Passenger complaints about driver behaviors.

Fifty-two couples were surveyed about their behavior while driving together. Each was asked to individually rate the driver's behavior, the passenger's amount of complaining about the driver's behavior, the effect of that complaining on the driver, the driver's use of vengeance while driving, and the driver's ability and safety. Drivers and passengers gave similar responses: the riskier the driver's behavior, the more the passenger complained.

Attrition, abrasion, corrosion and abfraction revisited: a new perspective on tooth surface lesions.

Overview: The authors propose updated and revised nomenclature, definitions and classification for tooth surface lesions. Their objective is standardization, clarity and clinical utility for the dental practitioner. The article presents a schema of the pathodynamic mechanisms in the formation of tooth surface lesions--three basic physical and chemical mechanisms, their interactions and their dental manifestations.

Three-dimensional image registration of phantom vertebrae for image-guided surgery: a preliminary study.

Objective: Applications of three-dimensional ultrasound (3D US) are emerging throughout the field of medicine. In this study, tracked, free-hand 3D phantom US images were mapped to computed tomograms (CT) as a development for image-guided surgery (IGS) of the spine. In the operating room, the registration of tracked 3D US images to other imaging modalities, such as CT, could allow the surgeon to identify more precisely the surgical target area prior to the incision.

Antinociception produced by mu opioid receptor activation in the amygdala is partly dependent on activation of mu opioid and neurotensin receptors in the ventral periaqueductal gray.

Exposure to stressful or fear-inducing environmental stimuli activates descending antinociceptive systems resulting in a decreased pain response to peripheral noxious stimuli. Stimulating mu opioid receptors in the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA) in anesthetized rats produces antinociception that is similar to environmentally induced antinociception in awake rats. Recent evidence suggests that both forms of antinociception are mediated via projections from the amygdala to the ventral periaqueductal gray (PAG).

Brainstem pain modulating circuitry is sexually dimorphic with respect to mu and kappa opioid receptor function.

We have previously shown that activation of kappa opioid receptors within the rostral ventral medulla in lightly anesthetized rats has an anti-mu opioid analgesic action in male rats. Microinjections of the kappa opioid receptor agonist, U69593, attenuated the increase in tail-flick latency produced by activation of mu opioid receptors located within the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray. There are sex differences in the pain modulating potency of opioid analgesics, including kappa opioid agonists.

Dental 'erosion' revisited.

The term "erosion," as currently used in dentistry, is not only a misnomer but also is misleading, according to the authors. The authors highlight the critical roles of occlusal function and parafunction in the multifactorial etiology of cervical lesions and relate their significance to clinical practice. They propose a revised nomenclature for and classification of dental hard tissue lesions.

Belief in and use of a questionable technique, facilitated communication, for children with autism.

23 educators and therapists of children with autism were surveyed about their beliefs and use of Facilitated Communication, a technique previously shown to have questionable scientific validity. 65.2% or 15 use the procedure often or very often in their work with children.

Popping sealed air-capsules to reduce stress.

30 undergraduate students participated in a study to assess whether tactile manipulation in the form of popping sealed plastic air-capsules would be stress-reducing. Three of the four dependent measures were significantly changed; subjects reported feeling significantly more energized, less tired, and more calm after popping the capsules. Some advantages to this technique over existing ones include that this technique involves minimum ability, essentially no training or practice, and little likelihood of paradoxical anxiety effects that have been shown to accompany meditative relaxation techniques in some subjects.

Unusual cleaning behavior in the luteal phase.

18 undergraduate women recorded episodes of unusual cleaning, defined as excessive cleaning or cleaning of things not usually cleaned, and the dates of their menstruation over a 2-mo. period. Unusual cleaning was significantly more likely to occur during the luteal phase than at any other time in women not using oral contraceptives.

Noncarious cervical lesions: the decision to ignore or restore.

A variety of unusual noncarious cervical lesions (NCL) are depicted that appear to negate W.D. Miller's toothbrush/dentifrice abrasion theory and demonstrate that other factors may be involved in their etiology.

The unclear status of nonprofit directors: an empirical survey of director liability.

Nonprofit boards of directors are fiduciaries for the organization. However, there have been various legal interpretations of their duties. The authors review the conflicting standards of conduct that exist, and they report the results of a survey which sampled director opinion concerning the liability issue.

Role of biodental engineering factors (BEF) in the etiology of root caries.

A preliminary study and hypothesis of the etiology of root caries is presented with appropriate data suggesting that biodental engineering factors (BEF) be introduced into the equation that is generally accepted in the formation of all caries. Principally, because of the rapid progression and location of root caries, BEF in addition to bacterial plaque and suitable substrate contribute to the development of these unique lesions. The dominant and most significant factors recognized by bioengineers are tooth flexure, stress concentration, stress corrosion, and piezo-electricity.

Psychological factors, immunocompetence, and health of breast-feeding mothers and their infants.

We investigated whether the use of humor as a coping device and psychological hardiness were related to IgA levels in the saliva and breast milk of mothers, and if these factors were related to the incidence of upper respiratory infection (URI) in the mothers and their newborns. Nineteen mothers volunteered to participate and met the qualifications; however, only 17 completed all phases of the study. Prior to the birth of their child, mothers filled out demographic questionnaires and the psychological inventories.