Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Arabidopsis hybrid incompatibilities (ARABIDOPSIS HYBRIDS)

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-2007-2-1-IEF, 2007)
Start date: 2008-05-01
End date: 2010-04-30
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 163230.93
EU funding (EUR): 163230.93
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

While the discovery of hybrid vigor was one of the most important breakthroughs in modern agriculture, failure of many wide crosses limits the beneficial traits that can be introduced into crops. My goal is to understand the molecular and biochemical basis of hybrid incompatibility within, and also between, species. My first focus will be to characterize a particularly interesting incompatibility (identified in the laboratory of Prof. Weigel), in which offspring develop ectopic outgrowths (tumoring) on leaf petioles. The model will be a cross between two Arabidopsis thaliana accessions (strains) from Spain and Tajikistan. Preliminary results suggest that this example of severe negative epistasis is caused by an interaction between two alleles of a disease resistance (R) protein. Once confirmed, I will characterize the interaction at the protein level by domain-swapping and mutagenesis to determine the biochemical mechanisms of the deleterious interaction. A second, more speculative focus will be to assess the effect of intra- and inter-specific hybrid formation on genomic regulation through RNA silencing. I will do this by deep sequencing of the sRNA and transcriptome complements of intra- and inter-specific hybrids in the Arabidopsis genus. The resultant data will be analysed for occurrence of novel sRNAs in hybrid progeny, correlating with down regulation of transcription from the cognate genes or vice versa. Further experiments will be decided on the basis of these initial results and are anticipated to include profiling of DNA methylation at genomic intervals of interest, and analysis of the effects of knock down of RNA silencing pathways on hybrid formation and gene regulation. The two aspects of the proposed work are linked in that they aim to further understanding of hybrid genetic interactions that have been proposed to affect diverse biological phenomena from disease to speciation.

Keywords: natural sciences,biodiversity,plant genetics,molecular biology
Democratic Innovations and Citizens in the EU (DEMOS-ACT)

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: Finland
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2007-2-1-IEF, 2007)
Start date: 2008-04-01
End date: 2009-03-31
Duration (months): 12.0
Total project cost (EUR): 116611.34
EU funding (EUR): 116611.34
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Representative democracies are currently challenged by an increasing decline of political satisfaction and trust. Many European governments have tested diverse democratic innovations with the aim of enhancing political contentment as well as increasing citizens’ understanding of political matters. However, do democratic innovations, for example direct democracy or deliberative procedures, fulfil the hopes? This question remains unanswered, because currently no comprehensive data pool, no theoretical framework, and no systematic evaluation of democratic innovations in Europe exist. The applying fellow, Brigitte Geissel, and the applying institution, the Interdisciplinary Centre of Excellence “Democracy: A Citizen Perspective” at Åbo Akademi University (Finland), will address this gap and meet the demand of political scientists and politicians alike for valid expertise regarding the advantages and disadvantages of democratic innovations. The objectives of the research project are, in short, (1) to pool the theoretical and empirical knowledge on different innovations, (2) to develop a theoretical framework with criteria for the evaluation of democratic innovations, and (3) to explore the advantages and disadvantages of democratic innovations by secondary analysis in comparative perspective. The project will focus on democratic innovations in European states, with an emphasis on the Nordic countries, which are especially advanced in that field. The objectives of the applicant are to develop further professional, methodological and management skills, to establish international research networks, especially with the Nordic countries, and to open up as well as to establish a new research topic.

Keywords: democracy,citizens,europe,direct democracy,deliberative procedures,legitimacy,efficency
Through Amateur Eyes: Film and Photography in Nazi Germany (THROUGH AMATEUR EYES)

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-2007-2-1-IEF, 2007)
Start date: 2008-06-01
End date: 2010-05-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 209816.49
EU funding (EUR): 209816.49
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Through Amateur Eyes is a single-authored book that marries archival research with theoretical and historical interpretation to put forward a study of the role of amateur documentary films and photographs in the memory and memorialization of World War II and the Holocaust. The images to be researched are taken by self-identified Nazis in Germany between 1926 and 1943. The project explores the images’ formation by and influence on forces that shaped the social structure and visual culture of the Nazi period: technological developments, cultural and social events, aesthetic trends. The project approaches this images from a unique perspective: it privileges their status as amateur films and photographs, and holds their status as products of self-identified Nazis in abeyance. Because many of the images are recycled in contemporary narratives that memorialize World War II, Through Amateur Eyes also analyses the recyclings as cues to contemporary beliefs and practices of cultural memory. The re-presentation of archival images is found in museum and gallery exhibitions, television documentaries, magazines, documentary films, and the World Wide Web. The recyclings are found in mainstream and alternative media since 1995 in Western Europe and North America. The approach to the amateur image as a site of European culture from a simultaneously German and Anglo-American perspective guarantees the project’s intervention in the urgent ongoing debates about the events that took place, their visual representation and how to continue to remember them today. The project will be the first of its kind, setting new standards for the writing of history through images, and introducing new methodologies to the study of film and photography as historical documents. Ultimately, it’s methodology and findings will impact on the future conception of European self-identity, particularly, when it is based on the memory of the key events of World War II.

Keywords: film,photography,german history,archival research,visual technologies,recycled images,cultural memory,holocaust,modernity,iconoclasm
Smoothness of the invariant Hilbert scheme of affine spherical varieties for the existence of wonderful varieties (SMOOTH)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Intra-European Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: France
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2007-2-1-IEF, 2007)
Start date: 2008-06-01
End date: 2009-03-31
Duration (months): 10.0
Total project cost (EUR): 82568.49
EU funding (EUR): 82568.49
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Let G be a reductive linear algebraic group over the complex numbers. A G-variety, an algebraic variety with an algebraic action of the group G, is said to be spherical if it is normal and has an open orbit for a maximal connected solvable subgroup of G. We aim to complete the classification of spherical varieties by proving Luna's conjecture on a special class of spherical varieties, called wonderful. To a wonderful variety one can naturally associate an invariant combinatorial object in terms of roots and weights, called spherical system. Luna's conjecture states that there exists a one-to-one correspondence between isomorphism classes of wonderful varieties and spherical systems. Given a spherical system, here we want to provide the corresponding wonderful variety by studying the geometric properties of a certain algebraic scheme, called invariant Hilbert scheme, recently introduced by Alexeev and Brion. The given reductive group G acts linearly on the ring of regular functions of any affine spherical G-variety, the corresponding linear representation is multiplicity-free. The invariant Hilbert scheme of Alexeev and Brion parameterises the affine spherical G-varieties with a fixed multiplicity-free representation in their ring of regular functions. It is endowed with an action of a maximal torus of the group G. Given a spherical system, the strategy is to define a suitable multiplicity-free representation and study the corresponding invariant Hilbert scheme. Via deformation theory arguments we want to prove that under certain conditions the considered invariant Hilbert scheme has an open orbit for the toric action. By a standard procedure, called spherical closure, one can associate to any spherical variety a wonderful variety. Here we want to prove that to an affine spherical variety corresponding to a generic point in the invariant Hilbert scheme it is associated a wonderful variety with the given spherical system.

Keywords: algebraic geometry,representation theory,linear algebraic groups,spherical varieties,wonderful varieties,multicones over flag varieties,equivariant deformations,invariant hilbert schemes
Impact of climate change on light-related carbon fluxes in the Arctic Ocean (MALINA)

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: France
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2007-4-1-IOF, 2007)
Start date: 2008-08-21
End date: 2010-12-20
Duration (months): 28.0
Total project cost (EUR): 183234.14
EU funding (EUR): 183234.14
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

We currently witness in the Arctic: 1) a decrease in summer ice cover that exposes sea surface to solar radiation and physical forcings, 2) permafrost thawing and increased river runoff, both leading to an increase in the export to ocean of organic carbon previously sequestered in the Tundra, and 3) an increase in ultraviolet radiation. These three phenomena potentially favour a growing mineralization of organic carbon through photo-oxidation taking place in the surface layer of the ice-free Arctic Ocean waters, resulting in an acceleration of the increase in atmospheric CO2. At the same time, the exposure of a larger fraction of ocean surface to sun light and the possible increase in nutrients brought by rivers lead to larger autotrophic production and sequestration of organic carbon. The general objective is to determine the absolute significance of organic matter photo-oxidation and of primary production, and their relative balance in the Arctic Ocean. Diagnostic (Part 1) and prognostic (Part 2) approaches will be developed to address the problem quantitatively. Part 1: Based on existing and new data collected in situ in different regions of the Arctic Ocean, we will developed 1) a model for light propagation through atmosphere and within ocean, 2) diagnostic models for the two light-related processes of interest, and 3) algorithms for the processing of ocean colour remote sensing data specifically in the Arctic Ocean. Organic matter photo-oxidation and primary production will then be estimated using different sources of remote sensing information (UV, clouds, ice, optical properties of surface waters) at various space and time scales. Part 2: The diagnostic models will be integrated into a coupled physical-biological ecosystem model including bacterial activity, and applied using Global Climate Model outputs to assess the fate of the associated carbon fluxes in the Arctic Ocean during the next decades under different climate change scenarios.

Keywords: marine ecosystems and processes,biological oceanography,biogeochemistry (climate change)
3D contour and strain mapping for non-destructive evaluation of engineering components (STRAINMAP)

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-2007-4-2-IIF, 2007)
Start date: 2008-09-08
End date: 2010-09-07
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 178874.06
EU funding (EUR): 178874.06
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

This proposal addresses the increasing demands of improving reliability and delectability of non-destructive evaluation of engineering components and structures in aerospace industry. Digital Holography method will be used to quantify the 3D contour of the components under investigation, while in the meantime stereo laser shearography will be employed to measure the 3D strain field. These measurements will enable the quantification of the complex 3D deformation behavior of the engineering component, which would be of crucial importance in determining the overall structural integrity of the components involved. A framework consisting of the image acquisition, deformation reconstruction, defect detection, 3D results visualization, remote network detecting and remaining life evaluation algorithm based on optical NDT techniques will be developed. A set of samples will be used to assess the viability and reliability of the developed algorithm and the corresponding optical NDT system. The host organization, TWI, has been working closely with industrial partners across Europe to develop new NDT techniques for many years. Projects have successfully involved the whole supply chain including SMEs, RTDs and LE end users. TWI’s 3500 membership base will ensure that the fellow will be exposed to a wide range of potential contributors and end users. This project will benefit end-users across a range of industries by developing novel optical NDT methods, improving probability of detection (POD), increasing sensitivity to defects and reducing the likelihood of misinterpretation.

Keywords: shearography,digital holography,strain managment,3d reconstruction,non-destructive testing,defect detection,remaining life evaluation,image processing
Behavior and distribution of emerging pollutants in aquatic systems (BADEPAS)

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-2007-4-1-IOF, 2007)
Start date: 2008-09-01
End date: 2011-08-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 225715.46
EU funding (EUR): 225715.46
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

This project focuses on better understanding the occurrence and fate of two of the main general classes of emerging pollutants: synthetic surfactants and pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs). Surfactants find widespread use in the formulation of detergents, with alcohol ethoxylates (AEOs) constituting one of the highest percentages of the total. There are practically no studies on the environmental behaviour of this surfactant, although recent evidences show higher levels of AEOs in sediments than those found for other synthetic chemicals. PhACs are discharged without effective treatment in wastewater treatment plants, so their presence in the environment is alarming because, although detected at low concentrations, they may represent a risk for aquatic organisms or even human health. The main objective of the proposed project is to identify and understand the occurrence, sources, and biogeochemical fate of AEOs and of a selection of wide used PhACs, in two different coastal areas (New York/New Jersey Harbor) along the East Coast of U.S., and in sewage contaminated aquifers, and to compare and contrast the findings with those from similar studies at different aquatic systems in the SW of Spain. This research will be carried out employing different innovative methodologies (injection experiments, dated sediment cores, new analytical protocols…), which will allow covering certain aspects (e.g., migration through aquifers, anaerobic degradation, effect of sorption in bioavailability…) where there is scarce or even no information at the present time. Thus, the proposed work will provide a better basis for assessing the risks associated with emerging contaminants in urbanized coastal/estuarine waters and groundwater, provide more information of their chemical properties and conditions at sediment environments that favour chemical preservation in the environment and, finally, constitute a useful tool for preparing future European environmental policies and laws.

Keywords: environmental chemistry,biogeochemistry,hydrology,chemical oceanography,analytical chemistry,transport,biodegradation,sorption,environmental monitoring
Defining the mechanisms by which platelets regulate neutrophil extracellular traps in sepsis (NETSSEPSIS)

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-2007-2-1-IEF, 2007)
Start date: 2009-07-23
End date: 2011-07-22
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 153396.7
EU funding (EUR): 153396.7
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Despite treatment advances, sepsis kills an estimated 150,000 in the EU annually. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), neutrophils and platelets all participate in the pathogenesis of severe sepsis, but the inter-relationships between these players are poorly understood. Recently, we demonstrated that activation of neutrophils by platelets is necessary to defend against bacterial infection (Clark et al, Nat Med 2007). In response to endotoxaemia or bacteraemia, neutrophils lodged primarily in lung capillaries and liver sinusoids. Activation of platelets via the LPS receptor, Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4), induced platelet binding to adherent neutrophils. This resulted in robust neutrophils activation and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Plasma from severely septic patients also induced TLR4-dependent platelet binding and production of NETs. These NETs retained their integrity under flow and ensnared bacteria both in vitro and within the liver and lungs. Activation of microbial defence mechanisms also caused tissue injury. We proposed that this novel bacteria trapping mechanism would only occur under extreme conditions such as severe sepsis, and that platelet TLR4 was the threshold switch. Although these studies implicate platelets in the regulation of innate immune function during severe sepsis, it is not yet known how TLR4 activates platelets nor how platelets stimulate neutrophils to release NETs. Experiments will address the hypothesis that platelets regulate the innate immune responses to bacteria through the following specific aims: 1) Investigate TLR4-dependent signalling events in LPS-activated platelets 2)Elucidate the mechanism by which LPS-treated platelets activate neutrophils to trap bacteria in NETs 3)Characterise NET formation in response to septic plasma or other TLR ligands Collectively these experiments will reveal the regulatory pathways governing this novel inflammatory response and, in doing so, will uncover new therapeutic targets

Keywords: immunology,infections
Functional Analysis of Genetically Identified Retinal Interneurons (NEURAL CIRCUITS)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Intra-European Fellowships
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Switzerland
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2007-2-1-IEF, 2007)
Start date: 2008-11-01
End date: 2010-10-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 181565.77
EU funding (EUR): 181565.77
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The classification of cell types that make up the brain has long been recognized as a prerequisites to understanding brain function. In addition, relating identified neurons to neural function has relied heavily on their inactivation. To answer such questions a tool that allows one to reliably target specific cells for recording, labeling and manipulation is needed. Here I describe a multidisciplinary approach that will allow us to both identify and characterize local interneurons, as well as determine their role in specific neuronal circuits. The methodology makes use of transgenic technologies to identify and label specific neurons and manipulate local circuit activity, electrophysiology and functional imaging to monitor the activity of labeled cells and computational modeling to understand the information processing performed. Our model system is the mouse retina because it is easy to isolate, maintain in vitro and its neural activity can be easily monitored. Transgenic technologies will play two key roles in this project. First, transgenic mice with genetically labeled cells will be used to classify single neuronal types, allowing us to repeatedly record from the identified cells. Second, genetically identified amacrine cells will be endowed with exogenous proteins that allow for either their reversible activation or inactivation. The specific activation of identified amacrine cells will allow us identify the ganglion cells they innervate, while their inactivation gives a tool to assess their role in the local circuit. By monitoring the affects on ganglion cells of activating and inactivation identified amacrine cells we will be able to define a local neuronal circuit, determine the circuits role in retinal visual processing and ascertain how the specified interneuron affects visual processing. This work will take our understanding of retinal visual information forward while the techniques developed will be applicable to studying other brain regions

Keywords: neurophysiology,neural circuits,genetic identification