Mon, 04 Nov 2013
14:00
C6

D-spaces: (1) Extent and Lindelöf numbers

Robert Leek
(Oxford)
Abstract

This is the first of a series of talks based on Gary 
Gruenhage's 'A survey of D-spaces' [1]. A space is D if for every 
neighbourhood assignment we can choose a closed discrete set of points 
whose assigned neighbourhoods cover the space. The mention of 
neighbourhood assignments and a topological notion of smallness (that 
is, of being closed and discrete) is peculiar among covering properties. 
Despite being introduced in the 70's, we still don't know whether a 
Lindelöf or a paracompact space must be D. In this talk, we will examine 
some elementary properties of this class via extent and Lindelöf numbers.

Mon, 11 Nov 2013

12:00 - 13:00
L5

Multiple Polylogs, symbols and polygons

Susama Agarwalla
(Oxford)
Abstract
Symbols of multiple polylogs have recently become important in calculations of amplitudes in N=4 SYM. In this talk, I give a simple pictoral presentation of multiple polylogs and their symbols. I also discuss the Hopf algebraic structure underlying the multiple polylogs, and give some new relationships between different multiple polylogs based on the symmetries of my pictoral presentation that are exact on the symbol level, but complicated on the level of the actual multiple polylogs..
Thu, 31 Oct 2013

14:00 - 15:00
L4

Cluster combinatorics and geometrical models (part I)

Lisa Lamberti
(Oxford)
Abstract

In this talk I will give a definition of cluster algebra and state some main results.

Moreover, I will explain how the combinatorics of certain cluster algebras can be modeled in geometric terms.

Wed, 23 Oct 2013

16:00 - 17:00
C6

Quasirandomness for Finite Groups and Applications

Henry Bradford
(Oxford)
Abstract

A group is said to be quasirandom if all its unitary representations have “large” dimension. After introducing quasirandom groups and their basic properties, I shall turn to recent applications in two directions: constructions of expanders and non-existence of large product-free sets.

Tue, 22 Oct 2013

15:45 - 16:45
L4

Noncommutative algebraic geometry of isolated hypersurface singularities II

Toby Dyckerhoff
(Oxford)
Abstract

The concept of a matrix factorization was originally introduced by Eisenbud to study syzygies over local rings of singular hypersurfaces. More recently, interactions with mathematical physics, where matrix factorizations appear in quantum field theory, have provided various new insights. I will explain how matrix factorizations can be studied in the context of noncommutative algebraic geometry based on differential graded categories. We will see the relevance of the noncommutative analogue of de Rham cohomology in terms of classical singularity theory. Finally, I will outline how the Kapustin-Li formula for the noncommutative Serre duality pairing (originally computed via path integral methods) can be mathematically explained using a combination of homological perturbation theory and local duality.
Partly based on joint work with Daniel Murfet.

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