Advances in Quantum Chemistry presents surveys of current topics in this rapidly developing field one that has emerged at the cross section of the historically established areas of mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology. It features detailed reviews written by leading international researchers. In this volume the readers are presented with an exciting combination of themes.

In its second, extensively revised second edition, Semiconducting Silicon Nanowires for Biomedical Applications reviews the fabrication, properties, and biomedical applications of this key material. The book begins by reviewing the basics of growth, characterization, biocompatibility, and surface modification of semiconducting silicon nanowires. Attention then turns to use of these structures for tissue engineering and delivery applications, followed by detection and sensing. Reflecting the evolution of this multidisciplinary subject, several new key topics are highlighted, including our understanding of the cell-nanowire interface, latest advances in associated morphologies (including silicon nanoneedles and nanotubes for therapeutic delivery), and significantly, the status of silicon nanowire commercialization in biotechnology. Semiconducting Silicon Nanowires for Biomedical Applications is a comprehensive resource for biomaterials scientists who are focused on biosensors, drug delivery, and the next generation of nano-biotech platforms that require a detailed understanding of the cell-nanowire interface, along with researchers and developers in industry and academia who are concerned with nanoscale biomaterials, in particular electronically-responsive structures.

Formation and Structure of Planets, Volume 62 in the Advances in Geophysics series, highlights new chapters on a variety of topics in the field, including The evolution of multi-method imaging of structures and processes in environmental geophysics, An introduction to variational inference in Geophysical inverse problems, Moment tensor inversion, and more.

Advances in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics, Volume 70 provides a comprehensive compilation of recent developments in a field that is in a state of rapid growth as new experimental and theoretical techniques are used on many problems, both old and new. Topics covered include related applied areas, such as atmospheric science, astrophysics, surface physics, and laser physics, with timely articles written by distinguished experts.

Magnetic Nanoparticle-Based Hybrid Materials: Fundamentals and Applications introduces the principles, properties, and emerging applications of this important materials system. The hybridization of magnetic nanoparticles with metals, metal oxides and semiconducting nanoparticles may result in superior properties. The book reviews the most relevant hybrid materials, their mechanisms and properties. Then, the book focuses on the rational design, controlled synthesis, advanced characterizations and in-depth understanding of structure-property relationships. The last part addresses the promising applications of hybrid nanomaterials in the real world such as in the environment, energy, medicine fields. Magnetic Nanoparticle-Based Hybrid Materials: Fundamentals and Applications comprehensively reviews both the theoretical and experimental approaches used to rapidly advance nanomaterials that could result in new technologies that impact day-to-day life and society in key areas such as health and the environment. It is suitable for researchers and practitioners who are materials scientists and engineers, chemists or physicists in academia and R&D.

Climate Change Science: Causes, Effects and Solutions for Global Warming presents unbiased, state-of-the-art, scientific knowledge on climate change and engineering solutions for mitigation. The book expands on all major prospective solutions for tackling climate change in a complete manner. It comprehensively explains the variety of climate solutions currently available, including the remaining challenges associated with each. Effective, complementary solutions for engineering to combat climate change are discussed and elaborated on. Some of the more high-risk proposals are qualitatively and quantitatively compared and contrasted with low-risk mitigation actions to facilitate the formulation of feasible, environmentally-friendly solutions. The book provides academics, postgraduate students and other readers in the fields of environmental science, climate change, atmospheric sciences and engineering with the information they need for their roles. Through exploring the fundamental information currently available, exergy utilization, large-scale solutions, and current solutions in place, the book is an invaluable look into how climate change can be addressed from an engineering-perspective using scientific models and calculations.

Advances in Microbial Physiology, Volume 78, the latest release in this ongoing series, continues the long tradition of topical, important, cutting-edge reviews in microbiology. This updated release contains the latest information in the field, with comprehensive chapters covering Microbubble Intensification of Bioprocessing, Bacterial cellulose: biosynthesis, production, and applications, Microbial energy management - a product of three broad tradeoffs, and more.

Thermal Analysis and Thermodynamic Properties of Solids, Second Edition covers foundational principles and recent updates in the field, presenting an authoritative overview of theoretical knowledge and practical applications across several fields. Since the first edition of this book was published, large developments have occurred in the theoretical understanding of-and subsequent ability to assess and apply-principles of thermal analysis. Drawing on the knowledge of its expert author, this second edition provides fascinating insight for both new and experienced students, researchers, and industry professionals whose work is influenced or impacted by thermo analysis principles and tools. Part 1 provides a detailed introduction and guide to theoretical aspects of thermal analysis and the related impact of thermodynamics. Key terminology and concepts, the fundamentals of thermophysical examinations, thermostatics, equilibrium background, thermotics, reaction kinetics and models, thermokinetics and the exploitation of fractals are all discussed. Part 2 then goes on to discuss practical applications of this theoretical information to topics such as crystallization kinetics and glass states, thermodynamics in superconductor models, and climate change.

Magnetic skyrmions are particle-like objects described by localized solutions of non-linear partial differential equations. Up until a few decades ago, it was believed that magnetic skyrmions only existed in condensed matter as short-term excitations that would quickly collapse into linear singularities. The contrary was proven theoretically in 1989 and evidentially in 2009. It is now known that skyrmions can exist as long-living metastable configurations in low-symmetry condensed matter systems with broken mirror symmetry, increasing the potential applications possible. Magnetic Skyrmions and their Applications delves into the fundamental principles and most recent research and developments surrounding these unique magnetic particles. Despite achievements in the synthesis of systems stabilizing chiral magnetic skyrmions and the variety of experimental investigations and numerical calculations, there have not been many summaries of the fundamental physical principles governing magnetic skyrmions or integrating those concepts with methods of detection, characterization and potential applications. Magnetic Skyrmions and their Applications delivers a coherent, state-of-the-art discussion on the current knowledge and potential applications of magnetic skyrmions in magnetic materials and device applications. First the book reviews key concepts such as topology, magnetism and materials for magnetic skyrmions. Then, charactization methods, physical mechanisms, and emerging applications are discussed.

Biological Experiments in Space: 30 Years Investigating Life in Space Orbit covers investigations of plant, algae, animals, fish, microorganisms and tissue cultures on space flights, beginning with the first orbital space station on Salyut 1. The book includes results on the influence of the entire complex of physical factors associated with spaceflight on biological systems, including analysis of the impact of microgravity on organisms, as well as the effects of electric and magnetic fields. This book offers important insights for researchers of space biology and astrobiology, as well as space agency and industry specialists developing future space stations and missions. Lack of gravity, temperature and chemical gradients, magnetic and electrical fields, spectral composition and intensity of light, and high-energy cosmic radiation influence many important metabolic and physiological processes in animals, plants, and microorganisms, as well as transfer phenomena in and around them. Success of future space exploration depends on understanding the effects of these factors on biological organisms and developing appropriate countermeasures, aimed at improving growth, development, and reproduction in microgravity.

Earth's Core: Geophysics of a Planet's Deepest Interior provides a multidisciplinary approach to Earth's core, including seismology, mineral physics, geomagnetism, and geodynamics. The book examines current observations, experiments, and theories; identifies outstanding research questions; and suggests future directions for study. With topics ranging from the structure of the core-mantle boundary region, to the chemical and physical properties of the core, the workings of the geodynamo, inner core seismology and dynamics, and core formation, this book offers a multidisciplinary perspective on what we know and what we know we have yet to discover. The book begins with the fundamental material and concepts in seismology, mineral physics, geomagnetism, and geodynamics, accessible from a wide range of backgrounds. The book then builds on this foundation to introduce current research, including observations, experiments, and theories. By identifying unsolved problems and promising routes to their solutions, the book is intended to motivate further research, making it a valuable resource both for students entering Earth and planetary sciences and for researchers in a particular subdiscipline who need to broaden their understanding.

Processing Technology for Bio-Based Polymers: Advanced Strategies and Practical Aspects brings together the latest advances and novel technologies surrounding the synthesis and manufacture of biopolymers, ranging from bio-based polymers to synthetic polymers from bio-derived monomers. Sections examine bio-based polymer chemistry, discuss polymerization process and emerging design technologies, cover manufacturing and processing approaches, explain cutting-edge approaches and innovative applications, and focus on biomedicals and other key application areas. Final chapters provide detailed discussion and an analysis of economic and environmental concerns, practical considerations, challenges, opportunities and future trends. This is a valuable resource for researchers, scientists and advanced students in polymer science, bio-based materials, nanomaterials, plastics engineering, biomaterials, chemistry, biotechnology, and materials science and engineering, as well as R&D professionals, engineers and industrialists interested in the development of biopolymers for advanced products and applications.

The Thermodynamics of Phase and Reaction Equilibria, Second Edition, provides a sound foundation for understanding abstract concepts of phase and reaction equilibria (e.g., partial molar Gibbs energy, fugacity, and activity), and shows how to apply these concepts to solve practical problems using numerous clear examples. Available computational software has made it possible for students to tackle realistic and challenging problems from industry. The second edition incorporates phase equilibrium problems dealing with nonideal mixtures containing more than two components and chemical reaction equilibrium problems involving multiple reactions. Computations are carried out with the help of Mathcad (R).

Progress in Optics, Volume 66, highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting interesting chapters. Each chapter is written by an international board of authors. It contains five reviews of the latest developments in optics.

Over the past several years, there has been a growing integration of data - geophysical, geological, petrophysical, engineering-related, and production-related - in predicting and determining reservoir properties. As such, geoscientists now must learn the technology, processes, and challenges involved within their specific functions in order to optimize planning for oil field development. Applied Techniques to Integrated Oil and Gas Reservoir Characterization presents challenging questions encountered by geoscientists in their day-to-day work in the exploration and development of oil and gas fields and provides potential solutions from experts. From basin analysis of conventional and unconventional reservoirs, to seismic attributes analysis, NMR for reservoir characterization, amplitude versus offset (AVO), well-to-seismic tie, seismic inversion studies, rock physics, pore pressure prediction, and 4D for reservoir monitoring, the text examines challenges in the industry as well as the techniques used to overcome those challenges. This book includes valuable contributions from global industry experts: Brian Schulte (Schiefer Reservoir Consulting), Dr. Neil W. Craigie (Saudi Aramco), Matthijs van der Molen (Shell International E&P), Dr. Fred W. Schroeder (ExxonMobil, retired), Dr. Tharwat Hassane (Schlumberger & BP, retired), and others.

Sample Return Missions: The Last Frontier of Solar System Exploration examines the discoveries and results obtained from sample return missions of the past, present, and future. It analyses the results in the context of the current state of knowledge and their relation to the formation and evolution of planetary bodies, as well as to the available technologies and techniques. It provides detailed descriptions of experimental procedures applied to returned samples. Beginning with an overview of previous missions, Sample Return Missions then goes on to provide an overview of facilities throughout the world used to analyze the returned samples. Finally, it addresses techniques for collection, transport, and analysis of the samples, with an additional focus on lessons learned and future perspectives. Providing an in-depth examination of a variety of missions, with both scientific and engineering implications, this book is an important resource for the planetary science community, as well as the experimentalist and engineering communities.