Figure 3.

Query designer tool at the integrator server showing information about the “getReceptorGeneChromosomeProtein_structure” query. This particular query extracts information from the “Receptor_properties” table in the Membrane Properties Resource (MPR) database. The extracted information includes the following fields: subtype, gene chromosome, and structure. This is a parameterized query that requires a specific text string pattern to fit the subtype field. Note that the tool refers to grid and column rather than tables and fields that are specific to Rational Database. This tool interacts with the user in three different ways: visual query by example (current), extended markup language, and entity-relationship graph. The query can be checked for correctness, executed in preview mode, and saved. The Graphic User Interface is based on a drill-down metaphor in which users pick one or more tables/sets from one or more data sources and then select columns/attributes from these. (When making a selection, choices are dynamically presented as pull-down menus, as shown for item #c3). Constraints are then specified for columns/attributes of interest.