Overview of the Data Model and Schema

The data model for this database is described using an entity-relationship diagram, below (for more on these diagrams, please check out this guide). This diagram shows the structure and organization of the Neurofibromatosis Research Tools Central. Each table (e.g. resource) has a defined set of attributes (e.g. rrid) that will be captured in that table. These tables are often linked to other tables via primary keys (PKs) and foreign keys (FKs) that define individual records in each table.

In addition to the data model diagram, a schema for this database is maintained in as a Google spreadsheet and regularly released as machine-readable JSON-LD files. Changes to the schema are tracked both in the Google spreadsheet changelog as well as the release notes.

Additional Resources

• Data Model Diagram

  • Description: This is the source diagram of the Data Model for the NF Research Tools Central, generated and maintained in LucidChart (note: please reference the “New Layout Database Schema” sheet). The latest version of this diagram will be updated in this document with each update and release of the database schema.

  • Link: https://lucid.app/documents/edit/3a118e5e-8884-48d1-af91-f03987bb0df8/0?callback=close&name=docs&callback_type=back&v=16092&s=612 

• Database Schema

  • Description: The machine-readable (JSON-LD on Github) and human readable (Google sheet) versions of the schemas encode the data model for the database as well as the dictionary for the attributes used in the database.

  • Link to latest version of schema in Github: https://github.com/nf-osi/nf-research-tools-schema  

  • Link to latest version of schema in shared Google Drive: Schema (Google Sheets)

Acknowledgements

Thank you to Brynn Zalmanek, James Eddy, Mialy DeFelice, Milen Nikolov, Kaitlin Throgmorton, and Robert Allaway at Sage Bionetworks for contributions to the development and implementation of the schema and data model, and to the Gilbert Family Foundation for valuable contributions and feedback.