The study of inflammation has captured the interest of scholars since the earliest recorded history. Symbols identifying the cardinal signs of inflammation were uncovered in both Sanskrit and hieroglyphics (1). Since complete apprecia tion of the inflammatory process is underscored by the need for knowledge at both the cellular and molecular levels, academic inquiry in the area of inflammation has led, in many respects, the foray of current biomedical research. Molecular and Cellular Basis of Inflammation represents research from the cutting edge in the broad view of inflammation. The chapters are written by experts with a multidisciplinary approach to the study of inflammatory and cellular processes, and thus include contributions form the fields of molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, immunology, and pathobiology. Molecular and Cellular Basis of Inflammation was first conceived during a mini symposium sponsored by the American Society for Investigative Pathology held at FASEB in 1995 entitled "The Role of Reactive Lipids, Oxygen and Nitro gen Metabolites in Inflammation," at which several of the contributing authors delivered lectures. This present, much-extended volume includes leading-front descriptions of both protein and lipid mediators. The chapter devoted to the comple ment cascade by Ward and colleagues, as well as Chapters 3-7 and 13, provide up to-date descriptions of the biosynthesis, molecular biology, chemistry, and actions of both protein and lipid mediators.

Shows how Rainier skillfully coped with the immense difficulties of maintaining British naval power in a huge area fraught with difficult circumstances. When war broke out with France in 1793, there immediately arose the threat of a renewed French challenge to British supremacy in India. This security problem was compounded in 1795 when the French overran the Netherlands and the extremely valuable Dutch trade routes and Dutch colonies, including the Cape of Good Hope and what is now Indonesia, fell under French control. The task of securing British interests in the East was a formidable one: the distanceswere huge, communication with London could take years, there were problems marshalling resources, and fine diplomatic skills were needed to keep independent rulers on the British side and to ensure full co-operation from the EastIndia Company. The person charged with overseeing this formidable task was Admiral Peter Rainier (1741-1808), commander of the Royal Navy in the Indian Ocean and the East from 1794 to 1805. This book discusses the enormous difficulties Rainier faced. It outlines his career, explaining how he carried out his role with exceptional skill; how he succeeded in securing British interests in the East - whilst avoiding the need to fight a major battle; how he enhanced Britain's commanding position at sea; and how, additionally, in co-operation with the Governor-General, Richard Wellesley, he further advanced Britain's position in India itself. Peter Ward completed a PhD in naval history at the University of Exeter after a career in international personnel management, working for Californian high technology companies in the United States, Hong Kong and Europe.

The study of inflammation has captured the interest of scholars since the earliest recorded history. Symbols identifying the cardinal signs of inflammation were uncovered in both Sanskrit and hieroglyphics (1). Since complete apprecia tion of the inflammatory process is underscored by the need for knowledge at both the cellular and molecular levels, academic inquiry in the area of inflammation has led, in many respects, the foray of current biomedical research. Molecular and Cellular Basis of Inflammation represents research from the cutting edge in the broad view of inflammation. The chapters are written by experts with a multidisciplinary approach to the study of inflammatory and cellular processes, and thus include contributions form the fields of molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, immunology, and pathobiology. Molecular and Cellular Basis of Inflammation was first conceived during a mini symposium sponsored by the American Society for Investigative Pathology held at FASEB in 1995 entitled "The Role of Reactive Lipids, Oxygen and Nitro gen Metabolites in Inflammation," at which several of the contributing authors delivered lectures. This present, much-extended volume includes leading-front descriptions of both protein and lipid mediators. The chapter devoted to the comple ment cascade by Ward and colleagues, as well as Chapters 3-7 and 13, provide up to-date descriptions of the biosynthesis, molecular biology, chemistry, and actions of both protein and lipid mediators."

The acute inflammatory response is the body s first system of alarm signals that are directed toward containment and elimination of microbial invaders. Uncontrolled inflammation has emerged as a pathophysiologic basis for many widely occurring diseases in the general population that were not initially known to be linked to the inflammatory response, including cardiovascular disease, asthma, arthritis, and cancer. To better manage treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of these wide-ranging diseases, multidisciplinary research efforts are underway in both academic and industry settings. The purpose of this book is to provide an introduction to the cell types, chemical mediators, and general mechanisms of the host s first response to invasion. World-class experts from institutions around the world have written chapters for this introductory text. The text is presented as an introductory springboard for graduate students, postdoctoral Fellows, medical scientists, and researchers from other disciplines who wish to gain an appreciation and working knowledge of current cellular and molecular mechanisms fundamental to inflammation.