CANCER) combines diagnosis of malignancy at the single cell level over a large area with stimuli-responsive delivery of therapy in a theranostic device for intraoperative detection and eradication of malignant cells at breast tumor margins. BAN-CANCER is a multidisciplinary project that combines the potential of nanoscale materials with a novel theranostic approach. It constitutes a leap forward with respect to current and proposed diagnostics, allowing to diagnose and treat breast carcinoma margin involvement for the first time (i) intraoperatively (ii) at the single cell level (iii) over the entire surgical incision; in a (iv) simple, (v) inexpensive,(vi) biocompatible package; that can be (vii) routinely employed by surgeons without requiring (viii) added equipment or (ix) prolonged analysis. BAN-CANCER will consist of a vertical array of porous silicon nanoneedles sticking out from a flexible substrate over several square cm. The gauze will be applied over the margins of the remaining breast epithelium following tumor excision allowing the nanoneedles to penetrate within each cell. The needles will be functionalized to release a fluorescent chemotherapy drug in response of abnormal cytosolic protease activity to provide simultaneous imaging and eradication of cancer cells. When the gauze will be removed the surgeon will assess the extent of margin involvement and make an informed decision extending the excision. The intracellular release of chemotherapy will ensure the death of isolated, difficult to observe cancer cells, further preventing recurrence.

Keywords: anticancer therapy,nanotechnology,nanomedicine,theranostics,drug delivery,smart delivery,diagnostics,cancer,tumor margins,porous silicon,peptide biosensor,hybrid materials,medical device
West African Pentecostal Christianity in Southern Europe. Engendered Spaces, Spiritual Power and Aesthetic Practices (WASE)

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: Netherlands
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IOF, 2011)
Start date: 2012-10-01
End date: 2015-09-30
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 263660.7
EU funding (EUR): 263660.7
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The research proposes to address the social, religious and aesthetic impact of African Pentecostal and Charismatic Christianity in European cities and societies shaped by Catholicism. This approach is applied to the case study of Nigerian and Ghanaian churches in Italy where the Catholic Church plays roles in social and symbolic domination. Using an innovative and creative multidisciplinary approach draw from religious and visual and multimedia studies, the research examines the African Pentecostals sacred spaces, images, objects, and rituals meant to communicate religious messages and spiritual power and redefine the embodied nature of urban religious experiences in European cities and societies. The aim is to look at how regimes of emotions and sensations led by African Pentecostal and Charismatic churches transform urban spaces into cities of spiritual warfare. The research analyzes how African Pentecostals engage their missionary agenda of salvations and redemption in the European lands dominated by the Catholic Church and what are the strategies deployed to negotiate their role as new socio-religious actors. Furthermore, the study examines the African Pentecostals’ gender and body politics including the emerging role of African women pastor and their attitude toward issues such as patriarchy, leadership, body and sexuality. The study culminates, among other deliverables such as scientific articles and a book, in a multimedia archive to disseminate the outcomes of the project through a innovative digital media. The project creates permanent and stable multimedia records so that research materials of historic, cultural and social interest can be maintained for the benefit of the future generations of scholars.The expected outcome of this project is to provide knowledge and understanding of the culture, religion and systems of belief of new European socio-religious actors and to equip European scholars of innovative multidisciplinary competences and skills.

Keywords: sociology of religion,religious sciences,comparative religion,audiovisual communication,african studies,european studies