We explore the higher-form generalized global symmetries and higher anomalies based on a generalized cobordism theory. Our cobordism calculation guides us to classify higher anomalies and topological terms for Yang-Mills (YM) gauge theories and sigma models in various dimensions. Some of YM gauge theories can be obtained from dynamically gauging the SU(N) time-reversal symmetric cobordism invariants (SU(N)-generalized topological superconductors/insulators [arXiv:1711.11587]). We elaborate the cases of YM theory with a compact Lie gauge group (such as SU(N) with N=2, 3 and others) particularly in a 4d spacetime. We provide the relevant homotopy and cobordism group calculations of higher classifying spaces, based on mathematical tools of algebraic topology, to support the physics stories.

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We study orthogonal polynomials with respect to self-similar measures, focusing on the class of infinite Bernoulli convolutions, which are defined by iterated function systems with overlaps, especially those defined by the Pisot, Garsia, and Salem numbers. By using an algorithm of Mantica, we obtain graphs of the coefficients of the 3-term recursion relation defining the orthogonal polynomials. We use these graphs to predict whether the singular infinite Bernoulli convolutions belong to the Nevai class. Based on our numerical results, we conjecture that all infinite Bernoulli Convolutions with contraction ratios greater than or equal to 1/2 belong to Nevai's class, regardless of the probability weights assigned to the self-similar measures.

Bosonic topological insulators (BTI) in three dimensions are symmetry-protected topological phases (SPT) protected by time-reversal and boson number conservation symmetries. BTI in three dimensions were first proposed and classified by the group cohomology theory which suggests two distinct root states, each carrying a Z2 index. Soon after, surface anomalous topological orders were proposed to identify different root states of BTI, which even leads to a new BTI root state beyond the group cohomology classification. In this paper, we propose a universal physical mechanism via vortex-line condensation from a 3d superfluid to achieve all three root states. It naturally produces bulk topological quantum field theory (TQFT) description for each root state. Topologically ordered states on the surface are rigorously derived by placing TQFT on an open manifold, which allows us to explicitly demonstrate the bulk-boundary correspondence. Finally, we generalize the mechanism to ZN symmetries and discuss potential SPT phases beyond the group cohomology classification.

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