On Infinite Prefix Normal Words.

Prefix normal words are binary words with the property that no factor has more 1s than the prefix of the same length. Finite prefix normal words were introduced in [Fici and Lipták, DLT 2011]. In this paper, we study infinite prefix normal words and explore their relationship to some known classes of infinite binary words. In particular, we establish a connection between prefix normal words and Sturmian words, between prefix normal words and abelian complexity, and between prefix normality and lexicographic order.

Optimal group testing algorithms with interval queries and their application to splice site detection.

Given an ordered set of n items and an unknown subset P of up to p positive elements, we want to identify P by asking the least number of queries 'does Q intersect P?' where Q must consist of consecutive elements. This Interval Group Testing problem arises in the context of splice site detection in genes. We study algorithms that operate in a few stages where queries chosen depending on previous answers, are performed in parallel. We obtain tight bounds for two-stage strategies. Finally, we get results for any number of stages and positives.