Geospatial distributions reflect temperatures of linguistic features.

Quantifying the speed of linguistic change is challenging because the historical evolution of languages is sparsely documented. Consequently, traditional methods rely on phylogenetic reconstruction. Here, we propose a model-based approach to the problem through the analysis of language change as a stochastic process combining vertical descent, spatial interactions, and mutations in both dimensions.

Replicator-mutator dynamics of linguistic convergence and divergence.

People tend to align their use of language to the linguistic behaviour of their own ingroup and to simultaneously diverge from the language use of outgroups. This paper proposes to model this phenomenon of sociolinguistic identity maintenance as an evolutionary game in which individuals play the field and the dynamics are supplied by a multi-population extension of the replicator-mutator equation. Using linearization, the stabilities of all dynamic equilibria of the game in its fully symmetric two-population special case are found.

Standardization and validation of the body weight adjustment regression equations in Olympic weightlifting.

The problems in comparing the performances of Olympic weightlifters arise from the fact that the relationship between body weight and weightlifting results is not linear. In the present study, this relationship was examined by using a nonparametric curve fitting technique of robust locally weighted regression (LOWESS) on relatively large data sets of the weightlifting results made in top international competitions. Power function formulas were derived from the fitted LOWESS values to represent the relationship between the 2 variables in a way that directly compares the snatch, clean-and-jerk, and total weightlifting results of a given athlete with those of the world-class weightlifters (golden standards).

Asymmetry of paraspinal EMG-time characteristics in idiopathic scoliosis.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the activation pattern of the paraspinal muscles in scoliotic and normal subjects. Force-time and electromyography (EMG)-time curves of paraspinal muscles were recorded during maximal isometric trunk extensions in 15 girls with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and in 14 healthy girls with structurally normal spines. The isometric force-time curves as well as the maximal integrated electromyography (IEMG) activities that were recorded from both sides of the thoracic and lumbar spine did not show any significant differences between the two subject groups.

Hormonal adaptations and modelled responses in elite weightlifters during 6 weeks of training.

The concentrations of serum testosterone, sex-hormone-binding-globulin (SHBG) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were examined throughout 1-year of training in six elite weightlifters. A systems model, providing an estimation of fatigue and fitness, was applied to records of training volume and performance levels in clean and jerk. The analysis focused on a 6-week training period during which blood samples were taken at 2-week intervals.