Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Influence of the Mediterranean Outflow on the Atlantic Ocean Climate: the role of local scale processes (INMEDIATO)

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-IEF-2008, 2008)
Start date: 2009-10-01
End date: 2011-09-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 214970.62
EU funding (EUR): 214970.62
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

It is widely accepted that the Mediterranean Outflow (MO) has influence on deep water production in the North Atlantic (NA), and therefore on NA climate, but the extent of that influence remains controversial and closely linked to the dispute about preferred MO pathways to the northern seas: a direct advective pathway (strong influence) or an indirect one through mixing with NA Current waters (weak). The MO spreading pathways are quite well established in the vicinity of the Iberian peninsula from hydrographic data, unfortunately further north it is hard to estimate from observations what the direct/indirect contribution of MO to the warm saline inflow into the northern seas is. Climate models addressing this issue support the indirect hypothesis, however they are unable to resolve adequately the Strait of Gibraltar (SoG) and the Gulf of Cadiz (GoC) – key areas where local-scale processes may impact on MO properties and spreading – and fail to represent adequately the MO signatures in the NA as compared to observations, with higher salinities, mainly southward from the SoG and an exaggerated MO diffusive spreading pattern. Regional/process models with higher resolution present the disadvantage of prescribing open boundary conditions, short time-scale runs and the lack of feedback with larger scale circulation. Considering that tidally-driven processes might be relevant at the SoG and GoC, where the width of the MO plume is few tenths km, our goal is to investigate the effect of MO on the NA climate establishing: 1) how local-scale processes at SoG and GoC affect the MO properties and spreading; 2) the way the MO accesses the northern seas; 3) the relevance of that local-scale processes for the NA climate. We propose an integral approach allowing to resolve the local-scale processes at the SoG and the GoC as well as the larger-scale processes which may influence the NA climate, using an efficient ocean GCM with regional high resolution allowing for long-term runs.

Keywords: physical oceanography (climate change),physical oceanography,climate modelling (climate change)
Experimental reconstruction of volcanic explosions: understanding the fragmentation energy balance and seismic signals (VOLCEXPLOSEIS)

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-IEF-2008, 2008)
Start date: 2009-12-01
End date: 2011-11-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 160996.91
EU funding (EUR): 160996.91
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Volcanic explosions can have devastating effects on their surrounding area and communtiies, so it is important to improve our understanding of the controls on how energetic volcanic explosions are and the interpretation of the seismic signals that they generate. Volcanic explosions are driven by ascent and depressurisation of magma, which result in the exsolution of large volumes of gas. If the gas cannot escape through permeable pathways, pressure in the magma will build up, resulting in fragmentation and explosion of the magma. Recent work by the host has identified the influence of permeability, pressure, and magma properties on whether and how the magma will fragment. They have also developed methods to assess the energy used to fragment the magma from the size distribution of the fragments. In this project, the fellow will extend this work by conducting fragmentation experiments on natural and synthetic melts with a range of physical properties at a range of temperatures and pressures. The fragment size distribution will be analysed in order to calculate the energy partitioning between fragmentation of magma and ejection and propulsion of the fragments. This will be compared between different magmas in different states. During these experiments acoustic emissions, which are laboratory scale earthquakes, will be recorded. These can be scaled for comparison with seismic events recorded during volcanic explosions. Changes in the size and characteristics of these acoustic emissions with explosion energy, magma state and energy partitioning will be analysed. These results will inform the interpretation of seismic events associated with volcanic explosions, revealing links between the nature of explosion earthquakes and the potential impact of the volcanic explosion. This will be the first time an energy partitioning analysis has been done on natural and synthetic magmas above and below the glass transition temperature and the first time that acoustic emissions have

Keywords: volcanology,petrology,seismology,risk assessment (geophysics),experimental physics,mineralogy
Molecular cross-talk of light perception and development for plant adaptation to the environment (ARABISHADE)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Intra-European Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Spain
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-IEF-2008, 2008)
Start date: 2010-03-03
End date: 2012-09-02
Duration (months): 30.0
Total project cost (EUR): 210933.51
EU funding (EUR): 210933.51
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Plants perceive the presence of dense vegetation as a change in light quality, i.e., a reduced red to far-red (R:FR) ratio. The responses to shade are generally referred to as the shade avoidance syndrome (SAS), and involve various changes in growth and physiology intended to overgrow or survive neighboring plants. Molecularly, phytochrome photoreceptors rapidly modulate plant development modulating the expression of several dozens of genes likely instrumental for implementing SAS responses that are likely forming a transcriptional web in Arabidopsis. A few of these genes encode partially redundant positive and negative regulators. The high amount of putative regulators (e.g. PAR1 and HFR1) suggests that to understand the SAS it is crucial (i) to establish the functionality of these regulators and (ii) to understand how they are organized in this web of transcriptional interactions. Hence, a major objective of this project is to define the architecture of the SAS transcriptional network in which PAR1 and HFR1 participate and to find out whether they are working in the same or different regulatory modules. In addition, the molecular basis of the cross-talk between shade perception and endogenous age-dependent transcriptional networks, such as those controlling hormone signaling and/or other developmental responses has to be clarified. Specific objectives are: Identification of 1) PAR1 and 2) HFR1 interacting nuclear transcription factors and their respective networks, 3) direct target genes of PAR1 and HFR1 proteins, and 4) age- related differences in molecular control of the SAS. With respect to the IEF call, this project will provide advanced research training to the applicant C. Then, a plant ecophysiologist, willing to extend her previous expertise (plant ecophysiology) to future integrative research approaches (plant molecular biology and ecophysiology) to advance her career as an independent researcher through innovative plant research.

Keywords: natural sciences,plant biology,arabidopsis,shade avoidance syndrome,phytohcrome,basis-helix-loop-helix.
Particles in Turbulence: from tracers to rain formation (PTURB)

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-IEF-2008, 2008)
Start date: 2009-06-15
End date: 2011-06-14
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 160996.91
EU funding (EUR): 160996.91
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

In this project, we propose to experimentally study the behavior of particles in high Reynolds number turbulent flows in an unprecedented and challenging way. To address this general topic, we will combine two of the best modern experimental techniques used to track 3‐D particle motion: Tomographic Particle Image Velocimetry (T‐PIV), and Particle Tracking Velocimetry (PTV). The T‐PIV (cutting edge technology, developed in collaboration with LaVision gGmbH) will be used to track passive tracer particles, giving us the 3‐D Eulerian flow field. On the other hand, PTV will allow us to measure the Lagrangian trajectories of different types of particles evolving in the same part of the flow. We will observe flows in different forcing geometries, from highly anisotropic to nearly homogenous. We will use classical polystyrene or glass particles (that can have various sizes and densities), but we will also use &quot;superparamagnetic&quot; particles (designed in collaboration with INM Leibniz‐Institut fuer Neue Materialien gGmbH) in order to mimic the gravitational field g and vary its strength while keeping all other variables fixed. This will allow us to investigate certain aspects of cloud dynamics and rain formation. For the first time, quantitative measurements of the instantaneous flow field, together with Lagrangian tracks of particles with different properties, will be obtained simultaneously, at high Reynolds numbers. This will allow us to disentangle the complex coupling between particles and a turbulent flow by gauging the different terms in the Maxey &amp; Riley equation (1983). These results could lead to a substantial improvement of the numerical simulations dealing with those problems by suggesting the correct approximations that must be done on the governing equation (or an ersatz), in order to stay realistic without increasing the computational time to infinity.

Keywords: experimental physics,hydrodynamics,fluid dynamics
Public Opinion Trends and Policy-Making in the European Union (RESPONSE EU)

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-IEF-2008, 2008)
Start date: 2009-09-18
End date: 2011-09-17
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 226974.0
EU funding (EUR): 226974.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The question of how the EU institutions can better connect with Europe&apos;s citizens is a central concern for European and national policy-makers. Measuring the degree of responsiveness of European institutions to the demands of the citizens is of vital importance because it helps to assess how successful the EU is in meeting the needs and expectations of citizens. The goal of this research is to quantitatively measure the responsiveness that is to be found between public demands and policy supply. This responsiveness is mutual, therefore there are two sides to our research objective. One aspect is to examine the influence of the level of public support, and its heterogeneity, on policy-makers. Such an influence, if found, would indicate that the volume of European legislation, both across policy fields and time, reflects changes in public support for the various policies. Do the legislative productions of the EU reflect the evolving wishes of the European public? A second aspect of the research will be to examine the degree to which the European public appears to be aware of current and past EU legislation by policy area. Is there responsiveness of public opinion to changes in the volume of EU legislation across different policy areas and time? Theoretically, this project is informed by and relates to the literatures on public opinion, democratic governance and European legislative studies. It is innovative as it simultaneously draws on the thermostatic theory of political responsiveness and on studies of EU legislative decision-making. Methodologically, I use time-series analysis with pooled cross-section data to relate Eurobarometer surveys to European legislation. The findings of this research should provide valuable input into the present drive to make the EU institutions more responsive, open and accessible. The research also has implications for political science in documenting a feedback loop between public opinion and public policy.

Keywords: democratic governance,public opinion,european legislative decision-making,political responsiveness,time series analysis,eurobarometer and european legislation
Understanding Hedgehog signalling in breast cancer and mammary gland stem cells using tissue specific expression of Gli1 the main effector of the Hedgehog pathway (MAMMAHOGLGR)

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-IEF-2008, 2008)
Start date: 2009-07-01
End date: 2011-06-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 179223.79
EU funding (EUR): 179223.79
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Only a subset of tumour cells is capable of giving rise to new tumours. These so called “tumour stem-cells” are functionally similar to adult stem cells and have been identified in tumours of several tissues. Whether transformation of adult stem cells into tumour stem cells is the event leading to the disease is not clear. Alternatively, tumours could arise from the population of committed progenitors, which have de novo acquired self-renewal properties. The aim of the proposed project is to investigate the role of Hedgehog (Hh) signalling in mammary gland stem/progenitor cell fate and cancer development. The following questions will be addressed: 1. Does induction of Gli1 expression expand the stem/progenitor cell population in the mammary gland and are the functional properties of these cells changed? 2. Does induction of Gli1 expression expand the population of Lgr5+ cells in Gli expressing mammary glands and Gli1 induced tumours? 3. Does induction of Gli1 expression result in additional genetic changes relevant for tumour formation? 4. Does induction of Hh-signalling in Lgr5+ mammary cells cause tumour formation? 5. Would prevention of Gli activation with small molecule inhibitors like GANT61 prevent mammary cancer formation? The activity of the Hh pathway is required for growth of a variety of tumours, including breast cancer. We propose to use tetracycline-controlled conditional expression of Gli1, the main effector of the Hh-signalling pathway, in mouse mammary gland as a model system. The dynamic changes in the stem/progenitor cell population will be monitored after induction of Gli1 expression. Stem cells will be sorted based on known markers, including the orphan G protein coupled receptor Lgr5. The role of Hh signalling in Lgr5+ cells and the tumorigenecity of Lgr5+ cells will be addressed. This project will contribute to our understanding of breast cancer development and have implications on future therapeutic strategies of mammary cancer.

Keywords: cell biology,genetically modified organisms,functional biology,molecular markers and recognition,stem cells,cancer,hedgehog signalling,mammary gland
Spastic paraplegia genes and endosomal signaling in Drosophila (PARAPLEGIA ENDOSOMES)

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-IEF-2008, 2008)
Start date: 2009-10-12
End date: 2011-10-11
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 170733.61
EU funding (EUR): 170733.61
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs) are a group of neurodegenerative conditions characterised by the degeneration of longer spinal cord motor tract axons. The normal function of the 13 cloned spastic paraplegia genes (SPGs) is largely unknown, but most encode intracellular membrane-associated proteins. Recently, the host laboratory has established that one of these genes, SPG6, encodes an endosomal regulator of BMP receptor trafficking, and regulates synaptic growth and axonal microtubules via this effect. The aim of this project is to test whether other intracellular membrane SPG products also function in receptor membrane trafficking and signalling, particularly in the BMP pathway. The focus of the study will be on the three SPGs currently most amenable to study in Drosophila melanogaster, a model system with proven power in this area. Top priority will be given to the recently identified spastizin (SPG15), an endosomal localised protein containing a FYVE motif, found on proteins that function in the regulation of endocytic trafficking. Mutants of the Drosophila SPG15 homologue will be generated to study phenotypes, particularly at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Also, antibodies will be generated to investigate spastizin colocalisation and association with BMP, Wnt, and Notch pathway subunits. In addition, I will use similar approaches to test two other membrane associated SPG products: spastin (SPG4) and atlastin (SPG3A). These are among the most commonly mutated SPGs, thus Drosophila stocks and reagents are already available, but their potential role in regulating endosomal trafficking pathways is not well studied. This investigation, into the functional pathways of spastizin, spastin, and atlastin, will further the understanding of the mechanism of action of mutated proteins in motor neuron degeneration.

Keywords: neurobiology,cell biology,degenerative diseases,molecular genetics,genetics
Phylogenetic niche conservatism, the global amphibian diversity gradient and their worldwide decline (PHYLONICHE)

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-IEF-2008, 2008)
Start date: 2009-04-15
End date: 2011-04-14
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 163702.68
EU funding (EUR): 163702.68
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Explaining the causal mechanisms underlying the latitudinal gradient in species richness has long been a core objective for ecologists and biogeographers. The phylogenetic niche conservatism hypothesis (PNCH) is receiving increasing attention as a synthetic theory able to account not only for the high tropical richness of most taxa, but also for the exceptions to this pattern found in some groups. However, only a few studies have tested this hypothesis and, hence, the empirical support for PNCH as the primary driver of richness gradients at a large scale still remains limited. Because of the worldwide amphibian decline, large amounts of distributional, biological, phylogenetic and extinction risk data are increasingly available for researchers. Accordingly, PHYLONICHE will use a phylogenetically informed biogeographic approach to address a long-standing issue in ecology (i.e. why there are more species in the tropics?) and to explore the causal mechanisms underlying the global amphibian decline. Specifically, it will examine the following questions: (1) Do amphibian lineages tend to maintain their climatic niches over long evolutionary scales?;(2) is the observed global gradient in amphibian species richness a result of phylogenetically structured ecophysiological traits that limit the geographical distribution of species and clades?;(3) to what extent are older basal clades confined to the tropics and underrepresented in temperate regions, with younger derived clades showing higher species richness in extratropical regions?;(4) is there any relationship between a high degree of ecological specialization in terms of climatic niche breadth and higher extinction risk in amphibian species?;(5)which ecological factors and species biological traits are associated to a higher degree of extinction risk for amphibian species across the globe?;(6)which is the geographical location of areas with higher latent extinction risk for amphibian species at the global scale?

Keywords: biogeography,ectotherms,macroecology,macroevolution,latent extinction risk,latitudinal gradient in species richness
Approximate Inference in Probabilistic Models (INFPROBMOD)

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-IEF-2008, 2008)
Start date: 2009-09-01
End date: 2011-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 163135.67
EU funding (EUR): 163135.67
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

We propose to develop and analyze approximate inference methods for probabilistic models. Probabilistic models are widely used in Machine Learning to solve complex real-world problems and they also form an important research area in Statistics. One of the biggest challenges in probabilistic modelling is to be able to infer marginal probabilities of some random variables in the model, a task which is often formally computationally intractable due to the complexity of the situation modeled. We propose to contribute to the advancement in developing and understanding the properties of approximate inference techniques through three important research objectives. The first objective is to develop and analyze approximate inference techniques for Bayesian Linear Gaussian State-Space based Models (LGSSMs). LGSSMs are used in many application domains and we recently developed a Bayesian approach to a class of models based on LGSSMs using a deterministic approximation technique. We would like to investigate more in dept the properties of the proposed technique and develop other approximation techniques which have different characteristics. The second objective is to perform a theoretical evaluation and a more exhaustive experimental comparison of the the state-of-the-art algorithm for approximate inference in LGSSMs with switching dynamics, and investigate the extension of this approximation technique to other related models. The third objective is to develop inference methods in sequential decision theory, by exploiting the new point-of-view which sees planning problems as inference problems in probabilistic models. We would like to concentrate on Markovian models not yet analyzed, and to apply the resulting methods to solve imitation problems in robotics and to design optimal sequential experiments in bioinformatics and chemoinformatics. This project has the potential to contribute towards technological advances in a large spectrum of applications.

Keywords: probabilistic/graphical models,deterministic and stochastic approximate inference,sequential decision theory,robotics,bioinformatics,chemoinformatics,machine learning,statistics.