A Coloring Problem for Sturmian and Episturmian Words

We consider the following open question in the spirit of Ramsey theory: Given an aperiodic infinite word $w$, does there exist a finite coloring of its factors such that no factorization of $w$ is monochromatic? We show that such a coloring always exists whenever $w$ is a Sturmian word or a standard episturmian word

Repetitions in infinite palindrome-rich words

Rich words are characterized by containing the maximum possible number of distinct palindromes. Several characteristic properties of rich words have been studied; yet the analysis of repetitions in rich words still involves some interesting open problems. We address lower bounds on the repetition threshold of infinite rich words over 2 and 3-letter alphabets, and construct a candidate infinite rich word over the alphabet $\Sigma_2=\{0,1\}$ with a small critical exponent of $2+\sqrt{2}/2$. This represents the first progress on an open problem of Vesti from 2017.Comment: 12 page

The Effect of Star Formation on Molecular Clouds in Dwarf Irregular Galaxies: IC 10 and NGC 6822

We have observed the 13CO J=2-1, 12CO J=2-1 and 12CO J=3-2 lines at a few locations in the dwarf irregular galaxies IC 10 and NGC 6822 using the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope. In addition, we report the first detection of the 13CO J=3-2 transition in a Local Group galaxy. These low metallicity environments appear to be porous to UV radiation and allow for more efficient heating of molecular gas by nearby HII regions. The high 12CO J=3-2/J=2-1 ratio in NGC 6822 suggests that the 12CO emission is optically thin in this region. This high line ratio is likely the result of its location inside a large HII region with low metallicity and low gas content. In IC 10 we observe structures on a variety of size scales that all appear to be gravitationally bound. This effect may help explain the rather high star formation rate in IC 10.Comment: 20 pages with 6 ps figures, accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journa

Considerations for design of source apportionment studies

This report recommends procedures for source and ambient sampling and analysis in source apportionment studies. The recommendations are based on the results of receptor model studies of atmospheric particles in urban areas, especially a recent study of Houston, TX, undertaken as part of the Mathematical and Empirical Receptor Models Workshop (Quail Roost II). The recommendations are presented at three levels of increasing cost and detail of information obtained. Existing mass emissions inventories combined with chemically resolved test data from similar sources (not necessarily in the same locale) can be used to initially estimate the sources of elements present on ambient particles. To aid local users in construction of chemically resolved emission estimates, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is compiling a library of compositions and size distributions of particulate emissions from major source types. More reliable source characterization can be achieved if the actual sources are tested directly. EPA should develop and publish detailed procedures for source sampling that would be more appropriate for receptor model use than are existing standard methods. Source and ambient sampling should be conducted by similar methods. If possible, particles from sources should be collected in a way that simulates changes that would normally occur before they reach distant receptors (e.g. by diluting and cooling the particles from hot sources). It is recommended that particulate samples be routinely collected in two size fractions by use of virtual impactors and that all samples be subjected, at a minimum, to mass and X-ray fluorescence analyses. Additional measurements are suggested for obtaining more detailed information: neutron activation analysis; X-ray diffraction; automated particle classification by electron microscopy; analyses for classes of organic species, ^(14)C and thermally released carbonaceous species; and real-time observation of several gases during sample collection. Methods for collecting meteorological data in parallel with ambient samples are described, as are methods for incorporating such data into the source identification process

Rational Design of Sustainable Liquid Microcapsules for Spontaneous Fragrance Encapsulation

The high volatility, water-immiscibility, and light/oxygen-sensitivity of most aroma compounds represent a challenge to their incorporation in liquid consumer products. Current encapsulation methods entail the use of petroleum-based materials, initiators, and crosslinkers as well as mixing, heating, and purification steps. Hence, more efficient and eco-friendly approaches to encapsulation must be sought. Herein, we propose a simple method by making use of a pre-formed amphiphilic polymer and employing the Hansen Solubility Parameters approach to determine which fragrances could be encapsulated by spontaneous coacervation in water. The coacervates do not precipitate as solids but they remain suspended as colloidally stable liquid microcapsules, as demonstrated by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. The effective encapsulation of fragrance is proven through confocal Raman spectroscopy, while the structure of the capsules is investigated by means of cryo FIB/SEM, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and small-angle X-ray scattering

A single point mutation in precursor protein VI doubles the mechanical strength of human adenovirus

Viruses are extensively studied as vectors for vaccine applications and gene therapies. For these applications, understanding the material properties of viruses is crucial for creating optimal functionality. Using atomic force microscopy (AFM) nanoindentation, we studied the mechanical properties of human adenovirus type 5 with the fiber of type 35 (Ad5F35) and compared it to viral capsids with a single point mutation in the protein VI precursor protein (pVI-S28C). Surprisingly, the pVI-S28C mutant turned out to be twice as stiff as the Ad5F35 capsids. We suggest that this major increase in strength is the result of the DNA crosslinking activity of precursor protein VII, as this protein was detected in the pVI-S28C mutant capsids. The infectivity was similar for both capsids, indicating that mutation did not affect the ability of protein VI to lyse the endosomal membrane. This study highlights that it is possible to increase the mechanical stability of a capsid even with a single point mutation while not affecting the viral life cycle. Such insight can help enable the development of more stable vectors for therapeutic applications

TIGIT Marks Exhausted T Cells, Correlates with Disease Progression, and Serves as a Target for Immune Restoration in HIV and SIV Infection.

HIV infection induces phenotypic and functional changes to CD8+ T cells defined by the coordinated upregulation of a series of negative checkpoint receptors that eventually result in T cell exhaustion and failure to control viral replication. We report that effector CD8+ T cells during HIV infection in blood and SIV infection in lymphoid tissue exhibit higher levels of the negative checkpoint receptor TIGIT. Increased frequencies of TIGIT+ and TIGIT+ PD-1+ CD8+ T cells correlated with parameters of HIV and SIV disease progression. TIGIT remained elevated despite viral suppression in those with either pharmacological antiretroviral control or immunologically in elite controllers. HIV and SIV-specific CD8+ T cells were dysfunctional and expressed high levels of TIGIT and PD-1. Ex-vivo single or combinational antibody blockade of TIGIT and/or PD-L1 restored viral-specific CD8+ T cell effector responses. The frequency of TIGIT+ CD4+ T cells correlated with the CD4+ T cell total HIV DNA. These findings identify TIGIT as a novel marker of dysfunctional HIV-specific T cells and suggest TIGIT along with other checkpoint receptors may be novel curative HIV targets to reverse T cell exhaustion

Lifespan theorem for constrained surface diffusion flows

We consider closed immersed hypersurfaces in $\R^{3}$ and $\R^4$ evolving by a class of constrained surface diffusion flows. Our result, similar to earlier results for the Willmore flow, gives both a positive lower bound on the time for which a smooth solution exists, and a small upper bound on a power of the total curvature during this time. By phrasing the theorem in terms of the concentration of curvature in the initial surface, our result holds for very general initial data and has applications to further development in asymptotic analysis for these flows.Comment: 29 pages. arXiv admin note: substantial text overlap with arXiv:1201.657

Muons and emissivities of neutrinos in neutron star cores

In this work we consider the role of muons in various URCA processes relevant for neutrino emissions in the core region of neutron stars. The calculations are done for $\beta$--stable nuclear matter with and without muons. We find muons to appear at densities $\rho = 0.15$ fm$^{-3}$, slightly around the saturation density for nuclear matter $\rho_0 =0.16$ fm$^{-3}$. The direct URCA processes for nucleons are forbidden for densities below $\rho = 0.5$ fm$^{-3}$, however the modified URCA processes with muons $(n+N\rightarrow p+N +\mu +\overline{\nu}_{\mu}, p+N+\mu \rightarrow n+N+\nu_{\mu}$), where $N$ is a nucleon, result in neutrino emissivities comparable to those from $(n+N\rightarrow p+N +e +\overline{\nu}_e, p+N+e \rightarrow n+N+\nu_e$). This opens up for further possibilities to explain the rapid cooling of neutrons stars. Superconducting protons reduce however these emissivities at densities below $0.4$ fm$^{-3}$.Comment: 14 pages, Revtex style, 3 uuencoded figs include