Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Short‐term cancer mortality projections: A comparative study of prediction methods

This paper provides a systematic comparison of cancer mortality and incidence projection methods used at major national health agencies. These methods include Poisson regression using an age–period–cohort model as well as a simple log‐linear trend, a joinpoint technique, which accounts for sharp changes, autoregressive time series and state–space models. We assess and compare the reliability of these projection methods by using Canadian cancer mortality data for 12 cancer sites at both the national and regional levels. Cancer sites were chosen to provide a wide range of mortality frequencies. We explore specific techniques for small case counts and for overall national‐level projections based on regional‐level data. No single method is omnibus in terms of superior performance across a wide range of cancer sites and for all sizes of populations. However, the procedures based on age–period–cohort models used by the Association of the Nordic Cancer Registries tend to provide better performance than the other methods considered. The exception is when case counts are small, where the average of the observed counts over the recent 5‐year period yields better predictions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interpretability and importance of functionals in competing risks and multistate models

The basic parameters in both survival analysis and more general multistate models, including the competing risks model and the illness–death model, are the transition hazards. It is often necessary to supplement the analysis of such models with other model parameters, which are all functionals of the transition hazards. Unfortunately, not all such functionals are equally meaningful in practical contexts, even though they may be mathematically well defined. We have found it useful to check whether the functionals satisfy three simple principles, which may be used as criteria for practical interpretability. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension: a rare disease that encourages the development of multiple treatments

Introduction: Rare diseases have often been viewed as offering limited commercial opportunities. Analysis of the current position for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) was carried out to highlight the error of such an assumption. Areas covered: The US and European Orphan Drug Registers were searched to identify drugs either approved for use in the treatment of PAH, or with orphan drug designation for potential use in its treatment. In addition, clinical trials databases were searched to identify additional agents undergoing clinical evaluation as potential treatments for PAH. Expert opinion: PAH provides a vibrant commercial market segment that supports multiple treatment options and still offers sufficient incentive for the development of additional treatments. Efforts tend to be focused on improving established treatments by either modifying current formulations or building on established therapeutics. PAH currently attracts very limited de novo research into new therapeutic entities.
The Influence of Changes in Acute Training Load on Daily Sensitivity of Morning-Measured Fatigue Variables in Elite Soccer Players.

PURPOSE To determine the sensitivity of a range of potential fatigue measures to daily training load accumulated over the previous 2, 3, and 4 d during a short in-season competitive period in elite senior soccer players (N = 10). METHODS Total highspeed-running distance, perceived ratings of wellness (fatigue, muscle soreness, sleep quality), countermovement-jump height (CMJ), submaximal heart rate (HRex), postexercise heart-rate recovery (HRR), and heart-rate variability (HRV: Ln rMSSD) were analyzed during an in-season competitive period (17 d). General linear models were used to evaluate the influence of 2-, 3-, and 4-d total high-speed-running-distance accumulation on fatigue measures. RESULTS Fluctuations in perceived ratings of fatigue were correlated with fluctuations in total high-speed-running-distance accumulation covered on the previous 2 d (r = -.31; small), 3 d (r = -.42; moderate), and 4 d (r = -.28; small) (P < .05). Changes in HRex (r = .28; small; P = .02) were correlated with changes in 4-d total high-speed-running-distance accumulation only. Correlations between variability in muscle soreness, sleep quality, CMJ, HRR%, and HRV and total high-speed-running distance were negligible and not statistically significant for all accumulation training loads. CONCLUSIONS Perceived ratings of fatigue and HRex were sensitive to fluctuations in acute total high-speed-running-distance accumulation, although sensitivity was not systematically influenced by the number of previous days over which the training load was accumulated. The present findings indicate that the sensitivity of morning-measured fatigue variables to changes in training load is generally not improved when compared with training loads beyond the previous day's training.
Identification of Sensitive Measures of Recovery After External Load From Football Match Play.

Objective measures of recovery from football match play could be useful for assessing athletes' readiness to train, if sensitive to preceding match load. PURPOSE To identify the sensitivity of countermovement-jump (CMJ) performance and concentration of salivary testosterone and cortisol relative to elite football match load. METHODS CMJ performance and salivary hormones were measured in 18 elite football players before (27, 1 h) and after (0.5, 18, 42, 66, 90 h) 3 consecutive matches. Match load was determined via accelerometer-derived PlayerLoad and divided into tertiles. Sensitivity of CMJ performance and hormone concentrations to match load was quantified with t statistics and magnitude-based inferences (change in mean as % ± 90% confidence interval) derived with a linear mixed model. RESULTS Jump height was reduced in medium and high load at 0.5 h (10% ± 7% and 16% ± 8%) and 18 h (7% ± 4% and 9% ± 5%) postmatch. There was a 12% ± 7% reduction in ratio of flight time to contraction time (FT:CT) in high load at 0.5 h post, with reductions in medium and high load at 18 h. Reductions in FT:CT persisted at later postmatch time points than changes in jump height. Increased cortisol (range 55-165%) and testosterone (range 17-20%) were observed in all match loads at 0.5 h post, with individual variability thereafter. CONCLUSIONS Measures of CMJ performance and hormonal concentrations were sensitive to levels of A League football match load. Although jump height was reduced immediately postmatch, FT:CT provided a more sensitive measure of recovery. Football match play induces an acute hormonal response with substantial individual variability thereafter.
Daring to compare: the debate about a Maori “holocaust” in New Zealand”1

This article examines how New Zealand Maori have been drawn into an emerging comparative genocide debate, one where historically marginalized groups have used the Jewish Holocaust, its imagery and vocabulary as a means of articulating their own experiences of victimization, in the quest for some form of justice, restitution, and healing. I will argue that Maori activists have been strongly influenced in the recent past by North American indigenous activists (such as David Stannard and Ward Churchill), whose arguments and style have been borrowed to advance Maori interests. This follows a pattern of incorporating the protest styles and images of other marginalized groups, from North America and elsewhere. While the widespread use of “holocaust” and accusations of “holocaust” denial arguably have a role to play in the United States— where there are proven cases of genocide—the operationalization of such terminology in New Zealand (where such claims are unproven) is certainly fraught with controversy.
Effects of Bout Duration on Players' Internal and External Loads During Small-Sided Games in Young Soccer Players.

PURPOSE To investigate the effects of different bout durations on internal and external loads of young soccer players during different small-sided games (SSGs). METHODS Fifteen young male soccer players (average age 17 ± 1 y) participated in 2 vs 2, 3 vs 3, and 4 vs 4 SSGs. All games lasted 12 min playing time in total, but each SSG format further consisted of 4 bout durations: continuous (CON: 1 bout × 12 min) or interval with short (SBD: 6 bouts × 2 min), medium (MBD: 3 bouts × 4 min), or long (LBD: 2 bouts × 6 min) bout durations. During the SSGs, heart-rate (HR) responses and distance covered in different speed zones (walking and low-intensity, moderate-intensity, and high-intensity running) were measured. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and blood lactate (La-) were determined at the end of each SSG. RESULTS The SBD format elicited significantly lower %HRmax responses compared to LBD and CON in all formats (P < .05). The SBD format also showed significantly shorter distances covered in walking and greater distances covered in moderate-intensity running, as well as significantly greater total distance covered compared to LBD and CON in all formats (P < .05). In addition, LBD produced significantly lower La- and RPE responses than SBD and CON in all formats (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that coaches and sport scientists who want to achieve higher internal loads could use SBD and CON timing protocols, while those who want to achieve higher external loads might prefer to use SBD and MBD when planning all SSG formats.
Assessments of Mechanical Stiffness and Relationships to Performance Determinants in Middle-Distance Runners.

PURPOSE To examine relationships between methods of lower-limb stiffness and their associations with running economy (RE) and maximal velocity (vmax) in middle-distance (MD) runners. METHODS Eleven highly trained male MD runners performed a series of mechanical and physiological tests to determine maximal overground sprint speed, RE, and [Formula: see text]. Achilles tendon stiffness (kT) was estimated using ultrasonography during maximal isometric ankle plantar flexion. Global stiffness qualities were evaluated using a spring-mass model, providing measures of leg (kleg) and vertical stiffness (kvert) during running and jumping, respectively. RESULTS Very large (r = -.70) and large (r = -.60) negative relationships existed between RE and kT and kvert, during plantar flexion and unilateral jumps, respectively. There were large (r = .63) and extremely large (r = -.92) associations between kvert and kT and kleg during sprinting, respectively. Runners' vmax had large positive associations between kT (r = .52) and kleg (r = .59) during sprinting. CONCLUSIONS In well-trained MD athletes, greater stiffness appears linked to faster and more economical running. Although kT had the strongest relationship with RE, kleg while sprinting and kvert in maximal unilateral jumps may be more practical measures of stiffness. Agreement between global stiffness assessments and kT highlights the energy contribution of the Achilles tendon to running efficiency and velocity. Further research incorporating these assessment tools could help establish more comprehensive mechanical and metabolic athlete profiles and further our understanding of training adaptations, especially stiffness modification, longitudinally.
Graduated exercise training and progressive resistance training in adolescents with chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized controlled pilot study

Objective: To investigate the differential effects of aerobic graded exercise and progressive resistance training on exercise tolerance, fatigue and quality of life in adolescent patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Design: Single-blind, randomized controlled pilot trial. Setting: A major metropolitan hospital in Melbourne, Australia. Subjects: Twenty-two adolescents aged 13—18 years diagnosed with CFS and admitted to the inpatient chronic fatigue rehabilitation programme. Intervention: Patients were randomized to either graded aerobic exercise training or a progressive resistance training programme, for five days/week for four weeks. The graded aerobic training consisted of 20—40 minutes of stationary cycling and treadmill exercise. The progressive resistance training involved 16 exercises performed with single set, moderate load and high repetitions. Main measures: Exercise tolerance (time to fatigue) measured on a graded sub-maximal treadmill test, metabolic equivalents and quality of life, along with muscular strength (maximium push-ups) and endurance (sit-to-stand) and questionnaires evaluating depressive symptoms and fatigue severity. Results: No intervention was significantly better than the other for any outcome. However, physical capacity and quality of life significantly improved in both groups, while fatigue severity and symptoms of depression improved only with aerobic training. Conclusions: Resistance and aerobic training resulted in similar changes to physical capacity, quality of life and fatigue severity. Generally, patients who completed resistance training or aerobic training experienced significant improvements in outcomes from baseline when they entered the programme. Whether these improvements can be attributed to the treatment is unknown.
Comparison of Heart-Rate-Variability Recording With Smartphone Photoplethysmography, Polar H7 Chest Strap, and Electrocardiography.

PURPOSE To establish the validity of smartphone photoplethysmography (PPG) and heart-rate sensor in the measurement of heart-rate variability (HRV). METHODS 29 healthy subjects were measured at rest during 5 min of guided breathing and normal breathing using smartphone PPG, a heart-rate chest strap, and electrocardiography (ECG). The root mean sum of the squared differences between R-R intervals (rMSSD) was determined from each device. RESULTS Compared to ECG, the technical error of estimate (TEE) was acceptable for all conditions (average TEE CV% [90% CI] = 6.35 [5.13; 8.5]). When assessed as a standardized difference, all differences were deemed "trivial" (average standard difference [90% CI] = 0.10 [0.08; 0.13]). Both PPG- and heart-rate-sensor-derived measures had almost perfect correlations with ECG (R = 1.00 [0.99; 1.00]). CONCLUSION Both PPG and heart-rate sensors provide an acceptable agreement for the measurement of rMSSD when compared with ECG. Smartphone PPG technology may be a preferred method of HRV data collection for athletes due to its practicality and ease of use in the field.
1. Brain injury: Epidemiology and pathophysiology☆

Abstract Greenwald BD, Burnett DM, Miller MA. Congenital and acquired brain injury. 1. Brain injury: epidemiology and pathophysiology. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2003;84 Suppl 1:S3-7. This self-directed learning module highlights recent advances in the understanding of brain injury pathophysiology, epidemiology, severity scales, and treatment interventions to minimize brain injury in adults and children. It is part of the chapter on congenital and acquired brain injury in the Self-Directed Physiatric Education Program for practitioners and trainees in physical medicine and rehabilitation. In this article, brain injury epidemiology is summarized, and differences in between brain injury in pediatric and elderly persons are highlighted. Underlying physiologic and chemical mechanisms for secondary brain injury are reviewed, along with strategies and research to minimize this injury. Contemporary understanding of the mechanisms and treatments of brain injury in preterm infants is also discussed. Classification of brain injury severity provides a way to stratify this heterogeneous group. Overall Article Objective: (a) To summarize brain injury epidemiology and prevention strategiesacross the age spectrum, (b) to review the pathophysiology of pediatric and adult brain injury, and (c) to classify brain injury by severity scales.
Monitoring Hitting Load in Tennis Using Inertial Sensors and Machine Learning.

CONTEXT Quantifying external workload is fundamental to training prescription in sport. In tennis, global positioning data are imprecise and fail to capture hitting loads. The current gold standard (manual notation) is time intensive and often not possible given players' heavy travel schedules. PURPOSE To develop an automated stroke-classification system to help quantify hitting load in tennis. METHODS Nineteen athletes wore an inertial measurement unit (IMU) on their wrist during 66 video-recorded training sessions. Video footage was manually notated such that known shot type (serve, rally forehand, slice forehand, forehand volley, rally backhand, slice backhand, backhand volley, smash, or false positive) was associated with the corresponding IMU data for 28,582 shots. Six types of machine-learning models were then constructed to classify true shot type from the IMU signals. RESULTS Across 10-fold cross-validation, a cubic-kernel support vector machine classified binned shots (overhead, forehand, or backhand) with an accuracy of 97.4%. A second cubic-kernel support vector machine achieved 93.2% accuracy when classifying all 9 shot types. CONCLUSIONS With a view to monitoring external load, the combination of miniature inertial sensors and machine learning offers a practical and automated method of quantifying shot counts and discriminating shot types in elite tennis players.
Can the Lamberts and Lambert Submaximal Cycle Test Reflect Overreaching in Professional Cyclists?

CONTEXT The Lamberts and Lambert Submaximal Cycle Test (LSCT) consists of 3 stages during which cyclists cycle for 6 min at 60%, 6 min at 80%, and 3 min at 90% of their maximal heart rate, followed by 1-min recovery. PURPOSE To determine if the LSCT is able to reflect a state of functional overreaching in professional female cyclists during an 8-d training camp and the following recovery days. METHODS Six professional female cyclists performed an LSCT on days 1, 5, and 8 of the training camp and 3 d after the training camp. During each stage of the LSCT, power output and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were determined. Training diaries and Profile of Mood States (POMS) were also completed. RESULTS At the middle and the end of the training camp, increased power output during the 2nd and 3rd stages of the LSCT was accompanied with increased RPE during these stages and/or the inability to reach 90% of maximal heart rate. All athletes reported increased feelings of fatigue and muscle soreness, while changes in energy balance, calculated from the POMS, were less indicative of a state of overreaching. After 3 d of recovery, all parameters of the LSCT returned to baseline, indicating a state of functional overreaching during the training camp. CONCLUSION The LSCT is able to reflect a state of overreaching in elite professional female cyclists during an 8-d training camp and the following recovery days.
Anthropometric Profiles of Elite Open-Water Swimmers.

Reports detailing the physiques of open-water (OW) swimmers are limited. Data from anthropometric screening around competition provides a unique opportunity to describe the current physical attributes of elite OW swimmers peaking for international competition. Anthropometric screening was undertaken on a group of Australian and French OW swimmers as part of performance monitoring within 2 wk of the 2015 FINA World Championships. Height, mass, and sum of 7 skinfolds were measured using ISAK standardized measurement techniques by 2 trained anthropometrists. Data were collated and compared with previously published data on OW and pool swimmers. French swimmers had lower skinfolds (57.3 ± 6.1 vs 80.5 ± 21.3 mm, P = .0258), were lighter (64.7 ± 10.8 vs 74.6 ± 11.8 kg, P = .013), and had lower lean-mass index (LMI) (34.7 ± 7.3 vs 38.2 ± 8.8, P = .035) than Australian swimmers. Male and female OW swimmers had skinfolds similar to their contemporary OW swimmers but were lower than earlier reports of OW swimmers; however, they were higher than those of pool swimmers. Male and female OW swimmers had 9% and 6% lower LMI, respectively, than pool swimmers. Lower body mass and LMI were correlated with better World Championships finishing positions (R2 = .46, P = .0151, and R2 = .45, P = .0177, respectively). These data are a unique report of elite OW swimmers' physiques around international competition and demonstrate a potential morphological optimization in OW swimmers that warrants further investigation in larger populations.
Effects of dual task balance training on dual task performance in elderly people: a randomized controlled trial

Objective: To investigate the effects of dual task balance training in the elderly on standing postural control while performing a cognitive task. Design: A randomized two-group parallel controlled trial. Participants: Forty-three subjects (all >65 years old) were enrolled in the study and were assigned randomly to either an experimental group (n = 21) or a control group (n = 22). Interventions: Subjects in the experimental group were given strength and balance training while performing cognitive tasks simultaneously. Subjects in the control group were given strength and balance training only. The training was administered twice a week for three months. Measurements: The Chair Stand Test, Functional Reach Test, Timed Up and Go Test and Trail Making Test were measured. The sway length of the centre of gravity was measured during standing while performing the Stroop task. The rate of Stroop task was also measured. All measurements were collected at baseline and after the training period. Results: There were no significant differences in Functional Reach Test, Timed Up and Go Test and sway length at baseline and after training between the two groups. However, the rate of Stroop task (P < 0.05) was significantly higher after training in the experimental group than in the control group. Conclusions: These results suggest that dual task balance training in elderly people improves their dual task performance during standing postural control.
Assessing Technical Candidates on the Social Web

The Social Web provides comprehensive and publicly available information about software developers, identifying them as contributors to open source projects, experts at maintaining ties on social network sites, or active participants on knowledge-sharing sites. These signals, when aggregated and summarized, could be used to define potential candidates' individual profiles: potential employers could qualitatively evaluate job seekers, even those lacking a formal degree or changing their career path, by assessing candidates' online contributions. At the same time, developers are aware of the Web's public nature and the possible uses of published information when they determine what to share with the world. Some might even try to manipulate public signals of technical qualifications, soft skills, and reputation in their favor. Assessing candidates on the Web for technical positions presents challenges to recruiters, the most serious being the interpretation of the provided signals. An in-depth discussion proposes guidelines for software engineers and recruiters to help recruiters interpret the value and trouble with the signals and metrics they use to assess a candidate's characteristics and skills.