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Stats for the Masses Newsletter
April 2018
Ah, April!

"The sun was warm but the wind was chill.
You know how it is with an April day.
When the sun is out and the wind is still,
You're one month on in the middle of May.
But if you so much as dare to speak,
a cloud come over the sunlit arch,
And wind comes off a frozen peak,
And you're two months back in the middle of March."
-  Robert Frost, Two Tramps in Mud Time, 1926 


Or for those of you who prefer something more straightforward and to the point...

"The first of April is the day we remember what we are the other 364 days of the year."
-  Mark Twain

For Omega Statistics, April is the beginning of the rush to meet June deadlines, and the time of year when I am invariably torn between working at my desk and trying to take my work outside. It is hard working outside in April. The sun still sits a bit lower in the sky most of the day so I have a hard time seeing my laptop screen through the glare, even in the shade. And there is always a bit of breeze to blow my papers around. But, oh, it is so delicious outside this time of year!

Those of you who receive my weekly Statistics Grab Bag know what I'm talking about. Most weeks I've been discussing my garden along with my statistics goodies. And food. Always food...

Research Never Rests! 

I'm proud to announce that I've helped two of my colleagues in publishing their latest research:
  • Congratulations to Dr. Amy Jnah and colleagues on their article in Advances in Neonatal Care:
  Jnah, A.; Newberry, D.M.; & Eisenbeisz, E.; (2018). Comparison of transcutaneous and serum bilirubin measurements in neonates 30 to 34 weeks' gestation before, during, and after phototherapy. Advances in Neonatal Care. 18 (2), 144-153.  
  • Congratulations to Dr. Attila Toth and colleagues on their article in Archivio Italiano di Urologia e Angrologia:
 Toth A,; Guercini, F.M.; Feldthouse, D.M.; Zhang, J.C.;(2018). Injection therapy for chronic prostatitis: A retrospective analysis of 77 cases.  Archivio Italiano di Urologia e Angrologia. 90(1).

Here's to many citations, and to moving the research base forward! It couldn't have happened to two better people!

I'm also assisting with statistical analysis plans and analyses for some amazing clinical research studies. And I continue writing articles for various publications and traveling all over the country to present my ever expanding repertoire of in-person events. And I am meeting some fascinating people.  

I am constantly amazed at the world of research and science. And it's April. Life is good! Real good! I try to remind myself of that on my, um, not so good days. We all have them, don't we?

You can read about all of the current happenings in the sections below. And don't forget to sign up for the free Stats for the Masses webinar on Bayesian logic in May. Bring your questions too! I'll do my best to answer them at the live event.

I always welcome suggestions for articles, webinar, and seminar ideas. So don't be shy! Send me an email with any suggestions or questions you have about any events or services I can provide. I'd love to hear from you!

Now get outside with your paperweights and breathe in some fresh spring air!

-- Elaine
Upcoming Events

FREE Quarterly Webinar: May 23, 2018; 11:00 a.m - 12:30 p.m. Pacific Time
An Introduction to Bayesian Logic

Unlike Frequentist statistics in which we assume we know nothing about phenomena until we sample and test it, Bayesian statistics allow us to take into account information we already know in our analysis and our conclusions. 

Please join Elaine Eisenbeisz, Owner and Principal of Omega Statistics, as she presents an overview of Bayesian thought and techniques. Emphasis will be on applications to diagnostic tests and genetics. There is always some time for Q&A during our events so bring  your questions! 

All registrants will receive handouts and a link to a recording of the webinar. So if you cannot attend the live event, you can watch later at your convenience. 

The webinar and recording are FREE! But space is limited, so register soon. This webinar is a Stats for the Masses Favorite, so seats will fill up fast! 


LIVE Events. Two-Day In-Person Workshops. Meet Elaine and learn a lot! Various Locations and Dates. Click on the links for each event for fees and further details.

Biostatistics for the Non-Statistician
May 10 & 11:  Salt Lake City, UT

Biostatistics for the Non-Statistician
June 14 & 15:  San Francisco, CA

Biostatistics for the Non-Statistician
June 25 & 26:  Boston, MA

Statistics for Process and Quality Control
July 10 & 11: Washington, DC

Fundamentals of Statistical Design for Clinical Trials
August 14 & 15: Baltimore, MD

Statistics for Process and Quality Control
September 18 & 19: San Diego, CA

I am currently working on some additional seminar presentations and dates. Stay Tuned!
Want to See Something Nifty? 

Let me introduce you to Janet Hubka and her company, ilus Art. She is "taking art to the cellular level" and it is gorgeous! Among many the many interests and functions ilus Art is involved in, they have a K-12 program and travel to schools to show how art and science mix. This is a great way to show our future researchers, and all of us, that STEAM is indeed full of beautiful things.  And she has an office in San Diego so she is my neighbor too! I'm looking forward to some coffee and a nice chat very soon.



Dissertation Den

Did you know that your dissertation proposal is a contract? Knowing this, there are some ways to help assure that you don't get caught up in a vicious circle of additions, revisions, and committee requests after you've collected your data. 

I'm re-running last month's blog post.   The Dissertation Proposal: Your Road Map to Success gives some advice and tips for making your proposal complete now, so you can more easily avoid detours later. 

I don't promise miracles. But trust me, a detailed proposal is good preventative care for a dissertation research. 
Clinical Craftworks 

I've been championing adaptive design for at least 10 years. And lately, it seems that there is quite a bit of interest in the concepts of adaptive design in clinical trials. The FDA is, after all, a government agency. So they still see Bayesian statistics and adaptive designs as novel. But what is important is that they are starting to see the value in the concepts. 

So, I am starting to write a series in adaptive designs for my column at Clinical Leader.  Why don't you come along with me on the journey and check out :  Adaptive Seamless Design for Phase 2/3 Studies: Basic Concepts and Considerations. 

Did you say you wanted to get a handle on efficacy from a observational study? Then read this month's blog post on propensity scores at the Omega Statistics website. 
About Elaine and Omega Statistics

Elaine Eisenbeisz (pronounced "I-SEN-BUYS" but you can call her Elaine) is a statistician with graduate level education in statistics and extensive expertise in all phases of design and analysis. Her education and experience give her a deeper insight into the theory and practice of the discipline of statistics. 

Elaine and the Omega Statistics team are professional, personable, and knowledgeable. We deliver analysis reports that are both informative and intelligible. All of our services include consulting as you need it, in order for you to understand and present your results with confidence.
We can perform most projects on a flat fee basis. The fee quoted includes all work to meet your specifications, including a written report and consulting. In essence, the fee for services includes everything you need to complete your project. And, if in the rare instance Elaine can't do it, She probably knows someone who can. Feel free to email  info@omegastatistics.com or call 877-461-7226 to discuss your needs or any questions you may have!
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