Data-Gouv-ML/pcri-informations-sur-les-projets-laureats huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary response of two African Rodent species (Hystrix sp) to climate changes: the study of the past as an estimate of the future (REHYSTRIX)

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: Norway
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IEF, 2009)
Start date: 2011-02-01
End date: 2013-01-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 204568.0
EU funding (EUR): 204568.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Evidences of ongoing global warming, set the study of the reactions of species and ecosystems to climatic change as one of the main issues of Conservation Biology and the development of most accurate and reliable predictive models as crucial. To date, such models are principally based on projecting climatic variables that characterize the current distribution of species on modelled future climatic scenarios (Ecological Niche Modelling). However, accuracy of such predictions are strongly debated thus negatively affecting long-term conservation policy. In this project, analyses of the past range dynamics of two African Rodent species (Hystrix sp) will be used to assess the accuracy of Ecological Niche Modelling predictions by testing paleodistribution models with statistical phylogeography methods. This is one of the major changes made in this resubmission (former HYSTRIX, Proposal N° 235370, FP7-PEOPLE-IEF-2008) according to the Evaluation Summary Report suggestions. This project will take advantage of recent developments in high-throughput sequencing in population genetics, analysis of museum specimens, Ecological Niche Modelling and evolutionary hypotheses testing in phylogeographic analysis. Consistency between phylogeographic analyses and inferences coming from paleodistribution models for both Hystrix species will be assessed. Since the importance of such predictive methods as Conservation Biology tools is widely recognized, the analysis of the accuracy of Ecological Niche Modelling predictions on future climate, by validating its projections on the past through a phylogeographic approach, could provide scientists and policy-makers with a reliable tool to plan effective conservation strategies. This project will place the applicant in an unique position that can make strength of the knowledge in phylogeography acquired during previous experiences and of the top research in climate change biology of the Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Norway.

Keywords: phylogeography,ecological niche modelling,ecosystem impact (climate change),population genomics,pyrosequencing,museum collections,approximate bayesian computation,conservation biology
Exploring the Borderline of bonding in Group IV Nitroso Compounds by Gas Phase Electron Diffraction (GED) (NITROSO COMPOUNDS)

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-2009-IEF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-09-01
End date: 2011-08-31
Duration (months): 12.0
Total project cost (EUR): 85484.5
EU funding (EUR): 85484.5
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The aim of this project is the synthesis and structural characterization of nitroso derivatives of the heavier group IV elements, R3E-NO (E = Si, Ge, Sn). The substituents R are varied in size, electronegativity and molecular hardness in order to study these effects on the bonding situation around the central atom. Besides the synthesis a major part of the project should involve the structural characterization by gas phase electron diffraction, which seems to be the method of choice for this new class of molecules. However, it is also intended to explore the further chemistry of these compounds. In particular, reactions with compounds bearing Pi-systems like alkenes, disilenes, iminosilanes etc. seem to be promising regarding the build-up of new (ring) systems. After isolation and structural characterization of the nitroso compounds, CVD related applications will be the focus of the work. Especially the synthesis of new Si-N-O and Si-O-N-C based materials seems to be an exciting topic of research. Nevertheless, even for CVD related processes the knowledge about the gas-phase structure of nitroso compounds is essential for a prediction of the properties of the synthesized materials.

Keywords: inorganic chemistry,structural chemistry,instrumental techniques,computer science
The functions of mTOR complex subunits Rictor and Raptor in myelination (MTORC IN MYELINATION)

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-2009-IEF, 2009)
Start date: 2011-01-01
End date: 2013-07-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 174065.2
EU funding (EUR): 174065.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Understanding the molecular basis of myelination, and the nature of the cells that achieve myelination, is of fundamental importance for both basic and clinical neuroscience. Detailed insights into these processes are likely to provide the foundation for therapeutic approaches to diseases affecting myelinating cells, like Multiple sclerosis in the central nervous system (CNS) and Peripheral Neuropathies in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The host lab has shown that integrin-mediated signals derived from the extracellular matrix together with growth factor signaling via tyrosine kinase receptors are critical for the correct development of myelinating cells and their interaction with neurons. Particularly critical signals integrators are ILK (integrin-linked kinase), as well as the small RhoGTPases Rac1 and Cdc42. Complementary lines of research point to a connected critical role of the PI3K/Akt pathway. The two mTOR-containing complexes 1 (mTORC1) and 2 (mTORC2) are major regulators of these signaling pathways. In this project, we will examine the functional role of mTORC1 and mTORC2 in the development of myelinating cells and during remyelination after injury. To achieve these goals we will use conditional floxed alleles in the mouse that target two critical subunits of the mTOR complexes, raptor (mTORC1) and rictor (mTORC2). These mice are already available in the host laboratory. Using well established Cre recombinase expressing mouse strains, we will eliminate rictor and raptor individually and in combination specifically in developing Schwann cells in the PNS, as well as in mature Schwann cells followed by peripheral nerve injury. If time allows, we will perform complementary experiments in the CNS, using oligodendrocyte-specific gene knock out mice. The work will be embedded in ongoing work in the host laboratory examining the functional role of mTORC1 and mTORC2 in neural stem cell lineage decisions.

Keywords: myelination,schwann cells,peripheral nervous system,mtor,rictor,raptor
Stochastic recursions and limit theorems (SCHREC)

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-2009-IEF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-10-01
End date: 2011-09-30
Duration (months): 12.0
Total project cost (EUR): 84481.2
EU funding (EUR): 84481.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The project concerns investigations of stochastic recursions, related limit theorems and their applications in branching processes. Recently we have proved many properties of matrix recursions, when the Lyapunov exponent is negative, including precise description of the tail of the stationary measure and resulting limit theorems. We are going to develop further the methods we have used and apply them to study new problems. The main research objectives are: - Studying of stochastic recursions when the consecutive increments are dependent and form a stationary Markov chain. Up to now only the affine recursion has been studied and under restrictive hypotheses, existence of the stationary measure and its tail have been described. We are going to prove related limit theorems and then to investigate matrix recursions and general stochastic recursions. - Description of the invariant measure in the critical case, when the Lyapunov exponent is null. We have studied the case of one dimensional recursions and then we proved regular behavior at infinity of the invariant measure. Now we will concentrate on matrix recursions. - Matrix valued branching processes and Mandelbrot equation. We would like, relying on our experience on affine recursions, to study multidimensional branching processes, where scalars are replaced by positive matrices. We will investigate existence of solutions of the Mandelbrot equation and their asymptotic properties. The problem is important in the context multitype branching processes and random walks on trees in random environments.

Keywords: probability,markov chains,stochastic recursions,limit theorems,affine group,product of random matrices,branching processes,quasi-compact operators
Genetics of an invasive species and its parasites: the bank vole in Ireland (INVASIVOLE)

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: Switzerland
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IOF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-10-01
End date: 2013-09-30
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 250642.0
EU funding (EUR): 250642.0
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Invasive species pose major threats to biodiversity, ecosystem integrity, agriculture, fisheries and public health. Greater knowledge of the population genetic aspects of invasions will allow us to discover how invasive species can adapt and thrive in novel environments, despite the founder events and serial bottlenecking associated with expansion into new territory, and will help to generate better management strategies. In this proposal, the researcher will use a state-of-the-art genomics approach to study the invasion of the bank vole (Myodes glareolus) in Ireland and, as a corollary, also carry out a study of its parasites. The bank vole was introduced to southwest Ireland early in the 20th century and is still spreading at a rate of several kilometres a year, representing an excellent natural experiment in invasion genetics. Next-generation sequencing of the bank vole transcriptome will generate hundreds of new single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Populations of bank voles will be sampled along transects from the point of introduction to the range margin. Individuals will be screened for variation at SNP loci. These data will be used to test hypotheses about the distribution of genetic diversity within invasive populations, and to make detailed reconstructions of the invasion history (including rates of spread and migration in different habitats) using novel statistical methods, for which the researcher will generate novel simulation software. Genetic characterization will also be conducted on suitable species of parasite that infect the bank vole population. As parasites commonly have shorter generation times and faster mutation rates than their hosts, genetic data from parasite can be used to make additional inferences about the invasion history of the host. This project combines several state-of-the-art developments in genomics and statistical techniques, and has the potential to greatly increase our knowledge of the genetics of invasive species.

Keywords: natural sciences,population genetics,invasion biology,rodents,parasites,whole-transcriptome sequencing
Alternative splicing of NADPH-Oxidases as a mechanism for seed dormancy regulation (ARSEEDAS)

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: United Kingdom
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IOF, 2009)
Start date: 2011-04-27
End date: 2014-04-26
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 235690.2
EU funding (EUR): 235690.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

This project brings together a top-class, young researcher from Germany, Kerstin Müller with two world-leading experts on complementary aspects of seed biology: Prof. Mike Holdsworth at Nottingham University UK and Prof. Allison Kermode at Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada. The project will work on the very active and timely field of alternative splicing during seed after-ripening and its connection with the plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA). Seeds can enter a state of dormancy in which they fail to germinate under ideal conditions. Dormancy can be broken by after-ripening (air-dry storage at room temperature). The mechanisms underlying this economically and environmentally important process are not understood. Alternative mRNA splicing might play a role in dormancy regulation in seeds: it would be a flexible and fast way of reacting to changes in the environment. The superoxide-producing NADPH-Oxidase AtrbohB is alternatively spliced in seeds depending on developmental status and the presence of ABA, and atrbohB mutants fail to after-ripen. The proposed interdisciplinary project will investigate mRNA-splice forms and superoxide production by rbohs in Arabidopsis and two other selected species during after-ripening and germination and focus on the the relation between ABA signalling, rbohs and alternative splicing in Arabidopsis seeds. This research will uncover novel findings on after-ripening and alternative splicing which will be published in international journals and at conferences. Long term collaboration will be set up between the Simon Fraser University and Nottingham University. Kerstin Müller will gain valuable experience in both state-of-the-art laboratory techniques as well as a range of complimentary skills whilst working in Canada, from which Nottingham University and the European Research Area in general will benefit both by transfer of knowledge and by promoting the Europe-based career of a promising young scientist.

Keywords: natural sciences,botany,plant physiology,plant development,seed,germination,dormancy,reactive oxygen species
Late-stage evolution of the lunar magma ocean: an experimental study (LUNARMAGMAOCEAN)

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: Germany
Call:  (FP7-PEOPLE-2009-IOF, 2009)
Start date: 2011-02-01
End date: 2014-01-31
Duration (months): 36.0
Total project cost (EUR): 255517.1
EU funding (EUR): 255517.1
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The origin of the Moon has been attributed to a giant impact involving a Mars-sized asteroid and the proto-Earth. Energy liberated in this catastrophic event was sufficient to melt a substantial portion of the Moon, a likely cause of a global “Lunar Magma Ocean&quot;. This LMO developed early at ca. 4.5 Ga and its crystallization appears to have produced an anorthositic crust and deep cumulate rocks forming the lunar upper mantle, known from their product of partial melting: mare basalts. Direct evidence on how the LMO evolved as it cooled and crystallized remains a major issue. Petrologic models for the solidification of the LMO are derived mainly from thermodynamic phase relationships. The crystallization sequence predicted by these models is olivine, opx ± olivine, olivine + cpx ± plag, cpx + plag, cpx + plag + ilmenite. However, the exact composition of late-stage products during the crystallisation of the LMO remains poorly known. The timing for plagioclase accumulation by flotation, that probably occurred at the top of the LMO to form the lunar crust, is undoubtedly related to the density of the magma. It is rather uncertain whether plagioclase has floated throughout its crystallization story or only at precise degree of evolution when a maximum magma density was reached. What occurs during this critical early period of the Moon differentiation sets the stage for all subsequent events. The objective of this project is to perform new experiments in a range of pressure, with sophisticated equipments allowing the control of important parameters such as starting compositions, temperature and oxygen fugacity. New models for how the LMO evolved as it crystallized during its late-stage evolution will be developed and constrained with observations on mare basalts. How do starting composition, pressure, oxygen fugacity and fluids influence this liquid line of descent? How was generated the anorthositic crust and what is the composition of its complementary mantle cumulates?

Keywords: earth science,geology,experimental petrology,moon,anorthosite,kreep,ilmenite,mare basalts,lunar highlands,meteorites,planetary formation,fractional crystallization,polybarism
Identification of New Genetic Determinants of Plasma Fibrinogen Concentration (INDEFIC)

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-2009-IEF, 2009)
Start date: 2010-07-01
End date: 2013-02-28
Duration (months): 32.0
Total project cost (EUR): 181669.4
EU funding (EUR): 181669.4
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The proposed project aims at the identification and characterization of novel genes, genetic variants and pathways implicated in the regulation of plasma fibrinogen concentration, which is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Several genome-wide linkage and association studies have identified some interesting regions which may contain candidate genes that are not yet identified. Despite this exciting progress in narrowing down genomic regions that may be linked to plasma fibrinogen concentration, very few of these signals have actually been dissected to the final causative gene that is responsible for disease susceptibility, and in most instances, the allelic variants and the biological mechanisms underlying these signals remain unknown. Thus, our first and main objective is to dissect already defined candidate regions to identify attractive novel candidate genes and variants that explain variation in plasma fibrinogen concentration. Specifically, we will exploit the novel “expression QTL” methodology as our main tool to prioritize candidate genes in previously described chromosomal regions associated with plasma fibrinogen concentration. This new strategy allows the identification of transcriptional regulatory loci without any prior knowledge of the regulatory mechanism and is now gaining increasing attention as a powerful tool to understand the molecular networks in which candidate genes operate and how changes in these networks lead to changes in disease traits. Accordingly, we expect that it may reveal important novel information about the mechanisms and biological pathways by which some genetic variants may affect plasma fibrinogen regulation. The identification of genes, genetic variants and pathways that influence plasma fibrinogen concentration should lead to a better understanding of the etiology of CVD. Ultimately, the results of these studies should provide clues for developing new strategies for treatment and prevention of CVD.

Keywords: clinical genetics,fibrinogen,expression qtl,cardiovascular disease
Relationship with pain: Investigation of couple interaction in the maintenance of medically unexplained pain (RELATION WITH PAIN)

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-2009-IEF, 2009)
Start date: 2011-04-01
End date: 2013-03-31
Duration (months): 24.0
Total project cost (EUR): 172565.2
EU funding (EUR): 172565.2
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

Somatoform pain disorder, i.e. pain that cannot be readily explained by biomedical means, is among the most prevalent mental disorders in Europe and causes high disability as well as high costs for health care systems. Because of its high socio-political importance, the proposed project will investigate crucial factors in the maintenance of this disorder. Couple interaction might have an important impact on the transition from acute pain to chronic somatoform pain. Consequently, the influence of couple interaction on the transition from acute to chronic somatoform pain will be assessed. Also, the impact of somatoform pain disorder on the relationship and the non-affected partner will be examined. A multifactorial and longitudinal design will be implemented and data will be analysed using multilevel analysis strategies. The findings of the proposed project will greatly add to the prevention and effective treatment of somatoform pain disorder and is therefore timely and highly relevant. It will also considerably enhance excellence in European science in this field. Prof. G. Bodenmann will serve as mentor to Dr. Mewes at the host institution (University of Zürich, Switzerland). He has a longstanding and internationally renowned expertise in relationship research. Prof. Bodenmann’s group will provide important theoretical and methodological input, international connections, as well as practical training in working with dyadic data, as it is one of the leading groups in this field. The fellowship will provide Dr. Mewes with unique training opportunities, such as integrating new theoretical concepts, new techniques for data collection and data analyses, project management skills, leadership qualities, scientific writing and presentation skills, teaching skills, and intervention methods in couple therapy. Consequently, the experience gained during the fellowship will help her reaching the next steps to a successful research career both in the medium-term and long-term.

Keywords: clinical psychology,somatoform pain disorder,maintenance,couple interaction,multifactorial and longidutinal design