Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Exploring evolutionary links between dwarf galaxy types using distant Local Group late-type dwarfs (DWARFGALAXIES)

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-2010-IEF, 2010)
Start date: 2011-10-01
End date: 2013-09-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 187612.0
EU funding (EUR): 187612.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Dwarf galaxies play a key role in our understanding of galaxy formation and evolution as they are the most numerous kind of galaxies in the Universe and they are also potentially powerful dark matter probes. Our understanding of this galaxy population and of the processes that drive its evolution is limited, mainly because a detailed observational picture of the properties of the various types of dwarf galaxies is lacking. We do not know whether the various types of dwarf galaxies originated from different formation processes, or whether they shared similar progenitors, and environmental effects and/or internal processes caused the observed differences in their properties. In the Local Group we can study in great detail the two main types of dwarf galaxies, those that contain gas (dwarf irregulars, dIs, still forming stars, and transition types, dTs, with no current star formation) and those devoid of gas (dwarf spheroidals, dSphs). This project aims to provide a leap forward in our knowledge of distant dIs and dTs and their relation to the well-studied nearby dSphs. For the first time the wide-area spatial distribution of stellar populations, metallicity and kinematic properties will be derived for stars covering a wide age range in a sample of isolated dIs and dTs. This will be done to a similar degree of detail and using the same tracers as for dSphs. Furthermore, by studying isolated dwarf galaxies, environmental and internal effects as main evolutionary drivers will be disentangled. With the expertise of Prof.Dr.M.Tosi and her group, the applicant will be trained in complementary observational and theoretical approaches; in extracting and modeling star formation and chemical enrichment histories, dark matter mass content and distribution; and exploring the relation between the kinematic properties of the gas and the stars. The proposed project and training will greatly benefit the development of the applicant's future career.

Keywords: astrophysics,dwarf galaxies,local group,resolved stellar populations,chemistry,kinematics,dark matter
The molecular regulation of T helper cell subtype plasticity. (THPLAST)

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,United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IEF, 2010)
Start date: 2011-08-08
End date: 2014-02-04
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 211092.8
EU funding (EUR): 211092.8
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

Naïve CD4+ T cell differentiate into distinct lineages to achieve successful adaptive immune responses to diverse categories of pathogens. The development of these effector cells is controlled by cytokines, transcription factor interactions and chromatin modifications. In addition, several of the differentiated subtypes can interconvert, a property known as plasticity. However, the molecular regulation of flexibility of this subset cells is still unresolved. I propose to explore the molecular machinery of the T helper (Th) effector cells’ plasticity, specifically of Th subset 2 plasticity to Th1, as understanding of this reprogramming is a key target of autoimmune- and allergen-specific immunotherapy. I plan to study the regulation of Th2-Th1 cell plasticity both experimentally and computationally. I will identify the gene expression level dynamics as well as the epigenetic events during plasticity using RNA- and ChIP-deep sequencing. These results will be processed by computational tools to define the hierarchy and dynamics of molecular regulators, and to predict key molecular players (transcription factors, microRNAs) responsible for expression of the specific cytokines. I will also monitor specific RNA and protein expression at a single cell level, and identify specific regulatory interactions, including the nucleic acid motifs involved. This research will reveal insights into the balance between lineage commitment and plasticity, which is a key question in developmental biology, and in general will impact a wide range of areas in biology from stem cell biology to cancer.

Keywords: genomics,molecular biology,t helper,plasticity,differentiation,transcription factor,mirna,cytokine,epigenetic events,rna-seq,chip-seq,single molecule rna-fish,chromatin modification
Conscientious objection in the UK and Italy: a qualitative study of health providers’ perspectives on abortion (CONOB)

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-2010-IIF, 2010)
Start date: 2011-04-04
End date: 2013-10-03
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 210092.8
EU funding (EUR): 210092.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

A qualitative study of obstetricians-gynecologists’, residents’ and medical students’ experiences and attitudes towards conscientious objection and abortion is proposed in two European countries: one in Northern Europe - the UK, and the other in Southern Europe - Italy. The main objectives are to examine how conscientious objection is experienced by these physicians and by medical students and how it affects abortion training and provision in different clinical settings and geographical areas. The study will investigate how current and future obstetricians-gynecologists’ choices regarding training and providing abortions is influenced by: 1- their cultural and religious background and beliefs; 2- their professional training and experience (including knowledge of abortion’s epidemiology, of maternal morbidity and mortality, of the Ethical Code of Medicine and of the laws regarding abortion and their experience of abortion stigma); 3- their engagement with the political, scientific and religious debate on reproductive health and rights. Conscientious objection is increasing both in the UK and in Italy, leading to a decrease in the number of abortion providers in public health services. It is not known whether and how conscientious objection is affecting other aspects of abortion services. Only a few quantitative studies on gynecologists’ experience and attitudes towards abortion have been undertaken in the UK, while no such studies have been undertaken in Italy. The present qualitative study will give an important contribution to the European scientific debate by providing new data on a topic which is relevant from an anthropological, public health and policy perspective. The Council of Europe (COE) is attempting to regulate the use of conscientious objection in Europe. This study will therefore have immediate relevance and application both from a scientific and a policy point of view.

Keywords: social sciences,anthropology,conscientious objection,stigma,reproductive health,abortion,uk and italy
Development of integrated modelling techniques to assess impacts of climate change on pathogens and water quality (PACEMOD)

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: Ireland
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IOF, 2010)
Start date: 2011-12-01
End date: 2014-11-30
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 226024.0
EU funding (EUR): 226024.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Dr Rory Coffey graduated with an honours primary degree in Agricultural Science in 2003, he subsequently went on to complete a research masters and PhD in University College Dublin with a focus on Biological Systems Engineering. He is currently working as a Postdoctoral researcher in Ireland. The researcher is requesting funds for 3 years under the guidance of Professor Shane Ward, University College Dublin, Ireland. A two year outgoing phase will be spent working with Dr Mary Leigh Wolfe at the Centre for Watershed Studies, Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, USA. Knowledge acquired during the outgoing phase will be transferred to the EU in year 3 during the return phase when Dr Coffey will rejoin the Bioresources Research Centre at University College Dublin. The overall scientific aim of the project is to apply watershed modelling techniques to integrate the effects of climate change on waterborne pathogenic organisms and transport of such substances to water sources (groundwater and surface water). Ongoing work in these areas is still in its infancy, and the project proposes a bottom-up approach to investigation. As the project progresses, the emphasis will shift from water quality monitoring techniques, theoretical modelling and simulation (relying on third country host expertise) to model development, application and evaluation within the EU (using home institutions expertise). The project will be completed with a view to environmental application and development of new protocols for water source protection (taking advantage of the home institution's experience in training, communication, scientific management, intellectual property, etc.)

Keywords: climate change impact,water-pathogen-climate interactions,watershed modelling,catchment scale water management,environmental risk assessment
Early Universe Modelling and Confrontation with Cosmological Data (EARLYUNIVERSE)

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-2010-IEF, 2010)
Start date: 2011-10-01
End date: 2013-09-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 193349.6
EU funding (EUR): 193349.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

In this exploratory project we will study the non-trivial interrelations between fundamental theory, phenomenology and observation in cosmology, in order to obtain a comprehensive picture of the physics of the early universe, and to identify new promising directions for future research. The project will develop along three interrelated lines of work. First, we will seek new possibilities for cosmological model building in string theory and explore the range of phenomenological features that theory allows. One focal point will be our model of Wilson line inflation, which offers a new path for understanding inflation in heterotic theory - an open problem - and which presents rich phenomenology, including non-Gaussianity and gravitational waves. This connects to our second line of work, which is a quantitative study of the phenomenological features of new and existing models. We will focus on hybrid 2-field models that are both well-motivated and phenomenologically rich, producing isocurvature modes, non-Gaussianity and cosmic strings. We will study these features quantitatively and use our state of the art string evolution model to quantify observational signals coming from cosmic strings. Third, we will explore non-trivial relations between high-energy physics sectors that do not play a dominant role in the early universe, but are part of the same underlying theory and can produce observable signals in the late universe. We will use high quality data in innovative ways to constrain high-energy parameters in the underlying fundamental theory. We shall give special attention to axions (e.g. from type IIB string theory used to build the 2-field models mentioned above) and their coupling to photons, fermions and gravitons. This is an interdisciplinary project combining information from theory, phenomenology and observation to maximize impact. There are many connections between the different lines of work and unexplored areas where new promising directions could be found.

Keywords: early universe,cosmology,model building,constraining fundamental theory
Transhistorical tropes of female subordination (TTFS)

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-2010-IEF, 2010)
Start date: 2011-08-01
End date: 2012-07-31
Duration (months): 12.0
Total project cost (EUR): 137740.0
EU funding (EUR): 137740.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

A society defines itself partly through the stories it tells about itself. There is an interchange between the individuals who consume the stories and the society the produces them, each influencing the other. The project Transhistorical Tropes of Female Subordination analyses this interchange through three ubiquitous tropes in present-day fiction - referred pain, women suffering patiently for love, and dead or absent mothers - and traces their roots in narratives of earlier periods. The tropes, analysed from a transhistorical perspective, carry a socialising message: women should accept that men’s feelings are more important than theirs; accept brutal or indifferent treatment as tokens of love; and accept that a father is a more important parent than a mother. The tropes relate to different stages in a woman’s life. Referred pain is mainifest in texts focusing on daughters or lovers, women suffering for love is concerned with young women transformed into wives and dead mothers focuses on the construction and upholding of he family unit. Previous research on these tropes has generally not used a transhistorical perspective, and transhistorical studies of literature have rarely included analyses of gender. The tropes are all based on an understanding of women as ancillary to men, as irrelevant and expendable. These are assumptions that are seemingly out of touch with modern society. Yet, the fact that the tropes are constantly circulated shows that they are as understandable and acceptable to a present-day audience as to those of previous ages. It is important to make them visible and problematise the regulative discourses they participate in, as well as ask the question what it is that makes them attractive to a present-day audience, what functions they fulfil.

Keywords: humanities,literature,film,gender,cultural studies,societal structures,transhistoricism
Efficiency and regulation of teaching under environmental constaints (TEACHING IN ANTS)

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-2010-IEF, 2010)
Start date: 2012-01-23
End date: 2014-04-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 211092.8
EU funding (EUR): 211092.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

In many animal species, individuals acquire information from others. Until recently, however, there was no evidence for teaching in non-human animals. Now teaching has been shown in a small but diverse group of animals, all of them social. Teaching, according to the definition that is well established in evolutionary biology, must incur a cost or provide no immediate benefit to the experienced individual, i.e. the leader. This raises the question under what conditions does teaching evolve? Sociality is shaped by selection that operates, in part, at the family or colony level. Thus the leader incurs a cost and/or has no immediate benefit, but teaching will be beneficial at the colony level. Recent studies suggest that under a constantly changing environment (e.g. food supply) there will not necessarily be a direct link between an increase in individual performance after information transfer and collective energy gain of the colony. I will examine the effect of spatial and temporal availability of food on the benefits and costs of teaching at the individual and colony level of the tandem running ant Temnothorax albipennis. T. albipennis can forage towards a goal such as food, by two main strategies: (1) foraging alone, (2) teaching by tandem running, i.e., a leader teaches a naïve follower. In the second case there is strong bi-directional feedback of information between leader and follower. I will focus on the interactions during tandem running and assess the proportion of individuals and time allocated to tandem running for food. In ants there is a high level of communication between leaders and followers, which will provide insight into the increase in efficiency that accrues from teaching at an extremely fine scale.

Keywords: entomology,behavioural biology,temnothorax albipennis,tandem runs,teaching,search patterns,foraging,communication,environmental constraints
Chemical evaluation of drinking water disinfection byproducts (CHE-WADISBYPRO)

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-2010-IOF, 2010)
Start date: 2012-01-16
End date: 2015-01-15
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 223669.6
EU funding (EUR): 223669.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Disinfection byproducts (DBPs) are generated when disinfectants such as chlorine, ozone, chloramine, or chlorine dioxide, react with natural organic matter and/or bromide/iodide present in source waters, and they may pose health risks. Despite intense research carried out in this field, more than 50% of the total organic halogens formed during water disinfection still remain unidentified. Additionally, iodinated DBPs have been found not only in naturally iodide containing waters disinfected, but also in treated source waters where iodide concentration was very low. Thus, other potential sources of iodine, such as iodinated X-ray contrast media used for medical imaging are being explored. The estimated toxicological potency of individual or defined mixtures of DBPs does not account for the magnitude of effects reported in the positive epidemiologic studies, suggesting the need for toxicological evaluation of whole DBP mixtures, including the unidentified DBPs. This problem was addressed by a multi-disciplinary team of researchers from the U.S. EPA in a project known as the “Four Lab Study”, in which toxicological effects of complex DBPs mixtures generated under drinking water chlorination and ozonation/postchlorination scenarios were evaluated. Chloramination of water has been observed to increase the formation of highly cytotoxic and genotoxic iodinated DBPs, nitrosodimethylamine and other nitrosamines; to release solubilised lead in drinking water distribution systems, and to produce skin rashes, respiratory effects, and digestive effects in the population. In this context, the proposal ChE-WADISBYPRO aims to produce and chemically characterize water concentrates of chloramine-derived DBPs mixtures that are suitable to be used in toxicity studies to evaluate the environmental and public health risk of drinking water chloramination, and to investigate the formation of iodo-DBPs from iodinated X-ray contrast media.

Keywords: health and environment (environmental protection),drinking water treatment,disinfection byproducts,control of chemicals,liquid and gas chromatography,mass spectrometry,reverse osmosis,chloramination
Molding the Brain: Drosophila Neurotrophins in Brain Plasticity and Neurodegeneration (NPN)

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-2010-IIF, 2010)
Start date: 2011-09-01
End date: 2013-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 201049.6
EU funding (EUR): 201049.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The brain undergoes structural changes in response to experience, known as structural plasticity. Loss of plasticity most likely underlies brain changes associated with aging and neurodegeneration. Neurotrophins (NTs) are the main proteins linking structure and function in the human brain. Lack of NTs underlies neurodegeneration and NTs are the favored factors to promote nervous system repair. How NTs implement these functions, and how alterations in NT function lead to neurodegeneration, is not yet solved. The fruit fly Drosophila is a powerful model to study gene function. Investigation of NT functions in flies was only recently made possible by the discovery of the Drosophila NT family by the Hidalgo team. Here, I will investigate if Drosophila NTs (DNTs) underlie structural plasticity in the fly brain and if their loss leads to neurodegeneration. I aim to: 1) Define the circuits involving DNTs in the fly brain. 2) Identify the cellular events underlying brain developmental plasticity in response to DNTs. 3) Test if DNTs are involved in experience dependent plasticity in the adult. 4) Test if interfering with DNT functions in structural plasticity promotes neurodegeneration. The resulting findings will increase our understanding of brain evolution, function, formation and degeneration.

Keywords: neurobiology,brain development,brain plasticity,drosophila,neurotrophic factors