The stabilizers on the MD-80 series of planes -- the kind of aircraft used on Flight 261 -- were the subject of a Federal Aviation Administration directive last May calling for inspections of possible corrosion, though whether that is relevant to this accident is not known.
To further prepare for the IRT analyses, we assessed local independence of items by inspection of possible excess correlation among items in the residual correlation matrix.
But the Americans are likely to insist on stricter adherence to inspections established under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, including an additional protocol that allows for more intrusive inspections of possible nuclear facilities.
In addition, the procedure must be documented for possible inspection at any time, to implement change in to the design to limit risks, as far as possible.
"Americans who travel with their wrapped gifts are forced to open their packages for inspection, but possible terrorists could ship a bomb in a cargo hold because there is no screening of those boxes," Mr. Markey said.
Oftentimes, the gauze fabric underlying the box spring must be removed to gain access for inspection and possible treatment.
In addition, American officials say that the Chinese have imposed "extreme requirements" for inspection of American beef for mad cow disease, poultry for possible salmonella traces and pork for chemical additives.
