Lab Site Research Articles

The Dark Energy Camera Magellanic Clouds Emission-line Survey

We have used the Dark Energy Camera (DECam) on the CTIO Blanco 4 m telescope to perform a new emission-line survey of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) using narrowband Hα and [S ii] filters in addition to a continuum band to create pure emission-line images. We refer to this new survey as DeMCELS, to distinguish it from the earlier Magellanic Cloud Emission-line Survey (MCELS). DeMCELS covers ∼54 deg2, encompassing most of the bright optical disk of the LMC. With DECam's pixel size of only 0.″27, our DeMCELS survey provides a seeing-limited improvement of 3–5 times over MCELS and is comparable in depth, with surface brightness limits of 3.3×10−17ergcm−2s−1arcsec−2 and 2.9×10−17ergcm−2s−1arcsec−2 in Hα and [S ii], respectively. DeMCELS provides detailed morphological information on nebulae of all scales, from the largest supershells to individual H ii regions and supernova remnants, to bubbles of emission surrounding individual stars, and even to faint structures in the diffuse ionized gas of the LMC. Many complex regions of emission show significant variations in the ratio of [S ii] to Hα—a sign of a mixture of shocks from stellar winds and/or supernovae with photoionization by embedded hot, young stars. We present the details of the observing strategy and data processing for this survey, and show selected results in comparison with previous data. A companion project for the Small Magellanic Cloud is in progress and will be reported separately. We are making these new data available to the community at large via NOIRLab’s Data Lab site.

Federated Access from DOE Labs to Distributed Storage in the EIC Era of Computing

The Electron Ion Collider (EIC) collaboration and future experiment is a unique scientific ecosystem within Nuclear Physics as the experiment starts right off as a crosscollaboration between Brookhaven National Lab (BNL) & Jefferson Lab (JLab). As a result, this muti-lab computing model tries at best to provide services accessible from anywhere by anyone who is part of the collaboration. While the computing model for the EIC is not finalized, it is anticipated that the computational and storage resources will be made accessible to a wide range of collaborators across the world. The use of federated ID seems to be a critical element to the strategy of providing such services, allowing seamless access to each lab site computing resources. However, providing Federated access to a Federated storage is not a trivial matter and has its share of technical challenges. In this contribution, we focus on the steps we took towards the deployment of a distributed object storage system that integrates with Amazon S3 and Federated ID. We will first cover for and explain the first stage storage solutions provided to the EIC during the detector design phase. Our initial test deployment consisted of Lustre storage using MinIO, hence providing an S3 interface. High Availability load balancers were added later to provide the initial scalability it lacked. Performance of that system will be shown. While this embryonic solution worked well, it had many limitations. Looking ahead, the Ceph object storage is considered a top-of-the-line solution in the storage community - since the Ceph Object Gateway is compatible with the Amazon S3 API out of the box, our next phase will use a native S3 storage. Our Ceph deployment will consist of erasure coded storage nodes to maximize storage potential along with multiple Ceph Object Gateways for redundant access. We will compare performance of our next stage implementations. Finally, we will present how to leverage OpenID Connect with the Ceph Object Gateway’s to enable Federated ID access. We hope this contribution will serve the community needs as we move forward with cross-lab collaborations and the need for Federated ID access to distributed compute facilities.

Intolerance of uncertainty and threat generalization: A replication and extension.

Intolerance of uncertainty (IU) is a transdiagnostic risk factor for internalizing disorders. Prior work has found that IU may be associated with either increased reactivity to threat or, alternatively, with decreased differential responding between threat and nonthreat/safety cues (i.e., threat generalization). For example, work by Morriss, Macdonald, & van Reekum (2016) found that higher IU was associated with increased threat generalization during acquisition (using skin conductance response (SCR)), as well as less differentiation between acquisition and extinction (using subjective uneasiness ratings). Here, three labs attempted direct and conceptual replications of Morriss, Macdonald, et al. (2016). Results showed that the direct replication failed, despite being conducted at the same lab site as the original study; moreover, in contrast to Morriss, Macdonald, et al. (2016), the direct replication found that higher IU was associated with greater SCR discrimination between threat and safety cues (across acquisition and extinction), as well as greater differences in uneasiness ratings between acquisition and extinction. Nonetheless, in the conceptual replications, higher IU was associated with greater threat generalization, as well as less discrimination between acquisition and extinction, as measured using SCR. Higher IU was also associated with larger late positive potentials to threat versus safety cues during extinction-results that mirror those observed by Morriss, Macdonald, et al. (2016) using SCR. Results are discussed with regards to the challenge involved in defining a successful replication attempt, the benefits of collaborative replication and the use and reliability of multiple measures.

Association of innervation-adjusted alpha-synuclein in arrector pili muscles with cardiac noradrenergic deficiency in autonomic synucleinopathies.

Autonomic synucleinopathies feature deposition of the protein alpha-synuclein (AS) in neurons [e.g., Lewy body neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH)] or glial cells (multiple system atrophy, MSA). AS in skin biopsies might provide biomarkers of these diseases; however, this approach would be complicated or invalidated if there were substantial loss of AS-containing nerves. We report AS content in arrector pili muscles in skin biopsies after adjustment for local innervation in patients with Lewy body nOH or MSA. Cardiac sympathetic neuroimaging by myocardial 18F-dopamine positron emission tomography (PET) was done to examine pathophysiological correlates of innervation-adjusted AS. Thirty-one patients (19 Lewy body nOH, 12 MSA) underwent thoracic 18F-dopamine PET and skin biopsies. AS signal intensity analyzed by immunofluorescence microscopy was adjusted for innervation by the ratio of AS to protein gene product (PGP) 9.5, a pan-axonal marker (Harvard lab site), or the ratio of AS to tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), an indicator of catecholaminergic neurons (NIH lab site). The Lewy body nOH group had higher ratios of AS/PGP 9.5 or log AS/TH than did the MSA group (0.89 ± 0.05 vs. 0.66 ± 0.04, -0.13 ± 0.05 vs. -1.60 ± 0.33; p < 0.00001 each). All 19 Lewy body patients had AS/PGP 9.5 > 0.8 or log AS/TH > 1.2 and had myocardial 18F-dopamine-derived radioactivity < 6000 nCi-kg/cc-mCi, the lower limit of normal. Two MSA patients (17%) had increased AS/PGP or log AS/TH, and two (17%) had low 18F-dopamine-derived radioactivity. Lewy body forms of nOH are associated with increased innervation-adjusted AS in arrector pili muscles and neuroimaging evidence of myocardial noradrenergic deficiency.

EVALUATION OF SOLUS PER AQUA (SPA) FIELD TRAINING PROGRAM IN MATARAM

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the components of preparation (antecedents), the components of the transaction (transaction) and the components of learning outcomes (outcomes).&#x0D; Methodology: This research is evaluation research using a qualitative approach supported by a quantitative approach. The data of this study were collected using documentation, observations, and interviews, analyzed by the Stake Model analysis technique, which compares the results obtained with predetermined standards.&#x0D; Results: The results of the study shows the Compensation for the identification of needs analysis, vision mission, and program implementation objectives are appropriate, the curriculum used is a competency-based curriculum with SKKNI standards, the educational qualifications requirements of instructors have not fulfilled the requirements as Level II Spa educators, infrastructure facilities are well met , the financing requirements are well fulfilled, the transaction component of mastery of facilitators and instructors in preparing learning materials is not good enough, and the components of learning outcomes (outcomes) in Spa training on good cognitive aspects, on psychomotor aspects are very good, and test results all Spa training program participants are good.&#x0D; Implications: This research contributes to the form of development of competency test assessment instruments that have not previously been available at the BP-PAUD and Dikmas NTB Lab site.

EVALUASI PENYELENGGARAAN BADAN USAHA MILIK DESA (BUMDES) REJO MULYO, DESA GOGIK, KECAMATAN UNGARAN BARAT KABUPATEN SEMARANG

All this time the development centered in the city, leading to gaps between villagesand the city's economy. BUMDes become one of the ideas the government to boost thevillage economy. Gogik village which lies at the foot of mount Ungaran, SemarangRegency has the potential of natural recourses and clean water, its potential is not yetmaximally utilized, Encouraged by Desa Lab Site PMD activities, Rejo Mulyo VillageEnterprise was finally established in Gogik Village in 2011 with the hope of its ability toboost the village economic growth by the means of optimally utilizing its potential.Qualitative Descriptive method is used in this research by focusing on: (1) Evaluatingthe performance of BUMDes Rejo Mulyo, Gogik Village, District West Ungaran,Semarang Regency, (2) The supporting and obstacle factors BUMDes Rejo Mulyo, GogikVillage, District West Ungaran, Semarang Regency. The results of this research lead toa conclusion that the establishment of Rejo Mulyo Village Enterprise has alreadyfollowed the valid regulation at that time, But the performance of BUMDes Rejo Mulyois not maximized because it can not support the welfare of the villagers Gogik. One of thesupporting factors of the performance BUMDes Rejo Mulyo is the spirit and willingnessofficials and employees to subserve the Gogik village. One of the obstacles faced, whichis the biggest natural potential that exists in the Gogik village, are waterfalls Semirang itcan not be utilized because the area is occupied in Perhutani area.

Seismic Modelling: 4D Capabilities for CO2 Injection

This paper focuses on modelling the seismic response to a theoretical CO2 injection into the upper reservoir at the Longyearbyen CO2 Lab site in Svalbard, Norway. The modelling aims to assess the monitoring potential of a carbon capture and storage site. We demonstrate the effect of reservoir porosity and CO2 concentration on seismic reflection amplitudes using a prestack depth migration simulator. In addition, we look at five different CO2 plumes of increasing volume and model the seismic response as a proxy to monitoring the evolution of a CO2 plume. We show that even low porosity reservoirs (2%) will generate a significant seismic response from the injection of CO2, and that low CO2 concentrations will also be detected. However, further increases in the CO2 concentration will not be as simple to monitor, with the CO2 contact providing the best seismic imaging potential. Furthermore, we demonstrate how illumination angle and hence seismic acquisition design is critical to avoid imaging artefacts.

MODEL LAB SITE PLS MELALUI PELEMBAGAAN RUMAH PINTAR BU EEN

This study was based-backs SCTV findings regarding the phenomenal figure of Mrs. Een Sukaesih as inspirational women in the learning of the children and the community built around that by SCTV was awarded the Special Awards category of education, dedication to the community and humanity. With the assistance of assistance by the department (laboratory) facilities design by PLS embodies the children's learning and community development are packed with smart home albarokah name, and has five program activity centers. The formulation of the research problem: (1) whether the exploration results in Rumpin Albarokah there is a vision, mission, goals, objectives and programs and their conformity with the realization? (2) whether the results of the analysis are Rumpin Albarokah delegation, leadership and familiarization program implementation strategy? (3) How do find / labsite PLS models prove effective in enhancing the competence of students on community empowerment through Andragogy approach? Qualitative research approach with data collection techniques interview, observation and document and using processing techniques and data analysis with data reduction, data display and verification. This study places in Rumpin Albarokah Sumedang, West Java. The results show Rumpin are: (1) tools for community empowerment that embodies the activity of children, youth, and elderly women, (2) facilitate learning and empowerment, (3) prove the model lab site PLS is effective in enhancing the competence of students on community empowerment through approach Andragogy ,

What Predicts Stroop Performance? A Conditional Random Forest Approach

An experimental science relies on solid and replicable results. The last few years have seen a rich discussion on the reliability and validity of psychological science and whether our experimental findings can falsify our existing theoretical models. But concerns have also arisen that this movement may put a halt to theoretical developments. In this article, we re-analyze the data from an article published in this journal that concluded that lab site did not matter as predictor for Stroop performance, and, therefore, that context was likely to matter little in predicting the outcome of the Stroop task. The authors challenge this conclusion via a new analytical method -- supervised machine learning -- that “lets the data speak”. The authors apply this approach to the Stroop task from Many Labs 3 to illustrate the utility of machine learning, and find surprising results. The authors discuss differences with some conclusions of the original article, which variables need to be controlled for in future inhibitory control tasks, and why psychologists can use machine learning to find surprising, yet solid, results in their own data.

Identification and characterization of an imidazolium by‐product formed during the synthesis of 4‐methylmethcathinone (mephedrone)

4-Methylmethcathinone (2-methylamino-1-(4-methylphenyl)propan-1-one, mephedrone) is a psychoactive substance that has been associated with recreational use worldwide. Analytical data related to mephedrone are abundantly available but the characterization of by-products obtained during organic synthesis remains to be explored. This study presents the identification of a 1,2,3,5-tetramethyl-4-(4-methylphenyl)-1H-imidazol-3-ium salt (TMMPI), which was formed during the synthesis of mephedrone. When diethyl ether was added to the crude reaction product, solid material precipitated from the solution. Analytical characterization of TMMPI employed a range of analytical techniques including chromatographic analysis in combination with various mass spectrometric detection methods, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and crystal structure analysis. Additional confirmation was obtained from organic synthesis of the imidazolium by-product. When TMMPI was subjected to analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), isomerization and degradation into two distinct compounds were observed, which pointed towards thermal instability under GC conditions. A liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) based investigation into a micro-scale synthesis of mephedrone and three additional analogues revealed that the corresponding TMMPI analogue was formed. Interestingly, storage of mephedrone freebase in a number of organic solvents also gave rise to TMMPI and it appeared that its formation during storage was significantly reduced in the absence of air. The present study aimed to support clandestine forensic investigations by employing analytical strategies that are applicable to manufacturing sites. The imidazolium salts will most likely be found amongst the waste products of any clandestine lab site under investigation rather than with the desired product.

Using educational technology to develop early literacy skills in Sub-Saharan Africa

The research explores the impact of interactive, multimedia literacy software (ABRA) on the reading skills of early elementary students in Kenya. Twelve grade two English teachers and their students from six schools were randomly divided in half: an experimental group (N?=?180) where ABRA was part of their English Language instruction and a control group (N?=?174) where regular instruction was used. After the pre-test student data were collected, a three-day initial training and planning session were held for the experimental teachers on how to use ABRA to teach literacy. Every week each experimental class was bussed to a computer lab with full access to ABRA for one 90-min lesson. Teacher support included the alignment of ABRA lesson plans with the Kenyan English Language norms, weekly web conferences with the trainer, as well as technical and pedagogical help from staff at the lab site. After the 13-week intervention, significant and substantial gains in reading comprehension were found for ABRA students as measured by GRADE, a standardized test of literacy. In addition, ABRA students outperformed their peers in control classes on the core end-of-year subject exams including English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies.

Monitoring of near surface gas seepage from a shallow injection experiment at the CO2 Field Lab, Norway

Near surface gas measurements are presented from a shallow (20m depth) CO2 injection experiment at the CO2 Field Lab site in Svelvik, Norway, which was designed to test a variety of monitoring tools. Small areas of surface seepage of CO2 were detected during the experiment and these spread as the injection rate was increased. These features only accounted for a small fraction of the injected gas. Isotopic measurements revealed traces of injected CO2 at 50cm depth nearer the injection point. The spatial extent of this is unknown but it is not likely to imply a significant amount of CO2 seepage. The locations of the gas escape were not as anticipated by prior modelling and highlight the difficulty of predicting where leakage may occur and, hence, where to deploy monitoring equipment. This unpredictability and the limited size of the seeps implies that monitoring will have to be flexible, preferably mobile and capable of detecting small features in large areas if successful leakage detection at surface is to be achieved. Low level seepage, such as that suggested isotopically here, could be significant for carbon auditing if it occurs over wide areas. This could be tested in areas of natural CO2 seepage.

A comparative evaluation of rapid immunochromatographic test for VL - whole blood vs serum

Background: Diagnosis of leishmaniasis is still a challenge in front of investigator. A firm diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (kala azar) requires demonstration of the parasite in organ aspirates or tissue biopsy samples. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the diagnostic usefulness of non-invasive testing for antibody to the leishmanial antigen by means of antigen-impregnated nitrocellulose paper strips adapted for use under field as well as laboratory conditions. There are so many rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) of different brands available and published report of variable accuracy. Methods & Materials: This study of evaluation includes six commercially available VL-RDTs of four different manufacturers. These VL-RDTs were evaluated using whole blood as well as serum at two different conditions (At bed site and laboratory site). In this study total 135 confirmed VL cases, 85 endemic healthy with no kala azar history, 15 malaria patients and 20 tuberculosis patients were enrolled. The interpretation was recorded into a data sheet. Results: Overall, our finding illustrates that different RDTs demonstrated varied sensitivity and specificity. At field site the sensitivity with whole blood is ranges from 96.3% to 100% while with serum ranges from 96.3% to 99.3%. Specificity with whole blood ranges from 97.4% to 100%. Specificity with serum ranges from 94.1% to 100% except onsite RevB of CTK biotech which has lower specificity. Agreements of test result at field site with whole blood and serum is ranges from 0.44-0.98. At lab site the sensitivity with whole blood ranges from 94.8% to 100%. Specificity with whole blood ranges from 95.8% to 99.2% except onsite Rev B which has 52.9% specificity. While with serum the sensitivity of all the test ranges from 97% to 99.3%. Specificity with serum ranges from 92.4% to 98.3% except onsite Rev B has only 50.4% specificity. Agreements of test result between whole blood and serum at lab site ranges from 0.46 – 0.97 Conclusion: Diagnostic accuracy of different VL RDTs kits are varies. Many test performed good sensitivity and specificity against blood and serum sample as well as field site and lab site.

Preparing for CO2 storage in the Arctic – Assessing background seismic activity and noise characteristics at the CO2 Lab site, Svalbard

Abstract Due to its remoteness, the CO 2 Lab close to the town of Longyearbyen on Svalbard presents a unique opportunity to demonstrate the entire CO 2 value chain based on its closed energy system. The formation considered as potential CO 2 storage unit consists of mixed sandstone and shale beds, presenting itself as a fractured, low-permeability reservoir. A geophone network surrounding the injection well has been installed to locate microseismic events during injection tests and to estimate background seismicity. During the first water injection in 2010, a microseismic event (M ∼ 1) was recorded and located close to the injection well, followed by a series of aftershocks. Later injection tests did not generate any detectable microseismic events; nevertheless, pressure and flow rate showed a pattern characteristic for fracture opening potentially indicating “aseismic” fracture propagation. Records of ambient seismic noise are analysed by a cross-correlation method in order to reconstruct the impulse functions between sensors. The daily cross-correlations are dominated by tube wave signals originating from the bottom of the well showing a sudden increase of activity. We also demonstrate a noise cancellation method exhibiting great potential towards cancellation of electromagnetic and cultural noise. Albeit several difficulties that were approached at the CO 2 Lab, new knowledge and guidelines for best practice containment monitoring using seismic methods in the Arctic could be developed.

Abstract 18558: Exploring Site Level Variation in Radiation Exposure in the VA: Insights From CART

Background: Prior studies have assessed variation in radiation use and fluoroscopy times for patients undergoing coronary angiography (CA) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI); however, the extent that this varies by cath labs is unknown. Methods: We analyzed data from the VA National CART Program of patients undergoing CA and PCI between 2010 and 2011 (n=28,513). Radiation exposure was measured using fluoroscopy time. We fit a mixed effects linear regression using log fluoroscopy time as outcome, a random effect for site, and adjusted for procedural and patient characteristics. Empirical Best Linear Unbiased Predictors for sites were used to estimate adjusted site level medians. The intra-class correlation (ICC) for site random effect was calculated to estimate the proportion of variance explained by site adjusting for patient and procedural characteristics. Marginal residuals were aggregated to site and examined at quarterly intervals for 2 years to establish stability of site medians over time. Results: Overall site median fluoroscopy time was 6 minutes (IQR: 3.5, 10.2) for CA and 16.5 (IQR: 10.3,26.1) minutes for PCI. After adjusting for procedural and patient characteristics, site median fluoroscopy times ranged from 43% below to 57% above the median for CAs and 66% below to 75% above for PCIs (Figure). Sites in the top quartile of fluoroscopy time were above the overall median in 96% for CA and 99% for PCI of time periods assessed. Cath lab site accounted for a significant amount of variance in fluoroscopy times (11.9% for CA and 21.5% for PCI). Conclusion: There is significant variation in fluoroscopy times across VA cath labs for coronary angiographies and PCIs. Even after adjustment for patient and procedures factors, there remains significant variability at the cath lab level suggesting that there may be opportunities for quality improvement interventions to reduce fluoroscopy times and radiation exposure for patients undergoing these procedures.

Mechanisms Governing the Selection of Translation Initiation Sites on Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus RNA

Translation initiation dependent on the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) internal ribosome entry site (IRES) occurs at two sites (Lab and Lb), 84 nucleotides (nt) apart. In vitro translation of an mRNA comprising the IRES and Lab-Lb intervening segment fused to a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter has been used to study the parameters influencing the ratio of the two products and the combined product yield as measures of relative initiation site usage and productive ribosome recruitment, respectively. With wild-type mRNA, ∼40% of initiation occurred at the Lab site, which was increased to 90% by optimization of its context, but decreased to 20% by mutations that reduced downstream secondary structure, with no change in recruitment in either case. Inserting 5 nt into the pyrimidine-rich tract located just upstream of the Lab site increased initiation at this site by 75% and ribosome recruitment by 50%. Mutating the Lab site to RCG or RUN codons decreased recruitment by 20 to 30% but stimulated Lb initiation by 20 to 40%. An antisense oligodeoxynucleotide annealing across the Lab site inhibited initiation at both sites. These and related results lead to the following conclusions. Recruitment by the wild-type IRES is limited by its short oligopyrimidine tract. At least 90% of internal ribosome entry occurs at the Lab AUG, but initiation at this site is restricted by its poor context, despite a counteracting effect of downstream secondary structure. Initiation at the Lb site is by ribosomes that access it by linear scanning from the original entry site, and not by an independent entry process.

South Dakota underground lab site remains viable

South Dakota underground lab site remains viable

Indian neutrino lab site rejected

Indian neutrino lab site rejected

PHARMACEUTICALS Lilly shifts R&amp;D operations, selling some to Covance

In its effort to create a pharmaceutical business based on a network of collaborations, Eli Lilly & Co. is selling its Greenfield, Ind., operations to Covance, the Princeton, N.J.-based drug development services firm. Covance will pay $50 million for the 450-acre lab site. It also gets a 10-year service agreement with Lilly worth $1.6 billion. The deal expands Covance’s responsibilities for handling Lilly’s toxicology testing and early-stage drug clinical trials and for supporting its Phase II and III trials. In related moves, Lilly is transferring clinical trial monitoring in the U.S. and Puerto Rico to Quintiles, a pharmaceutical services company, and U.S. data management to the clinical research firm i3. The R&D restructuring is designed to increase productivity and reduce drug development costs. “These actions reflect Lilly’s determination to take the necessary steps to compete in a very challenging marketplace,” Lilly CEO John Lechleiter says. As a result of the Covance deal, clinical trials at ...

WEBCASTS: Celebrating the Double Helix

Fifty years ago this month, James Watson and Francis Crick deciphered the double-stranded structure of DNA. To commemorate the discovery, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York is hosting a 5-day conference, The Biology of DNA. You won't have to break out the fancy duds to attend, because the lab's site will show live Webcasts of all the sessions, which run from 26 February through 2 March. Luminaries such as Watson, Francis Collins, Walter Gilbert, Thomas Cech, and Sydney Brenner will put the breakthrough in context. Between sessions, a film crew from the Exploratorium will be broadcasting live interviews with many of the conference participants at this site. The San Francisco-based science museum's intrepid reporters even plan to track researchers to that wellspring of scientific creativity—the bar.