Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Evolution of cognition and primate social style (MACACOGNITUM)

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: 2014-10-01
End date: 2016-09-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 299558.4
EU funding (EUR): 299558.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

In his book “The Descent of Man” (1871), Darwin suggested that differences between human and animal intelligence is a matter of degree, not of kind. Since then, it has been empirically proven that Humans share common cognitive attributes but also exhibit complex cognitive skills not demonstrated by other primates. A crucial question in comparative cognitive research is whether these species differences in cognitive abilities correlate with differences in ecological and social factors. The social intelligence hypothesis suggests that an increase in social complexity drove the evolution of cognitive flexibility in primates. Comparisons using established cognitive tests between species that live in social systems of differing social complexity offer the strongest test of the social intelligence hypothesis but these comparisons are lacking. To fill this gap, ´Macacognitum´ will challenge the social intelligence hypothesis and will use a unique approach by comparing the cognitive skills of macaque species of different social tolerance grades using a large comprehensive test battery for comparative cognition. According to the theory, we should observe different set of cognitive abilities between the macaques. In particular, given their similar life history and diet, but different social styles, we expect macaques with a greater social tolerance to display greater skills in the social domain. Here, the integration of comparative psychology and evolutionary biology will: 1) help understand the evolutionary history of cognitive traits in a primate monophyletic group and 2) examine the differential influence of social style on cognition of closely related species. This project proposes a unique approach that has the potential to greatly improve our understanding of the evolutionary dynamics of human and non-human primate intelligence.

Keywords: evolutionary biology,comparative psychology,phylogeny,macaques,animal behavior,animal societies,physical and social knowledge
Empirical Assessment of Intra-Organizational Behavior on Industry Competitiveness (EMPIRICAL ORGAIO)

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-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-09-01
End date: 2016-08-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 166336.2
EU funding (EUR): 166336.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The aim of this project is to develop an empirical framework that enables the study of the relationship between organizational structures within firms and overall industry competition. In particular, the framework will set up a structural econometric model from Empirical Industrial Organization and integrate intra-firm aspects from Organizational Economics. This allows estimating within-firm frictions, transaction costs, as well as the impact of organizational change on industry prices, competition, and welfare. The framework will be taken to data from several firms and industries. The results of this research can shed light on the efficiency of regulation policies and on the optimal merger policies depending on the divisional structures of the affected organizations. In a vertical industry context, inferring transaction costs using a structural model can give insights with respect to vertical relation concerns in industries due to foreclosure or exclusive dealing. Lastly, this allows to assess the effects of post-merger integration processes on firm performance. The main training objective of this fellowship is to enable the researcher to eventually become one of the leading researchers in Europe on the boundary of the fields of Empirical Industrial Organization and Organizational Economics. The fellow's training at UPF will combine individual mentoring from Prof. Juan José Ganuza, and active participation in UPF's events. Several sub-objectives are set up that are intended to develop the needed skills. In particular, the training is intended to sharpen the fellow's expertise and competencies in both related literatures, to acquire him with new empirical methodological research skills, and to further improve his research management and paper writing. The proposal contains a detailed implementation plan for the project, including milestones, fallback options, as well as desired outreach activities to other academics and the public.

Keywords: organizational industrial organization,empirical industrial organization,theory of the firm,competition policy,measuring within-firm frictions,organizational change,structural econometrics
Sorting out host recognition of fungal infection (FUNGISORT)

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: Netherlands
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IIF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-06-01
End date: 2016-05-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 183469.8
EU funding (EUR): 183469.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The fungus Candida albicans is a common cause of human infection with serious morbidity, but the organism is also a commensal yeast that is part of the normal gut microbiota. It is becoming increasingly clear that the composition of the microbiome plays an important role in health and disease. For instance, recently it was shown that commensal fungi in the gut can contribute to the severity of colitis (inflammation of the gut). Immune recognition of C. albicans is mediated by Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs) of innate immune cells. The major PRRs involved in fungal immune responses are C-type lectin receptors Dectin-1, DC-SIGN, Dectin-2, Mincle, Galectin-3 and Mannose Receptor. Signaling by C-type lectin receptors depends on the formation of signaling protein complexes, but these complexes are poorly characterized. We need to understand C-type lectin-mediated immune responses to fungi to improve diagnostics and generate new anti-fungal drugs and vaccines. My approach to increase our understanding of fungal immune recognition is to (1) Characterize C-type lectin receptor complexes that drive innate recognition of C. albicans using sortase technology (2) Study immune recognition of commensal and pathogenic Candida strains and isolates with fluorescent PRR binding domains and (3) Investigate the contribution of fungi to the development and/or severity of human inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by quantitative proteomics. Fungal infections are on the rise so we need to understand how the immune system detects pathogenic behavior of commensal fungi. My expertise in the fungal host-pathogen field and the advanced technologies that I have developed put me in a unique position to advance our understanding of immune-fungal interactions. The results of this IIF project will offer a clear perspective on future clinical applications.

Keywords: pattern recognition receptors,candida albicans,protein complexes,immune signaling,fungal cell wall,sortagging,gut mycobiome,inflammatory bowel disease
Optics of Relativistic Electrons in Dense Plasmas for High Energy Density Physics Applications (FASTELECTRONSOPTICS)

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: France
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IIF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-09-15
End date: 2016-09-14
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 194046.6
EU funding (EUR): 194046.6
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

During the interaction of high intensity lasers against solid materials, ultra-high magnetic fields (on the order of kiloTesla) are produced on picosecond timescales at the interface that separates regions of different electrical resistivity. Multi-MeV electrons can be reflected or refracted by these fields. The purpose of this proposed research is to study if these fields can be used to manipulate the phase space of a beam of relativistic electrons, just as linear and nonlinear optical elements can manipulate the phase space of photons. Applications that will benefit from this research are in the field of High Energy Density Physics (HEDP), including enhanced proton acceleration, warm dense matter studies and laboratory astrophysics.

Keywords: plasma,high energy density physics,high power lasers,fast electrons,fast ignition
Genetic and epigenetic regulation of vitamin C accumulation in apple fruits (VITAFRUIT)

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: Belgium
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2015-07-01
End date: 2017-06-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 227800.0
EU funding (EUR): 227800.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

To date, fruit-breeding programmes have mostly focused on easily identifiable phenotypic characteristics such as fruit colour or size. However, the availability of high-throughput analytical and molecular methodologies now allows us to pursue more challenging quality traits such as nutritional contents and an increase in vitamin C concentrations. The main goal of this proposal is to identify the genetic and molecular factors that control vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid, AsA) accumulation in apple fruits. Apple, is one of the most widely cultivated tree fruits in the world, and understanding the mechanisms that regulate AsA contents, would lead to the identification of novel genes and alleles that can be used for plant breeding for AsA-enriched apple fruits. This in turn can contribute to improved apple fruit nutritional and postharvest quality and consequently, add extra value to the crop. The VITAFRUIT project will have a positive impact in several sectors of society. Firstly by increasing food quality we can improve human health and nutrition. Secondly there will also be economic benefits for the apple (and fruit) industry, breeders and farmers and the development of new AsA-rich cultivars will lead to renewal and stimulation across the entire production chain. Finally the results developed here will also contribute to the pool of scientific knowledge on AsA metabolism and can deliver biotechnological tools necessary for academic research and food crop production.

Keywords: apple,fruit,ascorbic acid,vitamin c,genetic markers,epigenetics,pac-bio sequencing,high resolution melting analysis,bioinformatics,ngs-trancriptomics,breeding,natural variation
Dimensional micro and nanometrology using areal topography data produced by 3D surface metrology instruments (METROSURF)

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-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2015-02-09
End date: 2017-10-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 309235.2
EU funding (EUR): 309235.2
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

The project investigates the development of original methods and algorithms for the dimensional and geometric verification of products and/or surface features defined at micro and nanometric scales. The idea is to overcome the current limitations of SEM imaging (only qualitative information) and micro/nano CMMs (slow, difficult to use) through an unconventional use of measurement data produced by advanced 3D profilometers and microscopes, which are being currently adopted in surface metrology for areal surface texture assessment. The ultimate goal is to produce a traceable, or at least reproducible measurement solution that can be used for quality inspection of micro/nano fabricated parts and devices, and/or for accurate measurement of defects and other singularities in precision engineering applications. Such a solution would finally provide a reliable and quantitative feedback to those research and industrial applications concerned with precision engineering, and/or seeking to improve the design and manufacturing processes typically adopted at the micro and sub-micrometric scales. Through the fellowship, the applicant will be able to join one of the most prolific and internationally renown research groups in surface metrology, and will be able to combine his previous experiences on algorithmic data processing for surface metrology with cutting-edge knowledge on the mode of operation and metrological performance of the most advanced surface metrology instruments currently available. Original solutions for dimensional micro and nanometrology will be devised by investigating a wide array of test cases of academic and industrial relevance pertaining MEMS, microfluidic devices, micro-textured surfaces and many other types of engineered high-precision surfaces. In addition to providing measurement solutions of wide applicability, the fellowship will give the applicant an invaluable opportunity to progress towards maturity and full scientific independence.

Keywords: dimensional micro and nanometrology,surface metrology,quality inspection,areal surface topography,3d profilometers and microscopes
Travelling knowledge in medieval Islam: the Ash‘arites of al-Andalus and North Africa (TRAKIMI)

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-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2015-02-01
End date: 2017-01-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 166336.2
EU funding (EUR): 166336.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

In the context of the intellectual life of Muslim societies, systematic rational theology was traditionally seen as a discipline in its own right. It was thereby clearly distinguished from other, in many respects, similar intellectual endeavours like, for example, Graeco-Arabic philosophy. One of the most influential theological schools in Muslim history was the Ash‘ariyya. According to its self-understanding, this school sought to reconcile a rational approach towards theological issues with the limitations set by revelation. The school’s historical importance notwithstanding, major desiderata in the investigation of its variegated history and internal diversity remain. The proposed project aims to study one of the widely neglected chapters of the intellectual history of the Ash‘ariyya, namely its transmission to the medieval Maghreb, i.e. the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa. The innovative nature of this project lies in its understudied subject and its interdisciplinary approach that combines philological methods and computational technologies for social network analysis.

Keywords: muslim intellectual history,ash'ariyya,rational theology,kalam,maghreb,al-andalus
Understanding the variability of solar And STellar RAdiative fluxes (ASTRA)

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-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-09-15
End date: 2016-09-14
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 168794.4
EU funding (EUR): 168794.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The variable Sun is the primary external driver of natural climate change, as evidenced by positive correlations between solar variability and various climate indicators. Even though the Sun-Earth connection has been under close scrutiny over the last two decades, a number of crucial questions remain open. Thus, in the 4th IPCC assessment report the level of our understanding of the solar influence on climate was graded as very low. One of the reasons for this is our incomplete understanding of solar irradiance variability. In particular, the magnitude (in the UV part of the spectrum) and even the phase (in the visible part of the spectrum) of the solar cycle variation remain highly controversial. Also the magnitude of solar irradiance changes on centennial and longer time scale is uncertain. The main goal of this project is to incorporate the newest information obtained by the recent high-resolution observations and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations of the solar atmosphere into SATIRE (Spectral And Total Irradiance Reconstruction), which is one of the most advanced models of solar irradiance variability. This information will put important constraints on the relationship between the magnetic field strength and the spectral contrasts of solar active regions, crucial for successful modeling of solar irradiance variability. The improved SATIRE model will be employed to compute and release new, more reliable and more physics-based reconstructions of solar total and spectral irradiance over the Holocene. It will also be employed to analyze the unprecedentedly precise photometric time series of Sun-like stars obtained by the Kepler and Corot space missions, whose advent rekindled the interest in solar-stellar comparison. This will allow one to understand whether the photometric variabilities of Sun-like stars are governed by the same physical processes as those acting on the Sun.

Keywords: solar-terrestrial relations,solar-stellar connection,solar variability,solar activity,solar atmosphere,solar-type stars,kepler mission,stellar magnetic activity.
Somatic cells regulation of maternal mRNA translation in mammalian oocytes (MATERNA)

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: Italy
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IOF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-03-01
End date: 2017-02-28
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 261175.8
EU funding (EUR): 261175.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The final phase of oocyte differentiation, fertilization and early embryo development occur in absence of transcription, thus cell cycle progression and genome reprogramming rely on translation of stored mRNAs, until the activation of embryo genome. Objective of the present study is to analyze the pathways that regulate translation during oocyte-to-embryo transition. We propose the follicular cells to play a role in this process. Though it is known that intercellular bi-directional communications are essential to coordinate oogenesis with folliculogenesis, the involvement of somatic cells in the regulation of translation is a new concept. Our study will be conducted in mice (outgoing phase) and cows (return phase) since their embryo genome activation follows divergent dynamics: early 2-cell stage in mice, 8-16 cells in cows. The study will aim to: 1) understand how somatic cells regulate the activation of selected mRNA translation in oocytes; 2) determine if a mis-regulation of mRNA translation accounts for impaired embryo development during reproductive aging; 3) identify the extent to which these mechanisms are evolutionarily conserved in mammals. Different strategies will be adopted in order to knock-down the putative pathways, from pharmacological inhibition to RNA interference techniques and genetic models, when available. The translation activity will be investigated by innovative approaches as the use of luciferase reporters. While aiming to uncover some of the yet poorly known mechanisms that drive a highly differentiated cell as the oocyte to the perfect totipotent cell, this project represents the opportunity for a European researcher at the crucial transition to become independent to work with leading edge scientists and advanced technologies in the field of cell signaling and reproductive sciences. The return phase will allow the transfer of knowledge and the establishment of networks of international cooperation.

Keywords: oocyte,meiosis,mrna,granulosa cells,amphiregulin,egf network,reproduction,embryo development,ovary
Synaptic stability and modifiability:protein synthesis and degradation in neurons (NEURONALPROTEOSTASIS)

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-2013-IEF, 2013)
Start date: 2014-03-01
End date: 2016-02-29
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 216952.8
EU funding (EUR): 216952.8
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Control of neuronal protein homeostasis (proteostasis) is critical under both normal and abnormal synaptic function. Neuronal synapses possess 100-500 protein species that range in their copy number at individual synapses from 10-100+ copies. In order to maintain synaptic function it is clear that there must be tight regulation of protein synthesis, degradation and trafficking. In neuronal dendrites, the machinery for both protein synthesis and degradation is present in or close to the synaptic cleft, endowing them with the capacity for local alterations in the proteome. Indeed, it is well-established that some forms of synaptic plasticity require local protein synthesis or protein degradation. The main objective of this project is to clarify the cross-talks between protein synthesis and degradation in neurons, since these two cellular processes have to be coordinated for keeping proteostasis since they have mostly been studied independently. The experimental approach will include manipulating protein synthesis and degradation globally and locally (dendrites) in dissociated neurons and brain slices. I will also study the changes in protein synthesis and degradation in response to different synaptic plasticity paradigms, centered in the hippocampus. These studies will certainly contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanism responsible of proteostasis in neurons and its role in normal neuronal function, neuronal plasticity and will have clear implications to understand disease.

Keywords: neurobiology,protein synthesis,protein degradation,neuronal plasticity.