Algorithms for the coalitional manipulation problem

We investigate the problem of coalitional manipulation in elections, which is known to be hard in a variety of voting rules. We put forward efficient algorithms for the problem in Borda, Maximin and Plurality with Runoff, and analyze their windows of error. Specifically, given an instance on which an algorithm fails, we bound the additional power the manipulators need in order to succeed. We finally discuss the implications of our results with respect to the popular approach of employing computational hardness to preclude manipulation.     

Myeloma ascites--a favorable outcome with cyclophosphamide therapy

PURPOSE: To find out the role of Catalin in the prevention of posterior capsular opacification (PCO), we undertook this experimental study in rabbits. METHODS: Twenty rabbits (10 for the Catalin group and 10 for the placebo group) were operated on for extracapsular clear lens extraction in an aseptic environment. In all cases, capsulorrhexis of 8 mm diameter was carried out. Both the test drug and placebo were given at a dose of 4 times/day from the first postoperative day for 8 weeks. Common drugs in both groups were topical corticosteroid, antibiotic and cycloplegic drops. Periodic slitlamp examinations and photographic documentations were carried out to find any evidence of aftercataract. At the end ot 8 weeks, histopathological examination was carried out to document any evidence of aftercataract. RESULT: Overall, evidence of aftercataract was seen in 6 rabbits in the control group and 3 in the Catalin group; the degree of PCO was higher in the placebo group. CONCLUSION: We found that Catalin played some role in preventing PCO.     

Mechanistic Investigation of Cycloreversion/Cycloaddition Reactions between Zirconocene Metallacycle Complexes and Unsaturated Organic Substrates

Treatment of the diazametallacycle Cp(2)Zr(N(t-Bu)C=N(SiMe(3))N(SiMe(3))) (4a) with diphenylacetylene resulted in the formation of the azametallacyclobutene Cp(2)Zr(N(t-Bu)C(Ph)=C(Ph)) (6a) and Me(3)SiN=C=NSiMe(3) in high yield. A kinetic study using UV-vis spectroscopy was carried out on the transformation. Saturation kinetic behavior was observed for the system, which is supportive of a mechanism that involves a reversible formal [2 + 2] retrocycloaddition of 4a to generate the transient imido species Cp(2)Zr=N-t-Bu (7a) and Me(3)-SiN=C=NSiMe(3). Trapping 7a with diphenylacetylene in an overall [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction affords zirconacycle 6a. The study of cycloreversion/cycloaddition reactions between diazametallacycle complexes and diphenylacetylene was extended to other zirconocene systems. Detailed kinetic studies were performed for the exchange reactions between the diazametallacycle complexes Cp(2)Zr(N(2,6-Me(2)Ph)C=N(SiMe(3))N(SiMe(3))) (8a) and Cp(2)Zr-(N(2,6-Me(2)Ph)C=N(t-Bu)N(t-Bu)) (8b) with diphenylacetylene (5a) to give the corresponding azametallacyclobutene complex Cp(2)Zr(N(2,6-Me(2)Ph)C(Ph)=C(Ph)) (6c) and extruded carbodiimides (Me(3)SiN=C=NSiMe(3) for 8a and (t-Bu)N=C=N(t-Bu) for 8b). For both systems, the reactions were found to be first order in metallacycle and zero order in alkyne. Treatment of the diazametallacycle complexes Cp(2)Zr(N(2,6-i-Pr(2)Ph)C=N(Cyc)N(Cyc)) (9a) and Cp(2)Zr-(N(2,6-i-Pr(2)Ph)C=N(i-Pr(2))N(i-Pr(2))) (9b) with alkyne 5a resulted in the formation of the six-membered zirconacycles 10a,b, respectively, upon heating at 75 degrees C. The products 10a,b are generated from the overall insertion of alkyne 5a into the nitrogen-carbon bond of the zirconium-containing diazacyclobutane. Complex 10a has been characterized by an X-ray crystallographic study. When the azacyclobutene Cp(2)Zr(N(2,6-i-Pr(2)Ph)C(Ph)=C(Ph)) (6e) was treated with CycN=C=NCyc or (i-Pr)N=C=N(i-Pr), the same six-membered zirconacycle complexes 10a,b were obtained. Kinetic analysis of the reaction of 6e and (i-Pr)N=C=N(i-Pr) to yield 10b supports an associative process wherein alkyne 5a directly inserts into the zirconium-carbon bond of 6e. The diazametallacycle complex 4a underwent a stoichiometric metathetical exchange with symmetrical carbodiimides RN=C=NR (R = p-Tol, m-Tol, i-Pr, Cyc) to generate new cyclic zirconocene complexes and Me(3)SiN=C=NSiMe(3). Kinetic studies were carried out on the exchange reaction between 4a and (m-Tol)N=C=N(m-Tol) to form 4e and Me(3)SiN=C=NSiMe(3). The experimental rate data obtained are consistent with a dissociative mechanism. Additionally, the saturation rate constant derived for this system from the data is the same (within experimental error) as the saturation rate constant obtained from the kinetic study of 4a and diphenylacetylene to form 6a and Me(3)SiN=C=NSiMe(3). These findings provide additional support for a dissociative mechanistic pathway in the exchange reactions, since the rate constant in the formal [2 + 2] retrocycloaddition reaction to generate imidozirconocene species Cp(2)Zr=N-t-Bu (7a) and Me(3)SiN=C=NSiMe(3) should be the same for both reactions.     

Suppression of plant parasitic nematodes in the chinampa agricultural soils

Soil from the chinampa agricultural system in the Valley of Mexico suppressed damage by plant-parasitic nematodes to tomatoes and beans in greenhouse and growth chamber trials. Sterilization of the chinampa soil resulted in a loss of the suppressive effect, thereby indicating that one or more biotic factors were responsible for the low incidence of nematode damage. Nine organisms were isolated from chinampa soil, which showed antinematodal properties in culture. Naturally occurring populations of plant-parasitic nematodes were of lower incidence in chinampa soil than in Chapingo soil.     

Some dubious premises in research and theory on racial differences: Scientific, social, and ethical issues.

The scientific premises for looking for statistical differences between groups designated as races (on somewhat arbitrary grounds) are questionable. The explanation of such differences in strictly biological-evolutionary terms is even more dubious. Studies of temperament, basic personality traits, disorders (such as antisocial personality), and specific genetic markers show that there is much more variation within groups designated as races than between such groups. Investigators and theoreticians interpreting such differences on the basis of limited sampling within the 3 broad racial groups should be careful to avoid selectivity and misrepresentation of data that serve racist ideology, and should be cautious about presenting their theories to the public through inappropriate media forums. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Results of cemented metal-backed acetabular components: a 10-year-average follow-up study

We have developed a computer program for the rapid assessment of the primary structure differences between a protein of unknown sequence and a homologous known protein. Both proteins are reduced, alkylated, and digested with the same hydrolytic agent. The unfractionated peptide mixtures are submitted to automatic sequence analysis. Based on the knowledge of the reference sequence, the program utilizes the analysis data to identify all the potential peptides present in the two mixtures, determining their primary structure, homology degree, and molecular weight calculated both as integer MH+ and average mass variables. These fingerprints allow the user to easily identify the structural differences between the two proteins and clarify possible doubts by a mass spectrometric analysis of the two mixtures. In order to verify the utility of the program, we provide an application example using the already reported data of two homologous proteins.     

Open surgical treatment of anterior glenohumeral instability: an historical perspective and review of the literature. Part II

Anterior glenohumeral instability is an undesirable result of trauma to the shoulder. Several surgical treatments for this condition have been developed, beginning in the early years of the twentieth century. Although many of these procedures were popular at their inception, many of them have fallen out of favor as more information has been acquired concerning the long-term results and complications of their use. While often successful in preventing recurrent instability, these earlier procedures also often led to a loss of external rotation, and consequently, function. Newer procedures have been devised that aim to prevent recurrent instability while maintaining full range of motion and function. Part I of this paper, published in the November issue, presented a brief history of the treatment of glenohumeral instability and a review of the literature, including the Bankart and du Toit procedures. Part II includes the Putti-Platt, the Magnuson-Stack, the Bristow, and capsular shift procedures.     

The role of nitric oxide and NMDA receptors in the development of motor neuron dendrites

Nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated in the establishment of precise synaptic connectivity throughout the neuroaxis in several species. To determine the contribution of NO to NMDA receptor-dependent dendritic growth in motor neurons, we administered the NMDA antagonist MK-801 to wild-type mice and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) knock-out mice between postnatal days 7 and 14. Compared to saline-treated wild-type animals the number of dendritic bifurcations was significantly reduced in nNOS knock-out animals and MK-801-treated wild-type animals. There was no significant difference in dendritic bifurcation between MK-801-treated wild-type, MK-801-treated nNOS knock-out, and saline-treated nNOS knock-out animals, suggesting that nNOS knock-out and NMDA receptor block had similar effects. The path of the longest dendrite and the number of primary dendrites was the same in all treatment groups, indicating an effect specific to bifurcation. Sholl analysis revealed that differences in bifurcation numbers occurred between 160 and 320 micrometers from the cell body, the distance at which second, third, and fourth order dendrites are most prevalent. Dendrite order analyses confirmed a significant reduction in numbers, but not lengths, of third and fourth order dendrites in nNOS knock-out and drug-treatment groups. Finally, immunohistochemical examination of the developing spinal cord indicated that NMDA receptors and nNOS are colocalized within interneurons surrounding the motor neuron pool. These results support the view that at least part of NMDA receptor-dependent arborization of motor neuron dendrites is mediated by the local production of NO within the developing spinal cord.