A parallel algorithm for global optimization problems in a distributed computing environment

The problem of finding a global minimum of a real function on a set S of Rn occurs in many real world problems. Since its computational complexity is exponential, its solution can be a very expensive computational task. In this paper, we introduce a parallel algorithm that exploits the latest computers in the market equipped with more than one processor, and used in clusters of computers. The algorithm belongs to the improvement of local minima algorithm family, and carries on local minimum searches iteratively but trying not to find an already found local optimizer. Numerical experiments have been carried out on two computers equipped with four and six processors; fourteen configurations of the computing resources have been investigated. To evaluate the algorithm performances the speedup and the efficiency are reported for each configuration

An unusual finding of Sepietta oweniana (Cephalopoda: Sepiolidae) egg clutch

An unusual finding of Sepietta oweniana egg clutch at 544 m depth is described within an updating study of the reproductive aspects of the species in Sardinian waters. Egg species identity was determined by genetic analysis and morphological and biometrical data of the eggs, embryos and one newly hatched specimen are reported and discussed. Illustrations of the eggs, spermatophores and spermatangia by photographic material are also included. Data on bathymetric distribution and sexual maturity are reported and compared with data already available for the species in other geographical areas of distributio

Descubrimiento inusual de una puesta de Sepietta oweniana (Cephalopoda: Sepiolidae)

An unusual finding of Sepietta oweniana egg clutch at 544 m depth is described within an updating study of the reproductive aspects of the species in Sardinian waters. Egg species identity was determined by genetic analysis and morphological and biometrical data of the eggs, embryos and one newly hatched specimen are reported and discussed. Illustrations of the eggs, spermatophores and spermatangia by photographic material are also included. Data on bathymetric distribution and sexual maturity are reported and compared with data already available for the species in other geographical areas of distribution.Se describe un descubrimiento inusual de una puesta de Sepietta oweniana a 544 m de profundidad, en el ámbito de un estudio de aspectos reproductivos de la especie en aguas de Cerdeña. Los huevos se identificaron por medio de análisis genéticos. En este trabajo se presentan y discuten datos morfológicos y biométricos de los huevos, embriones y de un especimen recién nacido. Se incluye material fotográfico de los huevos, espermatóforos y espermatangia. Se presentan datos de distribución batimétrica y madurez sexual y se comparan con datos existentes de la especie en otras áreas geográficas de distribución

Mitochondrial DNA Variation among Dogs of Mongolian, Tuvinian and Altaic Nomads

Dogs originated from the domestication of Eurasian grey wolves. From a genetic viewpoint, they can be grouped into two main clusters: the first is represented by several breeds obtained by artificial selection, whereas the second is of dogs that adapted to a human commensal lifestyle. Here we have provided a molecular survey aimed to infer on the genetic variability of dogs from nomadic camps in Mongolia, and the Republics of Tuva and Altai belonging to the Russian Federation. The results provided evidence of typical marks of expanding populations with multiple origins. Such a scenario could be the result of genetic exchanges among dogs from different camps, that were likely mediated by nomads

Islands as Time Capsules for Genetic Diversity Conservation: The Case of the Giglio Island Mouflon

The use of multidisciplinary approaches of investigation including biological, biogeographical, historical, morphological, and genetic analysis, can be useful in identifying and preserving biodiversity. The present study focuses on the characterisation and conservation of a mouflon population (Ovis gmelini musimon) from the Mediterranean island of Giglio. Here we provide the first molecular data on the Giglio population and compare it with mouflons from Sardinia, Elba, and Corsica using both nuclear and mitochondrial markers. Our results suggest that the Giglio mouflon harbours genetic variability likely of Sardinian origin but not represented in the current Sardinian mouflon diversity. Although not presenting the typical characteristics of an invasive alien species, the Giglio mouflon is being subjected to eradication through culling or trapping and surgical sterilization. The molecular evidence we report highlights that such actions are causing the irremediable loss of ancestral genetic variants of the genus Ovis. Finally, we highlight how a multidisciplinary approach is necessary to aid the conservation and management of the anthropochorous populations of Mediterranean mammals

Sleep deprivation disrupts prepulse inhibition of the startle reflex: reversal by antipsychotic drugs

This is the publisher's version, also available electronically from http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=2327016&fileId=S1461145708008900Sleep deprivation (SD) is known to induce perceptual impairments, ranging from perceptual distortion to hallucinatory states. Although this phenomenon has been extensively described in the literature, its neurobiological underpinnings remain elusive. In rodents, SD induces a series of behavioural patterns that might be reflective of psychosis and mania, such as hyperlocomotion and sensitization to psychotogenic drugs. Notably, such changes are accompanied by transitory alterations of dopaminergic signalling. Based on the hypothesis that both psychotic and manic disorders reflect gating impairments, the present study was aimed at the assessment of the impact of SD on the behavioural model of prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the startle reflex, a reliable paradigm for the study of informational filtering. Rats subjected to SD (24 h, 48 h, 72 h) exhibited a time-dependent increase in startle reflex and a dramatic deficit in PPI. Both alterations were reversed 24 h after termination of the SD period. Interestingly, PPI disruption was efficiently prevented by haloperidol (0.1 mg/kg i.p.) clozapine (5 mg/kg i.p.) and risperidone (1 mg/kg i.p.). Conversely, neither the anxiolytic diazepam (5 mg/kg i.p.) nor the antidepressant citalopram (5 mg/kg i.p) affected the PPI disruption mediated by SD, although diazepam reversed the enhancement in startle reflex magnitude induced by this manipulation. Our data suggest that SD induces gating deficits that might be relevant to the hallucinatory phenomena observed in humans, and provide a novel reliable animal model where such relationship can be studied

The EcoThermo project: key and innovative aspects

In this paper we present the most innovative aspects of the EC-FP7 EcoThermo project. The main aim of the project consists on innovating the technique of heat cost allocation in buildings with a centralized heating system, overcoming the heat cost allocator drawbacks for reliability, measurement reproducibility and traceability and contexts of applications. Given the complexity of the project, we will focus on its main aspects, such as the use of a virtual sensor to estimate the radiators heating power, the design of electronic valves fitted out with an energy harvesting system and the original wireless communication protocol