Parallel String Sample Sort

We discuss how string sorting algorithms can be parallelized on modern multi-core shared memory machines. As a synthesis of the best sequential string sorting algorithms and successful parallel sorting algorithms for atomic objects, we propose string sample sort. The algorithm makes effective use of the memory hierarchy, uses additional word level parallelism, and largely avoids branch mispredictions. Additionally, we parallelize variants of multikey quicksort and radix sort that are also useful in certain situations.Comment: 34 pages, 7 figures and 12 table

Termination of Reentry in an Inhomogeneous Ring of Model Cardiac Cells

Reentrant waves propagating in a ring or annulus of excitable media model is the basic mechanism underlying a major class of irregular cardiac rhythms known as anatomical reentry. Such reentrant waves are terminated by rapid electrical stimulation (pacing) from an implantable device. Because the mechanisms of such termination are poorly understood, we study pacing of anatomical reentry in a one-dimensional ring of model cardiac cells. For realistic off-circuit pacing, our model-independent results suggest that circuit inhomogeneities, and the electrophysiological dynamical changes they introduce, may be essential for terminating reentry in some cases.Comment: 8 pages, 2-column LaTex (7 eps figures included); v2 includes additional results and figures as in published versio

Basins of attraction for cascading maps

We study a finite uni-directional array of "cascading" or "threshold coupled" chaotic maps. Such systems have been proposed for use in nonlinear computing and have been applied to classification problems in bioinformatics. We describe some of the attractors for such systems and prove general results about their basins of attraction. In particular, we show that the basins of attraction have infinitely many path components. We show that these components always accumulate at the corners of the domain of the system. For all threshold parameters above a certain value, we show that they accumulate at a Cantor set in the interior of the domain. For certain ranges of the threshold, we prove that the system has many attractors.Comment: 15 pages, 9 figures. To appear in International Journal of Bifurcations and Chao

Note on new interesting baryon channels to measure the photon polarization in b -> s gamma

At LHC a large number of b-flavored baryons will be produced. In this note we propose new baryon modes to determine the photon helicity of the penguin transition $b \to s \gamma$. The decay $\Lambda_b \to \Lambda \gamma$ has the drawback that the $\Lambda$, being neutral and long-lived, will escape detection most of the time. To overcome this difficulty, transitions of the type $\Lambda_b \to \Lambda^{*} \gamma$ have been proposed, where $\Lambda^{*}$ denotes an excited state decaying strongly within the detector into the clean mode $p K^-$. The doublet $\Xi_b$, that decays weakly, has a number of good features. The charged baryon $\Xi_b^-$ will decay into the mode $\Xi^- \gamma$, where the ground state hyperon $\Xi^-$, although it will decay most of the time outside the detector, can be detected because it is charged. We consider also the decay of $\Xi_b$ into $\Xi^{*} \gamma$, where a higher mass state $\Xi^{*}$ can decay strongly within the detector. We point out that the initial transverse polarization of $\Xi_b$ has to be known in all cases. To determine this parameter through the transition $\Xi_b \to J/\Psi\ \Xi$, we distinguish between different cases, and underline that in some situations one needs {\it theoretical input} on the asymmetry parameter $\alpha_{\Xi_b}$ of the primary decay. {\it A fortiori} the same considerations apply to the case of the $\Lambda_b$

Global Diseases, Global Patents and Differential Treatment in WTO Law

As of January 1, 2005, all developing country members of the WTO are required to implement the WTO Agreement on Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). We analyze the issue of access to patented medicine to treat global and neglected diseases in developing countries in the context of WTO law. We present legal and economic arguments that support balancing the rights of producers and users on a market-by- market basis and argue against taking a uniform approach globally. We conclude that global patent rights are not necessary to provide research incentives to pharmaceutical firms to invent treatments for global and neglected diseases. We develop an analytical framework for assessing special and differential treatment of developing countries in WTO law and apply this framework to TRIPS. We then propose a formula for assessing the correct balance between the rights of producers and users on a market-by-market basis.WTO, TRIPS, AIDS, Chapter 6, HIV, Index Construction

Pulsed Ultrasound Does Not Affect Recovery From Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness

Aim: To investigate the effects of pulsed Ultrasound (US) in recovery from Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). Methods: Twelve healthy male athletes (mean age 23.83±1.697 year) performed an eccentric exercise protocol of non-dominant elbow flexors to induce muscle soreness on 2 occasions separated by 3 weeks. Subjects in experimental group received pulsed US (1 MHz, intensity 0.8 W/cm2, mark space ratio 1:10), whereas control group received sham US after 24 h, 48 h and 72 h. Perception of muscle soreness, active ROM and muscle strength were the parameters measured at 0 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h with the help of VAS, manual goniometer and JONEX muscles master instrument respectively. Results: Post hoc t test analysis revealed significant differences (p <0.05) between 0 h and 72 h in the parameter of ROM (t = 6.18) and muscle power (t = 2.54) as well as between 24 h and 48 h in the parameter of muscle soreness (t = 3.13) in control group. Similar differences were also observed in the experimental group. No significant inter-group differences at α level of 0.05 was observed in any parameter at any level. Conclusion: The pattern of recovery from DOMS was not influenced by the application of pulsed Ultrasound at the parameters discussed here