We show simple constant-round interactive proof systems for
problems capturing the approximability, to within a factor of $\sqrt{n}$,
of optimization problems in integer lattices; specifically,
the closest vector problem (CVP), and the shortest vector problem (SVP).
These interactive proofs are for the ``coNP direction'';
that is, ... more >>>

We explore the implications of the two queries assumption, $P^{NP[1]}=P_{||}^{NP[2]}$, with respect to the polynomial hierarchy and the classes $AM$ and $MA$.
We prove the following results:

1. $P^{NP[1]}=P_{||}^{NP[2]}$ $\implies$ $AM = MA$
2. $P^{NP[1]}=P_{||}^{NP[2]}$ $\implies$ $PH \subset MA_{/1}$
3. $\exists\;B\;P^{NP[1]^B}=P^{NP[2]^B}$ and $NP^B \not\subseteq coMA^B$.
4. $P^{NP[1]}=P_{||}^{NP[2]}$ $\implies$ $PH ... more >>>

{\em Does derandomization of probabilistic algorithms become easier when the number of ``bad'' random inputs is extremely small?}

In relation to the above question, we put forward the following {\em quantified derandomization challenge}:
For a class of circuits $\cal C$ (e.g., P/poly or $AC^0,AC^0[2]$) and a bounding function $B:\N\to\N$ (e.g., ... more >>>