Properties of optical data from activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time assays.

Changes in characteristics of optical transmittance data from coagulation assays were examined as a function of concentration of coagulation proteins or anticoagulants. Transmittance data were collected for activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT) assays from: 1) plasmas prepared by mixing normal plasmas with deficient plasmas to give varying levels of coagulation proteins; 2) plasmas containing added heparin; and 3) 200 specimen plasmas that were also assayed for fibrinogen, coagulation factors, and other components. Optical profiles were characterized using a set of parameters describing onset and completion of coagulation, magnitude of signal change, rate of coagulation and other properties. Results indicated that parameters other than those typically reported for APTT and PT are associated with individual deficiencies, but that diagnosis of specimen status on the basis of optical data is complex. These results suggest possibilities for expanded interpretation of PT/APTT optical data for clinical or research applications.

Infantile sexuality revisited: the agony and ecstasy of the mother-infant couple.

This article explores the relationship between primitive somatopsychic states of excitation and ecstasy in the early infant-mother nursing dyad and similar states of excitation and ecstasy occurring in sexual intercourse of the adult couple. Clinical material demonstrates the close link between early infantile breast experience and adult genital arousal, illustrating aspects of success or failure in integration of body-sensation states as the core of the self. Failure to master primitive somatopsychic excitations in infancy is held to be relevant in understanding intolerance of excitation in certain adult sexual dysfunctions. This understanding is elaborated to include intolerance of emotional arousal (excitement) in the "analytic intercourse" as well. Maternal functions of containing and modulating excitation and arousal states are proposed as therapeutic interventions on the model of the mother as a "container" for infantile anxieties and excitement, employing empathic identification with her baby in the form of "reverie." "Holding" capacities in mother and therapist facilitate the possibility of integration of psychic and somatic states, allowing a potential for the partners to experience excitement in the interest of creative intercourse, both mental and physical.