Benchmark Dose Software (BMDS)
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BMDS VERSION 2.2
BMDS VERSION 2.2 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
This BMDS 2.2 final version is being released for use by risk assessors as the official BMDS system. BMDS requires at least 16 Megabytes of RAM and should run in Microsoft Windows 2000, NT, XP, Vista, and 7, however only operation in Windows XP has been fully tested at this time. BMDS Version 2.2 can be installed in any folder that the user has create/read/write privileges.
BMDS also requires the latest version of .NET (4.0 or later). If your machine is set up to allow or be notified of downloads of Microsoft software, then it is likely that that version of the .NET framework is already installed. Otherwise, the latest version of .NET for client desktops can be downloaded from http://www.microsoft.com/net/download 
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To run the toxicodiffusion model included in Version 2.2, you must install version 2.6.2 or later of the R statistical software to your computer (go to http://www.r-project.org/ for more information).
CHANGES TO BMDS INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
Previous BMDS versions used a SETUP.EXE file to create the BMDS directory, add icons to the Programs menu, provide an entry in the Add/Remove Programs control panel, and so on. However, BMDS 2.2 is being distributed as a compressed ZIP file and does not employ any automated install programs or wizards. The implications of this change are that (a) user's do not need administrative rights to install BMDS 2.2, (b) BMDS Version 2.2 can be installed in any folder that the user has create/read/write privileges, and (c) users will need to create their own shortcuts to the program (e.g., on their computer's desktop).
If you already have a version of BMDS installed on your computer, read the section CONSIDERATIONS FOR PREVIOUS BMDS INSTALLATIONS & UNINSTALLING. If you're new to BMDS, go to the section INSTALLING BMDS and then read the instructions in the section AFTER INSTALLING BMDS for creating a desktop shortcut.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR PREVIOUS BMDS INSTALLATIONS & UNINSTALLING
It is recommended that you uninstall any previous BMDS software before installing BMDS 2.2. Although the current version of BMDS can run alongside previous versions, there may be confusion with pre-existing shortcuts or other files.
To uninstall BMDS 2.1.2 or earlier versions:
- Go to the Add/Remove Programs control panel (windows XP or earlier) or the Programs and Features control panel (Windows Vista, Windows 7).
- Select the BMDS program in the list.
- Select Uninstall. All data files will remain in place and will not be removed.
INSTALLING BMDS
To install BMDS:
- Click here to save (download) the zip file for BMDS 2.2 (8.43MB)
- Locate the BMDS zip file you downloaded. Typical locations for file downloads are the Windows Desktop or the Download directory in My Documents.
- In Windows Explorer, double-click the downloaded .zip file. Drag and drop the BMDS220 folder to a new location on your hard disk. For BMDS to run properly, it is necessary that it be installed in a folder for which the user has write access permission. For USEPA users the "My Documents" folder is suggested. However users with administrative privileges may wish to install in C:\USEPA to keep consistent with previous installations or in C:\ level to allow for longer file names for their saved sessions or data files.
for more information).AFTER INSTALLING BMDS
Please read the Readme.txt file in yourmain BMDS directory for additional information (e.g., regarding verification of the installation and any known bugs in the current version).
You may find it more convenient to run BMDS from a desktop shortcut icon. Here's how to create one:
- In Windows Explorer, navigate to the BMDS220 folder.
- Right-click the BMDS2.exe file. A context menu appears.
- Click Send To. A submenu appears.
- Click "Desktop (Create Shortcut)". Windows creates a shortcut to the file on your desktop.
Once in the system, use the Help feature for further assistance. If you have problems or concerns, please use the "Problem Report" feature listed in the "Help" menu of BMDS 2. 2 or contact us using our Help Desk Form .
To determine whether BMDS is properly loaded on your computer, choose "File" from the menu at the top of the BMDS program, then "Open," then "Dose Response Session (.ssn)." The Window should open to the BMDS SessionFiles folder. Select and open any .ssn file (e.g., Cancer-BMR10.ssn). When the Session screen appears, click the "Save As" button and resave the session under a different name (e.g., Cancer-BMR10-test.ssn; you can delete this file later). Then click the "Run" button on the resaved Session screen. When the plots and summary report appear, click on "File" at the top of the summary report screen and then "Export to Excel." Pre-selected summary report data should export to several Excel worksheets, with the "Dichotomous Format" or "Continuous Format" worksheet in the initial view. If you are able to complete these steps without extraordinary (i.e., not normal model error messages), BMDS is likely to have been installed properly and completely.
Registering: Registration is not required to download the software. However, if you would like to receive a notification when new releases or important information becomes available, please register on the download page. We also offer the C source code files for the individual models used in the BMDS system to reviewers/programmers that might be interested in performing an in-depth analysis of the model algorithms and features. We welcome, in fact encourage, comments, recommendations, suggested revisions, or corrections, the our Help Desk Form or by e-mailing bmds.ncea@epa.gov.
Note: To keep your BMDS system current, check the BMDS website (http://www.epa.gov/ncea/bmds) periodically for updates to the software or help manual.
Toxicodiffusion model documentation
To run the Toxicodiffusion model that is in BMDS 2.2 you will need to also install the R statistical software (version 2.6.2 or higher) to your computer (http://www.r-project.org/) (Note that you do not need to install R to run any of the other BMDS Models).
For a complete description of the beta toxicodiffusion model contained in BMDS 2.2, download the beta toxicodiffusion model documentation file (PDF) (53 pp, 699K, about PDF).
Ten Berge model documentation
The beta ten Berge model has been incorporated into the BMDS 2.2 interface. The following beta ten Berge documentation and reviewer comment files are available for downloading.
- Click here to download the beta ten Berge model documentation file (PDF) (89pp, 756 KB, about PDF)
- Click here to download the beta ten Berge model peer review comments (PDF) (26pp, 94.4 KB, about PDF)
Multitumor model documentation
The beta multitumor (MS_combo) model has been incorporated into the BMDS 2.2 interface. The following beta multitumor model technical background document is available for downloading.
- Click here to download the beta multitumor model technical background document (PDF) (2pp, 200 KB, about PDF)
Multistage Weibull Time-to-Tumor Documentation
The Multistage Weibull (MSW) Time-to-Tumor model is run from a Windows command prompt window. Users are urged to register so they will be notified of improvements and release of graphical programs for R (expected early in 2009). The following materials are available for downloading:
- Click here to download the MSW time-to-tumor model executable, user manual, spreadsheet data template, and sample data and output files (378K, ZIP file)
- Click here to download the MSW time-to-tumor model peer review comments and response (PDF) (also includes review of other models) (16 pp, 212K, about PDF)
- Click here to download the MSW time-to-tumor model technical documentation files (1.32MB, ZIP file)
Obtaining Older Versions of BMDS
To obtain older versions of BMDS send an e-mail to gift.jeff@epa.gov with your request, including the BMS version you would like to receive.