Fri, 26 Nov 2021

15:00 - 16:00
Virtual

Morse inequalities for the Koszul complex of multi-persistence

Claudia Landi
(University of Modena and Reggio Emilia)
Abstract

In this talk, I'll present inequalities bounding the number of critical cells in a filtered cell complex on the one hand, and the entries of the Betti tables of the multi-parameter persistence modules of such filtrations on the other hand. Using the Mayer-Vietoris spectral sequence we first obtain strong and weak Morse inequalities involving the above quantities, and then we improve the weak inequalities achieving a sharp lower bound for the number of critical cells. Furthermore, we prove a sharp upper bound for the minimal number of critical cells, expressed again in terms of the entries of Betti tables. This is joint work with Andrea Guidolin (KTH, Stockholm). The full paper is posted online as arxiv:2108.11427.

Fri, 26 Nov 2021

14:00 - 15:00
N3.12

Extensions of Specht modules and p-ary designs

Liam Jolliffe
(University of Cambridge)
Abstract

The Specht modules are of fundamental importance to the representation theory of the symmetric group, and their 0th cohomology is understood through entirely combinatorial methods due to Gordon James. Over fields of odd characteristic, Hemmer proposed a similar combinatorial approach to calculating their 1st degree cohomology, or extensions by the trivial module. This combinatorial approach motivates the definition of universal $p$-ary designs, which we shall classify. We then explore the consequences of this classification to problem of determining extensions of Specht modules. In particular, we classify all extensions of Specht modules indexed by two-part partitions by the trivial module and shall see some far-reaching conditions on when the first cohomology of a Specht module is trivial.

Fri, 26 Nov 2021

14:00 - 15:00
L1

Dissertation: presenting a thesis

Dr Richard Earl
Abstract

This session is particularly aimed at fourth-year and OMMS students who are completing a dissertation this year. The talk will be given by Dr Richard Earl who chairs Projects Committee. For many of you this will be the first time you have written such an extended piece on mathematics. The talk will include advice on planning a timetable, managing the  workload, presenting mathematics, structuring the dissertation and creating a narrative, providing references and avoiding plagiarism.

Fri, 26 Nov 2021

11:45 - 13:15
L4

InFoMM CDT Group Meeting

Nicolas Boulle, Brady Metherall
(Mathematical Institute (University of Oxford))
Fri, 26 Nov 2021

10:00 - 11:00
L6

Devising an ANN Classifier Performance Prediction Measure

Darryl Hond
(Thales Group)
Further Information

The challenge they will present is on predicting the performance of artificial neural network (ANN) classifiers and understanding their reliability for predicting data that are not presented in the training set. We encourage all interested party to join us and especially those interested in machine learning and data science.

Thu, 25 Nov 2021

16:00 - 17:00
L3

TBC

BEN HAMBLY
(University of Oxford)
Abstract

TBC

Thu, 25 Nov 2021

14:00 - 15:30
L3

CFT at finite temperature

Enrico Marchetto
(Oxford University)
Further Information

Junior strings is a seminar series where DPhil students present topics of common interest that do not necessarily overlap with their own research area. This is primarily aimed at PhD students and post-docs but everyone is welcome.

Thu, 25 Nov 2021
14:00
Virtual

Adaptive multilevel delayed acceptance

Tim Dodwell
(University of Exeter)
Abstract

Uncertainty Quantification through Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) can be prohibitively expensive for target probability densities with expensive likelihood functions, for instance when the evaluation it involves solving a Partial Differential Equation (PDE), as is the case in a wide range of engineering applications. Multilevel Delayed Acceptance (MLDA) with an Adaptive Error Model (AEM) is a novel approach, which alleviates this problem by exploiting a hierarchy of models, with increasing complexity and cost, and correcting the inexpensive models on-the-fly. The method has been integrated within the open-source probabilistic programming package PyMC3 and is available in the latest development version.

In this talk I will talk about the problems with the Multilevel Markov Chain Monte Carlo (Dodwell et al. 2015). In so we will prove detailed balance for Adaptive Multilevel Delayed Acceptance, as well as showing that multilevel variance reduction can be achieved without bias, not possible in the original MLMCMC framework.

I will talk about our implementation in the latest version of pymc3, and demonstrate how for classical inverse problem benchmarks the AMLDA sampler offers huge computational savings (> factor of 100 fold speed up).

Finally I will talk heuristically about new / future research, in which we seek to develop parallel strategies for this inherently sequential sampler, as well as point to interesting applied application areas in which the method is proving particular effective.

 

--

This talk will be in person.

Thu, 25 Nov 2021

12:00 - 13:00
L3

Comparison of mathematical models by representation as simplicial complexes

Sean Vittadello
(University of Melbourne)
Further Information

Sean Vittadello joined the Theoretical Systems Biology Group at The University of Melbourne as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in April 2020. His research interests are broadly in the study of biological systems with mathematics, using both analytical and algebraic techniques.

Abstract

The complexity of biological systems necessitates that we develop mathematical models to further our understanding of these systems. Mathematical models of these systems are generally based on heterogeneous sets of experimental data, resulting in a seemingly heterogeneous collection of models that ostensibly represent the same system. To understand the system, and to reveal underlying design principles, we therefore need to understand how the different models are related to each other with a view to obtaining a unified mathematical description. This goal is complicated by the number of distinct mathematical formalisms that may be employed to represent the same system, making direct comparison of the models very difficult. In this talk I will discuss two general methodologies, namely comparison by distance and comparison by equivalence, that allow us to compare model structures in a systematic way by representing models as labelled simplicial complexes. The distance can be obtained either directly from the simplicial complexes, or from the persistence intervals obtained by employing persistent homology with a flat filtration. Model equivalence is used to determine the conceptual similarity of models and can be automated by using group actions on the simplicial complexes. We apply our methodology for model comparison to demonstrate a particular equivalence between a positional-information model and a Turing-pattern model from developmental biology, which constitutes a novel observation for two classes of models that were previously regarded as unrelated. We also discuss an alternative framework for model comparison by representing models as groups, which allows for the application of group-theoretic techniques within our model comparison methodology.

Thu, 25 Nov 2021
11:30
C3

Relating Structure to Power

Samson Abramsky
(University College London)
Further Information

This is an in-person seminar.

Abstract

In this talk, we describe some recent work on applying tools from category theory in finite model theory, descriptive complexity, constraint satisfaction, and combinatorics.

The motivations for this work come from Computer Science, but there may be something of interest for model theorists and other logicians.

The basic setting involves studying the category of relational structures via a resource-indexed family of adjunctions with some process category - which unfolds relational structures into treelike forms, allowing natural resource parameters to be assigned to these unfoldings.

One basic instance of this scheme allows us to recover, in a purely structural, syntax-free way:

- the Ehrenfeucht-Fraisse game

- the quantifier rank fragments of first-order logic

- the equivalences on structures induced by (i) the quantifier rank fragments, (ii) the restriction to the existential-positive part, and (iii) the extension with counting quantifiers

- the combinatorial parameter of tree-depth (Nesetril and Ossona de Mendez).

Another instance recovers the k-pebble game, the finite-variable fragments, the corresponding equivalences, and the combinatorial parameter of treewidth.

Other instances cover modal, guarded and hybrid fragments, generalized quantifiers, and a wide range of combinatorial parameters.

This whole scheme has been axiomatized in a very general setting, of arboreal categories and arboreal covers.

Beyond this basic level, a landscape is beginning to emerge, in which structural features of the resource categories, adjunctions and comonads are reflected in degrees of logical and computational tractability of the corresponding languages.

Examples include semantic characterisation and preservation theorems, Lovasz-type results on  isomorphisms, and classification of constraint satisfaction problems.

Wed, 24 Nov 2021

16:00 - 17:00
C5

Embedding subgroups into big mapping class groups

Davide Spriano
(University of Oxford)
Abstract

A big mapping class group is the mapping class group (MCG) of a surface of infinite type. Although several aspects of big MCGs remain mysterious, their geometric definition allows some simple, interesting arguments. In this talk, we will use big MCGs as an excuse to survey some (more or less) classical results in geometric group theory: we will present a quick introduction to infinite type surfaces, highlight differences between standard and large MCGs, and use Higman’s embedding theorem to deduce that there exists a big MCG that contains every finitely presented group as a subgroup.

Wed, 24 Nov 2021

14:00 - 15:00
L5

An Introduction to Process Theories and Categorical Quantum Mechanics

James Hefford
Abstract

In recent years it has been fruitful to model the physical world in a categorical framework. In this talk I will give an outline of this process theoretic view with a particular focus on its applications to quantum mechanics and quantum computing. I will discuss how abstract categorical structure captures certain quantum protocols, such as teleportation, unearthing the topological nature of them, and how we can use algebraic structures internal to a category to develop a framework for circuit-based quantum computing in the form of the ZX-calculus.

Tue, 23 Nov 2021
16:00
C5

Schrödinger operators with complex potentials

Jean-Claude Cuenin
(Loughbrough University)
Abstract

I will report on recent progress concerning eigenvalues of Schrödinger operators with complex potentials. We are interested in the magnitude and distribution of eigenvalues, and we seek bounds that only depend on an L^p norm of the potential.

These questions are well understood for real potentials, but completely new phenomena arise for complex potentials. I will explain how techniques from harmonic analysis, particularly those related to Fourier restriction theory, can be used to prove upper and lower bounds. We will also discuss some open problems. The talk is based on recent joint work with Sabine Bögli (Durham).

Tue, 23 Nov 2021

15:30 - 16:30
L6

Can one hear a real symmetric matrix?

Uzy Smilansky
(Weizmann Institute of Science)
Abstract

The question asked in the title is addressed from two points of view: First, we show that providing enough (term to be explained) spectral data, suffices to reconstruct uniquely generic (term to be explained) matrices. The method is well defined but requires somewhat cumbersome computations. Second, restricting the attention to banded matrices with band-width much smaller than the dimension, one can provide more spectral data than the number of unknown matrix elements. We make use of this redundancy to reconstruct generic banded matrices in a much more straight-forward fashion where the “cumbersome computations” can be skipped over. Explicit criteria for a matrix to be in the non-generic set are provided.

 

Tue, 23 Nov 2021
14:30
L3

A scalable and robust vertex-star relaxation for high-order FEM

Pablo Brubeck
(University of Oxford)
Abstract

The additive Schwarz method with vertex-centered patches and a low-order coarse space gives a p-robust solver for FEM discretizations of symmetric and coercive problems. However, for very high polynomial degree it is not feasible to assemble or factorize the matrices for each patch. In this work we introduce a direct solver for separable patch problems that scales to very high polynomial degree on tensor product cells. The solver constructs a tensor product basis that diagonalizes the blocks in the stiffness matrix for the internal degrees of freedom of each individual cell. As a result, the non-zero structure of the cell matrices is that of the graph connecting internal degrees of freedom to their projection onto the facets. In the new basis, the patch problem is as sparse as a low-order finite difference discretization, while having a sparser Cholesky factorization. We can thus afford to assemble and factorize the matrices for the vertex-patch problems, even for very high polynomial degree. In the non-separable case, the method can be applied as a preconditioner by approximating the problem with a separable surrogate. We apply this approach as a relaxation for the displacement block of mixed formulations of incompressible linear elasticity.

Tue, 23 Nov 2021

14:00 - 15:00
Virtual

Signal processing on graphs and complexes

Michael Schaub
(RWTH Aachen University)
Abstract

We are confronted with signals defined on the nodes of a graph in many applications.  Think for instance of a sensor network measuring temperature; or a social network, in which each person (node) has an opinion about a specific issue.  Graph signal processing (GSP) tries to device appropriate tools to process such data by generalizing classical methods from signal processing of time-series and images -- such as smoothing, filtering and interpolation -- to signals defined on graphs.  Typically, this involves leveraging the structure of the graph as encoded in the spectral properties of the graph Laplacian.

In other applications such as traffic network analysis, however, the signals of interest are naturally defined on the edges of a graph, rather than on the nodes. After a very brief recap of the central ideas of GSP, we examine why the standard tools from GSP may not be suitable for the analysis of such edge signals.  More specifically, we discuss how the underlying notion of a 'smooth signal' inherited from (the typically considered variants of) the graph Laplacian are not suitable when dealing with edge signals that encode flows.  To overcome this limitation we devise signal processing tools based on the Hodge-Laplacian and the associated discrete Hodge Theory for simplicial (and cellular) complexes.  We discuss applications of these ideas for signal smoothing, semi-supervised and active learning for edge-flows on discrete (or discretized) spaces.

Tue, 23 Nov 2021
14:00
Virtual

PageRank on directed preferential attachment graph

Mariana Olvera-Cravioto
(UNC Chapel Hill)
Abstract

We study a family of evolving directed random graphs that includes the directed preferential model and the directed uniform attachment model. The directed preferential model is of particular interest since it is known to produce scale-free graphs with regularly varying in-degree distribution. We start by describing the local weak limits for our family of random graphs in terms of randomly stopped continuous-time branching processes, and then use these limits to establish the asymptotic behavior of the corresponding PageRank distribution. We show that the limiting PageRank distribution decays as a power-law in both models, which is surprising for the uniform attachment model where the in-degree distribution has exponential tails. And even for the preferential attachment model, where the power-law hypothesis suggests that PageRank should follow a power-law, our result shows that the two tail indexes are different, with the PageRank distribution having a heavier tail than the in-degree distribution.

Tue, 23 Nov 2021
14:00
L3

Numerical approximation of viscous contact problems in glaciology

Gonzalo Gonzalez
(University of Oxford)
Abstract

Viscous contact problems describe the time evolution of fluid flows in contact with a surface from which they can detach. These type of problems arise in glaciology when, for example, modelling the evolution of the grounding line of a marine ice sheet or the formation of a subglacial cavity. Such problems are generally modelled as a time dependent viscous Stokes flow with a free boundary and contact boundary conditions. Although these applications are of great importance in glaciology, a systematic study of the numerical approximation of viscous contact problems has not been carried out yet. In this talk, I will present some of the challenges that arise when approximating these problems and some of the ideas we have come up with for overcoming them.

Tue, 23 Nov 2021
12:00
Virtual

Wick rotation and the axiomatisation of quantum field theory

Graeme Segal
Abstract

I shall present joint work with Maxim Kontsevich describing an interesting
domain of complex metrics on a smooth manifold. It is a complexification of
the space of ordinary Riemannian metrics, and has the Lorentzian metrics
(but not metrics of other signatures) on its boundary. Use of the domain
leads to a modified axiom system for QFT which illuminates not only the
special role of Lorentz signature, but also of features such as local
commutativity, unitarity, and global hyperbolicity.

Tue, 23 Nov 2021
09:00
Virtual

Deletion and contraction for Hausel-Proudfoot spaces

Michael McBreen
(Hong Kong)
Abstract

Dolbeault hypertoric manifolds are hyperkahler integrable systems generalizing the Ooguri-Vafa space. They approximate the Hitchin fibration near a totally degenerate nodal spectral curve. On the other hand, Betti hypertoric varieties are smooth affine varieties parametrizing microlocal sheaves on the same nodal spectral curve. I will review joint work with Zsuzsanna Dansco and Vivek Shende (arXiv:1910.00979) which constructs a diffeomorphism between the Dolbeault and Betti hypertorics, and proves that it intertwines the perverse and weight filtrations on their cohomologies. I will describe our main tool : deletion-contraction sequences arising from either smoothing a node of the spectral curve or separating its branches. I will also discuss some more recent developments and open questions.

Mon, 22 Nov 2021

16:00 - 17:00
L6

A Smörgåsbord of Number Theory (pre-PhDs Encouraged!)

George Robinson, Nadav Gropper, Michael Curran, Ofir Gorodetsky
Abstract

The speakers will be giving short presentations introducing topics in algebraic number theory, arithmetic topology, random matrix theory, and analytic number theory.

Undergrads and Master's students are encouraged to come and sample a taste of research in these areas.

 

Mon, 22 Nov 2021

16:00 - 17:00
L3

Gibbs measures in infinite dimensions - Some new results on a classical topic

HENDRIK WEBER
(University of Bath)
Abstract

Gibbs measures on spaces of functions or distributions play an important role in various contexts in mathematical physics.  They can, for example, be viewed as continuous counterparts of classical spin models such as the Ising model, they are an important stepping stone in the rigorous construction of Quantum Field Theories, and they are invariant under the 
flow of certain dispersive PDEs, permitting to develop a solution theory with random initial data, well below the deterministic regularity threshold. 

These measures have been constructed and studied, at least since the 60s, but over the last few years there has been renewed interest, partially due to new methods in stochastic analysis, including Hairer’s theory of regularity structures and Gubinelli-Imkeller-Perkowski’s theory of paracontrolled distributions. 

In this talk I will present two independent but complementary results that can be obtained with these new techniques. I will first show how to obtain estimates on samples from of the Euclidean $\phi^4_3$ measure, based on SPDE methods. In the second part, I will discuss a method to show the emergence of phase transitions in the $\phi^4_3$ theory.


 

Mon, 22 Nov 2021

16:00 - 17:00
L5

Linearised shock-capturing -- a 30-year history and some open problems

Mike Giles
(Oxford University)
Abstract

In this talk I will discuss the development and justification of linearised shock-capturing for aeronautical applications such as flutter, forced response and design optimisation.  At its core is a double-limiting process, reducing both the viscosity and the size of the unsteady or steady perturbation to zero. The design optimisation also requires the consideration of the adjoint equations, but with shock-capturing this is best done at the level of the numerical discretisation, rather than the PDE.

Mon, 22 Nov 2021
15:45
Virtual

Graphically discrete groups and rigidity

Emily Stark
(Wesleyan University)
Abstract

Rigidity theorems prove that a group's geometry determines its algebra, typically up to virtual isomorphism. Motivated by rigidity problems, we study graphically discrete groups, which impose a discreteness criterion on the automorphism group of any graph the group acts on geometrically. Classic examples of graphically discrete groups include virtually nilpotent groups and fundamental groups of closed hyperbolic manifolds. We will present new examples, proving this property is not a quasi-isometry invariant. We will discuss action rigidity for free products of residually finite graphically discrete groups. This is joint work with Alex Margolis, Sam Shepherd, and Daniel Woodhouse.

Mon, 22 Nov 2021
14:15
L4

Purely inseparable Galois theory

Lukas Brantner
(Oxford University)
Abstract

A field extension $F/K$ in characteristic $p$ is purely inseparable if for each $x$ in $F$, some power $x^{p^n}$ belongs to $K$. Using methods from homotopy theory, we construct a Galois correspondence for finite purely inseparable field extensions $F/K$, generalising a classical result of Jacobson for extensions of exponent one (where $x^p$ belongs to $K$ for all $x$ in $F$). This is joint work with Waldron.

Mon, 22 Nov 2021

14:00 - 15:00
Virtual

On the Convergence of Langevin Monte Carlo: The Interplay between Tail Growth and Smoothness

Murat Erdogdu
(University of Toronto)
Abstract

We study sampling from a target distribution $e^{-f}$ using the unadjusted Langevin Monte Carlo (LMC) algorithm. For any potential function $f$ whose tails behave like $\|x\|^\alpha$ for $\alpha \in [1,2]$, and has $\beta$-H\"older continuous gradient, we derive the sufficient number of steps to reach the $\epsilon$-neighborhood of a $d$-dimensional target distribution as a function of $\alpha$ and $\beta$. Our rate estimate, in terms of $\epsilon$ dependency, is not directly influenced by the tail growth rate $\alpha$ of the potential function as long as its growth is at least linear, and it only relies on the order of smoothness $\beta$.

Our rate recovers the best known rate which was established for strongly convex potentials with Lipschitz gradient in terms of $\epsilon$ dependency, but we show that the same rate is achievable for a wider class of potentials that are degenerately convex at infinity.

Mon, 22 Nov 2021
13:00
L2

M-theory, enumerative geometry, and representation theory of affine Lie algebras

Dylan Butson
(Oxford University)
Further Information

Note unusual time (1pm) and room (L2)

Abstract

 I will review some well-established relationships between four manifolds and vertex algebras that can be deduced from studying the M5-brane worldvolume theory, and outline some of the corresponding results in mathematics which have been understood so far. I will then describe a proposal of Gaiotto-Rapcak to generalize these ideas to the setting of multiple M5 branes wrapping divisors in toric Calabi-Yau threefolds, and explain work in progress on understanding the mathematical implications of this proposal as a complex network of relationships between the enumerative geometry of sheaves on threefolds and the representation theory of affine Lie algebras.

Sun, 21 Nov 2021

17:30 - 18:30
L1

Oxford Mathematics and Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment: Bach, the Universe & Everything - Can you hear the shape of a drum?

Jon Chapman
(Oxford University)
Further Information

Can you hear the shape of a drum? 

Discover the answer to this pressing question and more in the new series of Bach, the Universe & Everything. This secular Sunday series is a collaborative music and maths event between the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and Oxford Mathematics. Through a series of thought-provoking Bach cantatas, readings and talks from leading Oxford thinkers, we seek to create a community similar to the one that Bach enjoyed in Leipzig until 1750.

Book tickets here: £15

 

Fri, 19 Nov 2021
16:00
N4.01

Symmetries and Completeness in EFT and Gravity

Jake McNamara
(Harvard)
Further Information

It is also possible to join online via Zoom.

Abstract

We discuss the formal relationship between the absence of global symmetries and completeness, both in effective field theory and in quantum gravity. In effective field theory, we must broaden our notion of symmetry to include non-invertible topological operators. However, in gravity, the story is simplified as the result of charged gravitational solitons.

Fri, 19 Nov 2021

16:00 - 17:00
L1

Mathematigals

(Mathematical Institute)
Abstract

This session will take place live in L1 and online. A Teams link will be shared 30 minutes before the session begins.

How can we make maths more accessible, promote its many applications, and encourage more women to enter the field? These are the questions we aim to address with Mathematigals.

Caoimhe Rooney and Jessica Williams met in 2015 at the start of their PhDs in mathematics in Oxford, and in 2020, they co-founded Mathematigals. Mathematigals is an online platform producing content to demonstrate fun mathematical curiosities, showcase ways maths can be used in real life, and promote female mathematicians. Mathematigals primarily produces animated videos that present maths in a way that is engaging to the general public.

In this session, Jess and Caoimhe will talk about their initial motivation to begin Mathematigals, demonstrate the process behind their content creation, and describe their future visions for the platform. The session will end with an opportunity for the audience to provide feedback or ideas to help Mathematigals on their journey to encourage future mathematicians.

 

Fri, 19 Nov 2021

15:00 - 16:00
N3.12

Towards a Riemann-Hilbert correspondence for D-cap-modules

Finn Wiersig
(University of Oxford)
Abstract

Locally analytic representations of $p$-adic Lie groups are of interest in several branches of number theory, for example in the theory of automorphic forms and in the $p$-adic local Langlands program. To better understand these representations, Ardakov-Wadsley introduced a sheaf of infinite order differential operators $\overparen{\mathcal{D}}$ on smooth rigid analytic spaces, which resulted in several Beilinson-Bernstein style localisation theorems. In this talk, we discuss the current research on analogues of a Riemann-Hilbert correspondence for $\overparen{\mathcal{D}}$-modules, and what this has to do with complete convex bornological vector spaces.

Fri, 19 Nov 2021

15:00 - 17:00
Imperial College

November CDT in Maths of Random Systems Seminars

Felix Prenzel, Benedikt Petko & Dante Kalise
(Imperial College London and University of Oxford)
Further Information

Please email @email for the link to view talks remotely.

Abstract

High-dimensional approximation of Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman PDEs – architectures, algorithms and applications

Hamilton-Jacobi Partial Differential Equations (HJ PDEs) are a central object in optimal control and differential games, enabling the computation of robust controls in feedback form. High-dimensional HJ PDEs naturally arise in the feedback synthesis for high-dimensional control systems, and their numerical solution must be sought outside the framework provided by standard grid-based discretizations. In this talk, I will discuss the construction novel computational methods for approximating high-dimensional HJ PDEs, based on tensor decompositions, polynomial approximation, and deep neural networks.

Fri, 19 Nov 2021

14:00 - 15:00
L3

Predicting atrial fbrillation treatment outcomes through mathematical modelling, signal processing and machine learning

Dr Caroline Roney
(Kings’ College London)
Abstract

Catheter ablation and antiarrhythmic drug therapy approaches for treatment of atrial fibrillation are sub-optimal. This is in part because it is challenging to predict long-term response to therapy from short-term measurements, which makes it difficult to select optimal patient-specific treatment approaches. Clinical trials identify patient demographics that provide prediction of long-term response to standard treatments across populations. Patient-specific biophysical models can be used to assess novel treatment approaches but are typically applied in small cohorts to investigate the acute response to therapies. Our overall aim is to use machine learning approaches together with patient-specific biophysical simulations to predict long-term atrial fibrillation recurrence after ablation or drug therapy in large populations.

In this talk I will present our methodology for constructing personalised atrial models from patient imaging and electrical data; present results from biophysical simulations of ablation treatment; and finally explain how we are combining these methodologies with machine learning techniques for predicting long-term treatment outcomes.

 

Fri, 19 Nov 2021

10:00 - 11:30
N3.12

Virtual classes via vanishing cycles

Tasuki Kinjo
(Kavli IPMU)
Abstract

[REMOTE TALK]

In this talk, we will propose a new construction of the virtual fundamental classes of quasi-smooth derived schemes using the vanishing cycle complexes. This is based on the dimensional reduction theorem of cohomological Donaldson—Thomas invariants which can be regarded as a variant of the Thom isomorphism. We will also discuss a conjectural approach to construct DT4 virtual classes using the vanishing cycle complexes.

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86267335498?pwd=R2hrZ1N3VGJYbWdLd0htZzA4Mm5pd…

Thu, 18 Nov 2021
14:00
L6

Mock Modular Forms

Palash Singh
(Oxford University)
Further Information

Junior strings is a seminar series where DPhil students present topics of common interest that do not necessarily overlap with their own research areas. This is primarily aimed at PhD students and post-docs but everyone is welcome.

Thu, 18 Nov 2021
14:00
L4

Infinite-Dimensional Spectral Computations

Matt Colbrook
(University of Cambridge)
Abstract

Computing spectral properties of operators is fundamental in the sciences, with applications in quantum mechanics, signal processing, fluid mechanics, dynamical systems, etc. However, the infinite-dimensional problem is infamously difficult (common difficulties include spectral pollution and dealing with continuous spectra). This talk introduces classes of practical resolvent-based algorithms that rigorously compute a zoo of spectral properties of operators on Hilbert spaces. We also discuss how these methods form part of a broader programme on the foundations of computation. The focus will be computing spectra with error control and spectral measures, for general discrete and differential operators. Analogous to eigenvalues and eigenvectors, these objects “diagonalise” operators in infinite dimensions through the spectral theorem. The first is computed by an algorithm that approximates resolvent norms. The second is computed by building convolutions of appropriate rational functions with the measure via the resolvent operator (solving shifted linear systems). The final part of the talk provides purely data-driven algorithms that compute the spectral properties of Koopman operators, with convergence guarantees, from snapshot data. Koopman operators “linearise” nonlinear dynamical systems, the price being a reduction to an infinite-dimensional spectral problem (c.f. “Koopmania”, describing their surge in popularity). The talk will end with applications of these new methods in several thousand state-space dimensions.

Thu, 18 Nov 2021

12:00 - 13:00
L3

IAM Seminar (TBC)

Hélène de Maleprade
(Sorbonne Jean Le Rond d’Alembert Lab)
Further Information

Hélène de Maleprade is maîtresse de conférence (assistant professor) at Sorbonne Université, in the Institut Jean Le Rond ∂'Alembert, in Paris. Her research focus is now on the swimming of micro-organisms in complex environments inspired by pollution, using soft matter.

You can read her work here.

Abstract

Microscopic green algae show great diversity in structural complexity, and successfully evolved efficient swimming strategies at low Reynolds numbers. Gonium is one of the simplest multicellular algae, with only 16 cells arranged in a flat plate. If the swimming of unicellular organisms, like Chlamydomonas, is nowadays widely studied, it is less clear how a colony made of independent Chlamydomonas-like cells performs coordinated motion. This simple algae is therefore a key organism to model the evolution from single-celled to multicellular locomotion.

In the absence of central communication, how can each cell adapt its individual photoresponse to efficiently reorient the whole algae? How crucial is the distinctive Gonium squared structure?

In this talk, I will present experiments investigating the shape and the phototactic swimming of Gonium, using trajectory tracking and micro-pipette techniques. I will explain our model linking the individual flagella response to the colony trajectory. This eventually emphasises the importance of biological noise for efficient swimming.

Thu, 18 Nov 2021
11:30
Virtual

Some model theory of the curve graph

Javier de la Nuez González
(University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU))
Abstract

The curve graph of a surface of finite type is a fundamental object in the study of its mapping class group both from the metric and the combinatorial point of view. I will discuss joint work with Valentina Disarlo and Thomas Koberda where we conduct a thorough study of curve graphs from the model theoretic point of view, with particular emphasis in the problem of interpretability between different curve graphs and other geometric complexes.   

Wed, 17 Nov 2021

16:00 - 17:00
C5

Cubulating groups acting on polygonal complexes

Calum Ashcroft
(University of Cambridge)
Abstract

Given a group G acting on a CAT(0) polygonal complex, X, it is natural to ask whether the structure of X allows us to deduce properties of G. We discuss some recent work on local properties that X may possess which allow us to answer these questions - in many cases we can in fact deduce that the group is a linear group over Z.

Wed, 17 Nov 2021

14:00 - 15:00
L5

Symplectic duality, 3d mirror symmetry, and the Coulomb branch construction of Braverman-Finkelberg-Nakajima

Dylan Butson
Abstract

I'll explain 'symplectic duality', a surprising relationship between certain pairs of algebraic symplectic manifolds, under which Hamiltonian automorphisms of one are identified with Poisson deformations of the other, and which is ultimately characterized by a Koszul-type equivalence between categories of modules over their filtered quantizations. I'll outline why such relationships are expected from physics in terms of three dimensional mirror symmetry, and rediscover the Coulomb branch construction of Braverman-Finkelberg-Nakajima from this perspective. We'll see that this explicitly constructs the symplectic dual of any variety which is presented as the symplectic reduction of a vector space by a reductive group.
 

Wed, 17 Nov 2021

10:00 - 12:00

Finite Element Exterior Calculus - Part 4

Kaibu Hu
(Oxford University)
Further Information

Location: VC Room

Structure: 4 x 2 hr Lectures

Part 1 - 27th October

Part 2 - 3rd November

Part 3 - 10th November

Part 4 - 17th November

Abstract

Many PDE models encode fundamental physical, geometric and topological structures. These structures may be lost in discretisations, and preserving them on the discrete level is crucial for the stability and efficiency of numerical methods. The finite element exterior calculus (FEEC) is a framework for constructing and analysing structure-preserving numerical methods for PDEs with ideas from topology, homological algebra and the Hodge theory. 

 

In this seminar, we present the theory and applications of FEEC. This includes analytic results (Hodge decomposition, regular potentials, compactness etc.), Hodge-Laplacian problems and their structure-preserving finite element discretisation, and applications in electromagnetism, fluid and solid mechanics. Knowledge on geometry and topology is not required as prerequisites.

 

References:

 

1. Arnold, D.N.: Finite Element Exterior Calculus. SIAM (2018) 

2. Arnold, D.N., Falk, R.S., Winther, R.: Finite element exterior calculus, homological techniques, and applications. Acta Numerica 15, 1 (2006) 

3. Arnold, D.N., Falk, R.S., Winther, R.: Finite element exterior calculus: from Hodge theory to numerical stability. Bulletin of the American Mathematical Society 47(2), 281–354 (2010) 

4. Arnold, D.N., Hu, K.: Complexes from complexes. Foundations of Computational Mathematics (2021)

Tue, 16 Nov 2021

16:00 - 17:00
C5

On C*-Rigidity for a Certain Class of Bieberbach Groups

Mat Antrobus, Dan Claydon, Jakub Curda, Jossy Russell
Abstract

Here we present the findings of our summer research project: an 8-week investigation of C*-Algebras. Our aim was to explore when a group is uniquely determined by its reduced group C*-algebra; i.e. when the group is C*-rigid. In particular, we applied techniques from topology, algebra, and analysis to prove C*-rigidity for a certain class of Bieberbach groups.

Tue, 16 Nov 2021

14:00 - 15:00
C5

TBA

George Cantwell
(Santa Fe Institute)
Abstract

TBA

Tue, 16 Nov 2021
14:00
L6

The singularity probability of a random symmetric matrix is exponentially small

Matthew Jenssen
Abstract

Let $A$ be drawn uniformly at random from the set of all $n \times n$ symmetric matrices with entries in $\{-1,1\}$. We show that $A$ is singular with probability at most $e^{-cn}$ for some absolute constant $c>0$, thereby resolving a well-known conjecture. This is joint work with Marcelo Campos, Marcus Michelen and Julian Sahasrabudhe.
 

Tue, 16 Nov 2021
14:00
L3

Homology torsion growth in finitely presented pro-p groups

Nikolay Nikolov
(Oxford University)
Abstract

Let $G$ be a finitely presented residually finite group. We are interested in the growth of size of the torsion of $H^{ab}$ as a function of $|G:H|$ where $H$ ranges over normal subgroups of finite index in $G$. It is easy to see that this grows at most exponentially in terms of $|G:H|$. Of particular interest is the case when $G$ is an arithmetic hyperbolic 3-manifold group and $H$ ranges over its congruence subgroups. Proving exponential lower bounds on the torsion appears to be difficult and in this talk I will focus on the situation of finitely presented pro-$p$ groups.

In contrast with abstract groups I will show that in finitely presented pro-$p$ groups torsion in the abelianizations can grow arbitrarily fast. The examples are rather 'large' pro-$p$ groups, in particular they are virtually Golod-Shafarevich. When we restrict to $p$-adic analytic groups the torsion growth is at most polynomial.

Tue, 16 Nov 2021

12:30 - 13:30
C5

Contact problems in glaciology

Gonzalo Gonzalez De Diego
(Mathematical Institute (University of Oxford))
Abstract

Several problems of great importance in the study of glaciers and ice sheets involve processes of attachment and reattachment of the ice from the bedrock. Consider, for example, an ice sheet sliding from the continent into the ocean, where it goes afloat. Another example is that of subglacial cavitation, a fundamental mechanism in glacial sliding where the ice detaches from the bedrock along the downstream area of an obstacle. Such problems are generally modelled as a viscous Stokes flow with a free boundary and contact boundary conditions. In this talk, I will present a framework for solving such problems numerically. I will start by introducing the mathematical formulation of these viscous contact problems and the challenges that arise when trying to approximate them numerically. I will then show how, given a stable scheme for the free boundary equation, one can build a penalty formulation for the viscous contact problem in such a way that the resulting algorithm remains stable and robust.

Mon, 15 Nov 2021

16:00 - 17:00

Measuring association with Wasserstein distances

JOHANNES C W WIESEL
(Columbia University (New York))
Abstract

 

Title: Measuring association with Wasserstein distances

Abstract: Let π ∈ Π(μ, ν) be a coupling between two probability measures μ and ν on a Polish space. In this talk we propose and study a class of nonparametric measures of association between μ and ν, which we call Wasserstein correlation coefficients. These coefficients are based on the Wasserstein distance between ν and the disintegration of π with respect to the first coordinate. We also establish basic statistical properties of this new class of measures: we develop a statistical theory for strongly consistent estimators and determine their convergence rate in the case of compactly supported measures μ and ν. Throughout our analysis we make use of the so-called adapted/bicausal Wasserstein distance, in particular we rely on results established in [Backhoff, Bartl, Beiglböck, Wiesel. Estimating processes in adapted Wasserstein distance. 2020]. Our approach applies to probability laws on general Polish spaces.

Mon, 15 Nov 2021

16:00 - 17:00
C1

Polynomial Pell equation

Nikoleta Kalaydzhieva
Abstract

In a world of polynomial Pell’s equations, where the integers are replaced by polynomials with complex coefficients, and its smallest solution is used to generate all other solutions $(u_{n},v_{n})$, $n\in\mathbb{Z}$. One junior number theory group will embark on a journey in search of the properties of the factors of $v_{n}(t)$. There will be Galois extensions, there will be estimations and of course there will be loglogs.