Speaker Information and Abstracts

Speaker: Maria Allayioti

Institution: University of Southern California

Title: M-estimation in a diffusion model with application to biosensor transdermal blood alcohol monitoring

Abstract: With the goal of well-founded statistical inference on an individual’s blood alcohol level based on noisy measurements of their skin alcohol content, we develop M- estimation methodology in a general setting. We then apply it to a diffusion equation- based model for the blood/skin alcohol relationship thereby establishing existence, consistency, and asymptotic normality of the nonlinear least squares estimator of the diffusion model’s parameter. Simulation studies show agreement between the estimator’s performance and its asymptotic distribution, and it is applied to a real skin alcohol data set collected via biosensor.

Speaker: Lernik Asserian

Institution: University of Southern California

Title: Nonparametric Probability Distribution Estimation in the Pro- horov Metric Framework and its Application to the Alcohol Problem Abstract: We are motivated by a problem in which the Transdermal Alcohol Con- centration (TAC) is measured by an alcohol biosensor, and the goal is to estimate the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) from the observed TAC. We developed a physics-based model as a random parabolic PDE, and the goal is to estimate the probability distribution of the random parameters of this model. We consider non- parametric probability distribution estimation in the Prohorov metric framework to establish the existence and consistency of a least squares estimator. A computational method is applied to develop a finite dimensional approximation. In order to show the convergence of the estimated distribution to the “true” distribution, we simulate data from the “true” distribution, perform the optimization algorithm to obtain the esti- mated cumulative distribution function, use the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) Metropolis Algorithm to generate random samples from the estimated distribution, and perform a generalized (2-dimensional) two-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test in order to test the null hypothesis that our generated random samples from the esti- mated distribution and generated random samples from the “true” distribution are drawn from the same continuous distribution.

Speaker: Kimberly Ayers

Institution: Carroll College

Title: Stabilization of Quasi-Periodic Orbits of the Random Logistic Map Abstract: The logistic map demonstrates a well known example of a period-doubling bifurcation, ultimately exhibiting chaos for parameter values between 3.87 and 4. In the chaotic regime, the map has periodic points of all periods, but these periods are all unstable. In this talk, we examine the stochastic linear map, where the parameter takes values between 3.87 and 4 according to a uniform distribution. The map then exhibits quasi-periodic orbits, but these are still unstable. We will discuss stabilization techniques to find the two distinct period-3 quasi-periodic orbits in the random logistic map.

Speaker: Zhanar Berikkyzy

Institution: University of California, Riverside Title: Anti-van der Waerden numbers of graphs

Abstract: The anti-van der Waerden number of [n], denoted by aw([n], k), is the smallest r such that every exact r-coloring of [n] contains a rainbow k-term arithmetic progression. We will discuss results for 3-term arithmetic progressions on the integers and the integers modulo n. We will then extend the definition to graphs, and improve bounds for trees and Cartesian products. Larger k-term arithmetic progressions will be considered, as well as a connection between the Ramsey number of paths and the anti-van der Waerden number of graphs.

Speaker: Yesim Demiroglu

Institution: Harvey Mudd College

Title: Applications of Cayley Digraphs to Waring’s Problem and Sum- Product Formulas

Abstract:  In this talk, we first present some new proofs (using Cayley digraphs and spectral  graph  theory)  for  Waring’s  problem  over  finite  fields,  and  explain  how  in the process of re-proving these results, we obtain an original result that provides an analogue of Sa´rko¨zy’s theorem in the finite field setting (showing that any subset E of a finite field Ffor which |E|>qk    must contain at least two distinct elements whose  difference  is  a  kth   power).  Once  we  have  our  results  for  finite  fields,  we  can apply  some  classical  mathematics  to  extend  our  Waring’s  problem  results  to  the context of general (not necessarily commutative) finite rings.  If time permits, we will also talk about some sum-product formulas related to matrix rings over finite fields especially about a particular result, which can again be proven using Cayley digraphs and spectral graph theory in an efficient way.

Speaker: Yujia Ding

Institution: Claremont Graduate University

Title:Accelerometer-Based Gait Segmentation: Simultaneously User and AdversaryIdentification

Abstract: In this work, we introduce a new gait segmentation method based on accelerometer data and develop a new distance function between two time series, showing novel and effectiveness in simultaneously identifying user and adversary. Our approaches use geometric features to extract walking cycles precisely and employ a new similarity metric to conduct user-adversary identification. This new technology for simultaneously identify user and adversary contributes to cybersecurity beyond user-only identification.

Speaker: Shanna Dobson

Institution: California State University, Los Angeles Title: Higher Categorical Traces on Crys(X)

Abstract: Let X be a DG scheme which is locally almost of finite type. Following a standard construction, to each prestack (locally almost of finite type) Y, we assign a stable infinity-category Y Crys(Y) that has a left realization functor to QCoh(Y) and a right realization functor to IndCoh(Y). Using results that Crys(X) is a Grothendieck abelian category that is locally Noetherian and that Crys(X) has finite cohomological dimension with respect to its t-structure, we investigate higher categorical traces on Crys(X) and survey mixed and noncommutative motives.

Speaker: Kat Dover

Institution: University of California, Irvine

Title: Deconstructing Clustering Algorithms for High Dimensional Data Abstract: Clustering is a large area of data visualization that often involves al- gorithms generating 2-dimensional representation of data where similar points are visually grouped together. The standard algorithm used for clustering is tSNE, a non-convex method that represents the differences between data points as weighted probabilities in high and low dimensions and then minimizes the ‘distance’ between these two distributions using the Kullback-Leibler divergence. Despite its wide suc- cess, there is still very little mathematical understanding of the algorithm. In this talk, we discuss tSNE and our attempt to better mathematically understand the algorithm by deconstructing it into a simpler algorithm that produces similar results.

Speaker: Ranthony A.C. Edmonds

Institution: The Ohio State University

Title: Let’s Break it Down: Mathematical Atoms in Commutative Rings Abstract: Factorization theory is concerned with the decomposition of mathematical objects. One of the earliest and most significant results involving factorization is the Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic, which states that every integer can be written uniquely as the product of primes. Thus, we can think of prime numbers as the atoms of the integers. We can generalize this idea of unique factorization into atoms to a commutative ring called a unique factorization domain.

In this talk, we will motivate the study of factorization in commutative rings in a variety of algebraic settings. We will also discuss factorization properties in commu- tative rings weaker than unique factorization, which highlights the different ways in which we can characterize rings based on how their elements break down into atoms.

Speaker: Hossien Erjaee

Institution: University of California, Irvine Title: Complexity and its Applications

Abstract: In recent years, the field of applied nonlinear dynamics has attracted scientists and engineers across many different disciplines to develop innovative ideas and methods to study complex behavior exhibited by relatively simple tools. In this talk, we will discuss some of these tools together with some examples such as heart rate complexity. A common theme among these and many other examples is the underlying universal laws of nonlinear science that govern the behavior in space and time, of a given system. These laws are universal in the sense that they transcend the model-specific features of a system and so they can be readily applied to explain and predict the behavior of a wide-ranging phenomenon, natural and artificial ones. Thus, in this talk, we will try to explain the rich behavior of nonlinear systems by some easy devices that can operate more efficiently comparing with those classical complicated devices or methods.

Speaker: Nicole Fider

Institution: University of Arizona

Title: A tale of Tic-Tac-Toe: the day my students played

Abstract: Assigned to a six-student once-weekly workshop (loosely labelled as “sup- plementary” to the proofs course), I made it my goal to encourage the creative and

social aspects of mathematical problem solving which are often downplayed in com- putational lower division math classes. I spent several workshops prodding them to work together to reason out the standard beginner-level proofs, but was met with resistance. So, as an icebreaker, I decided to split my students into two teams and I pitted them against each other in a game of Ultimate Tic-Tac-Toe. The students were so intrigued that they asked, “Next week, can we just play this the whole time?” I compromised and during the next meeting, they played variations of Tic-Tac-Toe with each other for over an hour. In this brief talk, I describe how that day unfolded, and why I found their games so heartening.

Speaker: Erica Graham

Institution: Bryn Mawr College

Title: Uncovering reproductive phenotypes: mechanistic reduction and comprehensive model evaluation

Abstract: The ovulatory cycle is the result of a tightly regulated system of crosstalk between reproductive hormones generated in the brain and ovary. The complex hor- mone feedback gives rise to the characteristic oscillatory behavior of the menstrual cycle. Altered hormone regulation may disrupt the cycle, leading to abnormal ovu- lation and/or fertility. The sheer complexity of this system poses a challenge to identifying precise mechanisms of dysfunction. However, mathematical approaches have been useful in examining pathophysiology, even when precise biological mecha- nisms are unknown. I will discuss mathematical models of ovulation in the context of general dynamics, the nature of dysfunction, clinical implications, and an algorithmic approach for data- and biology-driven model reduction.

Speaker: Kelly Isham

Institution: University of California, Irvine

Title: On the number of subrings of prime power index in Zn

Abstract: Liu gave a recurrence relation that allows us to understand the number of subrings of prime power index in Zn in terms of the number of n n irreducible matrices, gn(pe). An n n matrix is irreducible if it is in Hermite normal form, the entries in the first (n 1) columns are all divisible by p, and the last column is (1, 1, …, 1)T . Previous work has shown that gn(pe) is polynomial in p when e 8 and when e = n + 1. In this talk, we describe a new strategy for determining the number of irreducible submatrices using row reduction techniques. We then discuss a new result for gn(pe)when e = n + 2.

Speaker: Tiffany Jones

Institution: University of Arizona

Title: Analysis of a Novel Helmholtz Approximation Method over Micro and Macro Regions

Abstract: This presentation will examine a novel approximation method for solving highly oscillatory Helmholtz equations in polar coordinates. The transverse domain and the governing equations are decomposed into micro and macro domains, allowing for an advantageous modeling orientation. The coupled equations are discretized uti- lizing a compact finite difference strategy for increased efficiency and radial accuracy. The numerical method is shown to be asymptotically stable at high-wavenumbers, facilitating effectiveness, reliability, and applicability. An overview of the stability

analysis, including spectral norms bounds, will be presented. Optical beam numerical simulations with a range domain scaling factors reinforce these findings.

Speaker: Sharon Lanaghan and Kristen Stagg

Institution: California State University, Dominguez Hills

Title: Redesigning Calculus I with Standards Based Grading and Active Learning

Abstract:   Despite  the  importance  of  Calculus  I  in  STEM  studentsO˜

path toward

graduation, pass rates at CSUDH in the course have typically been low, with only 60.9% of students earning a C or better in years prior to our redesign. Many stu- dents lack both content prerequisite skills and 21st century learning skills (critical thinking, creative thinking, communicating, and collaborating) required for success in the course and in their future STEM courses. Our redesign uses standards based grading, active learning and the use of Supplemental Instruction Leaders (SILs) to help students identify and remediate skill gaps. The course offers students multiple ways to interact with content, and gives them opportunities to develop communica- tion and collaboration skills. Initial results suggest that these changes have had a positive impact on student success. In this session, we will describe our redesigned course and its outcomes, including the impact on the STEM Mathematics Pathway at CSUDH.

Speaker: Junyuan Joanne Lin

Institution: Loyola Marymount University

Title: Algebraic Multigrid for Least Squares Problems on Graphs with Applications to Recommender System

Abstract: Least squares problems are a large subclass of numerical linear algebra problems that may arise in a multitude of contexts where the matrix depends on a graph. Solutions to these problems are very practical and as scalability becomes a prevalent issue, researchers are working to identify algorithms most appropriate to solve these least squares problem. In this work we investigate the effectiveness of the unsmoothed aggregation AMG (UA-AMG) method and show it’s more ap- propriate for graph-related problems due to its ability to maintain the structure of graphs in the multilevel hierarchy. We also provide experiments comparing conjugate gradient method with and without UA-AMG as a preconditoner on a collection of real-world network topologies to demonstrate how this precondtioner can be used for recommender system.

Speaker: Anna Ma

Institution: University of California, Irvine Title: Randomized Kaczmarz for Tensors

Abstract: When data is large-scale, techniques such as the Randomized Kaczmarz al- gorithm and Randomized Gauss-Seidel algorithm are advantageous for solving linear systems of the form Ax = y. In this talk, we discuss an extension of the Randomized Kaczmarz algorithm to the setting where large-scale data takes on the form of a mul- tidimensional array. Traditionally, multi-dimensional data, i.e., data in the form of high dimensional tensors, are often unfolded to be treated as a matrix-vector prob- lem. In this work, we seek to preserve the tensor structure of the input data and provide theoretical guarantees for recovering underlying, unknown tensors from linear measurements using a tensorized version of the Randomized Kaczmarz algorithm.

Speaker:  AishaNajer´a

Institution: RAND Corporation

Title: With an eye towards public policy research through a mathemati- cian’s lens

Abstract: Some people are drawn towards science research because they want to have impactful contributions, yet the pursuit of new knowledge is not always the corner stone, but translating the findings to the right audience. This talk will provide: 1) an overview of some of the research questions I have been working on during my time at the RAND corporation, a nonprofit policy think tank, 2) the weaving of math into the problems, and 3) a canvas for communicating the findings. The subjects range from military logistics, cybersecurity, climate change and feminism.

Speaker: Mahnaz Moradi Nargesi

Institution: Cal Poly Pomona

Title: Convolution Properties of Classes of Analytic and Meromorphic Functions

Abstract: General classes of analytic functions defined by convolution with a fixed an- alytic function are introduced. Convolution properties of these classes which include the classical classes of starlike, convex, close-to-convex, and quasi-convex analytic functions are investigated. These classes are shown to be closed under convolution with prestarlike functions and the Bernardi-Libera integral operator. Similar results are also obtained for the classes consisting of meromorphic functions in the punctured unit disk.

Speaker: Alessandra Pantano

Institution: University of California, Irvine

Title: Buildingcollege andSTEMpathwaysforunderservedyouthby leveraging the mentoring power of undergraduate and graduate students Abstract: UC Irvine’s Math CEO (Community Educational Outreach) is a transfor- mative afterschool program that leverages the mentoring power of UCI graduate and undergraduate students to inspire underserved youth to pursue college education and a career in STEM, while at the same time fostering math achievement and disposi- tions needed to persist in STEM pathways. In this talk, we describe the impact of the program on participating mentors and youth.

Speaker: Anita Penkova

Institution: University of Southern California

Title: Mathematical model and experimentation for measuring the dif- fusion coefficient of intravitreally injected drugs in ex vivo and in vivo study

Abstract: Currently, certain retinal diseases are managed by the intravitreal adminis- tration of anti-VEGF agents. To study the advantages and limitations of anti-VEGF drugs used to treat retinal disorders, is necessary to predict and measure parameters and properties pertaining to drug transport. One such parameter is the diffusion coefficient. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and OCT (Optical Coherence To- mography) techniques were used to measure the experimental diffusion coefficient of various MRI surrogate compounds and fluorescently conjugated drugs. In our previ- ous study, we obtained the diffusion coefficient in the vitreous humor by developing a mathematical model based on these precise experimental measurements. There is a

very good agreement between our mathematical model and experimental data. Our method can be applied to various compounds with different molecular masses, charge and physicochemical properties.

Speaker: Melike Sirlanci

Institution: California Institute of Technology

Title: Controlling Blood Glucose Levels of Intensive Care Unit Patients Abstract: Because of critical health conditions, blood glucose (BG) levels of intensive care unit (ICU) patients show chaotic behavior. However, research has proven that keeping BG levels of these patients in a healthy target range decreases mortality and morbidity in the ICU. For this purpose, we develop a new mathematical mechanistic model that describes the glucose-insulin system in humans in the possible simplest way. Based on real patient data, we then estimate unknown model parameters in a Bayesian framework to obtain the personalized model and then use this model to forecast future BG levels and then to control BG levels in the desired target range.

Speaker: Felicia Tabing

Institution: University of Southern California

Title: Combining Synesthesia, Mathematics, and Art

Abstract: Synesthesia is something I realized I may have some years ago when my boyfriend asked me what color 3 was, prompted by a show he heard on the radio. I told him it was pink. I will talk about my efforts to create art by combining mathe- matics and teaching mathematics, and using colors governed by how the integers are colored in my mind.

Speaker: Zhanerke Temirgaliyeva

Institution: University of Southern California

Title: Global regularity and long-time behavior of the solutions to the modified 3D Boussinesq equations

Abstract: This talk addresses the global regularity and long-time behavior of the solutions to the 3D Boussinesq equations with nonlinear damping α u β−1u (α > 0, β 1) for the flow of an incompressible fluid with positive viscosity and zero diffusivity.

Speaker: Sonali Vyas

Institution: California State University, Fullerton Title: Murder Mysteries and MachineLearning

Abstract: Data analytics and machine learning is a new and growing field in sci- ence and mathematics. The applications are endless, and the accuracy of the ma- chine’s learning skills are continuously improving. The goal of our interdisciplinary project is to use Natural Language Toolkit (NLTK) to predict the outcome of Agatha

ChristieO˜ s murder mystery novels.  Agatha Christie is a well-known author from the 1920s who earned the title of being the Queen of Mystery.  Her books consist of several characters  and  unexpected  plot  developments  that  make  her  stories  unpredictable. We use the NLTK package to discern patterns in Agatha Christie’s writings and de- termine  if  she  is  as  unpredictable as  we  have  been  led  to  believe.  This  project  has the potential to improve on the processes used in data analytics and the techniques used can be applied to multiple fields.

Speaker: Chunmei Wang

Institution: Texas Tech University

Title: Primal-Dual Weak Galerkin Finite Element Methods for First- Order Transport Problems

Abstract: The speaker will introduce a new numerical method for first-order transport problems by using the primal-dual weak Galerkin (PD-WG) finite element method recently developed in scientific computing. The PD-WG method is based on a vari- ational formulation of the modeling equation for which the differential operator is applied to the test function so that low regularity for the exact solution of the origi- nal equation is sufficient for computation. The PD-WG finite element method indeed yields a symmetric system involving both the original equation for the primal vari- able and its dual for the dual variable (also known as Lagrangian multiplier). For the linear transport problem, it is shown that the PD-WG method offers numerical solutions that conserve mass locally on each element. Optimal order error estimates in various norms are derived for the numerical solutions arising from the PD-WG method with weak regularity assumptions on the modelling equations. A variety of numerical results are presented to demonstrate the accuracy and stability of the new method.

Speaker: Lora Weiss

Institution: University of California, Irvine

Title: Mathematical Modeling of Cancer Stem Cell Enrichment

Abstract: Tissues are made of different types of cells. Stem cells do not perform any tissue- specific functions but instead serve as a reservoir for other cell types, called “differentiated cells”. Cellular processes such as divisions and deaths of stem and differentiated cells are regulated by a complex network of signals, which keeps the tissue stable and healthy. Cancer cells disobey this signaling, which may lead to an unlimited growth of the cell population. In the context of cancer therapies, stem cells have proved to be more difficult to treat than more differentiated cells, so an increasing ratio of stem cells to more differentiated cells over time is undesirable for treatment. This scenario of a faster growth rate of the stem cell population is a phe- nomenon we call Cancer Stem Cell (CSC) enrichment. The goal of this research was

  1. to mathematically study tissue stability under different signaling networks, and
  2. to discover which possibilities of cell regulation led to CSC enrichment. This has applications for medical treatment plans, which can screen for the type of cell regu- lation, determine whether or not CSC enrichment occurs, and design the therapies accordingly.