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Ultraviolet Radiation in the Solar System
The Sun is our main source of UV radiation and its description occupies the first two chapters of the book. The Earth is the only known location where life exists in a planetary system and therefore where the interaction of living organism with UV radiation can be tested through different epochs and on distinct species. The development of the human technology has affected the natural shield of ozone that protects complex lifeforms against damaging UV irradiation. The formation of the ozone hole and its consequences are described, together with the possible contribution of UV radiation to recent climate changes. Finally, we will discuss the potential role of ultraviolet light in the development of life on bodies such as Mars, Europa and Titan.
Radiation Induced Molecular Phenomena in Nucleic Acids : A Comprehensive Theoretical and Experimental Analysis
This volume presents a comprehensive overview of theoretical and experimental data on Ultraviolet radiation and low energy electron induced phenomena in nucleic acid fragments. The elucidation of possible mechanisms of these events is important for all living species and hence the technical challenges involved in the exploration of these processes are discussed. This volume will be of particular interest for those involved in understanding the photophysical and photochemical properties of nucleic acid bases, base assemblies, and also model systems related to nucleic acids. The chapter contributions assembled in Radiation Induced Molecular Phenomena in Nucleic Acids are written by theoreticians and experimentalists of international distinction.
Patterns of Light : Chasing the Spectrum from Aristotle to LEDs
Light is all around us – even when we do not see it. Our eyes do not detect the higher energy and shorter-than-visible-wavelength ultraviolet radiation, yet we know it is there from the sunburn we receive in Arizona. We know that window glass can block ultraviolet rays so we do not get a burn while driving with the windows rolled up. Our eyes do not detect the low-energy, long-wavelength infrared (IR) radiation but we know it exists from discussions of war applications and televised images of guided weapons targets. We also know about radio waves from the little boxes that talk to us and x-rays from the dentist's office.
Ozone : Pharmaceutical forms and therapeutic applications
The Ozone gas absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun and plays a role in the continuation of the biological balance of the earth. It was used as a disinfectant due to its bactericidal and fungicidal effects. The Germans used in the treatment of gaseous gangrenous soldiers in the First World War and after the success in the treatment; ozone was started to be used in the treatment of diseases as medical component. Nowadays, surgery, internal diseases, neurology, urology, dermatology and gynecology use ozone in the treatment of diseases and in many other domains such as skin care and disinfection of liquids and mediums. Ozone gas plays a role in strengthening of the body's defense mechanism.
Coherent sources of XUV radiation : Soft X-ray lasers and high-order harmonic generation
Extreme ultraviolet radiation, also referred to as soft X-rays or XUV, offers very special optical properties. The X-UV refractive index of matter is such that normal reflection cannot take place on polished surfaces whereas beam transmission through one micrometer of almost all materials reduces to zero. Therefore, it has long been a difficult task to imagine and to implement devices designed for complex optics experiments in this wavelength range. Thanks to new sources of coherent radiation - XUV-lasers and High Order Harmonics - the use of XUV radiation, for interferometry, holography, diffractive optics, non-linear radiation-matter interaction, time-resolved study of fast and ultrafast phenomena and many other applications, including medical sciences, is ubiquitous.
Algal Chemical Ecology
This is the first ever book devoted entirely to the chemical ecology of algae. Algae from both marine and freshwater habitats are covered, as are macroalgae (seaweeds) and microalgae (including phytoplankton). While its main emphasis is on the ecological rather than chemical aspects of the field, the book also includes a unique introductory chapter intended as a primer on algal natural products chemistry for ecologists. It elucidates the roles of chemical defenses in various regions and habitats, of DMSP, oxidative burst responses, and herbivore offense. Topics such as algal sensory chemical ecology and defenses against ultraviolet radiation are also treated, and an introduction to the chemical ecology of phytoplankton is provided.
