Thu, 04 Mar 2010
14:00
L3

On the field with one element

Pierre Cartier
(IHES)
Abstract

We shall explain how to give substance to an old dream of Tits, to invent exotic new zeta functions, and discover the skeleton of algebraic varieties (toric manifolds and tropial geometry).

Thu, 04 Mar 2010

14:00 - 15:00
3WS SR

Split Bregman methods for L1-Regularized Problems with Applications to Image Processing

Mr. Thomas Goldstein
(University of California, Los Angeles)
Abstract

This talk will introduce L1-regularized optimization problems that arise in image processing, and numerical methods for their solution. In particular, we will focus on methods of the split-Bregman type, which very efficiently solve large scale problems without regularization or time stepping. Applications include image

denoising, segmentation, non-local filters, and compressed sensing.

Thu, 04 Mar 2010

12:00 - 13:00
SR1

Introduction to descent theory

Michael Groechenig
(Oxford)
Abstract

Descent theory is the art of gluing local data together to global data. Beside of being an invaluable tool for the working geometer, the descent philosophy has changed our perception of space and topology. In this talk I will introduce the audience to the basic results of scheme and descent theory and explain how those can be applied to concrete examples.

Thu, 04 Mar 2010
11:00
SR2

Topos Quantum Logic

Andreas Doering
(Oxford)
Abstract

Standard quantum logic, as intitiated by Birkhoff and von Neumann, suffers from severe problems which relate quite directly to interpretational issues in the foundations of quantum theory. In this talk, I will present some aspects of the so-called topos approach to quantum theory, as initiated by Isham and Butterfield, which aims at a mathematical reformulation of quantum theory and provides a new, well-behaved form of quantum logic that is based upon the internal logic of a certain (pre)sheaf topos.

Wed, 03 Mar 2010
11:00
L1

On the field with one element

Pierre Cartier
(IHES)
Abstract

We shall explain how to give substance to an old dream of Tits, to invent exotic new zeta functions, and discover the skeleton of algebraic varieties (toric manifolds and tropical geometry).

Tue, 02 Mar 2010
17:00
L2

On the field with one element

Pierre Cartier
(IHES)
Abstract

We shall explain how to give substance to an old dream of Tits, to invent exotic new zeta functions, and discover the skeleton of algebraic varieties (toric manifolds and tropical geometry).

Tue, 02 Mar 2010
16:00
SR1

Limit Groups

Benno Kuckuck
(Oxford)
Tue, 02 Mar 2010

15:45 - 16:45
L3

Thom polynomials and the Green-Griffiths conjecture

Gergely Berczi
(Oxford)
Abstract

The Green-Griffiths conjecture from 1979 says that every projective algebraic variety $X$ of general type contains a certain proper algebraic subvariety $Y$ such that all nonconstant entire holomorphic curves in $X$ must lie inside $Y$. In this talk we explain that for projective hypersurfaces of degree $d>dim(X)^6$ this is the consequence of a positivity conjecture in global singularity theory.

Tue, 02 Mar 2010

14:30 - 15:30
L3

Decomposition of graphs and $\chi$-boundedness

Nicolas Trotignon
(Paris)
Abstract

A graph is $\chi$-bounded with a function $f$ is for all induced subgraph H of G, we have $\chi(H) \le f(\omega(H))$.  Here, $\chi(H)$ denotes the chromatic number of $H$, and $\omega(H)$ the size of a largest clique in $H$. We will survey several results saying that excluding various kinds of induced subgraphs implies $\chi$-boundedness. More precisely, let $L$ be a set of graphs. If a $C$ is the class of all graphs that do not any induced subgraph isomorphic to a member of $L$, is it true that there is a function $f$ that $\chi$-bounds all graphs from $C$? For some lists $L$, the answer is yes, for others, it is no.  

A decomposition theorems is a theorem saying that all graphs from a given class are either "basic" (very simple), or can be partitioned into parts with interesting relationship. We will discuss whether proving decomposition theorems is an efficient method to prove $\chi$-boundedness. 

Mon, 01 Mar 2010

16:00 - 17:00
SR1

No Seminar

(Mathematical Institute, Oxford)
Mon, 01 Mar 2010
15:45
Eagle House

Non-Markovian random walk and nonlinear reaction-transport equations.

Sergei Fedotov
(Manchester)
Abstract

The main aim is to incorporate the nonlinear term into non-Markovian Master equations for a continuous time random walk (CTRW) with non-exponential waiting time distributions. We derive new nonlinear evolution equations for the mesoscopic density of reacting particles corresponding to CTRW with arbitrary jump and waiting time distributions. We apply these equations to the problem of front propagation in the reaction-transport systems of KPP-type.

We find an explicit expression for the speed of a propagating front in the case of subdiffusive transport.

Mon, 01 Mar 2010
14:15
Eagle House

TBA

Emmanuel Breuillard
(University of Paris Sud)
Abstract

TBA

Fri, 26 Feb 2010
16:30
L2

Algebraic Geometry and Feynman Amplitudes

Professor Pierre Cartier (IHES)
(IHES)
Abstract

We shall report on the use of algebraic geometry for the calculation of Feynman amplitudes (work of Bloch, Brown, Esnault and Kreimer). Or how to combine Grothendieck's motives with high energy physics in an unexpected way, radically distinct from string theory.

Fri, 26 Feb 2010
14:30
DH 3rd floor SR

TBA

Dr Thibaut Putelat
(Cambridge ITG)
Abstract

TBA

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:45 -
Fri, 26 Mar 2010 13:00
DH 1st floor SR

OCIAM internal seminar

Heike Gramberg and Robert Whittaker
Abstract

Heike Gramberg - Flagellar beating in trypanosomes

Robert Whittaker - High-Frequency Self-Excited Oscillations in 3D Collapsible Tube Flows

Fri, 26 Feb 2010

10:00 - 11:15
DH 1st floor SR

Microscopic and macroscopic modeling of active suspensions

Jorn Dunkel
(Physics, Oxford)
Abstract

Micron-sized bacteria or algae operate at very small Reynolds numbers.

In this regime, inertial effects are negligible and, hence, efficient

swimming strategies have to be different from those employed by fish

or bigger animals. Mathematically, this means that, in order to

achieve locomotion, the swimming stroke of a microorganism must break

the time-reversal symmetry of the Stokes equations. Large ensembles of

bacteria or algae can exhibit rich collective dynamics (e.g., complex

turbulent patterns, such as vortices or spirals), resulting from a

combination of physical and chemical interactions. The spatial extent

of these structures typically exceeds the size of a single organism by

several orders of magnitude. One of our current projects in the Soft

and Biological Matter Group aims at understanding how the collective

macroscopic behavior of swimming microorganisms is related to their

microscopic properties. I am going to outline theoretical and

computational approaches, and would like to discuss technical

challenges that arise when one tries to derive continuum equations for

these systems from microscopic or mesoscopic models.

Thu, 25 Feb 2010

14:00 - 15:00
3WS SR

Numerical Aspects of Optimization in Finance

Prof. Ekkehard Sachs
(University of Trier)
Abstract

There is a widespread use of mathematical tools in finance and its

importance has grown over the last two decades. In this talk we

concentrate on optimization problems in finance, in particular on

numerical aspects. In this talk, we put emphasis on the mathematical problems and aspects, whereas all the applications are connected to the pricing of derivatives and are the

outcome of a cooperation with an international finance institution.

As one example, we take an in-depth look at the problem of hedging

barrier options. We review approaches from the literature and illustrate

advantages and shortcomings. Then we rephrase the problem as an

optimization problem and point out that it leads to a semi-infinite

programming problem. We give numerical results and put them in relation

to known results from other approaches. As an extension, we consider the

robustness of this approach, since it is known that the optimality is

lost, if the market data change too much. To avoid this effect, one can

formulate a robust version of the hedging problem, again by the use of

semi-infinite programming. The numerical results presented illustrate

the robustness of this approach and its advantages.

As a further aspect, we address the calibration of models being used in

finance through optimization. This may lead to PDE-constrained

optimization problems and their solution through SQP-type or

interior-point methods. An important issue in this context are

preconditioning techniques, like preconditioning of KKT systems, a very

active research area. Another aspect is the preconditioning aspect

through the use of implicit volatilities. We also take a look at the

numerical effects of non-smooth data for certain models in derivative

pricing. Finally, we discuss how to speed up the optimization for

calibration problems by using reduced order models.

Thu, 25 Feb 2010

12:00 - 13:00
SR1

Knots, graphs, and the Alexander polynomial

Jessica Banks
(Oxford)
Abstract

In 2008, Juhasz published the following result, which was proved using sutured Floer homology.

Let $K$ be a prime, alternating knot. Let $a$ be the leading coefficient of the Alexander polynomial of $K$. If $|a|

Tue, 23 Feb 2010

15:45 - 16:45
L3

(HoRSe seminar) Cluster category and applications

Kentaro Nagao
(Oxford and Kyoto)
Abstract

I will introduce the theory of cluster categories after Amiot and Plamondon. For a quiver with a potential, the cluster category is defined as the quotient of the category of perfect dg-modules by the category of dg-modules with finite dimensional cohomologies. We can show the existence of the equivalence in the first talk as an application of the cluster category. I will also propose a definition of a counting invariant for each element in the cluster category.

Tue, 23 Feb 2010
14:30
L3

Line Graphs and Beyond

Lowell Beineke
(Purdue)
Abstract

The line graph operation, in which the edges of one graph are taken as the vertices of a new graph with adjacency preserved, is arguably the most interesting of graph transformations. In this survey, we will begin looking at characterisations of line graphs, focusing first on results related to our set of nine forbidden subgraphs. This will be followed by a discussion of some generalisations of line graphs, including our investigations into the Krausz dimension of a graph G, defined as the minimum, over all partitions of the edge-set of G into complete subgraphs, of the maximum number of subgraphs containing any vertex (the maximum in Krausz's characterisation of line graphs being 2).

Tue, 23 Feb 2010

14:30 - 15:30
L3

Line Graphs and Beyond

Lowell Beineke
(Purdue)
Abstract

The line graph operation, in which the edges of one graph are taken as the vertices of a new graph with adjacency preserved, is arguably the most interesting of graph transformations.  In this survey, we will begin looking at characterisations of line graphs, focusing first on results related to our set of nine forbidden subgraphs. This will be followed by a discussion of some generalisations of line graphs, including our investigations into the Krausz dimension of a graph G, defined as the minimum, over all partitions of the edge-set of G into complete subgraphs, of the maximum number of subgraphs containing any vertex (the maximum in Krausz's characterisation of line graphs being 2).

Tue, 23 Feb 2010
14:15
DH 1st floor SR

Stopping with Multiple Priors and Variational Expectations in Contiuous Time

Frank Riedel
(Bielefeld University)
Abstract

We develop a theory of optimal stopping problems under ambiguity in continuous time. Using results from (backward) stochastic calculus, we characterize the value function as the smallest (nonlinear) supermartingale dominating the payoff process. For Markovian models, we derive a Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation involving a nonlinear drift term that describes the agent’s ambiguity aversion. We show how to use these general results for search problems and American Options.

Tue, 23 Feb 2010

14:00 - 15:00
SR1

(HoRSe seminar) Quiver mutations and stability conditions

Kentaro Nagao
(Oxford and Kyoto)
Abstract

Let $(Q',w')$ be a quiver with a potential given by successive mutations from a quiver with a potential $(Q,w)$. Then we have an equivalence of the derived categories of dg-modules over the Ginzburg dg-algebras satisfying the following condition: a simple module over the dg-algebra for $(Q',w')$ is either concentrated on degree 0 or concentrated on degree 1 as a dg-module over the

dg-algebra for $(Q,w)$. As an application of this equivalence, I will give a description of the space of stability conditions.

Tue, 23 Feb 2010

13:15 - 13:45
DH 1st floor SR

Accurate Density Forecasts based on Simple Nonlinear Models

Siddharth Arora
(University of Oxford)
Abstract

Abstract: Nonlinear models have been widely employed to characterize the

underlying structure in a time series. It has been shown that the

in-sample fit of nonlinear models is better than linear models, however,

the superiority of nonlinear models over linear models, from the

perspective of out-of-sample forecasting accuracy remains doubtful. We

compare forecast accuracy of nonlinear regime switching models against

classical linear models using different performance scores, such as root

mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and the continuous

ranked probability score (CRPS). We propose and investigate the efficacy

of a class of simple nonparametric, nonlinear models that are based on

estimation of a few parameters, and can generate more accurate forecasts

when compared with the classical models. Also, given the importance of

gauging uncertainty in forecasts for proper risk assessment and well

informed decision making, we focus on generating and evaluating both point

and density forecasts.

Keywords: Nonlinear, Forecasting, Performance scores.

Mon, 22 Feb 2010

16:00 - 17:00
SR1

Prime gaps

James Maynard
(Mathematical Institute, Oxford)
Mon, 22 Feb 2010

16:00 - 17:00
SR1

TBA

TBA
(Mathematical Institute, Oxford)