Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Neural mechanisms of vocal learning: role of the basal ganglia (NMVLRBG)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: France
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-RG, 2009)
Start date: 2010-09-01
End date: 2014-08-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Motor skills are acquired through sensorimotor learning and can be executed without awareness. Experimental evidence suggests that the acquisition and execution of motor skills rely on multiple neural networks. On one hand, the basal ganglia (BG) are necessary for the acquisition of a motor skill through sensorimotor learning, but not for its execution later on. On the other hand, premotor networks, such as cortical motor areas, are required for both the learning and execution of motor skills. The respective role of the BG and premotor networks in sensorimotor learning however remains unclear. We aim to deepen our knowledge of the neural mechanisms underlying the acquisition of motor skills and to understand the respective contribution of BG and premotor networks during this process. Our general hypothesis is that DA-dependent learning in the GB drive plastic vocal production during early phases of vocal learning, while extended practice allows cortical premotor networks to be “trained” by the BG output, and to become capable of driving vocal production independently of the BG. To test this hypothesis, we will set up a comprehensive theoretical model of the song system relying heavily on available physiological, anatomical and behavioral data. In this model, we will investigate possible mechanisms allowing the optimization of the vocal output through learning in the BG circuit followed by a transfer of the motor control to the premotor networks. Experimentally testable predictions of the model will be formulated in terms of activity changes in the BG and premotor networks. We will use innovative experimental techniques to test these predictions and collect further data about neural activity in the song system. In particular, we will record song-related neural activity and investigate changes in functional connectivity in the circuit in vivo in a paradigm of adult song learning.

Keywords: health sciences,neurophysiology,computational biology,behavioural biology
Quantum magnetism in anisotropic dipolar systems (QMADS)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Israel
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-RG, 2009)
Start date: 2010-04-01
End date: 2014-03-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

I propose to study the physical characteristics of anisotropic dipolar magnets as well as fundamental questions in the fields of quantum magnetism and disordered systems raised by recent experimental results obtained in these systems. Anisotropic dipolar magnets are central to the study of quantum magnetism and disordered systems. Better characterisation of the interplay between quantum fluctuations, effective random fields, hyperfine interactions and dipolar interactions in the non-perturbative regime, where they are comparable in strength, is essential for a proper description of the experimental results by correct effective models. A proper description will then facilitate a deeper understanding of fundamental problems in the fields of quantum magnetism and disordered systems, which, in turn, will lead the way to novel experimental directions. My expertise in the theory of disordered systems and quantum magnetism, in the analysis of experimental systems, specifically anisotropic dipolar magnets, and the connection between the two will serve me in pursuing this research. The proposed research is closely related to the research interests of Prof. Stamp of UBC and will thus enable me to maintain my scientific relations with the third country. The proposal relates closely to the interests of members of the condensed matter theory and experimental groups at Ben-Gurion University. Transfer of knowledge to the host institution and to the ERA will be facilitated by collaborations, seminars, supervising graduate students and teaching. Many theoretical and experimental groups in the EU have related research interests, and this proposal will serve to strengthen existing relations and to build new contacts within the EU. The EU reintegration grant will considerably enhance my productivity, which will improve my prospects for a contract extension and then a permanent position at Ben-Gurion University and will thus crucially affect my long term re-integration into the EU.

Keywords: quantum magnetism,disordered systems,anisotropic dipolar systems,single molecule magnets,random field ising model,transverse field ising model,quantum phase transitions,qubits,decoherence
Modeling the Evolutionary Properties of Complex Genetic Architectures (EVOLGA)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: European Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: France
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-RG, 2009)
Start date: 2010-09-01
End date: 2013-08-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 45000.0
EU funding (EUR): 45000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The genetic architecture of morphological, physiological and behavioral characters conditions and constrains the biodiversity of species and their ability to adapt to environmental changes. Gathering and processing qualitative and quantitative information about the genetic mechanisms that underly a trait of interest is thus of tremendous importance in plant and animal breeding, medicine, and evolutionary genetics. However, the complexity of genetic architectures is overwhelming. Recent advances in molecular biology, evo-devo and quantitative genetics have indeed highlighted how intricated were genetic, metabolic and developmental regulation mechanisms in the expression of the gene-to-phenotype relationship. Evolutionary quantitative genetics aims at predicting the evolutionary properties of a population or a species without detailing explicitly the complexity of the genotype-phenotype relationship. To do so, the models that are frequently used do not pretend to provide an exhaustive description of the genetic architecture, but rather to summarize it through some simple parameters, expected to catch key properties of the genotype-phenotype map in a population. The sharp contrast between the complexity of real architectures and the simple picture provided by most quantitative genetics models has often lead to some debate on the relevance of qualitative and quantitative predictions derived from the mathematical simplification of the evolutionary theory. The philosophy of this project is to challenge the capacity for some widely used models to describe and predict the evolutionary potential of populations and species, by contrasting their predictions with empirical data and/or more realistic models. The research objectives detailed thereafter thus focus on the validation and the improvement of the part of the theory of evolution dealing with the complexity of genotype-phenotype maps.

Keywords: evolutionary biology,population genetics,genetic architecture,statistics,quantitative genetics,modeling
Formation and evolution of planetary systems (DISKEVOL)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: European Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: France
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-RG, 2009)
Start date: 2010-07-01
End date: 2013-06-30
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 45000.0
EU funding (EUR): 45000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The goal of this research project is to obtain a global and precise view of protoplanetary disks. This DiskEvol program will tackle the complex problem of combining consistently the constraints on the gas phase of a disk, provided by the Herschel observations, with our existing studies of the dust phase. This is of particular importance as the dissipation of abundant gas remnant from star formation limits the timescale for giant planet formation, controls the dynamics of planetary bodies during their formation and determines the final architecture of the planetary system. This proposal will rely on 1) the preparation of a database of chemistry and radiative transfer models for the Herschel GASPS Key Program project. This initial work will allow 2) a detailed analysis of the GASPS program through a statistical comparison of the GASPS observations with the predictions from the grid of models. This global study, of the large sample of disks observed by GASPS, will be 3) extended and completed through finer detailed modelling of a selected sample of representative sources for which we will obtain a complete view of the dust structure and gas chemistry using simultaneous interpretation of continuum observations, resolved emission maps in low-level rotational lines of CO, in addition to follow-up observations with HIFI, a high-spectral resolution instrument onboard Herschel. DiskEvol will provide an unprecedented inventory of gas and dust in protoplanetary disks, transforming our understanding of disk evolution by addressing key questions on the timescales and main mechanisms of dust and gas evolution within disks. This project offers a unique opportunity to bring back to the LAOG the expertise in line radiative transfer gained during the initial Marie Curie Fellowship in Exeter. In addition, the long-lasting value of DiskEvol results is of exceptional importance in the era of ALMA and JWST.

Keywords: astrophysics,star and planet formation,3 d modelling,modelling tools
Analysis of regulatory T cell proliferation and apoptosis in vivo at the cellular and molecular level (TREG)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Belgium
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-RG, 2009)
Start date: 2010-06-01
End date: 2014-05-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Foxp3+ regulatory T cells are critical for controlling the degree of immune activation during infection, autoimmunity and allergy. Despite the importance of this cell lineage to human health, relatively little is known about the molecular and cellular control of their differentiation and homeostasis. In order to rectify this deficit we propose to investigate the properties of proliferation and apoptosis during expansion, contraction and homeostatic stages, using sophisticated genetic models. We will also investigate the role of Bcl-2 family member genes and the IL2 / Pdl1 axis in the molecular control over these cellular properties. By dissecting the factors controlling regulatory T cell numbers we ultimately seek routes to make this process amenable to therapeutic manipulation.

Keywords: health sciences,immunology,genetics,autoimmunity,apoptosis,regulatory t cells
Novel genetic engineering approaches for lineage analysis and exploration of Akt function in cortical development (BRAINBOWAKT)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: France
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-RG, 2009)
Start date: 2011-06-01
End date: 2015-09-19
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The mammalian cortex, site of our cognitive functions, is a complex three dimensional environment which develops through an elaborated spatiotemporal choreography. A slight imbalance in this process can lead to devastating pathologies such as autistic spectrum disorders. While tremendous progress has been made in understanding early cortical development, several questions remain unanswered: how do minicolumns, the basic functional units of the cortex, establish their complex yet highly stereotyped organization, and what signaling pathways regulate this developmental process. In this proposal, I will use novel transgenic strategies and imaging techniques to address the following aims: 1) to characterize the ontogenesis of functional minicolumns, and 2) to investigate how activity of a key integrator of intracellular signaling pathways, Akt kinase, may influence both cortical cell commitment, migration and final positioning and the subsequent formation of functional minicolumns. To explore those questions, I will use the Brainbow technique, recently developed to drive combinatorial gene expression in a cellular population. First, this strategy will allow me to mark multiple adjacent cortical precursors with distinct labels, and thus track their progeny during minicolumn ontogenesis. Second, I will use the Brainbow approach to study Akt function by modulating its activity in a mosaic manner. To this aim, I will generate a construct able to stochastically express distinct Akt variants, showing either a constitutive action or dominant negative effect. This will allow me to investigate for the first time and in an intact developing brain how variations in the activity level of a kinase protein may differentially impact the lineage of neighboring neural precursors. This work will offer new insights on cortical development and will potentially reveal novel therapeutic targets for neuropsychiatric disorders.

Keywords: health sciences,neurobiology,brainbow,transgenic mouse,recombination,lineage,cortex,akt,neural stem cells,neuropsychiatric disorders,cytoarchitecture
Real-time non-invasive characterization and selection of oil-producing microalgae at the single-cell level (FUEL MAKING ALGAE)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: European Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Czechia
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-RG, 2009)
Start date: 2010-04-01
End date: 2013-03-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 45000.0
EU funding (EUR): 45000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

In this proposal we will pursue two main research topics geared towards an efficient preparation of new production-optimized algae cultures in a photobioreactor: - Characterization of the physiological state of individual microalgal cells - the characterization of the nutrient status of microalgae for rapid monitoring of nutrient dynamics and metabolism of algae on the single-cell level (in-vivo, and in real-time) within the photobioreactor The determination of the quantitative information on the degree of unsaturation of the bio-oil of individual microalgal cells. - Identifying and optimizing microalgal species for biofuel production - algae production (optimization of the growth process, cell density, and lipid contents) for selected species and selection of the cells according to the metabolic parameters for cultivation in the photobioreactor. This will lead to the identification and selection of the best possible algal strains - „superior“ algae - for the mass production of commercial biofuel. In order to achieve the above goals, we will exploit an experimental technique based on the combination of optical micromanipulation with Raman microspectroscopy – so-called Raman tweezers. The analyzed cells will be spatially confined in suspension using an optical trap and, simultaneously, their chemical composition corresponding to the cell metabolic state will be studied using the Raman spectroscopy. The studied cells will be sorted according to their metabolic state using microfluidic systems in order to elucidate fundamental questions about intercellular variability and what governs it. Moreover, knowing the metabolic response on a single cell level can significantly contribute to the study and use of microalgae in systems biology and biofuel technology. Raman spectroscopy is capable to measure nutrient dynamics and metabolism in vivo, in real-time, and label free making it possible to monitor/evaluate population variability within the photobioreactor.

Keywords: biological sciences,photosynthesis,algae,systems biology,microbial growth,bio-fuel
Partisan Ties that Matter? Exploring the Advantages of National Incumbency for Local Governments (LOCAL PARTISAN TIES)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Türkiye
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-RG, 2009)
Start date: 2010-09-01
End date: 2014-09-01
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 75000.0
EU funding (EUR): 75000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

This project explores whether and how politicians in local governments benefit from their partisan ties to the national incumbents. The empirical analysis will cover local governments in two highly centralized unitary countries – Chile and Turkey. First, local election results (in Chile between 1992 and 2008 and in Turkey between 1984 and 2009) will be analyzed to understand the political and socio-economic factors that shape increases (or possible decreases) in incumbents’ vote share as a result of their ties with a party in national government. Then, local governments’ budgets will be analyzed to see whether national partisan ties provide local politicians with more economic resources in the form of intergovernmental transfers, grants and debt. In addition, the possibility that levels and patterns of local government expenditures are influenced by parties’ incumbency situation in the national government will be explored. While decentralization is favored for more responsiveness on the behalf governments to increasing heterogeneity of local demands, there has been increasing awareness of problems associated with political accountability and responsibility at the sub-national level. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the political and socio-economic factors that shape financial policies of local governments. This is especially true for Turkey that has been and will be going through major administrative changes, partly as a result of the regional policy of the EU. The project is substantively important for also a second reason: The quality of democracy is likely to be hurt by any disproportionate advantages that incumbents may enjoy and this is especially problematic for relatively young democracies such as Chile and Turkey. Analyzing the nature of financial and (related) electoral advantages that the simultaneous control of local and national governments may present to parties would help improve our understanding of democratic representation.

Keywords: political sciences,political economy,local government management,local public economics,political parties,sub-national politics and elections
Phosphorus MR Spectroscopic Imaging of Brain Tumors at 3T (31P_SPECTRA_3T)

Framework: FP7 — People
Programme: Marie-Curie Actions
Theme: Marie Skłodowska-Curie
Destination: International Re-integration Grants
Action type: Support for training and career development of researchers (Marie Curie)
Countries involved: Türkiye
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-RG, 2009)
Start date: 2010-04-01
End date: 2014-03-31
Duration (months): 48.0
Total project cost (EUR): 100000.0
EU funding (EUR): 100000.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P MRS) is a non-invasive MR imaging technique that can provide in-vivo quantitative information about the energy metabolism, the oxygen state and the pH within a given region of interest. 31-Phosphorus (31-P) is fifteen times less abundant in tissue than proton (1-H) leading to a higher interest of proton spectral imaging at low field strengths. In-vivo phosphorus spectral imaging has recently become more popular with the availability of higher field 3T MR scanners due to the increased signal to noise ratio and higher spectral peak separation. In this study, we propose to implement phosphorus spectra at high field strength of 3T to diagnose and characterize brain tumor patients. The first part of the study will be the data acquisition and reconstruction development and optimization. Phosphorus spectral data will be acquired both using a single surface 31-P coil and a birdcage dual tune 1H/31P head coil. Single voxel data will be acquired from a region of interest encompassing the tumor or normal tissue. T1 relaxation characteristics for phosphorus metabolites in brain tumors and normal brain tissue will be defined. The data reconstruction and analysis will be performed using both time and frequency domain analysis techniques and their results will be compared. In the second part of the study, two dimensional phosphorus spectral data will be acquired using a birdcage coil, and the heterogeneity of phosphorus spectral parameters within the grade II, III and IV brain tumors will be analyzed. Additionally, a metric that can quantitatively and objectively assess the aggresiveness of brain tumors using the intensities of phosphorus containing metabolites will be presented.

Keywords: biomedical engineering,signal processing,mr spectroscopic imaging,phosphorus,brain research,clinical analysis,radiology