Field-portable, high-speed GC/TOFMS.

This work is focused on developing a fast gas chromatograph, time-of-flight mass spectrometer (GC/TOFMS) for man-portable field use. The goal is to achieve a total system solution for meeting performance, size, weight, power, cost, and ruggedness requirements for a laboratory in the field. The core technology will also be adaptable to specific applications including real-time point detection for hazardous chemical releases (e.g., chemical weapons), for biological agent signature identification, and for mobile monitoring platforms (e.g., air, ship, truck). Previously we presented results of a feasibility demonstration for a 30-lb field-portable TOFMS system. In this work we present recent progress in integrating a low-power, high-speed GC and show the capability for accurately recording fast GC transients for targeted compound detection using a quadrupole ion trap, time-of-flight instrument (QitTof).

Desperately seeking synergy: the journey to systems integration of women's health services.

Providing women's health services can be a profitable enterprise. With 70% of health care purchases being made by women for themselves and their families, focusing on women as health care consumers strengthens the entire system. However, shrinking reimbursement and market pressures are creating an atmosphere of financial instability in health care. Is system integration the answer? The four presenters-each an executive champion for the women's service line in their systems-agree that integration can potentially reduce costs, improve quality of care, and increase patient and stakeholder satisfaction. Benefits can only be realized, however, if clinicians are engaged as partners early in the process, the organization is prepared to respond quickly to market changes, and competitive forces and culture differences across the system are acknowledged and addressed. "Women's Services" must also continually demonstrate its value to the system and find creative ways to differentiate itself in the marketplace.

Teratogenic potential of valproic acid.

Valproic acid administration in pregnancy may be a potential teratogen to the developing fetus. Numerous animal studies have linked valproic acid to vertebral anomalies and renal agenesis. Recent European data have suggested valproic acid as a causal agent of neural tube defects in human offspring. Research relative to teratogenicity of valproic acid administration for petit mal epilepsy is reviewed. Conclusions indicate that the benefits of valproic acid administration outweigh the hazards of teratogenicity.