Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this context, the word 'winnowed' means to separate or eliminate less desirable individuals from a larger group, indicating that the applicants were being sifted out or singled out in this process. Therefore, the most appropriate meaning among the choices provided is 'separated.' 'Escorted' (Choice A) implies being accompanied or guided, which is not the intended meaning. 'Elevated' (Choice C) means raised or lifted, which does not fit the context. 'Summoned' (Choice D) suggests being called or requested to attend, which is also not the correct meaning in this context.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When people masticate, they use their gums and teeth to chew and physically break down food into smaller pieces for easier digestion. The process of mastication is essential for proper digestion in the human body. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as fingers, eyes, ears, heels, and toes are not involved in the process of chewing or mastication.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'quite stubborn.' The word 'obdurate' means stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action. Therefore, if a patient is especially obdurate, it indicates that she is likely very stubborn in her behavior or beliefs. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not reflect the meaning of 'obdurate.' Being 'very large' (Choice A), 'easily upset' (Choice C), or 'ready to go home' (Choice D) does not directly relate to being stubborn and unwilling to change.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When tubes distend, they expand or become enlarged, which typically results in stretching rather than flexing, solidifying, or collapsing. Distending tubes imply an increase in size or volume, indicating a stretching or expansion effect. Therefore, the correct answer is 'stretch.' Choice A, 'flex,' is incorrect as flexing refers to bending or curling, not expanding. Choice C, 'solidify,' is incorrect as solidifying refers to becoming solid, which is not related to the expansion of tubes. Choice D, 'collapse,' is incorrect as collapsing refers to falling in or giving way, which is the opposite effect of distending.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Radius. The forearm consists of two long bones: the radius and the ulna. The radius is located on the thumb side of the forearm and is shorter than the ulna, which is on the pinky side. The humerus is the bone located in the upper arm, the scapula is the shoulder blade bone, and the fibula is a bone in the lower leg. Therefore, they are not the shorter bone in the forearm.