Fri, 07 Feb 2020

14:00 - 15:00
L3

Systems biology for single cell RNA-Seq data

Dr Tom Thorne
(Dept of Computer Science University of Reading)
Abstract

Single cell RNA-Seq data is challenging to analyse due to problems like dropout and cell type identification. We present a novel clustering 
approach that applies mixture models to learn interpretable clusters from RNA-Seq data, and demonstrate how it can be applied to publicly 
available scRNA-Seq data from the mouse brain. Having inferred groupings of the cells, we can then attempt to learn networks from the data. These 
approaches are widely applicable to single cell RNA-Seq datasets where  there is a need to identify and characterise sub-populations of cells.

 

Fri, 24 Jan 2020

14:00 - 15:00
L3

Mathematical modelling as part of an HIV clinical trial in sub-Saharan Africa

Dr Will Probert
(Big Data Institute Nuffield Department of Medicine University of Oxford)
Abstract

Globally, almost 38 million people are living with HIV.  HPTN 071 (PopART) is the largest HIV prevention trial to date, taking place in 21 communities in Zambia and South Africa with a combined population of more than 1 million people.  As part of the trial an individual-based mathematical model was developed to help in planning the trial, to help interpret the results of the trial, and to make projections both into the future and to areas where the trial did not take place. In this talk I will outline the individual-based mathematical model used in the trial, the inference framework, and will discuss examples of how the results from the model have been used to help inform policy decisions.  

Mon, 27 Jan 2020

16:00 - 17:00

Steklov eigenvalue problem on orbisurfaces

Asma Hassannezhad
(University of Bristol)
Abstract

 The Steklov eigenvalue problem is an eigenvalue problem whose spectral parameters appear in the boundary condition. On a Riemannian surface with smooth boundary, Steklov eigenvalues have a very sharp asymptotic expansion. Also, a number of interesting sharp bounds for the $k$th Steklov eigenvalues have been known. We extend these results on orbisurfaces and discuss how the structure of orbifold singularities comes into play. This is joint work with Arias-Marco, Dryden, Gordon, Ray and Stanhope.

Mon, 20 Jan 2020

16:00 - 17:00

The Morse index of Willmore spheres and its relation to the geometry of minimal surfaces

Elena Maeder-Baumdicker
(TU Darmstadt)
Abstract

I will explain what the Willmore Morse Index of unbranched Willmore spheres in Euclidean three-space is and how to compute it. It turns out that several geometric properties at the ends of complete minimal surfaces with embedded planar ends are related to the mentioned Morse index.
One consequence of that computation is that all unbranched Willmore spheres are unstable (except for the round sphere). This talk is based on work with Jonas Hirsch.

 

Thu, 13 Feb 2020

16:00 - 17:00
L4

Network valuation under equity conversions

Christoph Siebenbrunner
(Oxford University)
Abstract

We build on the literature on financial contagion using models of cross-holdings of equity participations and debt in different seniority classes, and extend them to include bail-ins and contingent convertible debt instruments, two mechanisms of debt-to-equity conversion. We combine these with recently proposed methods of network valuation under stochastic external assets, allowing for the pricing of debt instruments in each seniority layer and the calculation of default probabilities. We show that there exist well-defined valuations for all financial assets cross-held within the system. The full model constitutes an extension of classic asset pricing models that accounts for cross-holdings of debt securities. Our contribution is to add convertible debt to this framework.

Tue, 03 Dec 2019
12:00
L4

Lie polynomials and a Penrose transform for the double copy

Lionel Mason
(Oxford)
Abstract

This talk will explain how Lie polynomials underpin the structure of the so-called double copy relationship between gauge and gravity theories (and a network of other theories besides).  ABHY have recently shown that Lie polynomials arise naturally also in the geometry of the space K_n of momentum invariants, Mandelstams, and can be expressed in the space of n-3-forms dual to certain associahedral (n-3)-planes. They also arise in the moduli space M_{0,n} of n points on a Riemann sphere up to Mobius transformations in the n-3-dimensional homology.  The talk goes on to give a natural correspondendence between K_n and the cotangent bundle of M_{0.n} through which the relationships of some of these structures can be expressed.  This in particular gives a natural framework for expressing the CHY and ambitwistor-string formulae for scattering amplitudes of gauge and gravity theories and goes some way to expressing their double copy relations.   This is part of joint work in progress with Hadleigh Frost.

Wed, 04 Dec 2019
11:00
N3.12

Random Groups

David Hume
(University of Oxford)
Abstract

Finitely presented groups are a natural algebraic generalisation of the collection of finite groups. Unlike the finite case there is almost no hope of any kind of classification.

The goal of random groups is therefore to understand the properties of the "typical" finitely presented group. I will present a couple of models for random groups and survey some of the main theorems and open questions in the area, demonstrating surprising correlations between these probabilistic models, geometry and analysis.

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