e ubiquity of computers and their bur- entific promise as well as public attention. The geoning growth in the vast diversity of first includes a myriad of "compute-intense" applications to medical issues have created technologies that have given rise to a wide

terminologies and definitions that might range of applications, including computer-aid- sometimes sound vague and confusing to a ed medical devices, computer-aided surgery, non-computational biomedical scientist or a computer-aided decision making, computer- clinical educator. Terms such as "computers aided design of prosthesis, and computer-aided in medicine", "biomedical computing", and instructions. In contrast to these specific goal- "medical informatics" represent a generaliza- oriented developmental entities, what has tion of overlapping branches of computing become equally widespread is the indispens- activities. These terms address those applica- able support that computers provide in the tions in the mainstream focus of individual or work place. groups of investigators. From these efforts Within the framework of a biomedical sci- have stemmed many technological innova- ences and clinical research environment, appli- tions in computing that are applied today in cations requiring computing technology range biomedical education and clinical research. from classical data acquisition and analysis

and modeling of sense, there are biomedical sys-

applications that Divkion of bdemic Computing & Rodidagl variety of basic have captured sci- URivsrsify of MediKhe and Dentistry of New Jersey science issues such

In the broadest

two classes of S. laxminarayan S. Parmett and S. Reantragoon tems, to a wide

March 1992 0739-51 75/92/$3.0001992 IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AN0 BIOLOGY 35

as computer-aided de- sign of efficient drugs for AIDS therapy, mo- lecular modeling appli- cations in the design of proteins, and develop- ment of efficient algo- rithms in the analysis of DNA sequences. An obvious scenario in a molecular biology labo- ratory is the way in which computers enable the basic scientists to move routinely and swiftly from simple word processing, to a search of DNA and pro- tein databases, to a dis- play of sequences, and to running simulation mod- els of DNA methylases (special proteins that stop restriction enzymes from cutting bits of genetic material), and at the same time, to check the scientific literature for previous work on a particular chemical structure. Typically, the scientist's work place consists of a het- erogeneous computing platform requir- ing diverse application software packages to run the particular unit. For example, the computing platform might include an IBM PC, Silicon Graphics IRIS workstation, and log-on facilities from the laboratory terminal into a Hewlett Packard HP9000/840 supermi- ni that provides access via network to a CRAY-YMP supercomputer. The applications in this environment range from electronic mail, to accessing library systems and international databases such as the GenBank and the Human Genome Database. It a l so extends to novel supercomputing tools for molecular modeling and dynamics and computer graphics required in the understanding of the three dimensional protein structures [ 11.

All of these needs would imply that the work place should provide an infras- tructure on which to build a distributed electronic environment, enabling scien- tists to interact with instrumentation, data, joumals and books, and each other. This article examines some of the key constituents of computerization in the biomedical sciences and clinical research.

substrate (red).-The yellow are the amino acids of the enzyme which hind to the substrate. This substrate is added to DNA during polymerization reac- tion. A detailed understanding of these interactions help develop a model for AZT Complex.

omputing Units The biomedical basic-science c environment of the 90s can be

seen as a scientific 'Union', typically spanning the activities of ( I ) a Genetic Engineering Resources Center; (2) a

3b

Molecular Modeling and Dynamics Laboratory; (3) a Visualization and Imaging Center; (4) a Biomedical Signals Processing Laboratory; (5) a Computer Graphics Unit; and (6) a Mathemat ica l /Bios ta t i s t ica l and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. Advanced computational and network- ing technologies are the basis of inter- connect ivi ty among these var ious activities, as well as the ease with which the individual tasks are per- formed. Many molecular biology research projects, for example, involve the cloning and sequencing of a gene. Despite several different protocols, they all reduce in the end to a set of sequence fragments that must be com- bined and corrected to produce the fin- ished sequence. Col lect ing, as- sembling and correcting the sequence data are today impossible without adequate advanced computing facili- ties [2].

G enetic Engineering Resources Center A resource center for genetic engi-

neering provides the tools necessary for handling the enormously large sets of quantitative information. The main source of this information base is the DNA sequencing and the associated sequences of amino acids in proteins. There are a multitude of laboratories, worldwide, that are actively involved in large scale sequencing efforts. These efforts generate a constant flow of

nucleotide sequence data to centralized databanks such as the GenBank and the PIR, which then can be accessed by individual researchers. The organiza- tion of these databanks and the devel- opment of suitable algorithms for the analysis of data, such as searches for similarities among sequences and other pattern recognition algorithms, are only a few of the many challenges facing the world of computational biology. Computer programs to map and sequence complex genomes, including the human genome, are issues that are constantly being addressed by comput- er scientists [3,4].

In creating an electronic environment for biomedical scientists in their work- place, it is critical to ensure that the resources available permit access to the international databases, either locally or via network connectivity. When integrated into the computing environ- ment, software packages such as EUGENE and SAM (developed by the Molecular Biology Information Resource at the Department of Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas) and GCG (Genetics Computer Group, Inc, University Research Park, Madison, Wisconsin) will further enhance the ability to per- form complex analysis of the sequence data. The quality of training imparted to biomedical sciences students of the 90s will be radically influenced by pro- moting these tools in the curricula. Providing access to these technologies

March 1492 IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY

is a critical ingredient in the design of the electronic environment.

M olecular Modeling Laboratory Molecules are the essence of the body. Their three dimensional

shapes hold the key to the major riddles of modern biology, especially in the areas of AIDS and cancer research. With advances in X-ray crystallography and NMR protocols, we are now able to map the three dimensional structures of complex biomolecules, for example, proteins. Using the latest advances in computer graphics and protein and genetic engineering, scientists can now make new biomolecules of industrial importance.

The basis of this heavily computer-aid- ed technology is the application of a powerful tool called molecular modeling and dynamics. Molecular modeling allows the precise analysis of certain fea- tures of the structure of molecules and compounds. Using these principles, tech- nology has reached a point of defining individual atoms in molecules. One of the most exciting developments in the use of molecular modeling and dynamics techniques is in the computer- aided design of new biologically active molecules that could be used as drugs. For example, our own Division of Academic Computing in the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) is involved in projects aimed at finding new and more effective drugs for treatment of AIDS. One of the most promising strategies for the treatment of this disease is to inhibit the process of reverse transcription (RT). Computer- assisted three dimensional molecular modeling, and in particular, the tech- nique of receptor mapping has been applied to help predict which electronic features of a selected set of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) reverse transcriptase inhibitors best correlate with activity. Critical examination of the receptor maps may facilitate the synthet- ic design of more potent and more selec- tive inhibitors of HIV-RT [5,6].

Protein engineering is another power- ful tool for exploring correlations between amino acid sequence, the three dimensional structure, the biological activity, and the biochemical properties of proteins. The method involves substi- tuting a new amino acid for one or more amino acids in the protein sequence, using genetic engineering methods such as site directed mutagenesis. A knowl- edge of the structure of these molecules is a pre-requisite for explaining their role in controlling processes and in designing new proteins with improved functional properties. In addition, basic research in prediction and understanding of protein folding will aid new drug development

Morch 1992

processes. As theories are developed, they can be entered into computer pro- grams and used as part of molecular modeling packages. A typical interaction phenomenon between an enzyme and substrate is illustrated in Fig. 1. Analyzing these types of interactions is part of the on-going molecular modeling and molecular dynamics efforts in our laboratory. Our goal is to understand DNA polymerization reaction at atomic levels by using genetics and biochemical molecular structural data [7].

Molecular modeling techniques require advanced computational hard- ware, software and multidisciplinary knowledge. These are expensive items, and in a multi-user environment are not cost effective for an individual. Integration of these tools into a global electronic infrastructure provides the most benefit. Applications of molecular dynamics are highly compute-intensive and often require the use of high perfor- mance supercomputers. Connectivity and access to these machines are an integral part of the electronic environ- ment in the workplace.

dent if ic Visualization The continuously on-going prolifer- S ation of computational applications

has generated millions of numbers in a blizzard of computer printouts. Scientific visualization using specialized workstations has revolutionized the way we look at these computer generated results. We can convert numbers into

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meaningful pictures that can be assem- bled on a video tape for later analysis. For example, in molecular dynamics studies, a typical phenomenon visual- ized is the binding of DNA to a protein. Real time visualization of the dynamics of such mechanisms, using photo cap- turing techniques, can be of immense value to researchers.

In medical research, visualization tech- nology provides scientists with new insights through images generated from complex multi-dimensional data sets. This revolutionary technology provides opportunities to study, in intricate detail, the most complex physiological and anatomical structures otherwise impos- sible to see. For example, non-invasive medical imaging techniques such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging generate a sequence of image slices from a three dimensional volume of density information. Viewing this volume poses challenges, since the sequential viewing of slices from a three dimensional real world is not part of our normal visual experiences. In order to perceive the three dimensional structure contained in a volume of data, the view- er must mentally integrate the data from slice to slice to form a model. With the advent of high performance worksta- tions and graphics technology, we are now able to use sophisticated computer software to analyze such data, and to present it in an elegant and useful visual form. Rendering features such as rota- tion, projection, coloring and shading (required to display an object on the computer screen), the ability to make surfaces transparent and thus, in effect, to reveal the internal structure of a vol- ume-filling object, and a whole range of other workstation tools allow us to enhance our perception and understand- ing of three dimensional structures. Computer visualization has become a vital tool in diverse areas such as surgi- cal planning and treatment, orthopedic prosthesis, neuroanatomical modeling, and diagnostic medicine. Our own clini- cal research activities at the UMDNJ, in which 3-D visualization is being explored and applied, include cardiac imaging studies (perfusion imaging, functional imaging, and gated blood- pool studies), imaging of organs such as the brain, imaging of craniofacial defor- mities and image fusion of multiple modalities.

In the context of creating an electronic environment, there are major network- ing and data communication considera- tions that need to be addressed in these studies. For example, the image trans- mission from the Radiology Department to the Image Processing Laboratory over a fiber optic network with high speed communication protocols is an impor-

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tant design issue. Within the clinical and preclinical educational framework, visu- alization has tremendous promise as a novel teaching tool [8,9].

imitations of Traditional Preclinical Medical Education L In general, anatomical concepts are

introduced to students of medicine and other health professions via the cadaver and anatomical drawings. Dissection frequently alters as it reveals, so the stu- dent may have only one opportunity to view an area of interest. In any case, the student cannot use the cadaver to review anatomical concepts once the gross anatomy course ends. Furthermore, cadavers for the most part illustrate nor- mal anatomy, or only the normal vari- ants or abnormalities exhibited by the particular specimen dissected. A sys- tematic examination of variant or patho- logically altered anatomy is generally not possible in a gross anatomy course. Anatomic drawings are limited because they are two dimensional renditions of complex three dimensional structures. Anatomic regions are seen from only one or several of the infinity of possible vantage points, without full appreciation of depth and with underlying structures obscured or overlying structures removed. As with the cadaver, anatomic drawings generally portray only normal anatomy or at most a limited range of variants or abnormalities.

Traditional pre-clinical medical educa- tion tends to artificially separate anato- my and physiology. These subjects are generally taught separately, yet they are intertwined in the living individual. An understanding of wellness as well as ill- ness requires their integration.

Finally, in their early years of medical education, students receive little or no formal exposure to medical imaging. While it is obvious that radiologists must understand medical imaging modalities, it is equally vital that physi- cians practicing other specialties have a working knowledge of this field. Because imaging has become central to the diagnostic evaluation of most patients, physicians must understand imaging modalities in order to appreci- ate their usefulness as well as their limi- tations. This understanding will help the future referring physician to bring these powerful tools to bear in medically appropriate and cost effective ways.

ontributions of 3-D Visualization to Medical Education c Three dimensional reconstructions,

unlike the cadaver, allow the student unlimited access to anatomic regions and structures. The student need not leave an area until satisfied with its understanding, and may return for I ofthehead. ’

I

38 IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY March 1992

review at any time. Three dimensional renderings simulate reality much more closely than do anatomical drawings. They permit viewing of objects from many vantage points, appreciation of depth, removal or replacement of over- lying objects, and even cross-sectional segmentation (Figs. 2-3). In contrast to both cadavers and anatomical drawings, reconstructed medical imaging data allow the student to become familiar with the full range of normal variants as well as abnormalities.

Furthermore, the use of imaging to teach anatomy allows integration of structure and function at an early stage of medical education. While most of the imaging modalities (such as CT and conventional MRI) provide anatomic (structural) information, nuclear medicine is distinctive in providing physiological (functional) data. The physiological images complement the anatomic images reconstructed from CT or MRI data to provide the student with an integrated understanding of the human being.

The didactic use of three-dimensional imaging data exposes students to medi- cal imaging at an early stage of their medical education. The imaging data may also serve as a point of departure to an understanding of the modalities from which they derive. Such understanding may improve clinical decision making on the use of imaging at later stages of their careers. In summary, three dimen- sional visualization of medical imaging data enhances the introduction of anatomic concepts, facilitates an inte- grated approach to understanding bio- logical structure and function, and provides a valuable early exposure to medical imaging modalities.

istributed Electronic Environment In view of the common features of the various applications described

so far, a 'distributed' electronic environ- ment would permit access from the workplace and laboratories to a wide spectrum of modern computing resources, as well as to data that are dis- tributed across institutional, regional, national, and international locations. The objective of creating such an envi- ronment is to provide researchers, edu- cators, and students the facilities that are needed to enhance research productivity and quality of biomedical and clinical education. The main building blocks of an electronic environment are:

(a) Linking a complex assortment of computers from PCs to worksta- tions to supercomputers, for num- ber crunching and data.

(b) Providing accessibility to on-line libraries, cataloging systems, etc., that may be geographically

March 1992

widespread. (c) Provide accessibility to large sci-

entific databases such as the GenBank, PIR, HGML (Human Gene Mapping Library), etc., that are critical to biomedical research activities.

(d) Establish efficient communications with colleagues around the world, using technologies that permit electronic mail, electronic file transfer, shared files and control, etc.

(e) Develop appropriate "groupware" facilities to help scientists in differ- ent locations work on a problem simultaneously and discuss their findings via video teleconferencing.

(f) Provide tools for real-time visual- ization of data using specialized graphics workstations to translate the millions of computer generated numbers into meaningful visuals that can be stored on a video tape for later analysis.

(8) Make available to the scientific com- munity advanced scientific software packages, such as those needed in molecular modeling and molecular dynamics, along with expertise in the use of these applications.

(h) Integrate all of these relevant tech- nologies into the educational cur- riculum.

To achieve these objectives, it is cru- cial to develop an efficient information technology infrastructure. This need has given rise to the concept of a "collabora- tory," in which people will have the opportunity and facilities for interac- tions with scientists at instruments and data at remote sites [lo].

etworking A most essential requirement for developing the electronic environ-

ment is the network technology. As the diversity and sophistication of computa- tional machinery have increased, so have the demands on the networks transport- ing the information generated. There have been major strides in recent years leading to the development of networks that are faster, easier to use, and more available. For example, it is expected that the National Research and Education Network (NREN) will, within the decade, connect millions of U.S. researchers at more than 1000 institu- tions, along an electronic backbone capa- ble of a bandwidth of several billion gigabits. These bandwidths are able to transmit up to 100,000 pages of text per second. The major objective of NREN is to provide a distributed computing capa- bility that links government, industry, education, and research communities. Such a capability will increase the rate of technological innovation, including tech-

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nology transfer from public and private research programs to all sectors of the economy. Advanced electronic mail will make it possible to transmit graphics, animation, self contained programs, and audio recordings. So many developments have recently occurred in network tech- nology that the subject cannot be fully covered here [ 111.

nternet Internet, a national research network, I has features of significant utility.

Initiated in 1971 by DARPA, Internet evolved from the concept of "network- ing the networks." Among the major Internet networks are NSFNET (National Science Foundation Network), ESNET (Energy Sciences Network), and NSI (NASA Science Internet). The elegance of the Internet architecture is such that although the various networks being networked may use different data formats, transmission rates, or low-level routing algorithms, Internet, through a minimal set of common protocols, allows data to pass transparently among computers. The utility of Internet is exemplified by the availability of the hundreds of resources it provides access to, on the network. Some of these include (1) several national supercom- puter centers, (2) large scientific databases, ( 3 ) international networks, (4) on-library systems, and (5) special- ized applications software.

senet Another network is the Usenet news system. This network con-

nects the user to several thousand news service groups in particular interest areas. As a worldwide voluntary mem- ber network, Usenet is about one tenth the size of Internet (contains about 37,000 nodes). Usenet is the underlying transport mechanism to automatically distribute updates to GenBank entries, on a daily basis. The user would other- wise need to await the next tape release, which occurs every three months.

use Model The University of Medicine and c Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ)

in Newark has several large, on-going research projects in the areas of human genetics, AIDS, cancer research and cardiac diseases. To address the com- puting needs of our basic science and clinical investigators in these activities, a functional model of an electronic environment is currently in place. Integrated into this environment is a broad range of advanced computational technologies. These include tools for genetic engineering, molecular model- ing and dynamics; biomedical visual- ization; protein engineering and drug

39

design; access to large scale scientific databases; and other traditional areas of biomedical science. We have also cre- ated a vast intercampus and inter-insti- tutional network infrastructure that permits university-wide access across all of our campuses to the Intemet and other resources. Using these facilities, applications of televisualization are currently being explored. Other biomedical visualization efforts include the development and integration of realistic computer animated anatomical structures into the medical student cur- ricula, as well as applications in clini- cal education.

N etworked Resources and Activities Under the auspices of the Net- worked Resources and Activities

Consortium (NRAC), an inter-institution- al program is being operated with the UMDNJ, the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) and the Stevens Institute of Technology (SIT). Established in 1986, the goal of creating NRAC was to use the supercomputing facilities that were then available at the John von Neumann National Super-com- puter Center (JvNC). Although the super- computer center is now gone, t h e network facilities that were developed are now an important part of our academ- ic information infrastructure.

A wealth of hardware and software exist at the UMDNJ, NJIT and the SIT. With the establishment of the inter-cam- pus network, it has become possible to share the resources available on the sep- arate campuses. This pooling could lead to a considerable financial saving, as each school does not have to procure hardwarehoftware that already exists at another NRAC institution. Typical areas in which software commonality is being explored include genetic engineering, molecular modeling and dynamics, large scale physiological simulations, visual- ization and a host of mathematical and statistical packages [12].

ummary Modern directions in academic S computing in a basic science and

clinical research environment strongly warrant the need to create a distributed electronic environment. It is distributed in the sense that investigators and stu- dents have access from their workplace or office, or labs, to a wide spectrum of modem computing tools and data that are distributed across the institutions as well as across other regional, national, and international locations. Some of the essential components in a scientific environment are access to databases, an assortment of computing options for number crunching and data analysis, networks for efficient communication

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with colleagues over long distances, networks for efficient sharing of advanced computational resources, and tools that make possible the real-time visualization of data. Typical biomedi- cal sciences applications requiring state of-the-art computing include genetic and protein engineering, molecular modeling, and molecular dynamics, computer-aided drug design and biomedical visualization. These appli- cations involve a variety of tools such as simple word processing, file transfer protocols, and on-line library searches. More complex applications include access to distributed, intelligent databases of DNA sequences, and access to supercomputers for tasks such as rapid .searches of patterns within specific DNA sequences, and for calcu- lations of molecular dynamics. A func- tional model of an electronic environment is currently in place at the UMDNJ. Included in this environment are many of the components discussed here. One of the most essential ingre- dients for success has been the inter- campus and inter-institutional network infrastructure that permits university- wide access across all campuses, to hundreds of resources available nation- ally and globally.

cknowledgment The authors would like to express A their sincere gratitude to Dr. Leslie

Michelson, Director, UMDNJ Academic Computing Services, for his

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support and encouragement in the work reported here. Technical help provided by Robert Fields, Systems Manager at the Robert Wood Johnson Academic Computing Facility, is gratefully acknowledged.

Swamy Laxminarayan is currently the Pro- gram Director of Academic and Re- search Computing at the University of Medicine and Den- tistry of New Jersey. He also serves as

Clinical Associate Professor, Adjunct Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and Vice-Chair of a newly founded Medical Imaging and Visualization Group at the university. Before joining the UMDNJ in 1981, he was the Director of the Neurology Computer Center at the Montefiore Hospital and Medical Center in the Bronx, New York (1978-81); Principal Research Investigator at the Physiology Laboratory of the Free University in Amsterdam, The Netherlands (197 1-78); Senior Research Investigator at the Medical Faculty of the Erasmus University in Rotterdam, The Netherlands (1 970-7 1); Research Fellow at the University of Southampton (1965- 70); Aerodynamicist/Flight Test Engineer in an aircraft firm in Hamburg, Germany (1961-65); and Research Physicist at the Christian Medical College, Vellore (1958-61). His major involvements in IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society activities include serving as the International Program Chair and a member of the Technical Program Committee of the Annual Conferences for 6 years, elected Member-At-Large of the EMBS Administrative Committee, International Chairman of the Society, and Associate Editor of the Magazine. He is the General Conference Co-chairman of the 14th IEEE-EMBS Conference, which will be held in Paris, France in November. He has also served as the United States Coordinator of the Young Researchers Forum held in Paris, is a life member of several professional societies, author of over 130 technical publications, recipient of several awards including the UMDNJ's President's Award and has served as a keynote speaker, invited ses- sion and track chair, and moderator and plenary speaker in several major intema- tional conferences. His research interests cover a wide range of areas including biomedical supercomputing, signals and image processing, molecular modeling and dynamics and genetic engineering.

Steven Parmett received his A.B., A.M.

March 1992

and M.D. degrees from Harvard University. He obtained his medical specialty training in Diagnostic Radiology at Brigham and Wo- men's Hospital and in Nuclear Medicine at Massachusetts General

Hospital in Boston. He is currently the Director of Nuclear Medicine and the Chairman of the newly founded Medical Imaging and Visualization Group at the New Jersey Medical SchoolKJniversity Hospital. He is a member of several pro- fessional societies including the IEEE- EMBS and has served as an invited speaker and session chairman in the EMBS Conference.

Janardan Yadav is cur- rently the Head of the Molecular Modeling Laboratory in the Di- vision of Academic Computing Services at the University of Medi- cine and Dentistry of New Jersey. He has

held positions as Research Scientist and Adjunct Professor at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ; Visiting Professor at the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry of the University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada; Alexander von Humboldt Fellow at the Free University of Berlin, Germany; and Reader in Physics at the Banaras Hindu University, India. His research interests include molecular modeling of interac- tions between DNA polymerase I and DNA and dNTP substrates, computer aid- ed design of anti-AIDS agents, molecular dynamics of epidermal growth factor, and quantum chemistry of biologically impor- tant molecules. Dr. Yadav has published more than 75 research papers in these areas and has received several grants and awards. He received his B.Sc degree from Gorakhpur University in 1968, his M.Sc. in Physics in 1970 and his Ph.D. in quan- tum chemistry in 1973 from Banaras Hindu University , Varanasi, India. He is a member of American Physical Society, the New York Academy of Sciences, IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society and the Indian Association of Biophysics.

Masoud Majidi is cur- rently a Ph.D. candidate in Computer Science at the Rutgers University in Piscataway, New Jersey. His research interests in-clude digital image processing and realistic image synthe-

sis. He received his B.S. degree in

March 1992

Computer Science from Rutgers University in May 1988. He is a student member of the IEEE and the ACM.

Lee Ratzan provides biomedical computer support at the Univer- sity of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jer- sey, Piscataway. He has been affiliated with the Computer Division of the Princeton Univer-

sity Plasma Physics Laboratory, a Consultant with Mathematica Inc., and the Manager of the Biostatistics Laboratory of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. His experience includes a variety of scien- tific applications on platforms ranging from microcomputers, minicomputers, mainframes and supercomputers. He is the author of several papers in the profession- al and popular literature.

Jean Louis Coatrieux received the electrical engineering degree from the Grenoble Institute in 1970; and the third cycle and the state doctorate degrees from the University of Rennes I in 1973 and

1983, respectively. He previously served as Assistant Professor at the Tech- nological Institute of Rennes. He became the Director of Research (INSERM) in 1986. Presently, he is a lecturer in the "Ecole Nationale Superieure des Telecommunications de Bretagne" and in the "Ecole Superieure dElec-tricite". His research interests include signal and image processing and knowledge-based techniques. He regularly offers tutorials dealing with these areas at various inter- national symposia in France and abroad. He is the Associate Editor of Innovation et Technologie en Biologie et Medecine (ITBM), and Medical and Biological Engineering and Computing (MBEC). Dr. Coatrieux was International Co-chair at the IEEE-EMBS conferences held in New Orleans (1988) and in Seattle (1989). He is the General Conference Co-chair for the 14th International Conference of the IEEE-EMBS. Also, he serves as IEEE-EMBS AdCom represen- tative of Region 8. He can be reached at Lab Traitment du Signal et de "age, Universite de Rennes I, Campus de Beaulieu, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France.

Sombun Reantragoon received his B Sc. degree in PhysicslMedical Physics from Nahidol University, Ramathibodi Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand in 1976, and Post- graduate Diploma in Medical Physics from the University of Surrey (Guildford, England) in 1979. He was awarded his

IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY

M.Phi1 in Medical Physics in 1985 from the Univer-sity of Leeds, after working on Dosimetry of Ultra- sound by Calorimetry. For his Ph.D. work at Rutgers University (Piscataway, NJ), he

chose Strip Scan by MRI studying Transport Phenomenon through Mem- branes. From 1986 to 1989, he was with the Laurie Medical Imaging Group at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School as Research and Teaching Specialist. Currently, he is an MRI Clinical and Teaching Specialist and a member of the Medical Imaging and Visualization group at the University Hospital of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. His research interests include new applications and developments of medical imaging techniques, including tis- sue-like material and dosimetry.

References 1. Laxminarayan S: Special Issue on Biomedical Supercomputing, IEEE EMBS Magazine, Guest Editor: S. Laxminarayan, Vol7, No. 4, 12-39, 1988. 2. Gribskov M, Deverew D: Sequence Analysis Primer, Stockton Press, NY, 1991. 3. Bell GI, Marr TG: Compurers and DNA, Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, NY, 1990. 4. Robhins R Database and computational chal- lenges in the human genome project, IEEE EMBS Magazine, Special Issue on Computers in Medicine, current issue. Ed: S. Laxminarayan & David Kristol 5. Yadav J, Laxminarayan S, Yadav PN, Modak M: Molecular modeling of reverse tran- scriptase inhibitors: implications in the treatment of AIDS, Proceedings. IEEE EMBS Conference, Philadelphia, Ed: P. Pederson & B. Onaral, Vol 12, 1606-1607, 1990. 6. Yadav J, Laxminarayan S, Amold E, Yadav P, Modak M: Computer assisted design of anti viral agents directed against human immunodefi- ciency virus revem transcriptase as their target, In: Annals of New York Academic of Sciences, 1990. 7. Yadav J, Laxminarayan S, Amold E, Yadav P, Modak M Molecular modeling of the interac- tions of substrates and inhibitors with e. coli: DNA Polymerase I, In: Expanding Frontiers in Polypeptide and Protein Structural Research, 1991. 8. Parmett S, Laxminarayan S, Majidi M, Reantragoon S, Blumenfrucht S, et. al: Three dimensional v i sua l ion p r o g r a m for medical imaging applications in clinical medicine and education, Prcteediqs, IEEE EMBS Conference, Orlando, 199 1. 9. Parmett S, Laxminarayan S, Reantragoon S, Majidi M, Coatrieux JL: Three dimensional visualization of medical imaging data: educational applications. Radiological Society of N o r t h America Meeting, Chicago, 1991 10. Wulf W: Strategic directions in computing research. ACM and The Computing Research Association, 79-5, Oct 11-13, 1989. 1 1, Special Issue on "Communications, Computers and Network', Scientific American, September 1991,62-150 12. Laxminarayan S, Krishnan K, Terry T, Moeller J, Michelson L: Shared resources for biomedical education and research, Proceedings, IEEE EMBS Conference, Orlando, 199 I .

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