title: A synopsis of resampling techniques.
abstract: Bootstrap is a computer intensive technique of resampling with replacement, which can be applied in many statistical analytical tests. The article describes the most frequent situations where bootstrap resampling can be applied in thoracic surgical research: variable selection for multivariable regression analysis, internal validation of regression equations, model validation. Practical examples for programming bootstrap in commercially available statistical software are finally reported.
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic Surgery, St. James's University Hospital, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK.
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Brunelli
keywords: Resampling statistics; bootstrap; risk modelling; thoracic surgery