Adopting a database as a solution to managing electron image data

A database was used for data management and interprogram communication in a n image processing and three-dimensional reconstruction program suite for b iological bundles. The programs were modified from the MRC crystallographic package. The database server works with local and remote programs and data sets, allows simultaneous requests from multiple clients, and maintains mu ltiple databases and data tables within them. It has built-in security for the data access. Several graphical user interfaces are available to view an d/or edit data tables. In addition, FORTRAN interface and function librarie s are written to communicate with image processing software. The data manag ement overhead is inexpensive, requiring only narrow bandwidth from the net work. It easily handles several data tables with over 1000 entries. (C) 200 1 Academic Press.