Frequently Asked Questions
Content Related Questions
Why isn't species data available?
All data in PxKB v1.6 is implicitly Human unless stated otherwise. In future versions we will include data from other species and this dimension will become obvious in the data at that time.
Can I add new Concept Maps or Data?
Not directly, if there is something specific you would like represented as a concept map then contact us! It is likely that we could include it in a future version. We are also working on Content Management Software as part of the BioExpert project that will allow content to be more easily added.
Why can't I click on the Concept Maps?
Currently, they are just images. All of the information in the Maps is available from browsing the data. As part of the BioExpert Project we are working on a much more interactive browser application that will allow more direct interaction with the maps.
I noticed a mistake, what should I do?
We are sorry if you found some misleading or erroneous content. We can make minor changes to the data if people let us know, but we are no longer working directly with this content. We aim to completely replace and remodel it so that it takes full advantage of the new features of the BioExpert framework.
What are these green pages for?
As you may have found, clicking on a concept, class or relationship takes you to a green page. These pages are automatically produced by an application called Pubby, which allows us to publish our data in line with Linked Data recommendations. We know that the content of these pages is a bit confusing, and we are currently looking at the best way to get these pages to look and feel like the rest of the site, whilst also performing their technical function. Watch this space!
Technical Questions
How is the data stored and structured?
All of the data exists as RDF and is stored in a Sesame RDF Repository.
Is there a SPARQL Endpoint?
Yes, but we aren't sharing that publically at this time. This is partially because of concerns about security and performance, partially because we just haven't had a chance to implement it properly yet. Watch this space, or contact us and we may be able to arrange something on a case by case basis.
Queries are being very slow, or the site is not responding, is this normal?
The queries were all built to respond within a few seconds. However, the data is currently served from apache server which is used for other things, which affects performance from time to time. We do not expect heavy traffic, and we have not yet had the opportunity to performance test the system in such circumstances.
If this is Linked Data, where are all the links?!
In this version we have focussed on publishing our data in line with Linked Data best practices. The content in v1.6 was directly derived from v1.0 of the PxKB, which had no direct links to other biological data We know there is a lot of relevant data out there and we want to link to it. We even have a set of mappings ready to go for the next version, which will feature remodelled content.
