Data Management and Statistical Core

Data Management and Statistical Core Summary/Abstract The Data Management and Statistical (DMS) Core described here is an integral part of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine (Penn) Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) Research Center (ADRC). The goal of the DMS Core in this application is to support the data management, statistical, bioinformatics, database, and related computational needs of Penn ADRC investigators and ADRC Developmental Project awardees. The services provided by the DMS Core include: (a) support for data form/questionnaire design and development, database development and management, big data (e.g., genomic and imaging data) integration, data entry, database audit trail, database security, database backup, and stringent data quality control procedures, (b) computing and programming support for all Penn ADRC activities, including implementation and integration of hardware and software upgrades necessary for data management and research, routine and archival off-site backup of computing systems central to the Penn ADRC, (c) biostatistical support for all study aspects from inception to publication, including development of study design, performing sample size and power calculations, and performing analyses of the ADRC data, (d) provide statistical training to ADRC trainees, (e) promoting an effective working relationship between the Penn ADRC, other NIA funded AD Research Centers and the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC). Thus, the DMS Core plays an important and significant role in the Penn ADRC that is critical to research on AD and related disorders, subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and cognitively normal (CN) controls conducted by Penn ADRC investigators and their collaborators at other ADRCs as well as to the continuation of an effective working relationship with NACC.