Thu, 29 Nov 2012

15:00 - 16:00
SR1

Hamiltonian evolution of half-flat SU(3) structures

Thomas Madsen
(King's College London)
Abstract

This talk surveys the well known relationship between half-flat SU(3) structures on 6-manifolds M and metrics with holonomy in G_2 on Mx(a,b), focusing on the case in which M=S3xS3 with solutions invariant by SO(4).

Thu, 29 Nov 2012

14:00 - 15:00
L3

Borcherds-Kac-Moody algebras and Langlands interpolation

Alexandre Bouayad
Abstract

We introduce a deformation process of universal enveloping algebras of Borcherds-Kac-Moody algebras, which generalises quantum groups' one and yields a large class of new algebras called coloured Borcherds-Kac-Moody algebras. The direction of deformation is specified by the choice of a collection of numbers. For example, the natural numbers lead to classical enveloping algebras, while the quantum numbers lead to quantum groups. We prove, in the finite type case, that every coloured BKM algebra have representations which deform representations of semisimple Lie algebras and whose characters are given by the Weyl formula. We prove, in the finite type case, that representations of two isogenic coloured BKM algebras can be interpolated by representations of a third coloured BKM algebra. In particular, we solve conjectures of Frenkel-Hernandez about the Langland duality between representations of quantum groups. We also establish a Langlands duality between representations of classical BKM algebras, extending results of Littelmann and McGerty, and we interpret this duality in terms of quantum interpolation.

Thu, 29 Nov 2012

14:00 - 15:00
Gibson Grd floor SR

A locally adaptive Cartesian finite-volume framework for solving PDEs on surfaces

Dr Donna Calhoun
(Boise State University)
Abstract

We describe our current efforts to develop finite volume

schemes for solving PDEs on logically Cartesian locally adapted

surfaces meshes. Our methods require an underlying smooth or

piecewise smooth grid transformation from a Cartesian computational

space to 3d surface meshes, but does not rely on analytic metric terms

to obtain second order accuracy. Our hyperbolic solvers are based on

Clawpack (R. J. LeVeque) and the parabolic solvers are based on a

diamond-cell approach (Y. Coudi\`ere, T. Gallou\"et, R. Herbin et

al). If time permits, I will also discuss Discrete Duality Finite

Volume methods for solving elliptic PDEs on surfaces.

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To do local adaption and time subcycling in regions requiring high

spatial resolution, we are developing ForestClaw, a hybrid adaptive

mesh refinement (AMR) code in which non-overlapping fixed-size

Cartesian grids are stored as leaves in a forest of quad- or

oct-trees. The tree-based code p4est (C. Burstedde) manages the

multi-block connectivity and is highly scalable in realistic

applications.

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I will present results from reaction-diffusion systems on surface

meshes, and test problems from the atmospheric sciences community.

Thu, 29 Nov 2012

13:00 - 15:00
DH 1st floor SR

How local is a local martingale diffusion?

Martin Klimmek
Abstract

Our starting point is a recent characterisation of one-dimensional, time-homogeneous diffusion in terms of its distribution at an exponential time. The structure of this characterisation leads naturally to the idea of measuring `how far' a diffusion is away from being a martingale diffusion in terms of expected local time at the starting point. This work in progress has a connection to finance and to

a Skorokhod embedding.

Wed, 28 Nov 2012

16:00 - 17:00
SR2

Engulfed subgroups of discrete groups

Will Cavendish
(University of Oxford)
Abstract

A subgroup $H$ of a group $G$ is said to be engulfed if there is a
finite-index subgroup $K$ other than $G$ itself such that $H<K$, or
equivalently if $H$ is not dense in the profinite topology on $G$.  In
this talk I will present a variety of methods for showing that a
subgroup of a discrete group is engulfed, and demonstrate how these
methods can be used to study finite-sheeted covering spaces of
topological spaces.

Tue, 27 Nov 2012

17:00 - 18:00
Gibson 1st Floor SR

Relaxation of a Generalized Willmore Functional

Simon Masnou
(Universit&eacute; Lyon 1)
Abstract

Several shape optimization problems, e.g. in image processing, biology, or discrete geometry, involve the Willmore functional, which is for a surface the integrated squared mean curvature. Due to its singularity, minimizing this functional under constraints is a delicate issue. More precisely, it is difficult to characterize precisely the structure of the minimizers and to provide an explicit

formulation of their energy. In a joint work with Giacomo Nardi (Paris-Dauphine), we have studied an "integrated" version of the Willmore functional, i.e. a version defined for functions and not only for sets. In this talk, I will describe the tools, based on Young measures and varifolds, that we have introduced to address the relaxation issue. I will also discuss some connections with the phase-field numerical approximation of the Willmore flow, that we have investigated with Elie Bretin (Lyon) and Edouard Oudet (Grenoble).

Tue, 27 Nov 2012
17:00
L2

'Orbit coherence in permutation groups'

Mark Wildon
(Royal Holloway)
Abstract

Let G be a permutation group acting on a set Omega. For g in G, let pi(g) denote the partition of Omega given by the orbits of g. The set of all partitions of Omega is naturally ordered by refinement and admits lattice operations of meet and join. My talk concerns the groups G such that the partitions pi(g) for g in G form a sublattice. This condition is highly restrictive, but there are still many interesting examples. These include centralisers in the symmetric group Sym(Omega) and a class of profinite abelian groups which act on each of their orbits as a subgroup of the Prüfer group. I will also describe a classification of the primitive permutation groups of finite degree whose set of orbit partitions is closed under taking joins, but not necessarily meets.

This talk is on joint work with John R. Britnell (Imperial College).

Tue, 27 Nov 2012

15:45 - 16:45
SR1

Formality of ordinary and twisted de Rham complex from derived algebraic geometry

Andrei Caldararu
(University of Wisconsin)
Abstract

Beautiful results of Deligne-Illusie, Sabbah, and Ogus-Vologodsky show that certain modifications of the de Rham complex (either the usual one, or twisted versions of it that appear in the study of the cyclic homology of categories of matrix factorizations) are formal in positive characteristic. These are the crucial steps in proving algebraic analogues of the Hodge theorem (again, either in the ordinary setting or in the presence of a twisting). I will present these results along with a new approach to understanding them using derived intersection theory. This is joint work with Dima Arinkin and Marton Hablicsek.

Tue, 27 Nov 2012
14:30
SR1

The hitting time of rainbow connectivity two

Annika Heckel
(Oxford)
Abstract

Rainbow connectivity is a new concept for measuring the connectivity of a graph which was introduced in 2008 by Chartrand, Johns, McKeon and Zhang. In a graph G with a given edge colouring, a rainbow path is a path all of whose edges have distinct colours. The minimum number of colours required to colour the edges of G so that every pair of vertices is joined by at least one rainbow path is called the rainbow connection number rc(G) of the graph G.

For any graph G, rc(G) >= diam(G). We will discuss rainbow connectivity in the random graph setting and present the result that for random graphs, rainbow connectivity 2 happens essentially at the same time as diameter 2. In fact, in the random graph process, with high probability the hitting times of diameter 2 and of rainbow connection number 2 coincide

Tue, 27 Nov 2012

13:15 - 13:45
DH 3rd floor SR

The Mechanics of Multitubes

Stephen O'Keeffe
Abstract

Multi-layered cylinders, or 'multitubes', are ubiquitous throughout the biological world, from microscopic axons to plant stems. Whilst these structures share an underlying common geometry, each one fulfils a different key role in its relevant environment. For example plant stems provide a transport network for nutrients within the organism, whilst the tongue of a chameleon is used for prey capture. This talk will be concerned with the mechanical stability of multitubes. How do the material properties, applied tractions and geometry of elastic rods and tubes influence their critical buckling pressure and mode of buckling? We will discuss the phenomenon of differential growth, an important factor in the mechanical behaviour of such systems and introduce a mathematical framework, which can be used to model differential growth in soft tissues and predict the onset of buckling. We will also present a small number of applications for this research.

Mon, 26 Nov 2012

16:00 - 17:00
SR1

Once Upon a Time in Egypt: How the Story of Rational Points Began

Simon Myerson
(Oxford)
Abstract

A nice bed-time story to end the term. It is often said that ideas like the group law or isogenies on elliptic curves were 'known to Fermat' or are 'found
in Diophantus', but this is rarely properly explained. I will discuss the first work on rational points on curves from the point of view of modern number
theory, asking if it really did anticipate the methods we use today.

Mon, 26 Nov 2012

15:45 - 16:45
L3

A polynomial upper bound on Reidemeister moves

Marc Lackenby
(Oxford)
Abstract

Consider a diagram of the unknot with c crossings. There is a

sequence of Reidemeister

moves taking this to the trivial diagram. But how many moves are required?

In my talk, I will give

an overview of my recent proof that there is there is an upper bound on the

number of moves, which

is a polynomial function of c.

Mon, 26 Nov 2012

15:45 - 16:45
Oxford-Man Institute

tbc

Karol Szczypkowski
Abstract
Mon, 26 Nov 2012
14:15
L3

Geometry and topology of superfluid liquids

Michael Monastyrsky
(ITEP)
Abstract

The lecture will discuss some applications of topology to a number of interesting physical systems:

1. Classifications of Phases, 2. Classifications of one-dimensional textures in Nematics and Superfluid HE-3,

3. Classification of defects, 4. Phase transition in Liquid membranes.

The solution of these problems leads to interesting mathematics but the talk will also include some historical remarks.

Mon, 26 Nov 2012

14:15 - 15:15
Oxford-Man Institute

Fractional Laplacian with gradient perturbations

Tomasz Jakubowski
Abstract

We consider the fractional Laplacian perturbed by the gradient operator b(x)\nabla for various classes of vector fields b. We construct end estimate the corresponding semigroup.

Mon, 26 Nov 2012

12:00 - 13:00
L3

Scanning for stabilizing bundles in heterotic vacua

James Gray
(LMU Munich)
Abstract
I will describe methods for searching for bundles which are only holomorphic for isolated complex structures of a base Calabi-Yau threefold. These can be used, in the hidden sector of heterotic compactifications, to stabilize the associated moduli fields. Various bundle constructions will be covered, and the possibility and consequences of resolving the potentially singular threefolds which result will be discussed. If time permits, I will also briefly mention a large set of Calabi-Yau fourfolds which is currently being classified.
Fri, 23 Nov 2012

16:00 - 17:00
DH 1st floor SR

Exact Implied Volatility Expansions

Matt Lorig
(Princeton University)
Abstract

We derive an exact implied volatility expansion for any model whose European call price can be expanded analytically around a Black-Scholes call price. Two examples of our framework are provided (i) exponential Levy models and (ii) CEV-like models with local stochastic volatility and local stochastic jump-intensity.

Fri, 23 Nov 2012

12:00 - 13:00
Gibson 1st Floor SR

$\chi$-Systems for Correlation Functions

Jonathan Toledo
(Perimeter Institute)
Abstract
We consider the strong coupling limit of 4-point functions of heavy operators in N=4 SYM dual to strings with no spin in AdS. We restrict our discussion for operators inserted on a line. The string computation factorizes into a state-dependent sphere part and a universal AdS contribution which depends only on the dimensions of the operators and the cross ratios. We use the integrability of the AdS string equations to compute the AdS part for operators of arbitrary conformal dimensions. The solution takes the form of TBA-like integral equations with the minimal AdS string-action computed by a corresponding free-energy-like functional. These TBA-like equations stem from a peculiar system of functional equations which we call a \chi-system. In principle one could use the same method to solve for the AdS contribution in the N-point function. An interesting feature of the solution is that it encodes multiple string configurations corresponding to different classical saddle-points. The discrete data that parameterizes these solutions enters through the analog of the chemical-potentials in the TBA-like equations. Finally, for operators dual to strings spinning in the same equator in S^5 (i.e. BPS operators of the same type) the sphere part is simple to compute. In this case (which is generically neither extremal nor protected) we can construct the complete, strong-coupling 4-point function.
Fri, 23 Nov 2012

10:00 - 11:30
DH 1st floor SR

Virtual Anglo-Saxons. Agent-based modelling in archaeology and palaeodemography

Andreas Duering
(Archaeology, Oxford)
Abstract

The University of Oxford’s modelling4all software is a wonderful tool to simulate early medieval populations and their cemeteries in order to evaluate the influence of palaeodemographic variables, such as mortality, fertility, catastrophic events and disease on settlement dispersal. In my DPhil project I will study archaeological sites in Anglo-Saxon England and the German south-west in a comparative approach. The two regions have interesting similarities in their early medieval settlement pattern and include some of the first sites where both cemeteries and settlements were completely excavated.

An important discovery in bioarchaeology is that an excavated cemetery is not a straightforward representation of the living population. Preservation issues and the limitations of age and sex estimation methods using skeletal material must be considered. But also the statistical procedures to calculate the palaeodemographic characteristics of archaeological populations are procrustean. Agent-based models can help archaeologists to virtually bridge the chasm between the excavated dead populations and their living counterparts in which we are really interested in.

This approach leads very far away from the archaeologist’s methods and ways of thinking and the major challenge therefore is to balance innovative ideas with practicability and tangibility.

Some of the problems for the workshop are:

1.) Finding the best fitting virtual living populations for the excavated cemeteries

2.) Sensitivity analyses of palaeodemographic variables

3.) General methodologies to evaluate the outcome of agent based models

4.) Present data in a way that is both statistically correct and up to date & clear for archaeologists like me

5.) Explore how to include analytical procedures in the model to present the archaeological community with a user-friendly and not necessarily overwhelming toolkit

 

Thu, 22 Nov 2012

17:00 - 18:00
L3

A non-desarguesian projective plane of analytic origin

Boris Zilber
(Oxford)
Abstract
(This is a joint result with Katrin Tent.) We construct a series of new omega-stable non-desarguesian projective planes, including ones of Morley rank 2, 
avoiding a direct use of Hrushovski's construction. Instead we make use of the field of complex numbers with a holomorphic function  (Liouville function) which is an omega-stable structure by results of A.Wilkie and P.Koiran.  We first find a pseudo-plane interpretable in the above analytic structure and then "collapse" the pseudo-plane to a projective plane applying a modification of Hrushovski's mu-function. 
Thu, 22 Nov 2012

16:00 - 17:00
DH 1st floor SR

An Energy model for the mechanically driven unfolding of titin macromolecules

Giuseppe Saccomandi
(Universita' degli Studi Perugia)
Abstract

We propose a model to reproduce qualitatively and quantitatively the experimental behavior obtained by the AFM techniques for the titin. Via an energetic based minimization approach we are able to deduce a simple analytical formulations for the description of the mechanical behavior of multidomain proteins, giving a physically base description of the unfolding mechanism. We also point out that our model can be inscribed in the led of the pseudo-elastic variational damage model with internal variable and fracture energy criteria of the continuum mechanics. The proposed model permits simple analytical calculations and

to reproduce hard-device experimental AFM procedures. The proposed model also permits the continuum limit approximation which maybe useful to the development of a three-dimensional multiscale constitutive model for biological tissues.