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NOVEMBER 12-14, 2003 |
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| Discrete Mathematics Seminar | |
| Topic: | Mixing and Shuffling |
| Presenter: | Peter Winkler, Bell Labs and the Institute for Advanced Study |
| Date: | Wednesday, November 12, 2003, Time: 2:15 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 322 |
| Abstract: | See www.math.princeton.edu/~bsudakov/winkler2003.ps |
| Geometry, Representation Theory, and Moduli Seminar | |
| Topic: | Counting vacua of string theory |
| Presenter: | Michael Douglas, Rutgers University |
| Date: | Wednesday, November 12, 2003, Time: 3:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 214 |
| Abstract: | The best known links between string theory and algebraic geometry involve enumerative problems, for example counting curves using mirror symmetry or quantum cohomology theory. We give an introduction for mathematicians to a class of counting problems of far greater physical interest, and which are beginning to be mathematically accessible: counting vacuum solutions which meet simplified versions of the criteria used in real world physics. |
| Department Colloquium | |
| Topic: | Twisting in stringy orbitfold |
| Presenter: | Yongbin Ruan, University of Wisconsin |
| Date: | Wednesday, November 12, 2003, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314 |
| Abstract: | Stringy orbifold is a new emerging field of mathematics for last a few years. It has its root in physics and connections to many branches of mathematics such as algebraic geometry, algebraic topology and representation theory. One important aspect of stringy orbifold is twisting process. The first twisting is discrete torsion invented by physcist C. Vafa. Recently, gerbe is emerging as a leading candidate. The talk will try to explain all these connections. |
| Ergodic Theory and Statistical Mechanics Seminar | |
| Topic: | Stochastic Loewner equations (tutorial talks) |
| Presenter: | Leonid Koralov, Princeton University |
| Date: | Thursday, November 13, 2003, Time: 2:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 224 |
| Joint Analysis Seminar | |
| Topic: | Multichannel Nonlinear Scattering |
| Presenter: | Avraham Soffer, Institute for Advanced Study and Rutgers University |
| Date: | Thursday, November 13, 2003, Time: 3:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 224 |
| Abstract: | Analysis of the large time behavior of Nonlinear Dispersive equations is important in many fields of science. The dyanmics of Solitons , Vortices, Kinks and other coherent structures of the fundamental equations of Mathematical Physics, are all manifestations of the problem asymptotic stability and completeness of nonlinear dispersive waves. In this talk I'll describe the general problem for NLS type equations and the recent results on NLS with Multibound states. |
| Joint Institute for Advanced Study/Princeton University Number Theory Seminar | |
| Topic: | On some singular exponential sums |
| Presenter: | Steven Sperber, University of Minnesota and Princeton University |
| Date: | Thursday, November 13, 2003, Time: 4:15 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 322 |
| Topology Seminar | |
| Topic: | Some examples of virtually Haken and virtually fibered three-manifolds |
| Presenter: | Genevieve Walsh, University of Texas at Austin |
| Date: | Thursday, November 13, 2003, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314 |
| Abstract: | We show that all two-bridge knot complements and many Montesinos knot complements are virtually fibered. We also prove some results about the existence of virtually Haken Dehn fillings on two-bridge knot complements. Specifically, if a two-bridge knot can be written as a rational knot K_{p/q} with p/q < 1/4, then infinitely many fillings of the knot complement S^3 - K_{p/q} are virtually Haken. The main tool in this work is analyzing covers of the knot complements by geodesic link complements. |
| Geometric Analysis Seminar | |
| Topic: | On the positivity of mass for asymptotically Anti-de Sitter spacetimes |
| Presenter: | Greg Galloway, University of Miami |
| Date: | Friday, November 14, 2003, Time: 3:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314 |
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NOVEMBER 17-21, 2003 |
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| Special Analysis Seminar | |
| Topic: | On weak density of smooth maps for the Dirichlet energy between manifolds |
| Presenter: | Fengbo Hang, Princeton University |
| Date: | Monday, November 17, 2003, Time: 4:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314 |
| PACM Seminar | |
| Topic: | Biological Molecular Algorithms -- A Mathematician’s Perspective on Molecular Biology |
| Presenter: | Barry Merriman, University of California, Los Angeles |
| Date: | Monday, November 17, 2003, Time: 4:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 214 |
| Abstract: | Coming from applied mathematics, I
have spent three years working in molecular biology, with the goal of merging
mathematical and molecular techniques to create new tools for studying biology
at the "genomic" scale. In this talk, I will briefly summarize the state of
genomics, and then attempt to answer the frequently asked question "Where's the
Math?". Towards this end, I will present a hidden but central role that
mathematical concepts play in this field. The incredible pace of development in molecular biology is driven by breakthroughs in manipulating DNA. From a mathematician’s perspective, these experimental techniques—such as DNA sequencing—can be viewed as clever “algorithms”, based on operators unique to the biological “programming language”. These are executed in a loosely organized “bio-computer” composed of DNA, enzymes, and diverse components for “I/O and memory”. The current situation is similar to the early development of computers, when both algorithms and the hardware used to execute them were rapidly and cooperatively evolving. I will present Molecular Biology from this algorithmic perspective, by interpreting the major techniques of DNA manipulation as biomolecular algorithms. I will also present new algorithms from my own genomics research, motivated by this way of thinking. The talk will be understandable to mathematicians and computer scientists with no biological background, and will emphasize the fundamental role that biomolecular algorithms will play in solving the outstanding problems of genomics. I also hope to promote the idea that researchers from “abstract” mathematical disciplines can make key contributions to this important area of Molecular Biology. |
| Algebraic Geometry Seminar *** Please note change in date | |
| Topic: | The orbifold Chow ring of toric Deligne-Mumford stacks |
| Presenter: | Linda Chen, Columbia University |
| Date: | Tuesday, November 18, 2003, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 322 |
| Abstract: | Orbifold cohomology and Chow ring theories have recently been developed -- their invariants coincide with classical invariants of a nice (crepant) resolution of singularities. We introduce a theory of toric Deligne-Mumford stacks, compute their orbifold Chow rings, and give a connection to resolutions of singularities. This is joint work with Lev Borisov and Greg Smith. |
| Mathematical Physics Seminar | |
| Topic: | Lieb-Thirring inequalities and absolutely continuous spectrum of Schroedinger operators |
| Presenter: | Ari Laptev, Technical University Stockholm |
| Date: | Tuesday, November 18, 2003, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Jadwin A06 |
| Abstract: | The aim of this talk is to extend a class of potentials for which the absolutely continuous spectrum of the corresponding multidimensional Schroedinger operator is essentially supported by [0, infnity). Our main theorem states that this property is preserved for slowly decaying potentials provided that there are some oscillations with respect to one of the variables. |
| Joint Institute for Advanced Study/Princeton University Complex Geometry Seminar | |
| Topic: | Hodge theory and Geometry, I |
| Presenter: | Phillip Griffiths, Institute for Advanced Study |
| Date: | Wednesday, November 19, 2003, Time: 1:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 401 |
| Discrete Mathematics Seminar | |
| Topic: | Group algebras, expanders and codes |
| Presenter: | Avi Wigderson, the Institute for Advanced Study and Hebrew University |
| Date: | Wednesday, November 19, 2003, Time: 2:15 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 322 |
| Abstract: | See www.math.princeton.edu/~bsudakov/avi2003.ps |
| Geometry, Representation Theory, and Moduli Seminar | |
| Topic: | Topological vertex and the instanton calculus |
| Presenter: | Amer Iqbal, Harvard University |
| Date: | Wednesday, November 19, 2003, Time: 3:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 214 |
| Abstract: | After a brief review of topological
vertex I will discuss the topologial string partition function of various
geometries and the relation with localization calculations on instanton moduli
spaces. I will also discuss a generalization of topological string partition
function, inspired by the instanton calculus, which encodes refined integer invariants. |
| Department Colloquium | |
| Topic: | L-values and Congruences |
| Presenter: | Chris Skinner, University of Michigan |
| Date: | Wednesday, November 19, 2003, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314 |
| Abstract: | See www.math.princeton.edu/~seminar/2003-04-sem/SkinnerAbstract11-19-2003.pdf |
| Ergodic Theory and Statistical Mechanics Seminar | |
| Topic: | Dyadic models for the equations of fluid motion |
| Presenter: | Natasa Pavlovic, Princeton University |
| Date: | Thursday, November 20, 2003, Time: 2:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 224 |
| Abstract: | In this talk we shall introduce dyadic models for the Euler and the Navier-Stokes equations and will discuss some results that were obtained for these models. For the scalar dyadic Euler equations we prove finite time blow-up, and in the context of the scalar dyadic Navier-Stokes equations with hyper-dissipation we prove finite time blow-up in case when the degree of dissipation is sufficiently small (joint work with Nets Katz). These results can be generalized to analogous results for a vector dyadic model (recent joint work Susan Friedlander), and we shall present them in the talk. |
| Joint Analysis Seminar | |
| Topic: | Compactness of solutions to the Yamabe problem |
| Presenter: | Yanyan Li, Rutgers University |
| Date: | Thursday, November 20, 2003, Time: 3:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 224 |
| Joint Institute for Advanced Study/Princeton University Number Theory Seminar | |
| Topic: | TBA |
| Presenter: | Ye Tian, Institute for Advanced Study |
| Date: | Thursday, November 20, 2003, Time: 4:15 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 322 |
| Topology Seminar | |
| Topic: | Parageometric automorphisms of free groups (joint work with Michael Handel) |
| Presenter: | Lee Mosher, Rutgers University - Newark |
| Date: | Thursday, November 20, 2003, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314 |
| Abstract: | Geometric automorphims of free groups are those which are represented by an automorphisms of a surface with one hole. Parageometric automorphisms are those which are not geometric but which are represented, in some nice manner, by an automorphism of a certain 2-complex. We study the dynamics of parageometric automorphisms, finding analogies and constrasts with geometric automorphisms. As an application, we prove that the exponential growth rate of a parageometric automorphism (which is irreducible with irreducible powers) is strictly greater than the exponential growth rate of its inverse. |
| Joint Columbia University/Courant Institute/Princeton University Differential Geometry Seminar | |
| Topic: | The Ricci flow I |
| Presenter: | Richard Hamilton, Columbia University |
| Date: | Friday, November 21, 2003, Time: 2:00 p.m., Location: Courant Institute, New York |
| Joint Columbia University/Courant Institute/Princeton University Differential Geometry Seminar | |
| Topic: | The Ricci flow II |
| Presenter: | Richard Hamilton, Columbia University |
| Date: | Friday, November 21, 2003, Time: 3:30 p.m., Location: Courant Institute, New York |
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NOVEMBER 24-28, 2003 |
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| PACM Seminar | |
| Topic: | Eavesdropping on Synaptic Traffic |
| Presenter: | Steve Cox, Rice University |
| Date: | Monday, November 24, 2003, Time: 4:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 214 |
| Abstract: | Nerve cells communicate to one another across synapses. The receiver encodes this message as a change in local, in space and time, conductance. This change engenders a postsynaptic change in potential that actively diffuses through the dendritic tree and eventually may lead to the firing of a nervous impulse which may in turn lead to a long term change in the aforementioned synaptic conductance. To quantify this synaptic plasticity we propose a non invasive cocktail of optical imaging via voltage sensitive dyes and numerical determination of synapse location and conductance time course. In this talk we will focus on the mathematical and numerical study of the sideways Hodgkin-Huxley system that permits one to eavesdrop on synapses. |
| Mathematical Physics Brown Bag Lunch Talk | |
| Topic: | Strange Heat Flux in (an) Harmonic Networks |
| Presenter: | Jean-Pierre Eckmann, Université de Genève |
| Date: | Tuesday, November 25, 2003, Time: 12:30 p.m., Location: Jadwin 343 |
| Abstract: | In this work with E. Zabey, we produce examples of networks of harmonic springs in which heat flows in a counterintuitive fashion from certain cold reservoirs to hot reservoirs. And, even worse, there can be circulation of heat in such networks. |
| Mathematical Physics Seminar | |
| Topic: | Speed and Stability of Pattern-Forming Fronts |
| Presenter: | Jean-Pierre Eckmann, Université de Genève |
| Date: | Tuesday, November 25, 2003, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Jadwin A06 |
| Abstract: | I will discuss 2 papers concerning the pattern forming Swift-Hohenberg equation. One paper (with Pierre Collet) deals with a universal bound on the propagation speed, which tells us how fast patterns can invade empty space. The other (with Guido Schneider) deals with a explanation of why these advancing patterns are actually stable under perturbation of the initial condition. This problem, which has long resisted proof has an astonishingly simple solution (at least in principle): The instabilities do not have "enough time" to really do any harm. |
| Algebraic Geometry Seminar | |
| Topic: | Simple Hironaka resolution |
| Presenter: | Jaroslaw Wlodarczyk, Purdue University |
| Date: | Tuesday, November 25, 2003, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 322 |
| Abstract: | Building upon works of O.Villamyor, Encinas-Villamayor and Bierstone-Milman we give a short proof of Hironaka resolution teorems. We put particular emphasis on canonicity and functoriality of the algorithm. Introduced here idea of "Homogenized ideals" gives apriorie canonicity of the resolution procedure and radically simplifies the proof. |
| Joint Institute for Advanced Study/Princeton University Complex Geometry Seminar | |
| Topic: | Hodge theory and Geometry, II |
| Presenter: | Phillip Griffiths, Institute for Advanced Study |
| Date: | Wednesday, November 26, 2003, Time: 1:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 401 |
| Discrete Mathematics Seminar | |
| Topic: | TBA |
| Presenter: | Bela Bollobas, Memphis and Cambridge Universities |
| Date: | Wednesday, November 26, 2003, Time: 2:15 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 322 |
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DECEMBER 1 - 5, 2003 |
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| Algebraic Geometry Seminar | |
| Topic: | TBA |
| Presenter: | Sorin Popescu, Stony Brook |
| Date: | Tuesday, December 2, 2003, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 322 |
| Discrete Mathematics Seminar | |
| Topic: | How many ways can one draw a graph? |
| Presenter: | János Pach, New York University |
| Date: | Wednesday, December 3, 2003, Time: 2:15 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 322 |
| Department Colloquium | |
| Topic: | Homological mirror symmetry for Fano surfaces |
| Presenter: | Denis Auroux, MIT |
| Date: | Wednesday, December 3, 2003, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314 |
| Abstract: | This talk will be an attempt, aimed at non-specialists, to explain the statement of the homological mirror symmetry conjecture, and describe a procedure for its verification on concrete examples, in a special case where essentially no understanding of symplectic topology is required. |
| Ergodic Theory and Statistical Mechanics Seminar | |
| Topic: | Critical percolation on the plane and conformal invariance of its scaling limit |
| Presenter: | Vassilios Papathanakos, Princeton University |
| Date: | Thursday, December 4, 2003, Time: 2:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 224 |
| Abstract: | We will present the recent result of S. Smirnov, who proved the conformal invariance of the scaling limit of critical percolation on the triangular lattice. After a quick review of the percolation model, we will discuss its scaling limit and the sense in which it is conformally invariant. Then, we will formulate the Smirnov theorem and describe details of its proof. Finally, we will give an update on recent developments on this topic |
| Joint Institute for Advanced Study/Princeton University Number Theory Seminar | |
| Topic: | TBA |
| Presenter: | Manjul Bhargava, Princeton University |
| Date: | Thursday, December 4, 2003, Time: 4:15 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 322 |
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DECEMBER 8 - 12, 2003 |
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| Mathematical Physics Seminar | |
| Topic: | TBA |
| Presenter: | Eugene Trubowitz, ETH, Zurich |
| Date: | Tuesday, December 9, 2003, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Jadwin A06 |
| Discrete Mathematics Seminar | |
| Topic: | TBA |
| Presenter: | Jeff Kahn, Rutgers University |
| Date: | Wednesday, December 10, 2003, Time: 2:15 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 322 |
| Department Colloquium | |
| Topic: | TBA |
| Presenter: | Hillel Furstenberg, Yale University and Hebrew University of Jerusalem |
| Date: | Wednesday, December 10, 2003, Time: 4:30 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 314 |
| Special Arithmetic Geometry and Number Theory Conference in Honor of Nicholas M. Katz for his 60th Birthday | |
| Topics and Presenters: | See www.math.princeton.edu/katzconf/index.html for more information |
| Date: | Thursday, December 11, 2003 - Sunday, December 14, 2003 |
| Ergodic Theory and Statistical Mechanics Seminar | |
| Topic: | Janossy densities in determinantal and pfaffian ensembles of random matrices |
| Presenter: | Alexander Soshnikov, University of California at Davis |
| Date: | Thursday, December 11, 2003, Time: 2:00 p.m., Location: Fine Hall 224 |
| Abstract: | In the first part of the talk I plan to give an introduction to detertminantal random point process and discuss some examples. The second part of the talk is devoted to the problem of the calculation of the Janossy densities in some special ensembles of random matrices, including the Laguerre (Wishart) ensemble. |
| Joint Columbia University/Courant Institute/Princeton University Differential Geometry Seminar | |
| Topic: | Collapsing and non-collapsing |
| Presenter: | Jeff Cheeger, Courant Institute |
| Date: | Friday, December 12, 2003, Time: 2:00 p.m., Location: Columbia University, New York |
| Joint Columbia University/Courant Institute/Princeton University Differential Geometry Seminar | |
| Topic: | Extremal K\"ahler metrics and applications |
| Presenter: | Gang Tian, Princeton University |
| Date: | Friday, December 12, 2003, Time: 3:30 p.m., Location: Columbia University, New York |