Fri, 31 Oct 2025

11:00 - 12:00
L4

Approximations of systems of partial differential equations for nonlocal interactions

Professor Yoshitaro Tanaka
(Department of Complex and Intelligent Systems School of Systems Information Science Future University Hakodate)
Abstract

Motivated by pattern formations and cell movements, many evolution equations incorporating spatial convolution with suitable integral kernel have been proposed. Numerical simulations of these nonlocal evolution equations can reproduce various patterns depending on the shape and form of integral kernel.The solutions to nonlocal evolution equations are similar to the patterns obtained by reaction-diffusion system and Keller-Segel system models. In this talk, we classify nonlocal interactions into two types, and investigate their relationship with reaction-diffusion systems and Keller-Segel systems, respectively. In these partial differential equation systems, we introduce multiple auxiliary diffusive substances and consider the singular limit of the quasi-steady state to approximate nonlocal interactions. In particular, we introduce how the parameters of the partial differential equation system are determined by the given integral kernel. These analyses demonstrate that, under certain conditions, nonlocal interactions and partial differential equation systems can be treated within a unified framework.  
This talk is based on collaborations with Hiroshi Ishii of Hokkaido University and Hideki Murakawa of Ryukoku University. 

Fri, 24 Oct 2025

11:00 - 12:00
L4

Evolutionary dynamics of extra-chromosomal DNA

Dr Weini Huang
(School of Mathematical Sciences Queen Mary University of London)
Abstract

Extra-chromosomal DNA (ecDNA) is a genetic error found in more than 30% of tumour samples across various cancer types. It is a key driver of oncogene amplification promoting tumour progression and therapeutic resistance, and is correlated to the worse clinical outcomes. Different from chromosomal DNA where genetic materials are on average equally divided to daughter cells controlled by centromeres during mitosis, the segregation of ecDNA copies is random partition and leads to a fast accumulation of cell-to-cell heterogeneity in copy numbers.  I will present our analytical and computational modeling of ecDNA dynamics under random segregation, examining the impact of copy-number-dependent versus -independent fitness, as well as the maintenance and de-mixing of multiple ecDNA species or variants within single cells. By integrating experimental and clinical data, our results demonstrate that ecDNA is not merely a by-product but a driving force in tumor progression. Intra-tumor heterogeneity exists not only in copy number but also in genetic and phenotypic diversity. Furthermore, ecDNA fitness can be copy-number dependent, which has significant implications for treatment.

Tue, 03 Jun 2025

14:00 - 15:00
L4

A new lower bound for the Ramsey numbers $R(3,k)$

Julian Sahasrabudhe
(University of Cambridge)
Abstract

In this talk I will discuss a new lower bound for the off-diagonal Ramsey numbers $R(3,k)$. For this, we develop a version of the triangle-free process that is significantly easier to analyse than the original process. We then 'seed' this process with a carefully chosen graph and show that it results in a denser graph that is still sufficiently pseudo-random to have small independence number.

This is joint work with Marcelo Campos, Matthew Jenssen and Marcus Michelen.

Fri, 30 May 2025
12:00
L4

Celestial symmetries of black hole horizons

Celine Zwikel
(Perimeter Institute)
Abstract

I will present a novel correspondence between the gravitational phase space at null infinity and the subleading phase space for finite-distance null hypersurfaces, such as black hole horizons. Utilizing the Newman-Penrose formalism and an off-shell Weyl transformation, this construction transfers key structures from asymptotic boundaries to null surfaces in the bulk—for instance, a notion of radiation. Imposing self-duality conditions, I will identify the celestial symmetries and construct their canonical generators for finite-distance null hypersurfaces. This framework provides new observables for black hole physics.

Fri, 23 May 2025
12:00
L4

Calabi-Yau Varieties in Quantum Electrodynamics

Felix Forner
(TU Munich)
Abstract

The self-energies in Quantum Electrodynamics (QED) are not only fundamental physical quantities but also well-suited for investigating the mathematical structure of perturbative Quantum Field Theory. In this talk, I will discuss the QED self-energies up to the fourth order in the loop expansion. Going beyond one loop, where the integrals can be expressed in terms of multiple polylogarithms, we encounter functions associated with an elliptic curve, a K3 surface and a Calabi-Yau threefold. I will review the method of differential equations and apply it to the scalar Feynman integrals appearing in the self-energies. Special emphasis will be placed on the concept of canonical bases and on how to generalize them beyond the polylogarithmic case, where they are well understood. Furthermore, I will demonstrate how canonical integrals may be identified through a suitable integrand analysis.

Tue, 20 May 2025
15:30
L4

Relative orientations and the cyclic Deligne conjecture

Nick Rozenblyum
(University of Toronto)
Abstract

A consequence of the works of Costello and Lurie is that the Hochschild chain complex of a Calabi-Yau category admits the structure of a framed E_2 algebra (the genus zero operations). I will describe a new algebraic point of view on these operations which admits generalizations to the setting of relative
Calabi-Yau structures, which do not seem to fit into the framework of TQFTs. In particular, we obtain a generalization of string topology to manifolds with boundary, as well as interesting operations on Hochschild homology of Fano varieties. This is joint work with Chris Brav.

Tue, 03 Jun 2025
15:30
L4

Bordism categories and orientations of moduli spaces

Dominic Joyce
(Oxford)
Abstract
In many situations in Differential or Algebraic Geometry, one forms moduli spaces $\cal M$ of geometric objects, such that $\cal M$ is a manifold, or something close to a manifold (a derived manifold, Kuranishi space, …). Then we can ask whether $\cal M$ is orientable, and if so, whether there is a natural choice of orientation.
  This is important in the definition of enumerative invariants: we arrange that the moduli space $\cal M$ is a compact oriented manifold (or derived manifold), so it has a fundamental class in homology, and the invariants are the integrals of natural cohomology classes over this fundamental class.
  For example, if $X$ is a compact oriented Riemannian 4-manifold, we can form moduli spaces $\cal M$ of instanton connections on some principal $G$-bundle $P$ over $X$, and the Donaldson invariants of $X$ are integrals over $\cal M$.
  In the paper arXiv:2503.20456, Markus Upmeier and I develop a theory of "bordism categories”, which are a new tool for studying orientability and canonical orientations of moduli spaces. It uses a lot of Algebraic Topology, and computation of bordism groups of classifying spaces. We apply it to study orientability and canonical orientations of moduli spaces of $G_2$ instantons and associative 3-folds on $G_2$ manifolds, and of Spin(7) instantons and Cayley 4-folds on Spin(7) manifolds, and of coherent sheaves on Calabi-Yau 4-folds. These have applications to enumerative invariants, in particular, to Donaldson-Thomas type invariants of Calabi-Yau 4-folds.
   All this is joint work with Markus Upmeier.
Tue, 27 May 2025
15:30
L4

Cored perverse sheaves

Vidit Nanda
(Oxford)
Abstract

I will describe some recent efforts to recreate the miraculous properties of perverse sheaves on complex analytic spaces in the setting of real stratified spaces.

Tue, 17 Jun 2025

14:00 - 15:00
L4

The Maze Problem

Imre Leader
(University of Cambridge)
Abstract

Do there exist universal sequences for all mazes on the two-dimensional integer lattice? We will give background on this question, as well as some recent results. Joint work with Mariaclara Ragosta.

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