Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Corroding the social? An empirical evaluation of the relationship between unemployment and social stratification in OECD countries (CORRODE)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Consolidator grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Institutions, Values, Beliefs and behaviour
Countries involved: Germany
Call:  (ERC-2013-CoG, 2013)
Start date: 2014-09-01
End date: 2019-08-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1876758.0
EU funding (EUR): 1876758.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The proposal describes a project to deliver a comprehensive evaluation of the relationship between unemployment and social stratification in Europe and North America. The project’s core goal is to provide empirical estimates of the causal impact of unemployment on four critical domains of social life, namely household incomes, demographic behaviour, educational attainment, as well as social integration and civic participation. The analysis will examine the persistence of such effects in the medium and longer run, and will evaluate the role of moderating factors like coupled unemployment and unemployment duration. The distinction between the stratification impacts of household experiences of unemployment and those of aggregate macroeconomic conditions will be a particular focus in the analysis, as will be the evaluation of a mediation model including changing household incomes, changing economic expectations and changing norms and preferences as relevant factors. The project will also address heterogeneity in the effects of unemployment e.g. by level of education, household demographics, household income or social class, and will evaluate the extent of cross-country variation in the impacts of unemployment, as well as any mitigating role of labour market and social policies, along the four dimensions of stratification considered. The empirical analysis rests on cross-nationally harmonized multilevel life course datasets constructed from various representative household panel studies, notably the EU Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC), the European Community Household Panel (ECHP) and several national panel studies, merged with time-series data on aggregate unemployment at the regional level. To achieve robust causal inference, the project utilizes multilevel panel data modelling, notably two-way fixed-effects and related estimators that statistically control for unobserved heterogeneity at both the household and contextual level.

Keywords: unemployment,household income,demographic behavior,educational attainment,social integration,political participation,cross-national comparison,panel data,multilevel data,causal inference
Evolutionary genetics of transcription factor binding in closely related mammals (EVOGENETICSTFBINDING)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Consolidator grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Evolutionary, Population and Environmental Biology
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (ERC-2013-CoG, 2013)
Start date: 2014-03-01
End date: 2019-02-28
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1910107.0
EU funding (EUR): 1910107.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The genetic differences found in gene regulatory regions are the largest contributing factor to the diversity of phenotypes within and between mammalian species. However, the micro-evolutionary mechanisms active in closely-related species remain poorly explored, particularly in mammals. In Aim 1, we will exploit five recently sequenced mouse species to determine how often genetic sequence differences alter both the genome-wide binding and regulatory output of a core set of tissue-specific transcription factors (TFs) known to act combinatorially in liver. This project aim will establish the micro-evolutionary processes that drive interspecies changes in transcriptional regulation. In Aim 2, we will create first-generation intercrosses of a subset of these mouse species to dissect the cis and trans contributions to TF binding differences between species, and to explore the functional implications for nearby chromatin and gene expression. This aim will also establish whether any tissue-specific TF binding sites show parent-of-chromosomal origin effects. In Aim 3, we will use classically generated TF knockout mice to identify a set of functionally enriched TF binding sites, which will be further categorized by their conservation across the five mouse species. Then, using the revolutionary ability to rapidly and precisely delete individual binding sites (as well as combinations of binding sites) in the mouse genome by zinc finger nucleases, we will test whether conservation of these protein-DNA contacts can predict functional activity at target genes. This integrated approach combines the comparison of TF binding in closely-related mammals with powerful new experimental tools to afford a comprehensive understanding of the genetics and mechanisms underlying the micro-evolution of transcriptional regulatory networks.

Keywords: evolutionary genetics,evolution,transcription factor binding,gene expression,tissue-specific transcription,transcriptional regulation,epigenetics
Unravelling the genetic influences of reproductive behaviour and gene-environment interaction (SOCIOGENOME)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Consolidator grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Environment, Space and Population
Countries involved: United Kingdom,Netherlands
Call:  (ERC-2013-CoG, 2013)
Start date: 2014-07-01
End date: 2019-10-31
Duration (months): 64.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1971366.0
EU funding (EUR): 1971366.0
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

This project will be the first to engage in a comprehensive study of the role of genes and gene-environment (GxE) interaction on reproductive behaviour. Until now, social science research has focussed on socio-environmental explanations, largely neglecting the role of genes. Due to unprecedented advances in molecular genetics over the last two decades, for the first time in history we are able to examine whether there is a genetic component to reproductive outcomes, including age at first birth, number of children and infertility. Building on my substantive empirical research, I first develop a multifactor theoretical and measurement model isolating socio-environmental and lifestyle factors. Second, I apply the most cutting-edge techniques in genetics to examine the genetic architecture of reproductive behaviour, including: the first genome-wide association study (GWAS) of reproductive choice; polygenic risk scores; and, genome-wide complex trait analysis (GCTA). Third, I focus on gene-environment interactions (GxE) to test different mechanisms of how the environment moderates genetic influences. Fourth, I propose to use genetic markers as instrumental variables (IVs) in a bi-directional Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to determine causality and address the endogeneity of lifestyle and education in reproductive outcomes. This transdisciplinary project will produce fundamentally different results, overturn established links and deliver major breakthroughs in fertility research and beyond. This project is not only ground breaking by setting a new research agenda, but due to the inclusion of new genetic variables and techniques to study the causal effects of genes and their interaction with environment, will yield major innovations useful within demography and beyond. Research builds on the proven expertise and existing collaboration with geneticists, and is carefully costed to include 2 postdocs and 2 PhDs.

Keywords: fertility,age at first birth,number of children,infertility,molecular genetics,gene-environment interaction,lifestyle,instrumental variables,gwas,gcta,polygenic risk scores
External Quantum Control of Photonic Semiconductor Nanostructures (EXQUISITE)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Consolidator grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Condensed Matter Physics
Countries involved: Germany
Call:  (ERC-2013-CoG, 2013)
Start date: 2014-04-01
End date: 2019-03-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1999800.0
EU funding (EUR): 1999800.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

In this project, we will control photonic nanostructures by external feedback, optical injection and synchronization. This will allow us to study nonlinear dynamics in quantum systems and to externally manipulate and stabilize light-matter interaction in the regime of quantum electrodynamics (cQED). We will experimentally and theoretically address a) optical injection and feedback control of quantum dot (QD)–microlasers, b) quantum control cQED systems via delayed single photon feedback, and c) mutually coupled and synchronized chaotic microcavity systems. In a) we will advance the concepts of time-delayed coupling in standard semiconductor laser diodes to few photon states, where quantum fluctuations contribute to or even dominate over the usual classical dynamics. Feedback-coupling in microlasers will allow us to explore the limits of a classical description of chaotic laser dynamics via the Lang-Kobayashi rate equations and to develop an advanced model taking cQED- and QD-specific effects into account. This subject will be complemented by the study of optical injection of coherent light and non-classical light into microlasers to influence and study mode-locking, chaos and stimulated emission down to the quantum level. Single photon feedback in b) will be applied to stabilize coherent coupling of light and matter and to act against decoherence which constitutes a major bottleneck for application of semiconductor nanostructures in quantum information technology. In c) the mutual coupling of microlasers will be used to study synchronization of chaotic quantum devices at the single photon limit and to explore the underlying physics of isochronal synchronization. Our work will have important impact at an interdisciplinary level on the development of nonlinear dynamical systems towards the quantum limit and the understanding of fundamental light-matter interaction in the presence of time delayed single photon feedback.

Keywords: quantum dot,microcavity,nonlinear dynamics,feedback,chaos,synchronization,quantum optics,cavity quantum electrodynamics,microlaser,non-classical light
Mechanisms of Chromatin-based Epigenetic Inheritance (EPIMECHANISM)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Consolidator grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Cellular and Developmental Biology
Countries involved: Portugal
Call:  (ERC-2013-CoG, 2013)
Start date: 2014-06-01
End date: 2019-05-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1621400.0
EU funding (EUR): 1621400.0
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

Epigenetic mechanisms heritably maintain gene expression states and chromosome organization across cell division. These include chromatin-based factors that are propagated independent of local DNA sequence elements, and are critical for normal development and prevent reprogramming, e.g. during induction of pluripotency. We focus on the role of nucleosomes, the histone-DNA complexes that make up chromatin. While prominently implicated in epigenetic memory, how histones and their local modifications can actually be inherited is largely unknown. We take aim at three fundamental aspects that we argue are central to this problem: stability of the epigenetic mark, self-templated duplication, and cell cycle coupling. We developed a unique pulse-labeling strategy to determine whether silent and active chromatin can be inherited and how this relates to transcription, both in cancer cells and in vitro differentiating stem cells. By coupling this strategy to an imaging-based RNAi screen we aim to identify components controlling nucleosome assembly and heritability. We achieve this by focusing on the human centromere, the chromosome locus essential for chromosome segregation which serves as an ideal model for epigenetic memory. This locus is specified by nucleosomes carrying the histone H3 variant, CENP-A that we have previously shown to be highly stable in cycling cells and to be replicated in a strict cell cycle coupled manner. We build on our previous successes to uncover the molecular mechanism and cellular consequences of the coupling between CENP-A propagation and the cell cycle which we postulate, ensures proper centromere size and mitotic fidelity. Furthermore, by genome engineering we developed a strategy to delete an endogenous centromere to determine how centromeres can form de novo and how CENP-A chromatin, once formed, can template its own duplication. With this multi-facetted approach we aim to uncover general mechanistic principles of chromatin-based memory.

Keywords: chromatin,epigenetics,histone variant,centromere,cenp-a,histone dynamics,inheritance,chromatin assembly,mitosis
Frontiers of Extended Formulations (FOREFRONT)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Consolidator grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Computer Science and Informatics
Countries involved: Belgium
Call:  (ERC-2013-CoG, 2013)
Start date: 2014-09-01
End date: 2019-08-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 1455479.0
EU funding (EUR): 1455479.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Linear programming has proved to be an invaluable tool both in theory and practice. Semidefinite programming surpasses linear programming in terms of expressivity while remaining tractable. This project proposal investigates the modeling power of linear and semidefinite programming, in the context of combinatorial optimization. Within the emerging framework of extended formulations (EFs), I seek a decisive answer to the following question: Which problems can be modeled by a linear or semidefinite program, when the number of constraints and variables are limited? EFs are based on the idea that one should choose the "right" variables to model a problem. By extending the set of variables of a problem by a few carefully chosen variables, the number of constraints can in some cases dramatically decrease, making the problem easier to solve. Despite previous high-quality research, the theory of EFs is still on square one. This project proposal aims at (i) transforming our current zero-dimensional state of knowledge to a truly three-dimensional state of knowledge by pushing the boundaries of EFs in three directions (models, types and problems); (ii) using EFs as a lens on complexity by proving strong consequences of important conjectures such as P != NP, and leveraging strong connections to geometry to make progress on the log-rank conjecture. The proposed methodology is: (i) experiment-aided; (ii) interdisciplinary; (iii) constructive.

Keywords: combinatorial optimization,complexity theory,approximation algorithms,discrete geometry,quantum information
Study of high frequency vibration induced steady wetting and of high frequency vibration induced nanoparticle assembly for molecular electronics (SBL)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: Life-long training and career development
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Israel
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2013-CIG, 2013)
Start date: 2013-11-01
End date: 2017-10-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

One of the main goals of scientific research nowadays is to develop methods to prompt and control natural processes at nanometre and micrometre resolutions for advancing technological capabilities at such length resolutions. Many corresponding examples exist, from which we bring the field of molecular electronics; although advanced remarkably in recent years, this field lacks cheap and efficient integration methods for fabricating nano- and micro-scale complex and inter- and intra-connected artificial structures made of large quantities of electronic building-blocks such as gold nano-particles, carbon nano-tubes, polymeric semiconductor wires, and other molecules of electronic viability 2-5. The PI is proposing to study the physics associated with translating complex electronic signals, comprising MHz to GHz frequencies, to uniquely determined micron and submicron non linear flow patterns, capable of integrating particulate suspensions into structures at related resolutions; flow is invoked through the intermediate step of translating electronic signals to packets of Rayleigh surface acoustic waves (SAWs) atop a piezoelectric SAW device in contact with particle suspensions that undergoes attachment/detachment processes according with the spatial strength and directionality of the flow and attraction/repulsion DLVO forces between the particles themselves. The PI will, foremost, elucidate the physics of SAW induced complex micron and submicron stable and unstable stagnant flow patterns in microchannels, and will further study stability of multiple particle suspensions, crumbed into patterns by flow, using principles of colloid science and the physics of particle interactions. This proposed study thus suggests a new approach for managing and controlling natural processes in nanometre and micrometre resolutions.

Keywords: vibration,surface acoustic wave,saw,acoustic streaming,flow,periodic flow,microflow,boundary layer,microfluidic,lab on a chip,lob,particle,colloid,suspension,assembly,pattern formation
Exploiting Synergistic Properties of Mesoionic Carbene Complexes: Teaching Rusty Metals Challenging Catalysis (SYNMICS)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Consolidator grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Synthetic Chemistry and Materials
Countries involved: Switzerland,Ireland
Call:  (ERC-2013-CoG, 2013)
Start date: 2015-02-01
End date: 2020-01-31
Duration (months): 60.0
Total project cost (EUR): 2111111.0
EU funding (EUR): 2111111.0
Participants: 2
Project status: CLOSED

The non-innocence of specific ligands in transition metal complexes is well-documented. For example, mesoionic carbenes engage in bond activation processes via reversible hydrogen capture. Such cooperativity between the metal center and the ligand flattens the potential energy surface of a catalytic reaction and hence rises the competence of the catalyst, thus entailing higher turnover numbers as well as the conversion of more challenging substrates. Likewise, such cooperativity is expected to enhance the catalytic activity of metal centers that are typically not considered to be catalytically very active, such as the ‘rusty’ first row transition metals (Mn, Fe, Ni). Surprisingly, however, this concept has largely been overlooked when designing catalytic transformations based on these earth-abundant and low-cost transition metals. This project will exploit the synergistic potential of mesoionic carbenes as synthetically highly versatile and actively supporting ligands to access a new generation of sustainable high-performance catalysts based on Me, Fe, and Ni for challenging redox transformations such as dehydrogenative oxidations. Specificlly, 1,2,3-triazolylidenes, which support ligand-metal cooperativity through their mesoionic character, will be utilized for (transient) storage/release of protons and electrons. Apart from enabling challenging transformations — with obvious impact on synthetic methodology, energy conversion, and molecular electronics — this project will break into new grounds in catalyst design that will be widely applicable as a new paradigm. Furthermore, this project will capitalize on the unique synthetic versatility of triazolylidene precursors and the opportunity to combine different functional entities such as carbohydrates, surfactants, or dyes with an organometallic entity, thus providing a straightforward approach to new classes of multifunctional materials for application in therapeutics and diagnostics, or as smart surfaces.

Keywords: n-heterocyclic carbenes,first row transition metals,mesoionic character,metal-ligand cooperativity,dehydrogenation catalysis,small molecule activation,mechanism-informed optimization
Inference for Semi-Nonparametric Econometric Models (SNP)

Framework: FP7 — Ideas
Programme: European Research Council
Theme: European research council
Destination: Consolidator grants
Action type: Support for frontier research (ERC)
Panel: Individuals, Institutions and Markets
Countries involved: United Kingdom
Call:  (ERC-2013-CoG, 2013)
Start date: 2014-04-01
End date: 2019-09-30
Duration (months): 66.0
Total project cost (EUR): 866454.0
EU funding (EUR): 866454.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

This research project aims to contribute to advances in the research on semiparametric and nonparametric econometric methods by developing novel estimation and inference approaches in a variety of contexts and applying them to important empirical problems in economics. The project is divided into four parts. The first part develops a Bayes procedure for the moment condition model. A likelihood function is constructed by employing an information theoretic projection from space of nonparametric prior distributions on data to space of distributions satisfying the moment conditions. Posterior sampling methods and asymptotic theory for the posterior are developed. The second part focuses on the moment condition model but from a different perspective, robustness of decision methods. By focusing on local perturbations within shrinking topological neighborhoods, this part develops a framework to evaluate robustness of inference methods for the moment condition model. It is found that there is a computationally convenient method that achieves optimal minimax robust properties under local perturbations without losing asymptotic equivalence to GMM under correct specification. The third part develops nonparametric regression techniques for extremal or tail behaviors. This part develops asymptotic theory for nonparametric quantile regression when the quantile drifts to 0 or 1 as the sample size increases. Based on the theory, a new inference method for extremal behaviors is developed. The fourth part extends the empirical likelihood approach to a variety of empirical problems in economics. This part develops empirical likelihood inference methods for regression discontinuity designs, continuity or discontinuity of probability density functions, volatility measurement in high frequency financial data, and testing for partially identified moment inequality models. Also new concepts of nonparametric likelihood are developed by extending the likelihood theory on parametric models.

Keywords: econometrics,semiparametric,nonparametric,generalized method of moments,robust inference,bayesian inference,extreme quantile,empirical likelihood