ABSTRAm. Antithrombin 111, a major inhibitor of activated coagulation factors has low immunologic levels in the human infant. The objective of this study was to deermine if the antithrombin 111 molecule is fully functional in sick premature infants. The populations studied included: adult controls (n = 20), full term healthy infants (n = 18), sick premature infants on day 1 (n = 16) and at >7 days of age (n = lo), and infants with disseminated intravascular coagulation (n = 11). This was diagnosed in the presence of prolonged screening tests, decreased levels of fibrinogen, and platelets along with elevated fibrin degradation products. Plasma antithrombin 111 levels were measured biologically (chromogenic substrate S2238) and immunologically (radialimmunodiffusion), and expressed as a percent of adult pooled plasma. Crossed immunoelectrophoresis were performed in the presence and absence of heparin. The antithrombin 111 biologic/immunologic ratios for adults, healthy full term infants, and sick premature infants on day 1 of life were all near unity. In contrast sick premature infants beyond the 1st wk of life and infants with disseminated intravascular coagulation had lower biologic activity compared to immunologic (B/I = 0.77 f 0.28, 0.78 f 0.17, p < 0.01), respectively. In all groups, the antithrombin 111 molecule was normal on crossed immunoelectrophoresis except for one infant with disseminated intravascular coagulation. Sick premature infants may acquire a dysfunctional antithrombin 111 molecule in the postnatal period. (Pediatr Res 19: 237-239, 1985) Abbreviations AT-111, antithrombin 111 RDS, respiratory distress syndrome BPD, bronchopulmonary dysplasia DIC, disseminated intravascular coagulation CIE, cross-immunoelectrophoresis APTT, activated partial thromboplastin time PT, prothrombin time TcT, thrombin clotting time EACA, €-amino caproic acid Normal hemostasis depends on a delicate balance between the procoagulant and fibrinolytic systems and their respective inhibitors. AT-111, the major inhibitor for the coagulation system

Oil filters capture a tremendous amount of tribology information about the operation of a machine. Removal and analysis of the filter debris has proved to be an effective tool for engine health management by determining wear modes and observing failure progression providing long lead times for maintenance remediation. The process of manual debris removal and analysis in a laboratory, however, is tedious. An automated filter debris analysis system provides a repeatable process for at-line or laboratory use. The filters are automatically cleaned; the particles are counted and sized utilizing a quantitative oil debris sensor; and the debris is deposited on a patch for automatic analysis by an integral energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. The XRF analysis procedure provides metallurgical analysis and an expert determination of engine condition. The system has been successfully applied to two operational aircraft fleets, the Canadian Forces S-61 Sea King helicopter fleet and the US Navy EA-6B Prowler aircraft fleet. In both applications, significant benefits have been realized.

The purpose of this article is to describe strategies that were effective in recruitment and data collection among older adults in 3 quantitative studies while decreasing costs in terms of time and money. Factors effective in reducing use of investigators' time and expenses included limiting exclusion of data because of abnormal Mini-Cog scores by careful initial screening and avoiding repeated reminders or follow-up, collecting data in small groups, collapsing consent, dementia screening, and data collection into single sessions, as well as accommodating for sensory and literacy deficits. The cross-sectional, descriptive studies were conducted among community-dwelling older adults attending senior citizen centers and among older adults in independent or assisted living apartments within continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). In the latest study, a convenience sample (N=152) was recruited and data collection was completed in 4 weeks at a total cost of less than $5,000. Methods common to qualitative research and those commonly used in community-based research were adapted to reduce time and costs for recruitment, screening, and data collection. Given limited availability of research funding, other nursing researchers may find one or more of these methods useful.

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