Dynamic and statistical properties of generalized stepwise mutation models are described and used to compare data on human di-, tri-, and tetranucleotide polymorphisms. The time-dependent behavior of an island model with stepwise mutation is analyzed and its equilibrium properties used to estimate the product Nm of the population size and the migration rate. Population statistics are derived fr...

We offer a new perspective on games of irreversible investment under uncertainty in continuous time. The basis is a particular approach to solve the involved stochastic optimal control problems which allows to establish existence and uniqueness of an oligopolistic open loop equilibrium in a very general framework without reliance on any Markovian property. It simultaneously induces quite natura...

Group II intron ribozymes fold into their native structure by a unique stepwise process that involves an initial slow compaction followed by fast formation of the native state in a Mg(2+)-dependent manner. Single-molecule fluorescence reveals three distinct on-pathway conformations in dynamic equilibrium connected by relatively small activation barriers. From a most stable near-native state, th...

The stepwise solvation-equilibrium model of Stokes and Robinson isused for a description of departures from ideality in ionic solutions. It is shown howto construct a thermodynamically consistent model including solvation effects. Sim-ple expressions are derived for the mean ion solvation number. The model is appliedto strong electrolyte solutions (pure water+salt and mixed aque...

Modeling atmospheric aerosols containing a large organic fraction with unknown chemical composition and properties has been a constant challenge. The dissertation focuses on the theoretical treatment of the thermodynamic equilibrium of atmospheric aerosol involving organic species. We present a vapor pressure estimation method, based on quantum chemistry methods, to predict the liquid vapor pre...