Object-oriented programming for the biosciences.

The development of software systems for the biosciences is always closely connected to experimental practice. Programs must be able to handle the inherent complexity and heterogeneous structure of biological systems in combination with the measuring equipment. Moreover, a high degree of flexibility is required to treat rapidly changing experimental conditions. Object-oriented methodology seems to be well suited for this purpose. It enables an evolutionary approach to software development that still maintains a high degree of modularity. This paper presents experience with object-oriented technology gathered during several years of programming in the fields of bioprocess development and metabolic engineering. It concentrates on the aspects of experimental support, data analysis, interaction and visualization. Several examples are presented and discussed in the general context of the experimental cycle of knowledge acquisition, thus pointing out the benefits and problems of object-oriented technology in the specific application field of the biosciences. Finally, some strategies for future development are described.

[Possibilities to improve the classification of partially edentulous dental arches by the view of morbidity statistics (author's transl)]. / Möglichkeiten zur Verbesserung der Lückengebissklassifizierung aus der Sicht der Morbiditätsstatistik.

With regard to the planning of treatment capacities in prosthetic dentistry the authors try to find a practicable classification for partially dentulous arches. They make explanations on the classifications, which are known yet. The combination of the EICHNER and KENNEDY classifications as well as an own modification of the KENNEDY system seem to be the best methods for morbidity analysis in this moment.