Growth Patterns In Physical Sciences And Biology

During the past decade interest in the formation of complex disorderly patterns far from equilibrium has grown rapidly. This interest has been stim ulated by the development of new approaches (based primarily on fractal geometry) to the quantitative description of complex structures, increased understanding of non-linear phenomena and the introduction of a variety of models (such as the diffusion-limited aggregation model) that provide paradigms for non-equilibrium growth phenomena. Advances in computer technology have played a crucial role in both the experimental and theoret ical aspects of this enterprise. Substantial progress has been made towards the development of comprehensive understanding of non-equilibrium growth phenomena but most of our current understanding is based on simple com puter models. Pattern formation processes are important in almost all areas of science and technology, and, clearly, pattern growth pervades biology. Very often remarkably similar patterns are found in quite diverse systems. In some case (dielectric breakdown, electrodeposition, fluid-fluid displacement in porous media, dissolution patterns and random dendritic growth for example) the underlying causes of this similarity is quite well understood. In other cases (vascular trees, nerve cells and river networks for example) we do not yet know if a fundamental relationship exists between the mechanisms leading the formation of these structures.

A comprehensive, 1998 account of the practical aspects and pitfalls of the applications of fractal modelling in the physical sciences.

The book deals with biological, mathematical, descriptive, causal and systemic phyllotaxis. It aims at reflecting the widest possible range of ideas and research closely related to phyllotaxis and contains 30 well illustrated chapters.The book has three parts of equal importance. The first two parts concern data collecting, pattern recognition and pattern generation to which students of phyllotaxis are well accustomed. The third part is devoted to the problem of origins of phyllotactic patterns, giving the field of phyllotaxis the universality it requires to be fully understood.Phyllotaxis-like patterns are found in places where genes are not necessarily present. Part III concerns general comparative morphology, homologies with phyllotactic patterns, and recent trends on evolution that can help to understand phyllotaxis.The distinguished researchers who accepted to participate in the production of this book, strongly contributed to the field of phyllotaxis in the past and have devoted a lot of their time to the fascinating subject coming up with most valuable findings, or are newcomers with original ideas that may be very relevant for the future of the field. The book summarizes and updates their contributions, and promotes new avenues in the treatment of phyllotaxis.This book on mathematical and biological phyllotaxis is the first collective book ever. A landmark in the history of phyllotaxis.

"Nature's patterns is a trilogy composed of Shapes, Flow, and Branches."

Traditionally, the natural sciences have been divided into two branches: the biological sciences and the physical sciences. Today, an increasing number of scientists are addressing problems lying at the intersection of the two. These problems are most often biological in nature, but examining them through the lens of the physical sciences can yield exciting results and opportunities. For example, one area producing effective cross-discipline research opportunities centers on the dynamics of systems. Equilibrium, multistability, and stochastic behavior-concepts familiar to physicists and chemists-are now being used to tackle issues associated with living systems such as adaptation, feedback, and emergent behavior. Research at the Intersection of the Physical and Life Sciences discusses how some of the most important scientific and societal challenges can be addressed, at least in part, by collaborative research that lies at the intersection of traditional disciplines, including biology, chemistry, and physics. This book describes how some of the mysteries of the biological world are being addressed using tools and techniques developed in the physical sciences, and identifies five areas of potentially transformative research. Work in these areas would have significant impact in both research and society at large by expanding our understanding of the physical world and by revealing new opportunities for advancing public health, technology, and stewardship of the environment. This book recommends several ways to accelerate such cross-discipline research. Many of these recommendations are directed toward those administering the faculties and resources of our great research institutions-and the stewards of our research funders, making this book an excellent resource for academic and research institutions, scientists, universities, and federal and private funding agencies.

Vol 2A: Basic TechnologiesHandbook of Crystal Growth, Second Edition Volume IIA (Basic Technologies) presents basic growth technologies and modern crystal cutting methods. Particularly, the methodical fundamentals and development of technology in the field of bulk crystallization on both industrial and research scales are explored. After an introductory chapter on the formation of minerals, ruling historically the basic crystal formation parameters, advanced basic technologies from melt, solution, and vapour being applied for research and production of the today most important materials, like silicon, semiconductor compounds and oxides are presented in detail. The interdisciplinary and general importance of crystal growth for human live are illustrated.Vol 2B: Growth Mechanisms and DynamicsHandbook of Crystal Growth, Second Edition Volume IIB (Growth Mechanisms and Dynamics) deals with characteristic mechanisms and dynamics accompanying each bulk crystal growth method discussed in Volume IIA. Before the atoms or molecules pass over from a position in the fluid medium (gas, melt or solution) to their place in the crystalline face they must be transported in the fluid over macroscopic distances by diffusion, buoyancy-driven convection, surface-tension-driven convection, and forced convection (rotation, acceleration, vibration, magnetic mixing). Further, the heat of fusion and the part carried by the species on their way to the crystal by conductive and convective transport must be dissipated in the solid phase by well-organized thermal conduction and radiation to maintain a stable propagating interface. Additionally, segregation and capillary phenomena play a decisional role for chemical composition and crystal shaping, respectively. Today, the increase of high-quality crystal yield, its size enlargement and reproducibility are imperative conditions to match the strong economy. Volume 2A Presents the status and future of Czochralski and float zone growth of dislocation-free silicon Examines directional solidification of silicon ingots for photovoltaics, vertical gradient freeze of GaAs, CdTe for HF electronics and IR imaging as well as antiferromagnetic compounds and super alloys for turbine blades Focuses on growth of dielectric and conducting oxide crystals for lasers and non-linear optics Topics on hydrothermal, flux and vapour phase growth of III-nitrides, silicon carbide and diamond are explored Volume 2B Explores capillarity control of the crystal shape at the growth from the melt Highlights modeling of heat and mass transport dynamics Discusses control of convective melt processes by magnetic fields and vibration measures Includes imperative information on the segregation phenomenon and validation of compositional homogeneity Examines crystal defect generation mechanisms and their controllability Illustrates proper automation modes for ensuring constant crystal growth process Exhibits fundamentals of solution growth, gel growth of protein crystals, growth of superconductor materials and mass crystallization for food and pharmaceutical industries

Advances in Botanical Research publishes in-depth and up-to-date reviews on a wide range of topics in plant sciences. Currently in its 72nd volume, the series features several reviews by recognized experts on all aspects of plant genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, physiology and ecology. This thematic volume features reviews on the molecular genetics of floral transition and flower development. Publishes in-depth and up-to-date reviews on a wide range of topics in plant sciences Features a wide range of reviews by recognized experts on all aspects of plant genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, physiology and ecology Volume features reviews on the molecular genetics of floral transition and flower development

Renowned researchers summarize the current knowledge on ammonoid paleobiology. The book begins with a description of the systematic position of the Ammonoidea within the Cephalopoda, providing the phylogenetic framework for the rest of the book. Following discussions include soft- and hard-part morphology of ammonoids, rate of growth and ontogeny, and taphonomy and ecology. Closing chapters explore the distribution of ammonoids in time and space as well as their extinction at the end of the Cretaceous. With its diverse viewpoints and new material, this resource will benefit researchers and graduate students in paleontology, marine biology, and evolutionary biology.

This volume provides a record of the second ASI on the subject "Chemical Physics of Intercalation", which was patterned after its highly successful July 1987 predecessor. A growing community of chemists, physicists and materials scientists has come to appreciate the utility of extending the intercalation concept to generic guest-host compounds and solid solutions. The unifying themes are the complex phase equilibria which result from the competition between repulsive and attractive interactions between and within the guest and host substructures, the tunability of properties by control of guest concentration and superlattice periodicity, and the broad spectrum of potential applications which these materials may provide. The success of this initiative may be judged by noting the enlarged scope of materials covered in this volume as compared to its predecessor. The present volume covers the spectrum from 3-dimensional oxides, 2-dimensional classical layer intercalates,- dimensional doped polymers and zero-dimensional doped fullerene lattices. Hybrid systems such as polymers in layer hosts and nonporous hosts are also treated. Several chapters provide global unifying viewpoints by focussing on sold state chemical aspects, transport and optical properties, the occurrence of superconductivity, etc.

This book collects the papers presented at the NATO Advanced Research Workshop on "Ionization of Solids by Heavy Particles", held in Giardini-Naxos (Taormina), Italy, on June 1 -5, 1992. The meeting was the first to gather scientists to discuss the physics of electron emission and other ionization effects occurring during the interaction of heavy particles with condensed matter. The central problem in the field is how to use observations of electron emission and final radiation damage to understand what happens inside the solid, like excitation mechanisms, the propagation of the electronic excitation along different pathways, and surface effects. The ARW began with a brief survey of the field, stressing the unknowns. It was pointed out that ionization theories can only address the very particular case of weak perturbations. For this problem, this meant high speed, low-charged projectiles (a perturbation treatment of interactions with slow, highly charged ions was later presented). Only semi-empirical models exist for velocities lower than the Fermi velocity in the solid, which can be used to predict kinetic electron emission yields. These models, however, do not address the basic questions about the mechanisms for electron excitation, transport and escape through the surface layer.