In knot theory, diagrams of a given canonical genus can be described by means of a finite number of patterns ("generators"). Diagram Genus, Generators and Applications presents a self-contained account of the canonical genus: the genus of knot diagrams. The author explores recent research on the combinatorial theory of knots and supplies proofs for a number of theorems. The book begins with an introduction to the origin of knot tables and the background details, including diagrams, surfaces, and invariants. It then derives a new description of generators using Hirasawa's algorithm and extends this description to push the compilation of knot generators one genus further to complete their classification for genus 4. Subsequent chapters cover applications of the genus 4 classification, including the braid index, polynomial invariants, hyperbolic volume, and Vassiliev invariants. The final chapter presents further research related to generators, which helps readers see applications of generators in a broader context.

The volume contains surveys and original articles based on the talks given at the 40-th Finsler Symposium on Finsler Geometry held in the period September 9-10, 2005 at Hokkaido Tokai University, Sapporo, Japan. The Symposium's purpose was not only a meeting of the Finsler geometers from Japan and abroad, but also to commemorate the memory of the late Professor Makoto Matsumoto. The papers included in this volume contain fundamental topics of modern Riemann-Finsler geometry, interesting not only for specialists in Finsler geometry, but for researchers in Riemannian geometry or other fields of differential geometry and its applications also.Published by Mathematical Society of Japan and distributed by World Scientific Publishing Co. for all markets except North America

This research note presents a complete treatment of the connection between topological circle planes and topological generalized quadrangles. The author uses this connection to provide a better understanding of the relationships between different types of circle planes and to solve a topological version of the problem of Apollonius. Topological Circle Planes and Topological Quadrangles begins with a foundation in classical circle planes and the real symmetric generalized quadrangle and the connection between them. This provides a solid base from which the author offers a more generalized exploration of the topological case. He also compares this treatment to the finite case. Subsequent chapters examine Laguerre, Moebius, and Minkowski planes and their respective relationships to antiregular quadrangles. The author addresses the Lie geometry of each and discuss the relationships of circle planes-the "sisters" of Moebius, Laguerre, and Minkowski planes - and concludes by solving a topological version of the problem of Apollonius in Laguerre, Moebius, and Minkowski planes. The treatment offered in this volume offers complete coverage of the topic. The first part of the text is accessible to anyone with a background in analytic geometry, while the second part requires basic knowledge in general and algebraic topology. Researchers interested in geometry-particularly in topological geometry-will find this volume intriguing and informative. Most of the results presented are new and can be applied to various problems in the field of topological circle planes. Features

The main theme of this book is the mathematical theory of knots and its interaction with the theory of surfaces. Beginning with a simple diagrammatic approach to the study of knots, reflecting the artistic and geometric appeal of interlaced forms, Knots and Surfaces takes the reader through recent advances in our understanding to areas of current research. Included are straightforward introductions to topological spaces, surfaces, the fundamental group, graphs, free groups, and group presentations. These topics combine into a coherent and highly developed theory to explore and explain the accessible and intuitive problems of knots and surfaces. Both as an introduction to several areas of prime importance to the development of pure mathematics today, and as an account of pure mathematics in action in an unusual context, the book presents novel challenges to students and other interested readers.

This volume touches upon some significant themes that have arisen in the fields of operator algebras, low-dimensional topology and mathematical physics. Gathering together a collection of papers from a NATO-sponsored Advance Research Workshop, its intention is to reveal that these seemingly diverse fields are now inextricably interconnected. While operator algebras and mathematical physics have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship dating back to the time of von Neumann, the link between operator algebras and low-dimensional topology only emerged with the work of Vaughan Jones.

From the reviews of Vols. I-III:

"Since their publication in 1986 J-P. Serre's Collected Papers have already become one of the classical references in mathematical research. This is on the one hand due to the completeness of the collection (132 items) and on the other, of course, due to the beautiful and clear expositions of Serre's papers and their influence on mathematics.

As listed in the preface, the three volumes cover almost all articles published in mathematical journals between 1949 and 1984, the summaries of the author's courses at the CollA]ge de France since 1956, some of his SA(c)minaire notes, and some items not previously published. ...]

The author's notes at the end of each volume giving corrections and important recent progress as well as improvements of the main results represent a highlight of this collection. The mathematical community definitely looks forward to further volume(s) of Serre's outstanding work."

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