Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, characterized by progressive chronic airflow obstruction, is a common respiratory disorder and cause of death in adults, but has received little attention compared with other respiratory diseases such as asthma and lung cancer. Current treatment offers some symptomatic relief, but does not address the underlying process. As smoking cessation is the only intervention known to alter the rate of disease progression, there is a great need for the development of superior therapies for symptomatic relief and disease modification. This book reviews and...

This book brings together scientists working at the interface between the cell cycle, cell growth and development in a variety of model systems and research paradigms. The focus is on understanding how such diverse developmental inputs can modulate cell cycle regulation and, reciprocally, how a common way of regulating cell cycle progression can participate in different developmental strategies.

This important book covers the structure and molecular biology of small round structured viruses (SSRVs) such as caliciviruses and astroviruses, and the basic pathology of infection. It provides readers with the knowledge needed to make progress in the prevention and treatment of these infections. Readers will also find an overview of gastroentitis vaccines, their structure and molecular biology, as well as the basic pathology of infection, epidemiology and surveillance.

• Provides an interdisciplinary approach, offering contributions from basic and clinical research
• Discusses...

This important and exciting work brings together a high-calibre group of experts to discuss the practical application of genomic information to the development of drugs. Recent technological advances have led to a rapid acceleration in our ability to gather genetic data. The complete genetic sequences are now known for several organisms and accelerated programmes are in place for sequencing many other genomes, including human. The speed with which complete sequencing can be accomplished will continue to increase as new technologies come online. In principle, the scope for developing new...

Insect-Plant Interactions and Induced Plant Defence
Chair: John A. Pickett, 1999

This book examines the sophisticated mechanisms that plants use to defend themselves against attack by insects and pathogens, focusing on the networks of plant signalling pathways that underlie these defences. In response to herbivory, plants release a complex blend of as many as 100 volatile chemicals, known as semiochemicals ('sign chemicals'). These act as an airborne SOS signal, revealing the presence of the herbivore to the predators and parasitoids that are its natural enemies. Plants also...