Based on the '240' Conference held at the University of Chicago in September of 2012, this special volume of The Advances in Chemical Physics series celebrates scientific research contributions and careers of R. Stephen Berry, Stuart A. Rice and Joshua Jortner.

Part I The Emergence and Breakdown of Complexity Features of Complexity 3by Ronnie Kosloff Exploring Quantum-Classical Boundary 19by Kenji Ohmori Transition from Atoms to Clusters to Condensed Matter 25by Julius Jellinek Free Energies of Staging a Scenario and Perpetual Motion Machines of the Third Kind 43by Peter Salamon, Bjarne Andresen, Karl Heinz Hoffmann, James D. Nulton, Anca M. Segall, and Forest L. Rohwer Finite-Time Thermodynamics Tools to Analyze Dissipative Processes 57by Karl Heinz Hoffmann, Bjarne Andresen, and Peter Salamon New Types of Complexity in Chemical Kinetics: Intersections, Coincidences, and Special Symmetrical Relationships 69by G. S. Yablonsky, D. Constales, and G. B. Marin Opportunities in the Area of Noise in Biological Reaction Networks 75by Aaron R. Dinner Thermodynamic Approach to Chemical Networks 85by G. Nicolis and C. Nicolis On the Emergence of Simple Structures in Complex Phenomena: Concepts and Some Numerical Examples 97by Martin Quack The Emergence of Simplicity from Complexity 119by John D. Weeks and John C. Tully Part II Dynamics at Extremes On the Way to a Theory of Solid State Synthesis: Issues and Open Questions 125by J. Christian Schön Beyond Molecular Conduction: Optical and Thermal Effects in Molecular Junctions 135by Abraham Nitzan Thermal Conductance at the Interface Between Molecules 159by David M. Leitner Laser Energy Deposition in Nanodroplets and Nuclear Fusion Driven by Coulomb Explosion 165by Andreas Heidenreich Understanding Ultraintense x-ray Interactions with Matter 183by Linda Young Time-Dependent Computational Methods for Matter Under Extreme Conditions 195by Barry I. Schneider, Klaus R. Bartschat, Xiaoxu Guan, David Feder, and Lee A. Collins Elementary Excitations in Ultracold Finite Systems 215by John Weiner Part III Grand Questions On Biomolecular Homochirality as a Quasi-Fossil of the Evolution of Life 249by Martin Quack Origins of Life 293by Sydney Leach Author Index 315 Subject Index 343

Outstanding challenges for chemical physics in the 21st century The Advances in Chemical Physics series is dedicated to reviewing new and emerging topics as well as the latest developments in traditional areas of study in the field of chemical physics. Each volume features detailed comprehensive analyses coupled with individual points of view that integrate the many disciplines of science that are needed for a full understanding of chemical physics. Volume 157 is based on the “240 Conference” held at the University of Chicago in September of 2012 and celebrates the scientific research contributions and careers of R. Stephen Berry, Stuart A. Rice and Joshua Jortner through exploration of open problems in chemical physics and related fields.  These problems are organized into three central themes: Emergence and breakdown of complexityDynamics at extremesGrand questions regarding the origin and evolution of life Reviews published in Advances in Chemical Physics are typically longer than those published in journals, providing the space needed for readers to fully grasp the topic: the fundamentals as well as the latest discoveries, applications, and emerging avenues of research. Extensive cross-referencing enables readers to explore the primary research studies underlying each topic. AARON R. DINNER received his bachelor’s degree and doctorate from Harvard University, after which he conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Oxford and the University of California, Berkeley. He joined the faculty at The University of Chicago in 2003. STUART A. RICE received his master’s degree and doctorate from Harvard University and was a junior fellow at Harvard for two years before joining the faculty of The University of Chicago in 1957, where he is currently the Frank P. Hixon Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus.