Mathematical aspects of pattern formation in biological systems (Q368250)

Mathematical modeling is quite a burgeoning field of study. Representing a natural phenomenon is challenging, a non-ending process that does evolve as we expand interdisciplinary studies. This book deals with the mathematical analysis of patterns encountered in biological systems, using a variety of functional analysis methods to prove the existence of solutions. It is the authors' own account and expansion of their results over a fifteen year period, which contributes to initiating a systematic program of rigorous mathematical investigation into pattern formation for large-scale amplitude patterns far from equilibrium in biologically relevant models. By reviewing the bifurcation of patterned states from unstable homogeneous steady states which differ from the standard instability approach by Turing, one can investigate large-amplitude patterns in the case of multiple spikes which concentrate at certain points of the underlying domain. Previous studies have introduced non-local eigenvalue problems in one-dimensional settings, this books extends that concept to general partial differential equations without any symmetry assumptions, but with only a smoothness requirement at the boundary. The book is not for lay readers but is ``\dots of interest to graduate students and researchers who are ACTIVE \dots''. It is indeed written for advanced graduates and experts interested in the mathematics of pattern formation and reaction-diffusion equations. The linkage of results in the book to biological applications as well as highlighting their relevance to natural phenomena have nothing obvious for a beginner in this field. Also, little background information is provided at the beginning of most chapters. The mathematical proofs are quite robust and readers interested in the study of pattern formation will find it quite interesting to have a compilation of such an amount of information in one place. I would recommend other textbooks to someone interested or active in mathematical biology. However, this is a good reference source for various advanced theories and mathematical applications in this field. The book layout is excellent, but its greatest interest is the specific context in which it is written; to provide the reader with advanced theories on {\parindent= 0.5 cm \begin{itemize} \item[--] examining existence of spiky steady states in reaction-diffusion systems \item[--] exploring spatially homogeneous two-component activator-inhibitor system in 1 or 2-D, and finally \item[--] extending the theories by adding extra effects with specific roles in developmental biology such as spatial inhomogeneity, large reaction rates, convection, modified or altered boundary conditions and saturation terms (to name a few). \end{itemize}}