Experimental and Theoretical Studies of Irreversible Processes

约翰·罗斯教授获得了理论与计算化学项目的资助，继续进行不可逆过程的实验和理论研究。Ross将在三个具体领域进行研究，包括：1)宏观化学动力学系统的计算研究，探索不同类型非线性系统模式识别的可能性；2)建立了基于化学计量网络分析的复杂反应机理分类方法；3)非平衡态化学系统的热力学和随机公式的实验和理论研究。Ross最近表明，质量耦合连续搅拌槽式反应器（CSTRs）可以模拟双稳态开关器件，并且可以被视为计算机逻辑元件。这些器件的组合也可以模拟基本的逻辑门，如与、或和非门。这项工作可以作为生物神经元的模型，并回答有关包括人类大脑在内的生命系统中计算和模式识别机制的基本问题。

Professor John Ross is supported by a grant from the Theoretical and Computational Chemistry Program to continue his research involving experimental and theoretical studies of irreversible processes. Ross will conduct research in three specific areas including: 1) computational studies of macroscopic chemical kinetic systems to explore the possibility of pattern recognition by different types of nonlinear systems; 2) development of a methodology for categorizing complex reaction mechanisms based on stoichiometric network analysis; and 3) experimental and theoretical studies on the thermodynamics and stochastic formulation of chemical systems far from equilibrium. Ross has recently shown that mass coupled continuously stirred tank reactors (CSTRs) can emulate bistable switching devices and could be considered as computer logic elements. Combinations of such devices could also emulate the basic logic gates such as AND, OR and NOR gates. This work may serve as a model for biological neurons, and answer fundamental questions regarding the mechanism of computation and pattern recognition in living systems including the human brain.