Culican Lab / Research Resources

Major Shared Equipment in the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences

  • TopCount plate reader for luminescence assays
  • Storm Phosphorimager
  • Alpha Innotech chemiluminescence/UV/Vis imager
  • New Brunswick incubator/shaker
  • Lab-Line hybridization oven
  • Bellco Hot Shaker
  • Beckman LS5000CE liquid scintillation counter
  • Perkin Elmer thermal cyclers
  • Bio-Rad gel pumps
  • VWR vacuum oven
  • HETO speed vac
  • Kodak film processor
  • Beckman DU64 spectrophotometer
  • Sonicator
  • Multiple high speed and ultracentrifuges and rotors
  • Bio-Rad iCYCLER
  • Olympus fluorescence microscope
  • Zeiss 510 confocal microscope

Core Facilities

Core Grant for Vision Research

The Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences holds a Core Grant for Vision Research from the National Eye Institute. The objective of the core grant is to provide established NEI-funded vision scientists with additional, shared support to enhance their individual research capabilities. A further goal is to enhance the research capability of Washington University for conducting vision research by encouraging collaborative studies and attracting other scientists to vision research.

Members of the Petrash Laboratory have access to laboratory modules of the vision core grant. Click on the hyperlinks in each section to learn more about the organization, supervision, and technical capabilities of each module.

  1. A morphology core module will provide technical support and expertise in histological procedures such as processing frozen and fixed tissue samples, blocks, and histological and immunological staining. The module will provide expertise in conducting in situ hybridization studies and will coordinate with the imaging module to assist with brightfield and fluorescence microscopy as well as transmission and scanning electron microscopy.
  2. An electronics services core module will design and fabricate electronic devices for research investigators, will provide diagnosis, repair and maintenance of research instruments and will assist in modification and/or development of computer software for unique research applications.
  3. A molecular biology module will provide assistance in the design and preparation of gene constructs for gene targeting, preparation of DNA clones and probes, design of polymerase chain reaction components, microinjection services for production of transgenic and gene targeted mice, flow cytometry, and training and oversight of shared molecular biology equipment.
  4. An imaging core module will provide assistance and expertise in all aspects of conventional light microscopy and confocal microscopy. Additional capabilities to be supported include support for imaging applications involving fluorescence resonance energy transfer and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. Technical support for image analysis using deconvolution and volume rendering software tools will also be provided.
  5. A biostatistics core module will assist in the design and implementation of pilot studies, will provide statistical and methodological expertise in study design, will assist to assure validity of statistical analyses and reported results, and will assist in the training of basic scientists and clinicians in areas of research methodology.

Provision of these support services and resources will greatly enhance the research capabilities of investigators at Washington University and will facilitate collaboration among new and established vision scientists.

Morphology Module

The morphology module provides vision investigators, their associates and trainees with technical support and consultation in histology, in situ hybridization, immunochemistry, and electron microscopy.  The module occupies dedicated laboratory space and functions independent of individual research programs within the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.

A primary function of the morphology module is to provide collaborative potential and service for projects whose major investigators do not have expertise, funding, or technical capabilities in the area of morphology.  Principal Investigators with backgrounds in physiology, electrophysiology, biochemistry, immunology, pharmacology, pathology and molecular biology are expected to continue to interact with the morphology module.  The module, in turn, will provide light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, histology, histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, autoradiography, and preparation of tissue for in situ hybridization.  Most importantly, the staff of the morphology module will be available to help interpret the results.  Another primary function of the module is to provide a centralized equipment base for use by investigators who have expertise in morphologic technique.  This centralized facility eliminates the need for duplication of expensive equipment and space.  In addition, centralization in common space ensures equal access to the module for all faculty.  The module provides expertise for maintenance of the equipment.

Electronics Core Services Module (ECSM)

The ECSM provides the following support:

  • Maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment utilized for electrophysiological, biochemical and molecular research.
  • Design, fabrication, and modification of electronic devices that are not commercially available.
  • Consultation on the selection of appropriate electronic and computer interface devices.
  • Development and/or modification of computer software for specialized research needs.

i) Resources and facilities

The ECSM is located in an electronics shop near many of the laboratories of vision core investigators.  The shop consists of 200 square feet of custom-designed space located in room 110 of the McMillan building. The shop is fully equipped and contains all of the necessary equipment for the diagnostics, design, and fabrication of electronic devices.  An array of portable diagnostic equipment is available for troubleshooting electronic problems "in the field."  The shop stocks an inventory of commonly used electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, and integrated circuits for repair and fabrication purposes.  To enhance productivity and optimize the engineer's time and effort, we will often outsource parts of a job, such as the fabrication of printed circuit boards and front panels.  A centralized, full-service machine shop is available at the Medical School for building boxes, panels, and mechanical attachments used in many of our module projects.  The module does not charge for labor, but does charge for major materials and outsourced services.

Module Engineer-The electronics shop is run by an experienced and talented electrical engineer with special skills in digital and analog electronics and computers.  Gerald Gusdorf has a B.S. in electrical engineering and 20 years of job experience with this facility. Mr. Gusdorf manages the day-to-day activities of the shop and reports directly to Dr. Lukasiewicz, the module director.  He has extensive experience in all areas of module service and a good working knowledge of many of the experimental techniques utilized by core researchers.  This knowledge enables investigators to come to him with a concept that is then developed, designed and engineered into an appropriate device.  The quality of Mr. Gusdorf's work is outstanding.  His devices are carefully engineered and have proven to be extremely reliable. Several of Mr. Gusdorf's designs for individual laboratories have proven so successful (e.g., "The Big Dripper Drug Delivery System") that they now see use by multiple laboratories at this and other universities.

ii) Supervision

Dr. Peter Lukasiewicz will continue to direct the ECSM. Dr. Lukasiewicz is an NEI-funded, retinal electrophysiologist with extensive experience in computer- and electronics-related research applications. He has over 15 years of experience in these areas and has designed and fabricated electronic devices that he uses in his research.  He is a heavy user of this module and will continue to utilize the module's services extensively.  Dr. Lukasiewicz and the module engineer have weekly scheduled meetings to assess ongoing projects and discus how to allocate time and effort for scheduled and emergency jobs.  Frequent meetings are also held with principal investigators to discuss their planned or on-going jobs.  Job requests are normally submitted by email and honored on a first-come, first-served basis. Because usage of this module is very high, we have implemented procedures to address emergency and acute problems in a timely manner.  Equipment problems that threaten the research progress of a laboratory are given top priority.  They are evaluated and then either repaired in-house or sent out for repair within 24 hours.  Long-term design and fabrication jobs can sometimes take months to complete.  To minimize research delays, we can usually design and fabricate usable prototypes that are available in two to three weeks.

iii) Essential Services

Electronic equipment and computer-aided data acquisition systems are found in virtually every vision science laboratory. Because most of the laboratories serviced by the core grant do not have the expertise or resources to build and maintain electronic devices, this module serves an essential role in providing these services.  To enhance the productivity of individual laboratories, the module has the following main functions:

a) Maintenance & repair of equipment

A major role of the module involves diagnosing and correcting numerous electrical, electronic and computer problems.  This is an essential function for maintaining the equipment utilized for ongoing electrophysiological, biochemical, and molecular research.  Most of the laboratories belonging to the Core Grant have benefited from these services.  Past projects include the diagnosis and repair of a computer/confocal microscope interface, a digital oscilloscope, and a computer data acquisition system.  The module has made numerous, timely emergency repairs to critical pieces of equipment, minimizing the investigators' down-time. In most cases, these emergencies are simple for the engineer to diagnose and repair but are too complicated for lab personnel to deal with. Without a timely response from the engineer, the PI's experiments would come to a halt until an outside service could be brought in. Having the core module engineer response quickly saves both time and money.

b) Design, modification, and fabrication of electronic devices

Many laboratories require custom electronic equipment that is not commercially available for specialized research applications.  The module has worked with numerous laboratories to design and then build custom electronic apparatus.  These devices include specialized interfaces between personal computers and various data acquisition devices, an automated drug perfusion device, temperature-controlled recording chambers, and eye-position monitoring electronics.

c) Development or modification of computer software for specialized research needs

A number of laboratories use computers to acquire experimental data and/or control devices.  Unique experimental designs have necessitated the customization or writing of various software applications.  The module has modified commercial software for specialized electrophysiological data acquisition, has written custom software, and has worked with a small software company to modify software to control the drug perfusion electronics.

d) Consultation on the selection of research-related electronic devices

The module has advised several laboratories on equipment choices for electrophysiological, behavioral and imaging setups.  The module engineer recently assisted a PI, whose expertise was in molecular biology, in choosing the appropriate equipment for a multi electrode electrophysiological recording setup to be used in a circadian photoreception project.  The extensive experience of the module engineer and director in these areas facilitated the transition of this investigator into these new areas of research.

Molecular Biology Module

The molecular biology module seeks to provide vision core investigators with direct services and expert guidance with molecular biology procedures and technology.  Functions of the module include the following:

  • Design and preparation of genetic constructs for gene targeting
  • ES cells screening (southern blotting, PCR)
  • Preparation of DNA clones and probes
  • Design of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers and definition of optimized reaction conditions
  • DNA and protein database sequence retrieval and analysis
  • Oversight of shared molecular biology equipment maintenance and user training
  • Flow cytometry
  • Microinjection of DNA and ES cells

i) Resources and facilities

Module Technicians - The molecular biology module is currently staffed by two full time technicians.

Susan Penrose. Ms. Penrose provides expertise in making transgenic and knockout mice.  Her duties include husbandry of production animals, pronuclear and blastocyst injections, and advice in strain selection and founder screening.  In 2002, she came to the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences with extensive experience in this technology having worked already for four years in the Mouse Genetics Core transgenic facility in the Department of Pediatrics at Washington University. 

Mike Casey.  Mr. Casey provides expertise in many areas of molecular biology including construct design and production, RT-PCR, DNA sequencing, siRNA, and maintenance of equipment and instruments supervised by the molecular biology core module.  Mr. Casey joined the core in January 2003.  He came to us having worked for five years at Incyte Genomics and one year at Xenogen, Inc. where he produced knockin/knockout mice.  His six years experience in production of genetically altered mouse strains makes him essential to the success of this module.

ii) Supervision:

The molecular biology module will run under the direct supervision of Dr. Thomas A. Ferguson. Dr. Ferguson, an established immunologist and vision scientist, is an extensive user of the module and is experienced in the production and use of gene-targeted mouse models. The procedure for handling requests for module assistance will depend on the nature of the request.  If the project is straightforward and routine, the investigator will deal directly with the module technicians.  For projects involving a complex series of steps or those requiring techniques not routinely practiced by the module, the module director will interact with the technician and investigator. Supplies and disposable expenses beyond the ordinary will be the responsibility of the requesting investigator (i.e., expensive modification enzymes, isotopes, etc.).

iii) Essential Services

1.  Production of transgenic, knockout, and knockin mouse strains. 

The facility provides support to funded researchers for most phases of production of transgenic, knockout, and knockin mice.  It is available to all NEI-funded vision researchers at Washington University.  The core module has basic molecular biology facilities for PCR/Southern blotting used in detection of transformed clones as well as microinjection facilities for pronuclear (transgenic) and blastocyst (knockout/knockin) injections.  We will also provide re-derivation of strains, cryogenics for preservation of transformed ES cell lines and mouse embryos; and breeding assistance for production of heterozygous and homozygous mice.  The facility will also provide a repository for useful cloning constructs for the construction of knockout and knockin mice.  There are nominal charges for these services designed to only recoup costs.  We had originally planned to offer ES-cell propagation, electroporation, and selection.  However, it proved more cost effective to utilize the Siteman Cancer center ES cells core facility at Washington University. 

For production of transgenic mice, the requesting investigator will provide Mr. Casey with a cDNA containing the desired transgene as well as one or more clones containing promoter elements to be used to construct a transgene vector. Mr. Casey, either independently or in collaboration with the PI's laboratory, will then prepare the vector and design PCR primers that will be used for screening of putative founder animals from tail snip DNA. DNA for transgene production will then be provided to Ms. Penrose, who will be responsible for microinjections and associated animal husbandry. Tail snip genotyping is usually carried out by the PI, but the core module is able to do this if necessary.

For generation of knock out mice, Mr. Casey works with the PI to generate targeting constructs containing the appropriate genetic elements. Constructs are then delivered to the Siteman Cancer Center ES Core laboratory for production of recombinant ES cell clones. Putative recombinant clones are screened by the molecular biology core lab. Selected clones are then expanded and provided to Ms. Penrose for blastocyst injections. Ms. Penrose oversees the breeding programs and animal husbandry and releases animals to the PI when appropriate.

2. Design, construction, and manipulation of DNA constructs (other than transgenic work).

The module provides expertise for the design and production of nucleic acid constructs for the purpose of vision research at Washington University.  Besides providing these services for transgenic/knockout mice, we will also be available for other aspects of research that require molecular biology expertise.  Investigators often obtain cloned DNA fragments from collaborators or other sources for use in filter blot or in situ hybridization experiments.  The module will assist the investigator in evaluating how the cloned fragment can best be used for the experiment.  The appropriate methods will then be identified to make the cloned fragment suitable for the intended experiment.  This might include placing the cloned fragment into a new more useful vector and other manipulations of the clone for use by the investigator.  Construction of unique expression plasmids will also be provided as a service of the molecular biology module.  This typically involves cloning an investigator-supplied cDNA in frame with an epitope tag or similar fusion to generate novel and customized gene products for transfection into host cells for functional studies.  Emphasis will on support and training to allow the investigator to incorporate such technology into their research program. 

3. Assistance with PCR and siRNA studies.

Many investigators in the department have immediate research applications involving polymerase chain reaction technology, yet few have sufficient expertise in their labs to plan strategies for PCR primer design and/or determining the appropriate conditions for achieving accurate and reproducible results.  The molecular biology module will assist investigators in capturing and importing this technology into their labs.  This will include assistance with PCR, real-time RT-PCR, and siRNA.

4. Maintenance of major equipment. 

The module technician will be primarily responsible for maintaining major equipment housed in the molecular biology module area.  Such equipment will include the phosphorimager, all thermocyclers, and the BioRad real-time PCR iCycler.  The technician will have direct contact with maintenance technicians servicing the equipment.

While the core will not perform DNA sequencing or will it provide materials in this area.  It will provide assistance to investigators in gaining access to the Washington University sequencing center.  It is more cost effective to have the sequencing center perform all aspects of this process. 

Digital Imaging Module

The digital imaging module provides vision investigators with advice and technical support on the acquisition, analysis and presentation of visual data. This is the newest of the modules in the Core grant, but already features an impressive collection of state-of-the-art instrumentation and is heavily utilized as a result.

The digital imaging module was developed to meet the demonstrated needs of the vision research community at this institution for a central resource in imaging expertise. Vision research scientists are a diverse group of investigators with little in common beyond a shared interest in the biology of the visual system. Although some individuals already routinely use digital imaging in their work, the majority of investigators lack the appropriate training to make fullest use of this technology. A central resource in digital imaging thus provides the necessary technical "know-how" to enable inexperienced investigators to make efficient use of the equipment. For experienced investigators, the module provides state of the art instrumentation and ongoing technical support.

Implicit in the organization of the module is the concept that, for most imaging studies, visual information represents the primary dataset. Consequently, staff from the laboratory in which the data were generated should be the ones to analyze and manipulate the image content. Thus, while the module accepts a limited number of specific job requests, the emphasis is on training. The aim of the module is to enable each investigator to obtain the highest quality digital images and evaluate them intelligently. 

i) Resources and Facilities

The administration of the digital imaging module is based in offices on the 11th floor of the McMillan building where Dr. Bassnett (the module supervisor) and Mr. Turney (the imaging specialist) have adjacent rooms. The instruments which form the core of the digital imaging module are housed in various locations throughout the McMillan building, as described above (see Major Equipment).

ii) Module Supervision

The digital imaging module will be directed by Dr. Steven Bassnett. An imaging specialist with extensive experience in confocal microscopy and image analysis will assist investigators with proper use of imaging instruments and software.

Dr. Bassnett is an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences with a secondary appointment in the Department of Cell Biology. His work involves high resolution imaging studies of the eye and he is a major user of the Department's confocal microscopes. Dr. Bassnett was the principal investigator on the supplemental grant that recently provided funds to purchase the LSM510 META confocal microscope.

The module offers two kinds of services, depending on whether a member of the Core grant is likely to be an extensive or an occasional user of the module. Occasional users are defined as investigators for whom imaging is only a minor and infrequent component of their research. If an occasional user has a need for imaging in their work they will first contact the Imaging Core supervisor to discuss their project. Assuming that the project falls within the scope of the module, the Imaging Specialist will then help the faculty member complete the job request. It is unreasonable to expect occasional users to devote the necessary time to becoming technically proficient on a particular instrument. However, a different approach will be adopted for those who expect to utilize the imaging core extensively. In that case the role of the core will be to provide appropriate training for individuals assigned to the project from a particular laboratory.  The core will still be available to provide help and advice as a project develops but image acquisition will be the responsibility of those most intimately connected with a given study. 

Dr. Bassnett will be responsible for monitoring the performance of the digital imaging specialist. In addition, he will continue to provide core faculty members with technical advice on how digital imaging technology can be harnessed effectively in their particular projects. Work requests for the imaging module will be submitted in writing and scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.

iii) Essential Services

Consultation

During the initial stages of project development the Core will provide consultation on the feasibility and design of proposed imaging studies. This may also include helping investigators perform proof-of-principle experiments.

Conventional Light Microscopy

The Imaging core features two conventional epifluorescence microscopes equipped with CCD cameras. Advice and assistance with image acquisition will be provided.

Confocal Microscopy

The Core will provide training and assistance on all aspects of confocal microscopy. The range of projects handled on a monthly basis by the core is as varied as the wide interests of our large faculty. Projects range from routine (e.g. imaging immunofluorescence in fixed specimens) to the more innovative (e.g. time lapse imaging of cell migration in living animals). In addition to purely imaging modalities, physiological measurements are possible using the FRET and FRAP routines on the LSM510 META.  Ratiometric and non-ratiometric ion imaging are also available. Many of these techniques are applicable to live cell preparations and the Module also supports the use of an integrated live cell culture chamber for the microscope. The chamber provides temperature and environmental (CO2) control to maintain cells in a physiologically viable state during prolonged observation on the microscope.

Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (FCS)

The LSM510 META is equipped with a sensitive single photon counting FCS detector. The confocal pinhole ensures that only light from an extremely small volume (10-15 liters) is recorded by the detector. Driven by Brownian motion fluorescently labeled molecules diffuse through this volume. Fluorescence emitted by the labeled molecule is analyzed statistically to obtain characteristic numerical values from the signal, e.g. the average time for molecules to cross the detection volume and the average number of molecules contained in the detection volume. This autocorrelation analysis provides insight into molecular interactions. Cross correlation analysis is also possible and provides information on the interaction between two labeled molecules. Using this approach the binding constant between the molecules is readily obtained. The power of the FCS technique is that the analyzed volume can be positioned within living cells (or even subcellular compartments). Thus, biochemical studies can be performed in the physiological cellular context. 

Image Analysis

Quantitative image analysis is performed offline on a dedicated imaging workstation equipped with twin xeon processors.  Standard morphometric analysis (e.g. particle counting, shape analysis, intensity analysis) is largely accomplished using Metamorph image analysis software. This software includes a journaling function which allows macros to be generated to automate repetitive tasks. This is a full-featured image analysis software suite and, to the new user, offers an intimidating learning curve. The module will instruct inexperienced users on the selection of the appropriate analysis package and custom training on its use.

Deconvolution

Wide field microscopy and, to a lesser extent, confocal microscopy suffers from degraded resolution due to inherently poor z-axis resolution.  The Imaging Module supports the Autoquant Gold blind deconvolution software package.  Using this software out of focus light can be reassigned in stacks of wide-field or confocal images.  This provides a substantial improvement in spatial resolution and signal:noise ratio and is often included as a preprocessing step before further analysis of three dimensional structures.

Volume rendering

Three dimensional structures can be imaged by confocal microscopy and visualized using volume rendering software. The 3D visualization software from Autoquant and Voxblast software from Vaytek are used for visualation and morphometric analysis of three dimensional structures.

Biostatistics Module

i) Resources and Facilities

Module Leadership

Drs. Mae Gordon and Steven Kymes, Biostatistics module director and co-director respectively, will provide logistical, statistical and methodological expertise in the design and statistical analysis of research data.  Drs. Gordon and Kymes collaborate on two multi-center studies and co-authored several manuscripts since Dr. Kymes joined the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences in November 2001.

Dr. Gordon, an established vision scientist and biostatistician, is well qualified to provide the scientific and organizational support needed to accomplish the mission of the Biostatistics module.  Dr. Gordon is a recognized expert in psychometrics, quality-of-life assessment and the design and implementation of observational studies as well as randomized trials.  She has contributed to the development of new measures including patient adherence to medication (Co-PI), NEI-Visual Function Questionnaire (PI of participating clinic), Glaucoma Symptom Questionnaire (PI) and the first photodocumentation protocol for corneal scarring (Co-PI).  She has contributed to the development of a modified comb plot, which has been widely adopted by other studies, to display multi-trait data like the SF-36.  She is certified to perform ETDRS visual acuity and Lens Opacification Classification System III and certified to interview for DSM III and NEI-VFQ. 

Dr. Kymes, who joined the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences November 2001, was appointed co-director of the Biostatistics Module in 2002 to increase faculty level expertise and oversight.  Dr. Kymes has a Ph.D. in Health Services Research with a dual major in Epidemiology/Biostatistics and Health Outcomes Research from Saint Louis University, School of Public Health.  In addition to his expertise in biostatistics and epidemiology, he has expertise in the analysis of medical outcomes in relation to diagnostic classification, diagnostic imaging and health economics.   For six years, he served as project coordinator and statistical analyst for the Veterans Administration Cooperative Study on PET imaging for diagnosis and management of patients with solitary pulmonary nodules (VA CSP #027).  Since joining the department, Dr. Kymes has successfully integrated into the vision research community as reflected by the following achievements:  1.  co-organizer for a Special Emphasis panel for ARVO, 2005;  2.  faculty member for a national research method training seminar sponsored by the American Optometric Association; 3. consultant to Vision Impairment Study group to create a national network of centers to evaluate low vision training; 4.  first author of manuscript accepted for publication in American Journal of Ophthalmology on vision related quality of life in keratoconus; 5.  co-author of manuscript accepted to the Journal of Refractive Surgery concerning outcomes of LASIK surgery; and 6.  principal investigator of the first cost-utility study of the treatment of ocular hypertension to prevent glaucoma. 

ii) Module Supervision

Drs. Gordon and Kymes are responsible for determination of project priorities, timetable, delegation of responsibilities, and budgetary oversight.  When a request for biostatistical assistance is received, Dr. Gordon or Kymes completes a brief consult by e-mail or telephone within 24-36 hours and schedules a meeting with the investigator.  At the initial meeting attended by both Drs. Gordon and Kymes, a performance plan is agreed upon that specifies hypotheses to be tested, independent and dependent variables and covariates, deliverables, responsible parties and timetable.

iii) Essential Services

Essential services provided by the Biostatistics module that is not available from the Division of Biostatistics include:

  1. expertise in the protocols and analysis of vision related tests and measures including ETDRS visual acuity, NEI-Visual Function Questionnaire, Lens Opacification Classification Scale (used by D. Beebe, S. Bassnett, M. Petrash), perimetric data (Humphrey 30-2, 24-2 and SITA),  optic disc analysis;
  2. design and analysis of studies that utilize both eyes;
  3. diagnostic trials;
  4. logistical support eg. IRB approvals, data management.

These essential services will be utilized to achieve the specific aims of the biostatistics module, which are:

  1. to design and implement studies to provide planning data for R01 and U10 proposals;
  2. to provide statistical and methodological expertise in study design and analysis of data;
  3. to insure validity of statistical analyses and conclusions;
  4. to train clinicians and basic scientists in research methodology and statistics.

Services provided by the Biostatistics module to meet the specific aims are described below. 

Specific Aim A: "To design and implement studies to provide planning data for R01 and U10 proposals"

Drs. Gordon and Kymes have conducted a number of pilot studies that have led to larger, definitive, NEI funded studies.  They are well qualified to design informative pilot studies that yield unbiased estimates of planning parameters.

Specific Aim B: "To provide statistical and methodological expertise in study design and analysis of data"

  1. Genetic epidemiology, segregation analysis, linkage analysis and genetic modeling
  2. Data management:  SAS® version 9.1 is used for database management, statistical analyses and report generation
  3. Statistical power analyses:  The Biostatistics module purchased a license for Power and Precision for apriori and post-hoc statistical power analysis. 
  4. Analysis of correlated data:  Most investigators who use correlated observations do not adjust for their intercorrelations resulting in biased estimates of statistical significance. Both Drs. Gordon and Kymes have expertise in the analysis of correlated data. 
  5. Failure Time Models
  6. Instrument Reliability studies
  7. Diagnostic Trials:  Dr. Kymes is well qualified in the analysis and design of such studies as this was the subject of his doctoral dissertation.
  8. Vision-related Quality of Life Assessment

Specific Aim C:  "To insure validity of statistical analyses and conclusions"

The primary consultant, either Dr. Gordon or Kymes, will write statistical methods and results sections that use ordinary language so that these sections can be "cut and pasted" into investigators' manuscripts and grant applications.  Investigators are gratified to have "cut and paste" statistical methods and/or results sections.  This preserves clarity and technical accuracy of reporting.  The primary consultant is responsible for reviewing the discussion sections of manuscripts to review consistency between results and inferences.

Dr. Gordon and Kymes also assist investigators to revise grant applications receiving poor priority scores or to reply to critical grant and/or manuscript reviews.

Specific Aim D:    "To train clinicians and basic scientists in research methodology and statistics"

Biostatistics module personnel are well positioned to train research scientists in face-to-face consultations or lecture formats.  Both Drs. Gordon and Kymes have outstanding track records as educators and have consistently received "outstanding" and "excellent" student evaluations.  Dr. Gordon taught courses in research methods and statistics for 7 years at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.  Dr. Kymes teaches statistics, epidemiology and health economics at Saint Louis University and Washington University School of Medicine.  Drs. Gordon and Kymes attend departmental Journal Club meetings. 


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