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203 changes: 203 additions & 0 deletions source/cloud-usage.rst
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Cloud Usage
===========

This page covers how the lab uses cloud-based tools and how to properly
access and manage shared resources.

General Access
--------------

- All computing, whether on-premises or remote, should be done on
`BioHPC <https://portal.biohpc.swmed.edu/content/>`_.
- New users should register for an account at
`BioHPC account registration <https://portal.biohpc.swmed.edu/accounts/register/>`_.
- New users are required to attend mandatory BioHPC training on the first
Wednesday of every month. BioHPC accounts cannot be activated without
training attendance.
- BioHPC access is provided mainly through
`web based visualization <https://portal.biohpc.swmed.edu/intranet/terminal/webgui/>`_.
- It is recommended to download a
`VNC client <https://github.com/TurboVNC/turbovnc/releases>`_ for WebGUI
access.
- Remote BioHPC access requires VPN access through Global Protect. Information
on how to set up remote access can be found
`here <https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/about-us/administrative-offices/information-resources/working-remotely.html>`_.

Filesystem Navigation
---------------------

These are fundamental operations for moving and navigating to data on BioHPC
nodes.

- Print Working Directory (pwd): Displays the full path of the directory you
are currently in, to determine your location within the filesystem.

.. code-block:: bash

pwd

- List Directory Contents (ls): Shows the files and folders in your current
directory. Use ls -l for detailed information or ls -a to see hidden files.

.. code-block:: bash

ls -la

- Change Directory (cd): Navigates to a different directory. Use cd - to go
to the previous directory, cd ~ to go to your home directory, or provide a
path to navigate to.

.. code-block:: bash

cd /path/to/data/

- Move or Rename Data (mv): Moves files or directories from one location to
another. This same command is also used to rename files.

.. code-block:: bash

mv data_file.csv /new/location/
mv old_name.txt new_name.txt

- Copy Data (cp): Duplicates files. If you need to copy an entire directory
and all of its contents, be sure to use the recursive flag (-r).

.. code-block:: bash

cp source_file.txt destination_file.txt
cp source_file.txt /destination/data_folder/
cp -r /source/data_folder/ /destination/data_folder/


Data Processing
---------------

Microscopy data can now be processed through
`Astrocyte <https://astrocyte.biohpc.swmed.edu/>`_. An existing BioHPC account
is required for Astrocyte access. Astrocyte accounts also share the same
credentials as BioHPC accounts.

Project Creation
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Workflows can only be run through the usage of Astrocyte projects. Use these
steps to create a project in Astrocyte and upload workflow input data.

- Go to the My Project page in Astrocyte.

.. image:: images/astrocyte-my-project-page.png
:alt: Screenshot: Astrocyte My Project page

- Scroll to the create project section.
- Enter a project name, then press Create.

.. image:: images/astrocyte-create-project-section.png
:alt: Screenshot: Create project section with project name and Create button

- After the project opens, find the Input area and click Upload

.. image:: images/astrocyte-project-input-upload.png
:alt: Screenshot: Upload button under the project Input area.

- Upload the input data through the upload channel you want to use.

Data Staging
^^^^^^^^^^^^

Data can be uploaded to an Astrocyte project through a variety of provided
channels. If you have not yet created a project, refer to the steps above.

- Data can be directly uploaded through the WebGUI.

.. image:: images/direct-upload.png
:alt: Screenshot: Astrocyte direct file upload

- Data can be copied directly from the BioHPC portal via command line.

.. image:: images/cli-upload.png
:alt: Screenshot: CLI upload instructions

- Data can be uploaded through Lamella via share link.

.. image:: images/lamella-upload.png
:alt: Screenshot: Astrocyte Lamella file upload


Provided Workflows
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

All workflows can be found at the
`lab page <https://astrocyte.biohpc.swmed.edu/brand/Dean_lab/browse/>`_. View
each workflow's attached documentation for additional information.

- 3D GPU Deskew Workflow: This workflow normalizes selected ctASLM/light-sheet
microscopy image files to OME-Zarr and runs GPU-accelerated shear/rotation
operations.
- 3D GPU Deconvolution Workflow: This workflow normalizes selected microscopy
image volumes to OME-Zarr, estimates a blind PSF, and runs GPU-accelerated
Richardson-Lucy deconvolution.
- Neuroglancer Visualization: This workflow visualizes 3D OME-Zarr volumes.

Resource Management
-------------------

Both BioHPC and Astrocyte bill for compute resource usage based on the time
and type of nodes allocated. To ensure efficient use of your allocations and
to avoid unnecessary charges, always try to keep your resource usage to a
minimum. For information on BioHPC data management, view :doc:`data-management`.

Generic Queues
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

If you do not require a specific hardware configuration, you can use the
generic queues to get your jobs running efficiently:

- super: Generic high-performance CPU node.
- GPU: Generic GPU node.

These generic queues act as a sliding scale for resources. They will
automatically attempt to allocate the weakest available node first. If those
are fully occupied, the system will look to the next strongest node in the
queue (e.g., if all 128GB nodes are busy, the queue will automatically try to
place your job on an available 256GB node).

Available BioHPC Nodes
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Below is a simplified overview of the available CPU and GPU nodes and what
they are best suited for.

CPU Nodes
"""""""""

- 128GB: Entry-level memory node, best for light data processing and basic
analysis.
- 256GB / 256GBv1 / 256GBv2: Standard mid-tier memory nodes, ideal for
everyday bioinformatic workflows and average datasets.
- 384GB: High-memory node, meant for memory-heavy jobs that exceed standard
system limits.
- 512GB: Maximum-capacity memory node, reserved for massive datasets and
extreme processing tasks.

GPU Nodes
"""""""""

- GPU2H200: Ultra-high-performance node with next-generation H200 GPUs for
maximum computation speed and massive AI or image processing workloads.
- GPU4A100 / GPU4H100: Heavy-duty multi-GPU nodes with four top-tier cards,
ideal for intensive parallel computing and large-scale deep learning models.
- GPU4v100: Multi-GPU node with four previous-generation V100 cards for
workflows optimized across multiple GPUs.
- GPUA100 / GPUL4 / GPURTX6k: Modern single-GPU nodes ranging from lightweight
acceleration (L4) to high-memory image processing and heavy graphics
workflows (A100, RTX 6000).
- GPUp100 / GPUp4 / GPUp40 / GPUv100s: Standard single and dual GPU nodes
suitable for everyday accelerated tasks, smaller image sets, and general
GPU-enabled pipelines.

Related pages
-------------

- :doc:`digital-tools` for account and platform setup
- :doc:`data-management` for information on handling BioHPC data
- :doc:`policies` for lab expectations that intersect with record keeping
2 changes: 2 additions & 0 deletions source/data-management.rst
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Expand Up @@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ Data Storage
`BioHPC account registration <https://portal.biohpc.swmed.edu/accounts/register/>`_.
- BioHPC access is a standard requirement for working in the lab, and new users
are typically directed to an orientation or training session during setup.
See :doc:`cloud-usage` if this information has not yet been provided.
- The primary archive location for lab data is ``/archive``.
- Organize data routinely and remove material that no longer needs to be kept;
storage has a real operational cost.
Expand Down Expand Up @@ -62,6 +63,7 @@ Brightness and contrast
Related pages
-------------

- :doc:`cloud-usage` for BioHPC access, Astrocyte uploads, and compute resource expectations
- :doc:`digital-tools` for account and platform setup
- :doc:`figure-preparation` for manuscript-ready figure formatting expectations
- :doc:`policies` for lab expectations that intersect with record keeping
2 changes: 2 additions & 0 deletions source/departure.rst
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Expand Up @@ -11,6 +11,8 @@ Before Your Last Day
- Make sure protocols and key procedures are documented in the appropriate shared system.
- Organize published data in ``/archive/MIL/publications/`` using a clear project
naming scheme that others can navigate later.
- Confirm BioHPC and Astrocyte project materials follow :doc:`cloud-usage`
expectations before handing off cloud-based workflows.
- Remove personal information from lab-managed computers and return any
lab-owned devices that were assigned to you.
- Return keys, badges, laptops, and other UTSW property as instructed.
Expand Down
11 changes: 11 additions & 0 deletions source/digital-tools.rst
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Expand Up @@ -62,10 +62,21 @@ BioHPC
- Register during onboarding and make sure you understand the storage structure
used by your projects.
- See :doc:`data-management` for storage expectations.
- See :doc:`cloud-usage` for access, remote login, Astrocyte, and compute usage expectations.

Astrocyte
---------

- Astrocyte is one of the channels offered by the lab for data analysis.
- An existing BioHPC account is required for Astrocyte access. Login and
registration are the same as your BioHPC credentials.
- See :doc:`data-management` for storage expectations.
- See :doc:`cloud-usage` for project setup, upload options, provided workflows, and resource management.

Related Pages
-------------

- :doc:`onboarding`
- :doc:`cloud-usage`
- :doc:`data-management`
- :doc:`working-at-utsw`
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2 changes: 1 addition & 1 deletion source/index.rst
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Expand Up @@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ Explore the site through the public resources below.
Recent work and publication resources.

:doc:`Lab Resources <resources>`
Onboarding, policies, protocols, equipment, and data management.
Onboarding, policies, protocols, equipment, cloud usage, and data management.

.. toctree::
:caption: Contents
Expand Down
5 changes: 4 additions & 1 deletion source/onboarding.rst
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Expand Up @@ -34,7 +34,9 @@ Computing and records
- LabArchives is used for digital lab notebooks and shared lab information.
- BioHPC is the primary storage and compute environment for lab data.

See :doc:`digital-tools` for the operational details of these systems.
See :doc:`digital-tools` for the operational details of these systems and
:doc:`cloud-usage` for BioHPC training, VPN access, Astrocyte, and compute
resource expectations.

Contacts
--------
Expand Down Expand Up @@ -103,4 +105,5 @@ Quick reference
- Department IT: Hector.EncarnacionPetersen@UTSouthwestern.edu
- Badge access: BadgeAccessControl@UTSouthwestern.edu
- Core lab systems: see :doc:`digital-tools`
- BioHPC, Astrocyte, and remote compute: see :doc:`cloud-usage`
- Institutional logistics: see :doc:`working-at-utsw`
2 changes: 2 additions & 0 deletions source/resources.rst
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Expand Up @@ -19,6 +19,7 @@ Overview
- :doc:`meetings` for recurring meetings, attendance expectations, and presentation formats.
- :doc:`digital-tools` for email, Slack, Outlook, GitHub, LabArchives, and BioHPC.
- :doc:`working-at-utsw` for institution-facing logistics such as HR, IR, VPN, shipping, and travel.
- :doc:`cloud-usage` for BioHPC, Astrocyte, remote access, data staging, and compute resource expectations.
- :doc:`data-management` for storage expectations and microscopy image best practices.
- :doc:`figure-preparation` for manuscript-ready figure expectations and formatting standards.
- :doc:`protocols` for standard operating procedures and shared workflows.
Expand All @@ -33,6 +34,7 @@ Overview
meetings
digital-tools
working-at-utsw
cloud-usage
data-management
figure-preparation
equipment
Expand Down
1 change: 1 addition & 0 deletions source/working-at-utsw.rst
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Expand Up @@ -55,6 +55,7 @@ VPN and Remote Access
- If you need remote access, set up the UTSW VPN while you are on campus if possible.
- Limited intranet access is also available through the
`Citrix Gateway <https://citrixgateway.utsouthwestern.edu/vpn/index.html>`_.
- BioHPC and Astrocyte remote workflows are covered in :doc:`cloud-usage`.

Equipment Surplus and Decontamination
-------------------------------------
Expand Down
33 changes: 33 additions & 0 deletions tests/test_cloud_usage_navigation.py
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from pathlib import Path


ROOT = Path(__file__).resolve().parents[1]
SOURCE = ROOT / "source"


def read_doc(name):
return (SOURCE / name).read_text(encoding="utf-8")


def test_cloud_usage_is_owned_by_lab_resources_navigation_only():
index = read_doc("index.rst")
resources = read_doc("resources.rst")

assert ":doc:`Cloud Usage <cloud-usage>`" not in index
assert "\n cloud-usage\n" not in index
assert ":doc:`cloud-usage`" in resources
assert "\n cloud-usage\n" in resources


def test_cloud_usage_is_linked_from_resource_paths():
expected_links = {
"resources.rst": ":doc:`cloud-usage`",
"onboarding.rst": ":doc:`cloud-usage`",
"working-at-utsw.rst": ":doc:`cloud-usage`",
"digital-tools.rst": ":doc:`cloud-usage`",
"data-management.rst": ":doc:`cloud-usage`",
"departure.rst": ":doc:`cloud-usage`",
}

for filename, link in expected_links.items():
assert link in read_doc(filename)