This monograph develops a new way of justifying the claims made by science about phenomenon not directly observable by humans, such as atoms and black holes. It details a way of making inferences to the existence and properties of unobservable entities and states of affairs that can be given a probabilistic justification. The inferences used to establish realist claims are not a form of, and neither do they rely on, inference to the best explanation. Scientific Realism maintains that scientific theories and hypotheses refer to real entities, forces, and relations, even if one cannot examine them. But, there are those who doubt these claims. The author develops a novel way of defending Scientific Realism against a range of influential attacks. He argues that in some cases, at least, we can make probabilistically justifiable inferences from observed data to claims about unobservable, theoretical entities. He shows how this enables us to place some scientific realist claims on a firmer epistemological footing than has previously been the case. This also makes it possible to give a unified set of replies to the most common objections to Scientific Realism. The final chapters apply the developed conceptual apparatus to key cases from the history of science and from recent science. One example concerns realism with respect to atoms. Another looks at inferences from recent astronomical data to conclusions about the size and shape of those parts of the universe lying beyond that which we can observe.

The Latest Developments on the Role of Dynamics in Protein Functions Computational Approaches to Protein Dynamics: From Quantum to Coarse-Grained Methods presents modern biomolecular computational techniques that address protein flexibility/dynamics at all levels of theory. An international contingent of leading researchers in chemistry, physics, and biology show how these advanced methods provide insights into dynamic aspects of biochemical processes. A particular focus is on intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), which lack a well-defined three-dimensional structure and function as dynamic ensembles. The book covers a wide spectrum of dynamics, from electronic structure-based to coarse-grained techniques via multiscaling at different levels. After an introduction to dynamics and historical overview of basic methodologies, the book addresses the following issues: Is there a quantitative relationship between enzymatic catalysis and protein dynamics? Which are the functionally relevant motions of proteins? How can structural properties and partner recognition mechanisms of IDPs be simulated? How can we speed up molecular dynamics? How can we describe conformational ensembles by the synergistic effort of computations and experiments? While dynamics is now considered essential for interpreting protein action, it is not yet an integral component in establishing structure-function relationships of proteins. Helping to reshape this classical view in biochemistry, this groundbreaking book explores advances in computational methodology and contributes to the new, ensemble way of studying proteins.

"It was sheer chance that I encountered David Bohm's writing in 1958 ... I knew nothing about him. What struck me about his work and prompted my initial letter was his underlying effort to seek for some larger sense of reality, which seemed a very humanized search." - Charles Biederman, from the foreword of the book
This book marks the beginning of a four thousand page correspondence between Charles Biederman, founder of Constructivism in the 1930s, and David Bohm the prestigious physicist known for his interpretation of quantum theory. Available for the first time, we are given a rare opportunity to read through and engage in a remarkable transatlantic, intellectual discussion on art and science, creativity and theory.

"Astrochemistry and Astrobiology" is the debut volume in the new series "Physical Chemistry in Action." Aimed at both the novice and experienced researcher, this volume outlines the physico-chemical principles which underpin our attempts to understand astrochemistry and predict astrobiology. An introductory chapter includes fundamental aspects of physical chemistry required for understanding the field. Eight further chapters address specific topics, encompassing basic theory and models, up-to-date research and an outlook on future work. The last chapter examines each of the topics again but addressed from a different angle. Written and edited by international experts, this text is accessible for those entering the field of astrochemistry and astrobiology, while it still remains interesting for more experienced researchers.

"Ideas of Quantum Chemistry" shows how quantum mechanics is applied to chemistry to give it a theoretical foundation. From the Schroedinger equation to electronic and nuclear motion to intermolecular interactions, this book covers the primary quantum underpinnings of chemical systems. The structure of the book (a TREE-form) emphasizes the logical relationships among various topics, facts and methods. It shows the reader which parts of the text are needed for understanding specific aspects of the subject matter. Interspersed throughout the text are short biographies of key scientists and their contributions to the development of the field.

"Ideas of Quantum Chemistry" has both textbook and reference work aspects. Like a textbook, the material is organized into digestible sections with each chapter following the same structure. It answers frequently asked questions and highlights the most important conclusions and the essential mathematical formulae in the text. In its reference aspects, it has a broader range than traditional quantum chemistry books and reviews virtually all of the pertinent literature. It is useful both for beginners as well as specialists in advanced topics of quantum chemistry. An appendix on the Internet supplements this book.
Presents the widest range of quantum chemical problems covered in one book Unique structure allows material to be tailored to the specific needs of the reader Informal language facilitates the understanding of difficult topics

This open access book brings out the state of the art on how informatics-based tools are used and expected to be used in nanomaterials research. There has been great progress in the area in which "big-data" generated by experiments or computations are fully utilized to accelerate discovery of new materials, key factors, and design rules. Data-intensive approaches play indispensable roles in advanced materials characterization. "Materials informatics" is the central paradigm in the new trend. "Nanoinformatics" is its essential subset, which focuses on nanostructures of materials such as surfaces, interfaces, dopants, and point defects, playing a critical role in determining materials properties. There have been significant advances in experimental and computational techniques to characterize individual atoms in nanostructures and to gain quantitative information. The collaboration of researchers in materials science and information science is growing actively and is creating a new trend in materials science and engineering.

Special numerical techniques are already needed to deal with nxn matrices for large n.Tensor data are of size nxnx...xn=n DEGREESd, where n DEGREESd exceeds the computer memory by far. They appear for problems of high spatial dimensions. Since standard methods fail, a particular tensor calculus is needed to treat such problems. The monograph describes the methods how tensors can be practically treated and how numerical operations can be performed. Applications are problems from quantum chemistry, approximation of multivariate functions, solution of pde, e.g., with stochastic coefficie

This textbook presents basic numerical methods and applies them to a large variety of physical models in multiple computer experiments. Classical algorithms and more recent methods are explained. Partial differential equations are treated generally comparing important methods, and equations of motion are solved by a large number of simple as well as more sophisticated methods. Several modern algorithms for quantum wavepacket motion are compared. The first part of the book discusses the basic numerical methods, while the second part simulates classical and quantum systems. Simple but non-trivial examples from a broad range of physical topics offer readers insights into the numerical treatment but also the simulated problems. Rotational motion is studied in detail, as are simple quantum systems. A two-level system in an external field demonstrates elementary principles from quantum optics and simulation of a quantum bit. Principles of molecular dynamics are shown. Modern boundary element methods are presented in addition to standard methods, and waves and diffusion processes are simulated comparing the stability and efficiency of different methods. A large number of computer experiments is provided, which can be tried out even by readers with no programming skills. Exercises in the applets complete the pedagogical treatment in the book. In the third edition Monte Carlo methods and random number generation have been updated taking recent developments into account. Krylov-space methods for eigenvalue problems are discussed in much more detail. Short time Fourier transformation and wavelet transformation have been included as tools for time-frequency analysis. Lastly, elementary quantum many-body problems demonstrate the application of variational and Monte-Carlo methods.

This detailed book collects modern and established computer-based methods aimed at addressing the drug discovery challenge from disparate perspectives by exploiting information on ligand-protein recognition. Beginning with methods that allow for the exploration of specific areas of chemical space and the designing of virtual libraries, the volume continues with sections on methods based on docking, quantitative models, and molecular dynamics simulations, which are employed for ligand discovery or development, as well as methods exploiting an ensemble of protein structures for the identification of potential protein targets. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Protein-Ligand Interactions and Drug Design provides detailed practical procedures of solid computer-aided drug design methodologies employed to rationalize and optimize protein-ligand interactions, for experienced researchers and novices alike.

The composition of the most remote objects brought into view by the Hubble telescope can no longer be reconciled with the nucleogenesis of standard cosmology and the alternative explanation, in terms of the Λ-Cold-Dark-Matter model, has no recognizable chemical basis. A more rational scheme, based on the chemistry and periodicity of atomic matter, opens up an exciting new interpretation of the cosmos in terms of projective geometry and general relativity.

The response of atomic structure to environmental pressure predicts non-Doppler cosmical redshifts and equilibrium nucleogenesis by α--particle addition, in accord with observed periodic variation of nuclear abundance.

Inferred cosmic self similarity elucidates the Bode -Titius law, general commensurability in the solar system and the occurrence of quantum phenomena on a cosmic scale.

The generalized periodic function involves both matter and anti-matter in an involuted mapping to a closed projective plane. This topology ensures the same symmetrical balance in a chiral universe, wrapped around an achiral vacuum interface, without singularities.

A new cosmology emerges, based on the theory of projective relativ-ity, presented here as a translation of Veblen's original German text. Not only does it provide a unification of gravity, electromagnetism and quantum theory, through gauge invariance, but also supports the solution of the gravitational field equations, obtained by Godel for a rotating universe.

The appearance of an Einstein-Rosen bridge as outlet from a black hole, into conjugate anti-space, accounts for globular clusters, quasars, cosmic radiation, γ-ray bursters, pulsars, radio sources and other re-gions of plasma activity.

The effects of a multiply-connected space-time manifold on observa-tions in an Euclidean tangent space are unpredictable and a complete re-assessment of the size and structure of the universe is indicated.

The target readership includes scientists, as well as non-scientists - everybody with a scientific or philosophical interest in cosmology and, especially those cosmologists and mathematicians with the ability to recast the crude ideas presented here into appropriate mathematical models.

Metallic systems are ubiquitous in daily life. They play key roles, for example, in the chemistry of many biomolecules, ionic solutions, nanoparticles, and catalytic processes. They may be in solid, liquid, or gaseous form. The interactions of other molecules with metal surfaces are of considerable importance. Each of these topics is addressed in Metallic Systems. As we have entered the age where theoretical approaches are sufficiently mature to complement and guide experiments in many areas, an understanding of the theoretical tools and approaches to studying metallic systems is essential. Metallic Systems is concerned with enhancing our understanding of the diverse chemistry of metals and metal-containing systems and the applicability of modern quantum chemistry methodologies to study them. Metallic Systems presents brief overviews of most of the popular approaches to quantum chemical treatments and computations of chemical systems that include metals. Attention is given to the potentialities and limitations of first principles Density Functional Theory and dynamics methods (e.g. QM/MM approaches). The book emphasizes the importance of using methods that take into account crucial physical features such as explicit solvation, temperature and dynamics of metal-containing systems. It emphasizes first principles calculations in providing reliable and detailed information concerning electronic structures, mechanisms, and reaction energetics. Accessible to newcomers to the field, Metallic Systems overviews theory underpinning current methodologies. It presents a practical set of modalities for studying metallic systems, assesses current technological barriers, and examines future challenges and topics of exploration.

The theoretical methods of quantum chemistry have matured to the point that accurate predictions can be made and experiments can be understood for a wide range of important gas-phase phenomena. A large part of this success can be attributed to the maturation of hierarchies of approximation, which allow one to approach very high accuracy, provided that sufficient computational resources are available. Until recently, these hierarchies have not been available in condensed-phase chemistry, but recent advances in the field have now led to a group of methods that are capable of reaching this goal.

Accurate Condensed-Phase Quantum Chemistry addresses these new methods and the problems to which they can be applied. The book begins with an overview of periodic treatments of electron correlation, with an emphasis on the algorithmic features responsible for their computational efficiency. The first section of the book:

• Describes the Laplace-transform approach to periodic second-order perturbation theory (MP2)
• Examines local and density fitted schemes for MP2 in crystalline systems
• Presents test calculations for a variety of systems with small and medium-sized unit cells

The next section focuses on methods based on treatment of the periodic solid in terms of fragments. This part of the book:

• Explores the incremental many-body scheme for electron correlation in solids, and describes progress towards metals and molecules on surfaces
• Describes the hierarchical method as an alternative fragment-based approach to electron correlation in crystalline solids, using conventional molecular electronic structure methods
• Examines electrostatically embedded many-body expansion for large systems, with an emphasis on molecular clusters and molecular liquids
• Explores delocalized and localized orbital approaches to the electronic structures of periodic and non-periodic solids

Lastly, the book describes a practical method by which conventional molecular electronic structure theory can be applied to molecular liquids and solids. Along with the methodology, it presents results on small to medium water clusters as well as on liquid water.

This new volume is devoted to molecular chemistry and its applications to the fields of biology. It looks at the integration of molecular chemistry with biomolecular engineering, with the goal of creating new biological or physical properties to address scientific or societal challenges. It takes a both multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary perspective on the interface between molecular biology, biophysical chemistry, and chemical engineering. Molecular Chemistry and Biomolecular Engineering: Integrating Theory and Research with Practice provides effective support for the development of the laboratory and data analysis skills that researchers will draw on time and again for the practical aspects and also gives a solid grounding in the broader transferable skills.

The principal focus of this volume is to illustrate the level of accuracy currently achievable by "ab initio" quantum chemical calculations. While new developments in theory are discussed to some extent, the major emphasis is on a comparison of calculated properties with experiments. This focus is similar to the one taken in the book, "Comparison of Ab Initio Quantum Chemistry with Experiment for Small Molecules", edited by Rodney Bartlett (Reidel, 1984). However, the phenomenal improvement in both theoretical methods and computer architecture have made it possible to obtain accurate results for rather large molecular systems. For example, the electronic spectra of the nucleic acid base monomer structures shown on the front cover have been obtained using a fully correlated "ab initio" study. This text is intended for researchers, teachers and students in chemistry and physics.

This book explores novel computational strategies for simulating excess energy dissipation alongside transient structural changes in photoexcited molecules, and accompanying solvent rearrangements. It also demonstrates in detail the synergy between theoretical modelling and ultrafast experiments in unravelling various aspects of the reaction dynamics of solvated photocatalytic metal complexes. Transition metal complexes play an important role as photocatalysts in solar energy conversion, and the rational design of metal-based photocatalytic systems with improved efficiency hinges on the fundamental understanding of the mechanisms behind light-induced chemical reactions in solution. Theory and atomistic modelling hold the key to uncovering these ultrafast processes. Linking atomistic simulations and modern X-ray scattering experiments with femtosecond time resolution, the book highlights previously unexplored dynamical changes in molecules, and discusses the development of theoretical and computational frameworks capable of interpreting the underlying ultrafast phenomena.

The concepts of the Jahn-Teller effect and vibronic coupling are being applied to more and more systems in both chemistry and physics. Aspects of structural chemistry such as the distortion of the nuclear framework to a lower-symmetry conformation have received an increasing attention, as well as the dynamics on the coupled potential energy surfaces.
The Jahn-Teller intersections are now recognized as prototype cases of conical intersections where the nuclear motion is known to be inherently nonadiabatic in nature and interchanges freely between the different potential energy surfaces. In the condensed phase especially, the significance of the Jahn-Teller effect has been increasingly appreciated, following the discovery of superconductivity in the fullerides and of very large ("colossal") magnetoresistance in the manganite perovskites. Indeed, these materials are particularly challenging since the Jahn-Teller interaction competes with electronic correlation effects.
"Vibronic Interactions and the Jahn-Teller Effect: Theory and Applications" provides an in-depth discussion of the Jahn-Teller effect and vibronic interactions as reflected by the contributions presented at the XX International Conference on the Jahn-Teller effect, Fribourg, Switzerland, 2010. The following topics have been treated in a clear and concise way:
Complex topologies of Jahn-Teller effect and conical intersections
Multi-state vibronic interactions on strongly coupled potential energy surfaces
Interplay of vibronic and spin-orbit coupling
Strain in Jahn-Teller systems and cooperative Jahn-Teller effect
Orbital ordering and its relation to ferromagnetism, ferroelectricity and molecular magnets
The Jahn-Teller effect in icosahedral systems
The Jahn-Teller effect and high temperature superconductivity
This book is of interest to a wide audience including academic and industrial theoretical and experimental physicists, chemists, spectroscopists, and crystallographers.

This volume, edited by a well-known specialist in the field of theoretical chemistry, gathers together a selection of papers on theoretical chemistry within the themes of mathematical, computational, and quantum chemistry. The authors present a rich assembly of some of the most important current research in the field of quantum chemistry in modern times. In Quantum Chemistry at the Dawn of the 21st Century, the editors aim to replicate the tradition of the fruitful Girona Workshops and Seminars, held at the University of Girona, Italy, annually for many years, which offered important scientific gatherings focusing on quantum chemistry. This volume, like the workshops, showcases a large variety of quantum chemical contributions from different points of view from some of the leading scientists in the field today. This unique volume does not pretend to provide a complete overview of quantum chemistry, but it does provide a broad set of contributions by some of the leading scientists on the field, under the expert editorship of two leaders in the field.

Advances in the Theory of Chemical and Physical Systems is a collection of 26 selected papers from the scientific presentations made at the 9th European Workshop on Quantum Systems in Chemistry and Physics (QSCP-IX) held at Les Houches, France, in September 2004. This volume encompasses a spectrum of developing topics in which scientists place special emphasis on theoretical methods in the study of chemical and physical properties of various systems: Quantum Chemical Methods (including CC and DFT for excited states) Relativistic and Heavy-Element Systems (including radiative and nuclear effects)Complexes and Clusters (including metal complexes and clusters) Complex Systems (including quasicrystals, nanotubes and proteins).

This volume highlights the recent advances and state of art in the experimental and theoretical studies of organometallic magnets. A plethora of organic ligands such as Mannich-base derivatives, redox-active chromophores, cyanides, Schiff base among others are used to coordinate to 3d transition metals, 4f lanthanides and 5f actinides to design the molecular magnets. Deep analysis of the coordination sphere symmetry, electronic distribution, luminescence are investigated to perform magneto-structural correlation leading to a better understanding of the magnetic properties. Furthermore, the rationalization of the magnetic behavior can be reached using ab initio calculations. The multiple applications that these molecular magnets offer could revolutionize the high-density data storage, spintronics and quantum computing technologies. This volume provides a discussion of these topics from leading international experts and will be a useful reference for researchers working in this field.

This book presents an original investigation into alternative photovoltaic absorbers. Solar power is a highly promising renewable energy solution; however, its success is hampered by the limited cost-effectiveness of current devices. The book assesses the photovoltaic performance of over 20 materials using state-of-the-art, first-principles methods. Adopting a computational approach, it investigates atomic-scale properties at a level of accuracy that is difficult to achieve using laboratory-based experimental techniques. Unlike many theoretical studies, it provides specific advice to those involved in experimental investigations. Further, it proposes directions for future research. This book advances the field of photovoltaics in three crucial ways: firstly, it identifies why one class of proposed materials cannot achieve high efficiency, while at the same time gaining insights that can be used to design future absorbers. Secondly, it shows that poor performance in the bismuth chalcohalides is not due to fundamental limitations, and can be overcome by finely controlling synthesis conditions. Lastly, it describes a range of new stable materials that are expected to show excellent photovoltaic performance.

"Ab initio" quantum chemistry has emerged as an important tool in chemical research and is applied to a wide variety of problems in chemistry and molecular physics. Recent developments of computational methods have enabled previously intractable chemical problems to be solved using rigorous quantum-mechanical methods.

This is the first comprehensive up-to-date and technical work to cover all the important aspects of modern molecular electronic-structure theory. Topics covered in the book include: Second quantization with spin adaptationGaussian basis sets and molecular-integral evaluationHartree-Fock theoryConfiguration-interaction and multi-configurational self-consistent theoryCoupled-cluster theory for ground and excited statesPerturbation theory for single- and multi-configuration statesLinear-scaling techniques and the fast multiple methodExplicitly correlated wave functionsBasis-set convergence and extrapolationCalibration and benchmarking of computational methods, with applications to molecular equilibrium structures, atomization energies and reaction enthalpies.

"Molecular Electronic-Structure" Theory makes extensive use of numerical examples, designed to illustrate the strengths and weaknesses of each method treated. In addition, statements about the usefulness and deficiencies of the various methods are supported by actual examples, not just model calculations. Problems and exercises are provided at the end of each chapter, complete with hints and solutions.

This book is a must for researchers in the field of quantum chemistry as well as for nonspecialists who wish to acquire a thorough understanding of "ab initio" molecular electronic-structure theory and its applications to problems in chemistry and physics. It is also highly recommended for the teaching of graduates and advanced undergraduates.

Molecular symmetry operations provide an easily applied tool for understanding and predicting molecular properties, including certain reaction dynamics and quantum mechanical descriptions of molecules. Traditionally the molecular approach has been taught through point group and rotational symmetries (Schonflies notation and group theory) to undergraduates and graduates in chemistry, physics and material science and then these are applied to understanding various molecular properties. molecular symmetry, which leads to a greater insight into the application of symmetry in predicting and explaining the observational spectroscopic results and quantum mechanical applications, but also yields the simpler idealised symmetry operations for 'simple' molecules. This more in depth approach is needed by chemical physicists and physical chemists for detailed spectroscopic analysis of molecular materials (and has applications from characterising new compounds, understanding electronic structure and reaction dynamics to exploring the composition of interstellar gas) and quantum mechanical applications. This text provides a through grounding in molecular symmetry and group theory suitable for undergraduates and more detailed applications needed by graduate students and researchers in molecular physics, chemical physics, physical chemistry and solid state physics.

On-surface synthesis is appearing as an extremely promising strategy to create organic nanoarchitectures with atomic precision. Molecular building blocks holding adequate functional groups are dosed onto surfaces that support or even drive their covalent linkage. The surface confinement and the frequent lack of solvents (most commonly being performed under vacuum conditions) create a completely new scenario fully complementary to conventional chemistry. In a pedagogical way and based on the most recent developments, this volume presents our current understanding in the field, addressing fundamental reaction mechanisms, synthetic strategies to influence the reactions according to our needs, as well as the ultimate growth and characterization of functional materials. Verging on chemistry, physics and materials science, the book is aimed at students and researchers interested in nanochemistry, surface science, supramolecular materials and molecular devices. Chapters "Mechanistic insights into surface-supported chemical reactions", "Reactivity on and of Graphene Layers: Scanning Probe Microscopy Reviels" and "Bottom-up fabrication of atomically precise graphene nanoribbons" of this book are available open access under a CC BY 4.0 license at link.springer.com

Offering a comprehensive narrative of the early history of stereochemistry, Dr Ramberg explores the reasons for and the consequences of the fundamental change in the meaning of chemical formulas with the emergence of stereochemistry during the last quarter of the nineteenth century. As yet relatively unexplored by historians, the development of stereochemistry - the study of the three-dimensional properties of molecules - provides a superb case study for exploring the meaning and purpose of chemical formulas, as it entailed a significant change in the meaning of chemical formulas from the purely chemical conception of 'structure' to the physico-chemical conception of molecules provided by the tetrahedral carbon atom. This study is the first to treat the emergence of the unique visual language of organic chemistry between 1830 and 1874 to place in context the near simultaneous proposal of the tetrahedral carbon atom by J.H. van 't Hoff and J.A. Le Bel in 1874. Dr Ramberg then examines the research programs in stereochemistry by Johannes Wislicenus, Arthur Hantzsch, Victor Meyer, Carl Bischoff, Emil Fischer and Alfred Werner, showing how the emergence of stereochemistry was a logical continuation of established research traditions in chemistry. In so doing, he also illustrates the novel and controversial characteristics of stereochemical ideas, especially the unprecedented use of mechanistic and dynamic principles in chemical explanation.

Theoretical chemistry has been an area of tremendous expansion and development over the past decade; from an approach where we were able to treat only a few atoms quantum mechanically or make fairly crude molecular dynamics simulations, into a discipline with an accuracy and predictive power that has rendered it an essential complementary tool to experiment in basically all areas of science.
This volume gives a flavour of the types of problems in biochemistry that theoretical calculations can solve at present, and illustrates the tremendous predictive power these approaches possess.
A wide range of computational approaches, from classical MD and Monte Carlo methods, via semi-empirical and DFT approaches on isolated model systems, to Car-Parinello QM-MD and novel hybrid QM/MM studies are covered. The systems investigated also cover a broad range; from membrane-bound proteins to various types of enzymatic reactions as well as inhibitor studies, cofactor properties, solvent effects, transcription and radiation damage to DNA.