Biochemistry Department, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
Protein Sci. 2009 Nov;18(11):2403-9. doi: 10.1002/pro.250.
Proper visualization of scientific data is important for understanding spatial relationships. Particularly in the field of structural biology, where researchers seek to gain an understanding of the structure and function of biological macromolecules, it is important to have access to visualization programs which are fast, flexible, and customizable. We present KiNG, a Java program for visualizing scientific data, with a focus on macromolecular visualization. KiNG uses the kinemage graphics format, which is tuned for macromolecular structures, but is also ideal for many other kinds of spatially embedded information. KiNG is written in cross-platform, open-source Java code, and can be extended by end users through simple or elaborate "plug-in" modules. Here, we present three such applications of KiNG to problems in structural biology (protein backbone rebuilding), bioinformatics of high-dimensional data (e.g., protein sidechain chi angles), and classroom education (molecular illustration). KiNG is a mature platform for rapidly creating and capitalizing on scientific visualizations. As a research tool, it is invaluable as a test bed for new methods of visualizing scientific data and information. It is also a powerful presentation tool, whether for structure browsing, teaching, direct 3D display on the web, or as a method for creating pictures and videos for publications. KiNG is freely available for download at http://kinemage.biochem.duke.edu.
科学数据的正确可视化对于理解空间关系非常重要。特别是在结构生物学领域，研究人员试图了解生物大分子的结构和功能，因此需要使用快速、灵活且可定制的可视化程序。我们介绍了 KiNG，这是一个用于科学数据可视化的 Java 程序，重点是大分子可视化。KiNG 使用了 kinemage 图形格式，该格式针对大分子结构进行了优化，但也非常适合许多其他类型的空间嵌入信息。KiNG 是用跨平台的开源 Java 代码编写的，可以通过简单或复杂的“插件”模块由最终用户进行扩展。在这里，我们介绍了 KiNG 在结构生物学（蛋白质骨架重建）、高维数据的生物信息学（例如蛋白质侧链 chi 角）和课堂教育（分子插图）这三个领域中的三个应用。KiNG 是一个成熟的平台，可用于快速创建和利用科学可视化。作为一种研究工具，它是一个非常宝贵的测试平台，可用于测试可视化科学数据和信息的新方法。它也是一种强大的演示工具，无论是用于结构浏览、教学、直接在网络上进行 3D 显示，还是用于创建出版物的图片和视频的方法。KiNG 可在 http://kinemage.biochem.duke.edu 上免费下载。
