The book introduces new techniques which imply rigorous lower bounds on the complexity of some number theoretic and cryptographic problems. These methods and techniques are based on bounds of character sums and numbers of solutions of some polynomial equations over finite fields and residue rings. It also contains a number of open problems and proposals for further research. We obtain several lower bounds, exponential in terms of logp, on the de grees and orders of polynomials; algebraic functions; Boolean functions; linear recurring sequences; coinciding with values of the discrete logarithm...

Variations in seismic Q are sensitive to a much greater extent than are seismic velocity variations on factors such as temperature, fluid content, and the movement of solid state defects in the earth. For that reason an understanding of Q and its variation with position in the earth and with time should provide information in earth's tectonic evolution, as well as on aspects of its internal structure. Progress in understanding Q has suffered from difficulty in obtaining reliable amplitude data at global and temporary stations. Moreover, laboratory determinations of Q, until recently, were...

Combinatorial chemistry in conjunction with High Throughput Screening (HTS) is revolutionizing the drug discovery process. Yet, we have much to learn about the integration of these powerful techniques with info rmation from genomics, proteomics, computation and pharmacokinetics be fore dramatic increases in the drug discovery/development processes ca n be achieved. The chapters in this book represent the state of the ar t regarding the integration of combinatorial chemistry and HTS in conn ection with anti-inflammatory targets. Obviously, there is much work t o be done beyond what is...

A wealth of information has accumulated over the last few years on the human genome. The new insights have completely changed the focus of protein analysis. It is no longer time-consuming analysis of unknown products, but rather selective identifications of individual forms, modifications and processings, and overall analysis of global protein outputs from cells and tissues in health and disease. This book gears to the rising need of sensitive, accurate, and fast separation and identification techniques in proteomics. It discusses current methodologies of modern protein analysis, from...

Our major objective for this book is to profile cytokines that have be en recently identified. The therapeutic potential of these cytokines b ased on their known properties will be discussed by the authors. The m ain aim of this book is to provide both academic and industry research ers with the current status of research with each of these cytokines a nd the development status of those that are already in clinical develo pment.

This volume describes recent research in the field of metalloproteinases (a family of enzymes that can catalyze tissue degradation), in particular their participation in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, reviewing the latest developments in metalloproteinase inhibitor design and the current status of clinical candidates. This volume is intended not only for those active in research into metalloproteinases but also for those with an interest in inflammatory diseases. Thus it addresses both academic and industrial researchers.

Gene therapy for inflammatory diseases is a new, burgeoning field of m edicine. Edited by the undisputed pioneers of this area of research, t his volume is the first devoted to its topic. It contains thirteen cha pters, each written by leaders in their respective fields, that summar ize the state of the art in developing novel, gene based treatments fo r inflammatory diseases. As well as providing an introduction to the b asic concepts of gene therapy and the use of naked DNA approaches, the book describes the advances that have been made in applying them to a rthritis, lupus, multiple...

Airways inflammation is a complex biological phenomenon resulting from the recruitment and activation of numerous cell types. This book provides a collection of valuable reviews on the major inflammatory cells involved in airways disease and examines the pharmacology of current anti-inflammatory drugs used in the treatment of airways disease.

Apoptosis is a form of cell death that occurs in a controlled manner and is generally noninflammatory in nature. Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, implies a cell death that is part of a normal physiological process of pruning of unneeded cells. However, many disease conditions utilize apoptosis for pathological ends, resulting in inappropriate cell death and tissue destruction. This book starts with an introduction that reviews the general characteristics of apoptosis, its regulation and its role in physiology and disease. Next, the book focuses on three areas as they relate to...

In Vivo Models of Inflammation (Vol. 1 and Vol. 2) provides biomedical researchers in both the pharmaceutical industry and academia with a description of the state-of-the-art animal model systems used to emulate diseases with components of inflammation. This second edition acts as a complement to the first, describing and updating the standard models that are most utilized for specific disease areas. New models are included exploring emerging areas of inflammation research.