Project acronym BOYS WILL BE BOYS?
Project Boys will be boys? Gender differences in the socialization of disruptive behaviour in early childhood
Researcher (PI) Judit Mesman
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITEIT LEIDEN
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), SH4, ERC-2009-StG
Summary The aim of the proposed project is to shed light on early childhood gender-differentiated socialization and gender-specific susceptibility to parenting within families in relation to disruptive behaviour in boys and girls in the first four years of life. The popular saying boys will be boys refers to the observation that boys show more disruptive behaviours (e.g., noncompliance or aggression) than girls, a pattern that has been confirmed frequently in scientific research. There is also evidence that parents treat boys differently from girls in ways that are likely to foster boys disruptive behaviour, and that boys are more susceptible to problematic family functioning than girls. The crucial question is whether gender differences in socialization, susceptibility to socialization, and children s behavioural outcomes are also salient when the same parents are doing the parenting of both a boy and a girl. Within-family comparisons are necessary to account for structural differences between families. To this end, families with two children born 22-26 months apart will be recruited from the general population. To account for birth order and gender-combination effects, the sample includes four groups of 150 families each, with the following sibling combinations: girl-boy, boy-girl, girl-girl, and boy-boy. The study has a four-wave longitudinal design, based on the youngest sibling with assessments at ages 12, 24, 36, and 48 months, because gender differences in disruptive behaviour develop during the toddler years. Each assessment consists of two home visits: one with mother and one with father, including observations of both children and of the children separately. Parenting behaviours will be studied in reaction to specific child behaviours, including aggression, noncompliance, and prosocial behaviours.
Summary
The aim of the proposed project is to shed light on early childhood gender-differentiated socialization and gender-specific susceptibility to parenting within families in relation to disruptive behaviour in boys and girls in the first four years of life. The popular saying boys will be boys refers to the observation that boys show more disruptive behaviours (e.g., noncompliance or aggression) than girls, a pattern that has been confirmed frequently in scientific research. There is also evidence that parents treat boys differently from girls in ways that are likely to foster boys disruptive behaviour, and that boys are more susceptible to problematic family functioning than girls. The crucial question is whether gender differences in socialization, susceptibility to socialization, and children s behavioural outcomes are also salient when the same parents are doing the parenting of both a boy and a girl. Within-family comparisons are necessary to account for structural differences between families. To this end, families with two children born 22-26 months apart will be recruited from the general population. To account for birth order and gender-combination effects, the sample includes four groups of 150 families each, with the following sibling combinations: girl-boy, boy-girl, girl-girl, and boy-boy. The study has a four-wave longitudinal design, based on the youngest sibling with assessments at ages 12, 24, 36, and 48 months, because gender differences in disruptive behaviour develop during the toddler years. Each assessment consists of two home visits: one with mother and one with father, including observations of both children and of the children separately. Parenting behaviours will be studied in reaction to specific child behaviours, including aggression, noncompliance, and prosocial behaviours.
Max ERC Funding
1 611 970 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-02-01, End date: 2015-03-31
Project acronym BRAINCANNABINOIDS
Project Understanding the molecular blueprint and functional complexity of the endocannabinoid metabolome in the brain
Researcher (PI) István Katona
Host Institution (HI) INSTITUTE OF EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE - HUNGARIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), LS5, ERC-2009-StG
Summary We and others have recently delineated the molecular architecture of a new feedback pathway in brain synapses, which operates as a synaptic circuit breaker. This pathway is supposed to use a group of lipid messengers as retrograde synaptic signals, the so-called endocannabinoids. Although heterogeneous in their chemical structures, these molecules along with the psychoactive compound in cannabis are thought to target the same effector in the brain, the CB1 receptor. However, the molecular catalog of these bioactive lipids and their metabolic enzymes has been expanding rapidly by recent advances in lipidomics and proteomics raising the possibility that these lipids may also serve novel, yet unidentified physiological functions. Thus, the overall aim of our research program is to define the molecular and anatomical organization of these endocannabinoid-mediated pathways and to determine their functional significance. In the present proposal, we will focus on understanding how these novel pathways regulate synaptic and extrasynaptic signaling in hippocampal neurons. Using combination of lipidomic, genetic and high-resolution anatomical approaches, we will identify distinct chemical species of endocannabinoids and will show how their metabolic enzymes are segregated into different subcellular compartments in cell type- and synapse-specific manner. Subsequently, we will use genetically encoded gain-of-function, loss-of-function and reporter constructs in imaging experiments and electrophysiological recordings to gain insights into the diverse tasks that these new pathways serve in synaptic transmission and extrasynaptic signal processing. Our proposed experiments will reveal fundamental principles of intercellular and intracellular endocannabinoid signaling in the brain.
Summary
We and others have recently delineated the molecular architecture of a new feedback pathway in brain synapses, which operates as a synaptic circuit breaker. This pathway is supposed to use a group of lipid messengers as retrograde synaptic signals, the so-called endocannabinoids. Although heterogeneous in their chemical structures, these molecules along with the psychoactive compound in cannabis are thought to target the same effector in the brain, the CB1 receptor. However, the molecular catalog of these bioactive lipids and their metabolic enzymes has been expanding rapidly by recent advances in lipidomics and proteomics raising the possibility that these lipids may also serve novel, yet unidentified physiological functions. Thus, the overall aim of our research program is to define the molecular and anatomical organization of these endocannabinoid-mediated pathways and to determine their functional significance. In the present proposal, we will focus on understanding how these novel pathways regulate synaptic and extrasynaptic signaling in hippocampal neurons. Using combination of lipidomic, genetic and high-resolution anatomical approaches, we will identify distinct chemical species of endocannabinoids and will show how their metabolic enzymes are segregated into different subcellular compartments in cell type- and synapse-specific manner. Subsequently, we will use genetically encoded gain-of-function, loss-of-function and reporter constructs in imaging experiments and electrophysiological recordings to gain insights into the diverse tasks that these new pathways serve in synaptic transmission and extrasynaptic signal processing. Our proposed experiments will reveal fundamental principles of intercellular and intracellular endocannabinoid signaling in the brain.
Max ERC Funding
1 638 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2009-11-01, End date: 2014-10-31
Project acronym BRAINPOWER
Project Brain energy supply and the consequences of its failure
Researcher (PI) David Ian Attwell
Host Institution (HI) UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), LS5, ERC-2009-AdG
Summary Energy, supplied in the form of oxygen and glucose in the blood, is essential for the brain s cognitive power. Failure of the energy supply to the nervous system underlies the mental and physical disability occurring in a wide range of economically important neurological disorders, such as stroke, spinal cord injury and cerebral palsy. Using a combination of two-photon imaging, electrophysiological, molecular and transgenic approaches, I will investigate the control of brain energy supply at the vascular level, and at the level of individual neurons and glial cells, and study the deleterious consequences for the neurons, glia and vasculature of a failure of brain energy supply. The work will focus on the following fundamental issues: A. Vascular control of the brain energy supply (1) How important is control of energy supply at the capillary level, by pericytes? (2) Which synapses control blood flow (and thus generate functional imaging signals) in the cortex? B. Neuronal and glial control of brain energy supply (3) How is grey matter neuronal activity powered? (4) How is the white matter supplied with energy? C. The pathological consequences of a loss of brain energy supply (5) How does a fall of energy supply cause neurotoxic glutamate release? (6) How similar are events in the grey and white matter in energy deprivation conditions? (7) How does a transient loss of energy supply affect blood flow regulation? (8) How does brain energy use change after a period without energy supply? Together this work will significantly advance our understanding of how the energy supply to neurons and glia is regulated in normal conditions, and how the loss of the energy supply causes disorders which consume more than 5% of the costs of European health services (5% of ~1000 billion euro/year).
Summary
Energy, supplied in the form of oxygen and glucose in the blood, is essential for the brain s cognitive power. Failure of the energy supply to the nervous system underlies the mental and physical disability occurring in a wide range of economically important neurological disorders, such as stroke, spinal cord injury and cerebral palsy. Using a combination of two-photon imaging, electrophysiological, molecular and transgenic approaches, I will investigate the control of brain energy supply at the vascular level, and at the level of individual neurons and glial cells, and study the deleterious consequences for the neurons, glia and vasculature of a failure of brain energy supply. The work will focus on the following fundamental issues: A. Vascular control of the brain energy supply (1) How important is control of energy supply at the capillary level, by pericytes? (2) Which synapses control blood flow (and thus generate functional imaging signals) in the cortex? B. Neuronal and glial control of brain energy supply (3) How is grey matter neuronal activity powered? (4) How is the white matter supplied with energy? C. The pathological consequences of a loss of brain energy supply (5) How does a fall of energy supply cause neurotoxic glutamate release? (6) How similar are events in the grey and white matter in energy deprivation conditions? (7) How does a transient loss of energy supply affect blood flow regulation? (8) How does brain energy use change after a period without energy supply? Together this work will significantly advance our understanding of how the energy supply to neurons and glia is regulated in normal conditions, and how the loss of the energy supply causes disorders which consume more than 5% of the costs of European health services (5% of ~1000 billion euro/year).
Max ERC Funding
2 499 947 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-04-01, End date: 2016-03-31
Project acronym BSMWLHCB
Project Advanced techniques to Search for Physics Beyond the Standard Model with the LHCb Detector at CERN
Researcher (PI) Timothy John Gershon
Host Institution (HI) THE UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE2, ERC-2009-StG
Summary I propose a programme of precision tests of the Standard Model of particle physics to be carried out using the LHCb experiment at CERN. The proposal is focussed on studies of CP violation - differences between the behaviour of particles and antiparticles that are fundamental to understanding why the Universe we see today is made up of matter, not antimatter. The innovative feature of this research is the use of Dalitz plot analyses to improve the sensitivity to interesting CP violation effects. Recently I have developed a number of new methods to search for CP violation based on this technique. These methods can be used at LHCb and will extend the physics reach of the experiment beyond what was previously considered possible. I propose to create a small research team, based at the University of Warwick, to develop these methods and to make a number of precise measurements of CP violation parameters using the LHCb experiment. By comparing the results with the Standard Model predictions for these parameters, effects due to non-standard particles can be observed or highly constrained. The results of this work have the potential to redefine the direction of this research field. They will be essential to develop theories of particle physics that go beyond the Standard Model and attempt to address great unanswered questions, such as the origin of the matter--antimatter asymmetry of the Universe.
Summary
I propose a programme of precision tests of the Standard Model of particle physics to be carried out using the LHCb experiment at CERN. The proposal is focussed on studies of CP violation - differences between the behaviour of particles and antiparticles that are fundamental to understanding why the Universe we see today is made up of matter, not antimatter. The innovative feature of this research is the use of Dalitz plot analyses to improve the sensitivity to interesting CP violation effects. Recently I have developed a number of new methods to search for CP violation based on this technique. These methods can be used at LHCb and will extend the physics reach of the experiment beyond what was previously considered possible. I propose to create a small research team, based at the University of Warwick, to develop these methods and to make a number of precise measurements of CP violation parameters using the LHCb experiment. By comparing the results with the Standard Model predictions for these parameters, effects due to non-standard particles can be observed or highly constrained. The results of this work have the potential to redefine the direction of this research field. They will be essential to develop theories of particle physics that go beyond the Standard Model and attempt to address great unanswered questions, such as the origin of the matter--antimatter asymmetry of the Universe.
Max ERC Funding
1 682 800 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-02-01, End date: 2016-01-31
Project acronym CARNIVOROM
Project Molecular basis of carnivory Excitability, movement, and endocrinology of plant traps
Researcher (PI) Rainer Franz Hedrich
Host Institution (HI) JULIUS-MAXIMILIANS-UNIVERSITAT WURZBURG
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), LS9, ERC-2009-AdG
Summary Predation plays a major role in energy and nutrient flow in the biological food chain. Carnivory is best known from the animal kingdom, but the plant kingdom has flesh eaters as well. This field has attracted much interest since Darwin s time, but many fundamental properties of the carnivorous life style remain largely unexplored. This project will close this gap by a multidisciplinary approach based on state-of-art bioinformatics, molecular biology, chemistry and biophysics. It will focus on 1. Genome/Transcriptome Profiling to study the genetic make-up of carnivorous plants (CPs) and the evolution of carnivory 2. Origin of Excitability to investigate whether CPs gained the inventory to fire action potentials from captured animals or rather evolved excitability independently 3. Prey Recognition on the basis of mechanical- and chemical senses 4. Endocrinology Structure and function of exocrine glands - CPs offer a unique system to study the biology of digestive glands (exo-/endocytosis) in plants. Over 600 plant species use special structures to capture animals such as insects. The genome/transcriptome of major trap types such as snap traps, tentacles traps, suction traps, corkscrew traps, and pitfall traps will be compared and trap-specific genes identified. Among them those giving rise to membrane excitation, excitation-contraction coupling and exocrine systems (glands) will be functionally characterized in detail. Using loss-of-function mutants and transformed plants with respect to CP-specific the role of CP-specific in electrical signalling, excitation contraction coupling, and excretion will be unravelled. The evolution of electrical activity and carnivory of plants is worth being examined not only for its importance in general, but also as a model for understanding the evolution of the human nervous and endocrine system.
Summary
Predation plays a major role in energy and nutrient flow in the biological food chain. Carnivory is best known from the animal kingdom, but the plant kingdom has flesh eaters as well. This field has attracted much interest since Darwin s time, but many fundamental properties of the carnivorous life style remain largely unexplored. This project will close this gap by a multidisciplinary approach based on state-of-art bioinformatics, molecular biology, chemistry and biophysics. It will focus on 1. Genome/Transcriptome Profiling to study the genetic make-up of carnivorous plants (CPs) and the evolution of carnivory 2. Origin of Excitability to investigate whether CPs gained the inventory to fire action potentials from captured animals or rather evolved excitability independently 3. Prey Recognition on the basis of mechanical- and chemical senses 4. Endocrinology Structure and function of exocrine glands - CPs offer a unique system to study the biology of digestive glands (exo-/endocytosis) in plants. Over 600 plant species use special structures to capture animals such as insects. The genome/transcriptome of major trap types such as snap traps, tentacles traps, suction traps, corkscrew traps, and pitfall traps will be compared and trap-specific genes identified. Among them those giving rise to membrane excitation, excitation-contraction coupling and exocrine systems (glands) will be functionally characterized in detail. Using loss-of-function mutants and transformed plants with respect to CP-specific the role of CP-specific in electrical signalling, excitation contraction coupling, and excretion will be unravelled. The evolution of electrical activity and carnivory of plants is worth being examined not only for its importance in general, but also as a model for understanding the evolution of the human nervous and endocrine system.
Max ERC Funding
2 481 057 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-03-01, End date: 2015-02-28
Project acronym CATCHIT
Project Coherently Advanced Tissue and Cell Holographic Imaging and Trapping
Researcher (PI) Monika Ritsch-Marte
Host Institution (HI) MEDIZINISCHE UNIVERSITAT INNSBRUCK
Call Details Advanced Grant (AdG), PE2, ERC-2009-AdG
Summary We envisage a new generation of dynamic holographic laser tweezers and stretching tools with unprecedented spatial control of gradient and scattering light forces, to unravel functional mysteries of cell biology and genetics: Based on our recently developed, highly successful and widely recognized amplitude and phase shaping techniques with cascaded spatial light modulators (SLM), we will create new holographic optical manipulators consisting of a line-shaped trap with balanced net scattering forces and controllable local phase-gradients. Combining these line stretchers with spiral phase contrast imaging or nonlinear optical microscopy will allow quantitative study of functional shape changes. The novel tool is hugely more versatile than standard optical tweezers, since direction and magnitude of the scattering force can be designed to precisely follow the structure. In combination with conventional multi-spot traps the line stretcher acts as a sensitive and adaptable local force sensor. In collaboration with local experts we want to tackle hot topics in Genetics, e.g. search for force profile signatures in regions with Copy Number Variations. Possibly the approach may shed light on basic physical characteristics such as, for example, chromosomal fragility in Fra(X) syndrome, the most common monogenic cause of mental retardation. The new design intrinsically offers enhanced microscopic resolution, as SLM-synthesized apertures and waveforms can enlarge the number of spatial frequencies forming the image. Ultimately, nonlinear holography can be implemented, sending phase shaped wavefronts to target samples. This can, e.g., be used to push the sensitivity of nonlinear chemical imaging, or for controlled photo-activation of targeted regions in neurons.
Summary
We envisage a new generation of dynamic holographic laser tweezers and stretching tools with unprecedented spatial control of gradient and scattering light forces, to unravel functional mysteries of cell biology and genetics: Based on our recently developed, highly successful and widely recognized amplitude and phase shaping techniques with cascaded spatial light modulators (SLM), we will create new holographic optical manipulators consisting of a line-shaped trap with balanced net scattering forces and controllable local phase-gradients. Combining these line stretchers with spiral phase contrast imaging or nonlinear optical microscopy will allow quantitative study of functional shape changes. The novel tool is hugely more versatile than standard optical tweezers, since direction and magnitude of the scattering force can be designed to precisely follow the structure. In combination with conventional multi-spot traps the line stretcher acts as a sensitive and adaptable local force sensor. In collaboration with local experts we want to tackle hot topics in Genetics, e.g. search for force profile signatures in regions with Copy Number Variations. Possibly the approach may shed light on basic physical characteristics such as, for example, chromosomal fragility in Fra(X) syndrome, the most common monogenic cause of mental retardation. The new design intrinsically offers enhanced microscopic resolution, as SLM-synthesized apertures and waveforms can enlarge the number of spatial frequencies forming the image. Ultimately, nonlinear holography can be implemented, sending phase shaped wavefronts to target samples. This can, e.g., be used to push the sensitivity of nonlinear chemical imaging, or for controlled photo-activation of targeted regions in neurons.
Max ERC Funding
1 987 428 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-05-01, End date: 2015-04-30
Project acronym CCMP
Project Physics Of Magma Propagation and Emplacement: a multi-methodological Investigation
Researcher (PI) Eleonora Rivalta
Host Institution (HI) HELMHOLTZ ZENTRUM POTSDAM DEUTSCHESGEOFORSCHUNGSZENTRUM GFZ
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), PE10, ERC-2009-StG
Summary Dikes and sills are large sheet-like intrusions transporting and storing magma in the Earth’s crust.
When propagating, they generate seismicity and deformation and may lead to volcanic eruption. The physics of magma-filled structures is similar to that of any fluid-filled reservoir, such as oil fields and CO2 reservoirs created by sequestration. This project aims to address old and new unresolved challenging questions related to dike propagation, sill emplacement and in general to the dynamics of fluid and gas-filled reservoirs. I propose to focus on crustal deformation, induced seismicity and external stress fields to study the signals dikes
and sills produce, how they grow and why they reactivate after years of non-detected activity. I will combine experimental, numerical and analytical techniques, in close cooperation with volcano observatories providing us with the data necessary to validate our models. In the lab, I will simulate magma propagation injecting fluid into solidified gelatin. I will also contribute to a project, currently under evaluation, on the monitoring of a CO2
sequestration site. At the same time, I will address theoretical aspects, extending static models to dynamic cases and eventually developing a comprehensive picture of the multi faceted interaction between external stress field,
magma and rock properties, crustal deformation and seismicity. I also plan, besides presenting my team’s work in the major national and international geophysical conferences, to produce, with technical support from the media services of DKRZ (Deutsches Klimarechenzentrum), an audiovisual teaching DVD illustrating scientific advances and unresolved issues in magma dynamics, in the prediction of eruptive activity and in the physics of reservoirs.
Summary
Dikes and sills are large sheet-like intrusions transporting and storing magma in the Earth’s crust.
When propagating, they generate seismicity and deformation and may lead to volcanic eruption. The physics of magma-filled structures is similar to that of any fluid-filled reservoir, such as oil fields and CO2 reservoirs created by sequestration. This project aims to address old and new unresolved challenging questions related to dike propagation, sill emplacement and in general to the dynamics of fluid and gas-filled reservoirs. I propose to focus on crustal deformation, induced seismicity and external stress fields to study the signals dikes
and sills produce, how they grow and why they reactivate after years of non-detected activity. I will combine experimental, numerical and analytical techniques, in close cooperation with volcano observatories providing us with the data necessary to validate our models. In the lab, I will simulate magma propagation injecting fluid into solidified gelatin. I will also contribute to a project, currently under evaluation, on the monitoring of a CO2
sequestration site. At the same time, I will address theoretical aspects, extending static models to dynamic cases and eventually developing a comprehensive picture of the multi faceted interaction between external stress field,
magma and rock properties, crustal deformation and seismicity. I also plan, besides presenting my team’s work in the major national and international geophysical conferences, to produce, with technical support from the media services of DKRZ (Deutsches Klimarechenzentrum), an audiovisual teaching DVD illustrating scientific advances and unresolved issues in magma dynamics, in the prediction of eruptive activity and in the physics of reservoirs.
Max ERC Funding
1 507 679 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-07-01, End date: 2015-06-30
Project acronym CENTROSTEMCANCER
Project Investigating the link between centrosomes, stem cells and cancer
Researcher (PI) Renata Homem De Gouveia Xavier De Basto
Host Institution (HI) INSTITUT CURIE
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), LS3, ERC-2009-StG
Summary Centrosomes are cytoplasmic organelles found in most animal cells with important roles in polarity establishment and maintenance. Theodor Boveri s pioneering work first suggested that extra-centrosomes could contribute to genetic instability and consequently to tumourigenesis. Although many human tumours do exhibit centrosome amplification (extra centrosomes) or centrosome abnormalities, the exact contribution of centrosomes to tumour initiation in vertebrate organisms remains to be determined. I have recently showed that Drosophila flies carrying extra-centrosomes, following the over-expression of the centriole replication kinase Sak, did not exhibit chromosome segregation errors and were able to maintain a stable diploid genome over many generations. Surprisingly, however, neural stem cells fail frequently to align the mitotic spindle with their polarity axis during asymmetric division. Moreover, I have found that centrosome amplification is permissive to tumour formation in flies. So far, however, we do not know the molecular mechanisms that allow transformation when extra centrosomes are present and elucidating these mechanisms is the aim of the work presented in this proposal. Here, I describe a series of complementary approaches that will help us to decipher the link between centrosomes, stem cells and tumour biology. In addition, I wish to pursue the original observations made in Drosophila and investigate the consequences of centrosome amplification in mammals.
Summary
Centrosomes are cytoplasmic organelles found in most animal cells with important roles in polarity establishment and maintenance. Theodor Boveri s pioneering work first suggested that extra-centrosomes could contribute to genetic instability and consequently to tumourigenesis. Although many human tumours do exhibit centrosome amplification (extra centrosomes) or centrosome abnormalities, the exact contribution of centrosomes to tumour initiation in vertebrate organisms remains to be determined. I have recently showed that Drosophila flies carrying extra-centrosomes, following the over-expression of the centriole replication kinase Sak, did not exhibit chromosome segregation errors and were able to maintain a stable diploid genome over many generations. Surprisingly, however, neural stem cells fail frequently to align the mitotic spindle with their polarity axis during asymmetric division. Moreover, I have found that centrosome amplification is permissive to tumour formation in flies. So far, however, we do not know the molecular mechanisms that allow transformation when extra centrosomes are present and elucidating these mechanisms is the aim of the work presented in this proposal. Here, I describe a series of complementary approaches that will help us to decipher the link between centrosomes, stem cells and tumour biology. In addition, I wish to pursue the original observations made in Drosophila and investigate the consequences of centrosome amplification in mammals.
Max ERC Funding
1 550 000 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-01-01, End date: 2015-06-30
Project acronym CHILIC
Project Child health intervention interactions in low-income countries
Researcher (PI) Christine Benn
Host Institution (HI) STATENS SERUM INSTITUT
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), LS7, ERC-2009-StG
Summary Vitamin A supplementation (VAS) and vaccines are the most powerful tools to reduce child mortality in low-income countries. However, we may not use these interventions optimally because we disregard that the interventions may have immunomodulatory effects which differ for boys and girls and which may interact with the effects of other interventions. I have proposed the hypothesis that VAS and vaccines interact. This hypothesis is supported by randomised and observational studies showing that the combination of VAS and DTP may be harmful. I have furthermore proposed that VAS has sex-differential effects. VAS seems beneficial for boys but may not carry any benefits for girls. These findings challenge the current understanding that VAS and vaccines have only targeted effects and can be given together without considering interactions. This is of outmost importance for policy makers. The global trend is to combine health interventions for logistic reasons. My research suggests that this may not always be a good idea. Furthermore, the concept of sex-differential response to our common health interventions opens up for a completely new understanding of the immunology of the two sexes and may imply that we need to treat the two sexes differently in order to treat them optimally possibly also in high-income countries. In the present proposal I outline a series of inter-disciplinary epidemiological and immunological studies, which will serve to determine the overall and sex-differential effects of VAS and vaccines, the mechanisms behind these effects, and the basis for the immunological difference between boys and girls. If my hypotheses are true we can use the existing tools in a more optimal way to reduce child mortality without increasing costs. Thus, the results could lead to shifts in policy as well as paradigms.
Summary
Vitamin A supplementation (VAS) and vaccines are the most powerful tools to reduce child mortality in low-income countries. However, we may not use these interventions optimally because we disregard that the interventions may have immunomodulatory effects which differ for boys and girls and which may interact with the effects of other interventions. I have proposed the hypothesis that VAS and vaccines interact. This hypothesis is supported by randomised and observational studies showing that the combination of VAS and DTP may be harmful. I have furthermore proposed that VAS has sex-differential effects. VAS seems beneficial for boys but may not carry any benefits for girls. These findings challenge the current understanding that VAS and vaccines have only targeted effects and can be given together without considering interactions. This is of outmost importance for policy makers. The global trend is to combine health interventions for logistic reasons. My research suggests that this may not always be a good idea. Furthermore, the concept of sex-differential response to our common health interventions opens up for a completely new understanding of the immunology of the two sexes and may imply that we need to treat the two sexes differently in order to treat them optimally possibly also in high-income countries. In the present proposal I outline a series of inter-disciplinary epidemiological and immunological studies, which will serve to determine the overall and sex-differential effects of VAS and vaccines, the mechanisms behind these effects, and the basis for the immunological difference between boys and girls. If my hypotheses are true we can use the existing tools in a more optimal way to reduce child mortality without increasing costs. Thus, the results could lead to shifts in policy as well as paradigms.
Max ERC Funding
1 686 043 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-01-01, End date: 2014-12-31
Project acronym CHINA
Project Trade, Productivity, and Firm Capabilities in China's Manufacturing Sector
Researcher (PI) Johannes Van Biesebroeck
Host Institution (HI) KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN
Call Details Starting Grant (StG), SH1, ERC-2009-StG
Summary China s economy has expanded at breakneck speed to become the 3rd largest trading country in the world and the largest recipient of foreign direct investment (FDI). Entry into the WTO in 2001 was a landmark event in this ongoing process and I propose to study several channels through which it spurred China s industrial development. Crucially, I will take an integrated view of the different ways in which Chinese and Western firms interact: through trade flows, as suppliers or competitors, FDI, or knowledge transfers. First, I investigate the existence and magnitude of a causal link from the trade reforms to productivity growth. Second, I look for evidence of capability upgrading, such as increased production efficiency, an ability to produce higher quality products, or introduce new products by innovating. Third, I study the mechanisms for the impact of trade and FDI on local firms, in particular assessing the relative importance of increased market competition and the transfer of know-how from foreign firms. For this analysis, I draw heavily on a unique data set. Information on the universe of Chinese manufacturing firms is being linked to the universe of Chinese trade transactions. These are unique research tools on their own, but as a linked data set, the only comparable one in the world is for the U.S. economy. The Chinese data has the advantage to contain detailed information on FDI, distinguishes between ordinary and processing trade, and contains information on innovation, such as R&D and sales of new goods. Answering the above questions is important for other developing countries wanting to learn from China s experience and for Western firms assessing how quickly Chinese firms will become viable suppliers of sophisticated inputs or direct competitors. By estimating models that are explicitly derived from new theories, I advance the literature at the interaction of international and development economics, industrial organization, economic geography.
Summary
China s economy has expanded at breakneck speed to become the 3rd largest trading country in the world and the largest recipient of foreign direct investment (FDI). Entry into the WTO in 2001 was a landmark event in this ongoing process and I propose to study several channels through which it spurred China s industrial development. Crucially, I will take an integrated view of the different ways in which Chinese and Western firms interact: through trade flows, as suppliers or competitors, FDI, or knowledge transfers. First, I investigate the existence and magnitude of a causal link from the trade reforms to productivity growth. Second, I look for evidence of capability upgrading, such as increased production efficiency, an ability to produce higher quality products, or introduce new products by innovating. Third, I study the mechanisms for the impact of trade and FDI on local firms, in particular assessing the relative importance of increased market competition and the transfer of know-how from foreign firms. For this analysis, I draw heavily on a unique data set. Information on the universe of Chinese manufacturing firms is being linked to the universe of Chinese trade transactions. These are unique research tools on their own, but as a linked data set, the only comparable one in the world is for the U.S. economy. The Chinese data has the advantage to contain detailed information on FDI, distinguishes between ordinary and processing trade, and contains information on innovation, such as R&D and sales of new goods. Answering the above questions is important for other developing countries wanting to learn from China s experience and for Western firms assessing how quickly Chinese firms will become viable suppliers of sophisticated inputs or direct competitors. By estimating models that are explicitly derived from new theories, I advance the literature at the interaction of international and development economics, industrial organization, economic geography.
Max ERC Funding
944 940 €
Duration
Start date: 2010-02-01, End date: 2016-01-31
