Reporting an Experience on Design and Implementation of e-Health Systems on Azure Cloud

Electronic Health (e-Health) technology has brought the world with significant transformation from traditional paper-based medical practice to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)-based systems for automatic management (storage, processing, and archiving) of information. Traditionally e-Health systems have been designed to operate within stovepipes on dedicated networks, physical computers, and locally managed software platforms that make it susceptible to many serious limitations including: 1) lack of on-demand scalability during critical situations; 2) high administrative overheads and costs; and 3) in-efficient resource utilization and energy consumption due to lack of automation. In this paper, we present an approach to migrate the ICT systems in the e-Health sector from traditional in-house Client/Server (C/S) architecture to the virtualised cloud computing environment. To this end, we developed two cloud-based e-Health applications (Medical Practice Management System and Telemedicine Practice System) for demonstrating how cloud services can be leveraged for developing and deploying such applications. The Windows Azure cloud computing platform is selected as an example public cloud platform for our study. We conducted several performance evaluation experiments to understand the Quality Service (QoS) tradeoffs of our applications under variable workload on Azure.Comment: Submitted to third IEEE International Conference on Cloud and Green Computing (CGC 2013

Wavepacket insights into the photoprotection mechanism of the UV filter methyl anthranilate

Meradimate is a broad-spectrum ultraviolet absorber used as a chemical filter in commercial sunscreens. Herein, we explore the ultrafast photodynamics occurring in methyl anthranilate (precursor to Meradimate) immediately after photoexcitation with ultraviolet radiation to understand the mechanisms underpinning Meradimate photoprotection. Using time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy, signal from the first singlet excited state of methyl anthranilate shows an oscillatory behavior, i.e. quantum beats. Our studies reveal a dependence of the observed beating frequencies on photoexcitation wavelength and photoelectron kinetic energy, unveiling the different Franck-Condon overlaps between the vibrational levels of the ground electronic, first electronic excited, and ground cationic states of methyl anthranilate. By evaluating the behavior of these beats with increasing photon energy, we find evidence for intramolecular vibrational energy redistribution on the first electronic excited state. Such energy redistribution hinders efficient relaxation of the electronic excited state, making methyl anthranilate a poor choice for an efficient, efficacious sunscreen chemical filter

A chirped-pulse Fourier-transform microwave/pulsed uniform flow spectrometer. I. The low-temperature flow system

We report the development of a new instrument that combines chirped-pulse microwave spectroscopy with a pulsed uniform supersonic flow. This combination promises a nearly universal detection method that can deliver isomer and conformer specific, quantitative detection and spectroscopic characterization of unstable reaction products and intermediates, product vibrational distributions, and molecular excited states. This first paper in a series of two presents a new pulsed-flow design, at the heart of which is a fast, high-throughput pulsed valve driven by a piezoelectric stack actuator. Uniform flows at temperatures as low as 20 K were readily achieved with only modest pumping requirements, as demonstrated by impact pressure measurements and pure rotational spectroscopy. The proposed technique will be suitable for application in diverse fields including fundamental studies in spectroscopy, kinetics, and reaction dynamics.National Science Foundation (U.S.) (Award MRI-ID 1126380

THE MARRIAGE OF SPECTROSCOPY AND DYNAMICS: CHIRPED-PULSE FOURIER-TRANSFORM MM-WAVE (CP-FT-MMW) SPECTROSCOPY IN PULSED UNIFORM SUPERSONIC FLOWS

Author Institution: Department of Chemsitry, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202; Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139A new experimental scheme is presented that combines two powerful emerging technologies:~chirped-pulse Fourier-transform mm-Wave spectroscopy and pulsed uniform supersonic flows. It promises a nearly universal detection method that can deliver quantitative isomer, conformer, and vibrational level specific detection, characterization of unstable reaction products and intermediates, and perform unique spectroscopic, kinetics, and dynamics measurements. Chirped-pulse Fourier-transform microwave (CP-FTMW) spectroscopy, pioneered by Pate and coworkers, allows rapid acquisition of broadband microwave spectrum through advancements in waveform generation and oscilloscope technology. This revolutionary approach has successfully been adapted to higher frequencies by the Field group at MIT. Our new apparatus will exploit amplified chirped pulses in the range of 26-40 GHz, in combination with a pulsed uniform supersonic flow from a Laval nozzle. This nozzle source, pioneered by Rowe, Sims, and Smith for low temperature kinetics studies, produces thermalized reactants at high densities and low temperatures perfectly suitable for reaction dynamics experiments studied using the CP-mmW approach. This combination of techniques shall enhance the thousand-fold improvement in data acquisition rate achieved in the CP method by a further 2-3 orders of magnitude. A pulsed flow alleviates the challenges of continuous uniform flow, e.g.~large gas loads and reactant consumption rates. In contrast to other pulsed Laval systems currently in use, we will use a fast piezo valve and small chambers to achieve the desired pressures while minimizing the gas load, so that a 10 Hz repetition rate can be achieved with one turbomolecular pump. The proposed technique will be suitable for many diverse fields, including fundamental studies in spectroscopy and reaction dynamics, reaction kinetics, combustion, atmospheric chemistry, and astrochemistry. We expect a significant advancement in the ability to detect absolute populations of complex reaction products under near-nascent conditions, providing the powerful method of reaction dynamics with a universal spectroscopic probe capable of capturing the details of complex chemistry for specific product isomers and conformers

The Frequency and Spectrum of Chromosomal Translocations in a Cohort of Sri Lankans

Translocations are the most common type of structural chromosomal abnormalities. Unbalanced translocations are usually found in children who present with congenital abnormalities, developmental delay, or intellectual disability. Balanced translocations are usually found in adults who frequently present with reproductive failure; either subfertility, or recurrent pregnancy loss. Herein, we report the spectrum and frequency of translocations in a Sri Lankan cohort. A database of patients undergoing cytogenetic testing was maintained prospectively from January 2007 to December 2016 and analyzed, retrospectively. A total of 15,864 individuals were tested. Among them, 277 (1.7%) had translocations. There were 142 (51.3%) unbalanced translocations and 135 (48.7%) balanced translocations. Majority (160; 57.8%) were Robertsonian translocations. There were 145 (52.3%) children and adolescents aged less than 18 years with translocations, and 142 (97.9%) were unbalanced translocations. Majority [138 (95.2%)] were referred due to congenital abnormalities, developmental delay, or intellectual disability, and 91 were children with translocation Down syndrome. All adults aged 18 years or above (132) had balanced translocations. Subfertility and recurrent pregnancy loss [84 (63.6%)] and offspring(s) with congenital abnormalities [48 (36.4%)] were the most common indications in this group. Majority (68.2%) in this group were females with reciprocal translocations (55.3%). Chromosomes 21, 14, and 13 were the most commonly involved with rob(14q21q) [72 (26%)], rob(21q21q) [30 (13.7%)], and rob(13q14q) [34 (12.3%)] accounting for 52% of the translocations. Chromosomes 1, 8, 11, and 18 were most commonly involved in reciprocal translocations. The observed high frequency of chromosomal translocations in our cohort highlights the importance of undertaking cytogenetic evaluation and providing appropriate genetic counseling for individuals with the phenotypes associated with these translocations

Probing the Dynamics of Multichannel Reactions with Pure Rotational Spectroscopy

International audienceThe interplay between fundamental laboratory investigations, theoretical advances, and chemical modeling has led to tremendous progress in our understanding of the reactivity of polyatomic systems. Measured and/or calculated reaction rates are incorporated into models to identify the key pathways that control reaction outcomes. However, experimental studies often report the rate of reactant disappearance, leaving product identity and branching largely unknown. This limitation arises from considerable experimental challenges inherent to the quantitative detection of the full range of products of a given reaction, in particular for large molecules. To address these issues, we have developed a new approach incorporating chirped-pulse microwave spectroscopy in low-temperature uniform supersonic flows (Chirped-Pulse in Uniform Flow, CPUF). This technique provides clear quantifiable spectroscopic signatures for polyatomic products in bimolecular or unimolecular reactions for virtually any species with a modest dipole moment. In this talk, I will first illustrate the principle of this new experimental strategy and discuss a number of challenges related to the collisional environment of the flow. Results on the CN + C3H4 reaction at nearly 20 K and on the photodissociation of isoxazole C3H3NO at 193 nm, for which line intensities in the [60-90] GHz range have been measured, will then be presented. Overall, this work opens the door for new applications in kinetics/reaction dynamics with an unprecedented overlap with radioastronomy

Product Branching in the Low Temperature Reaction of CN with Propyne by Chirped-Pulse Microwave Spectroscopy in a Uniform Supersonic Flow

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CPUF: Chirped-Pulse Microwave Spectroscopy in Pulsed Uniform Supersonic Flows

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Chirped-Pulse in Uniform Flow

International audienceThe synergy between laboratory measurements, theoretical advances, and modeling of chemical networks has led to considerable progress in our understanding of astrophysical environments. However, experimentally measured reaction rates generally leave product identity and branching ratios unknown. This limitation arises from experimental challenges inherent in quantitative detection of the full range of products of a given reaction, especially for large polyatomic systems. To address this problem, we have developed a new approach that uses broadband microwave pulses (> 10 GHz) to probe the reaction products thermalized at low temperatures (~ 20 K) in a uniform supersonic flow (Chirped-Pulse in Uniform Flow, C-PUF). This technique provides clear and quantifiable spectroscopic signatures for all products with a dipole moment. I will first illustrate the performance of our approach and discuss a number of challenges related to the collisional environment in the flow. A detailed study of the CN + C3H4 reaction in the spectral range [60-90] GHz will then be presented. Finally, I will focus on the potential of C-PUF for astrochemistry thanks to an unprecedented overlap with the frequency ranges of current radio telescopes such as ALMA and NOEMA.La synergie entre les mesures de laboratoire, les avancées théoriques, et la modélisation des réseaux chimiques a conduit à des progrès considérables de notre compréhension de la chimie dans les milieux astrophysiques. Cependant, les taux de réaction mesurés expérimentalement laissent généralement l'identité des produits et leurs rapports de branchement inconnus. Cette limitation provient de défis expérimentaux inhérents à la détection quantitative de la gamme complète de produits d'une réaction donnée, en particulier pour les systèmes polyatomiques de grande taille. Pour répondre à cette problématique, nous avons développé une nouvelle approche qui utilise des impulsions micro-ondes large-bande (>10 GHz) pour sonder les produits de réaction thermalisés à basses températures (~ 20 K) dans un écoulement supersonique uniforme (Chirped-Pulse in Uniform Flow, C-PUF). Cette technique fournit des signatures spectroscopiques claires et quantifiables pour tous les produits possédant un moment dipolaire. Je vais d'abord illustrer ces performances et discuter un certain nombre de défis liés à l'environnement collisionnel dans l'écoulement. Une étude détaillée de la réaction CN + C3H4 dans la gamme spectrale [60-90] GHz sera ensuite présentée. Enfin, l’accent sera mis sur le fort potentiel de C-PUF pour l’astrochimie grâce à un recouvrement inédit avec les domaines de fréquences des radiotélescopes actuels tels que NOEMA et ALMA

Chirped-pulse microwave spectroscopy in pulsed uniform supersonic flows: Probing reaction dynamics with rotational spectroscopy

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