Semiparametric Regression in Size-Biased Sampling

Summary .  Size-biased sampling arises when a positive-valued outcome variable is sampled with selection probability proportional to its size. In this article, we propose a semiparametric linear regression model to analyze size-biased outcomes. In our proposed model, the regression parameters of covariates are of major interest, while the distribution of random errors is unspecified. Under the proposed model, we discover that regression parameters are invariant regardless of size-biased sampling. Following this invariance property, we develop a simple estimation procedure for inferences. Our proposed methods are evaluated in simulation studies and applied to two real data analyses.     

Tooth Eruption Results from Bone Remodelling Driven by Bite Forces Sensed by Soft Tissue Dental Follicles: A Finite Element Analysis

Intermittent tongue, lip and cheek forces influence precise tooth position, so we here examine the possibility that tissue remodelling driven by functional bite-force-induced jaw-strain accounts for tooth eruption. Notably, although a separate true ‘eruptive force’ is widely assumed, there is little direct evidence for such a force. We constructed a three dimensional finite element model from axial computerized tomography of an 8 year old child mandible containing 12 erupted and 8 unerupted teeth. Tissues modelled included: cortical bone, cancellous bone, soft tissue dental follicle, periodontal ligament, enamel, dentine, pulp and articular cartilage. Strain and hydrostatic stress during incisive and unilateral molar bite force were modelled, with force applied via medial and lateral pterygoid, temporalis, masseter and digastric muscles. Strain was maximal in the soft tissue follicle as opposed to surrounding bone, consistent with follicle as an effective mechanosensor. Initial numerical analysis of dental follicle soft tissue overlying crowns and beneath the roots of unerupted teeth was of volume and hydrostatic stress. To numerically evaluate biological significance of differing hydrostatic stress levels normalized for variable finite element volume, ‘biological response units’ in Nmm were defined and calculated by multiplication of hydrostatic stress and volume for each finite element. Graphical representations revealed similar overall responses for individual teeth regardless if incisive or right molar bite force was studied. There was general compression in the soft tissues over crowns of most unerupted teeth, and general tension in the soft tissues beneath roots. Not conforming to this pattern were the unerupted second molars, which do not erupt at this developmental stage. Data support a new hypothesis for tooth eruption, in which the follicular soft tissues detect bite-force-induced bone-strain, and direct bone remodelling at the inner surface of the surrounding bony crypt, with the effect of enabling tooth eruption into the mouth.     

Effects of traces of rare earth elements on the protozoanBlepherisma and on mice

The growth of the protozoanBlepherisma is stimulated by Lanthanum (La) at concentrations as low as 0.32 ppm. In mice Yttrium (Y) and Ytterbium (Yb) are absorbed, accumulated, and metabolized. Both rare earth elements (RE) exhibit a high affinity for teeth and bones, accumulation occurs and metabolism is slow. In the livers of RE-exposed mice, concentrations are variable. The liver is apparently capable of absorbing and discharging RE in a manner depending on metabolic activity. The main route of discharge for ingested REs is the alimentary canal. Exposure of pregnant mice to RE leads to rapid placental transfer of RE; 14.1% of the total amount of RE administered was detected in newborn mice. Young, developing organisms appear to be especially susceptible to RE accumulation.     

云南所麻蝇属一新种记述：双翅目：麻蝇科

作者在整理1985年采集的麻蝇科标本中,发现所麻蝇属(SarcosolomoniaBaranov)1新种。模式标本分别保存于云南省卫生防疫站和军事医学科学院微生物流行病研究所。     

横断山齿突蟾属一新种(两栖纲:锄足蟾科)

1982年在横断山区考察期间,发现四川木里截族自治县的齿突蟾Scutiger标本在第二性征、趾蹼等特征与已知的各种齿突蟾均不相同,描述为新种木里齿突蟾Scutiger muliensis。     

齿突蟾属某些种的多态现象

本文报道某些锄足蟾科Pelobatidae动物的多态现象。讨论了同域或不同域的四种齿突蟾Scuti-ger,即刺胸齿突蟾S. mammatus(Guenther)、胸腺齿突蟾S. glandulatus(Liu)、木里齿突蟾S. mulicnsis Fei et Ye和皱纹齿突蟾S. ruginosus Zhao et jiang的皮肤瘰疣、第二性征等性状;用薄层等电聚焦电泳方法分析了同域三种齿突蟾的晶体蛋白。结果表明:前三种是有效种;后一种,即皱纹齿突蟾分别是前三种的多态性变体;这些变体以相同性状(即皮肤多瘭疣)同时表现在三个种中的现象,属于平行多态现象。