ORCID Profile
0000-0002-9155-3502
Current Organisation
University of Technology Sydney
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Research Topics
In Research Link Australia (RLA), "Research Topics" refer to ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes. These topics are either sourced from ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes listed in researchers' related grants or generated by a large language model (LLM) based on their publications.
Top 5 Research Topics
ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)
Cellular Interactions (incl. Adhesion, Matrix, Cell Wall) | Forensic Chemistry | Host-Parasite Interactions | Analytical Chemistry | Biochemistry and Cell Biology | Invertebrate Biology | Separation Science | Sensor Technology (Chemical aspects) |
ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)
Expanding Knowledge in the Chemical Sciences | Coastal and Estuarine Air Quality | Expanding Knowledge in Technology | Health Protection and/or Disaster Response
Related Links
Publications
A Conversation with Maiken Ueland.
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 07-09-2021
Degradation patterns of natural and synthetic textiles on a soil surface during summer and winter seasons studied using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.SAA.2017.05.044
Abstract: Textiles are a valuable source of forensic evidence and the nature and condition of textiles collected from a crime scene can assist investigators in determining the nature of the death and aid in the identification of the victim. Until now, much of the knowledge of textile degradation in forensic contexts has been based on the visual inspection of material collected from soil environments. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the potential of a more quantitative approach to the understanding of forensic textile degradation through the application of infrared spectroscopy. Degradation patterns of natural and synthetic textile materials as they were subjected to a natural outdoor environment in Australia were investigated. Cotton, polyester and polyester - cotton blend textiles were placed on a soil surface during the summer and winter seasons and were analysed over periods 1 and 1.5years, respectively, and examined using attenuated total reflectance (ATR) spectroscopy. Statistical analysis of the spectral data obtained for the cotton material correlated with visual degradation and a difference in the onset of degradation between the summer and winter season was revealed. The synthetic material did not show any signs of degradation either visually or statistically throughout the experimental period and highlighted the importance of material type in terms of preservation. The cotton section from the polyester - cotton blend s les was found to behave in a similar manner to that of the 100% cotton s les, however principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated that the degradation patterns were less distinct in both the summer and winter trial for the blend s les. These findings indicated that the presence of the synthetic material may have inhibited the degradation of the natural material. The use of statistics to analyse the spectral data obtained for textiles of forensic interest provides a better foundation for the interpretation of the data obtained using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, and has provided insight into textile degradation processes relevant to a soil environment.
A comparison of human and pig decomposition rates and odour profiles in an Australian environment
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 27-02-2018
Electronic Nose-Based Odor Classification using Genetic Algorithms and Fuzzy Support Vector Machines
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 17-01-2018
A preliminary study of non-woven fabrics for forensic identification purposes
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-11-2023
Reptile volatilome profiling optimisation: A pathway towards forensic applications
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2021
The use of lipids from textiles as soft-tissue biomarkers of human decomposition
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2023
The interactive effect of the degradation of cotton clothing and decomposition fluid production associated with decaying remains
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.FORSCIINT.2015.05.029
Abstract: Textiles are a commonly encountered source of evidence in forensic cases. In the past, most research has been focused on how textiles affect the decomposition process while little attention has been paid to how the decomposition products interact with the textiles. While some studies have shown that the presence of remains will have an effect on the degradation of clothing associated with a decaying body, very little work has been carried out on the specific mechanisms that prevent or delay textile degradation when in contact with decomposing remains. In order to investigate the effect of decomposition fluid on textile degradation, three clothed domestic pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) carcasses were placed on a soil surface, textile specimens were collected over a period of a year and were then analysed using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and GC-MS. Multivariate statistical analysis was used to analyse the data. Cotton specimens not associated with remains degraded markedly, whereas the s les exposed to decomposition fluids remained relatively intact over the same time frame. An investigation of the decomposition by-products found that the protein-related bands remained stable and unchanged throughout the experiment. Lipid components, on the other hand, demonstrated a significant change this was confirmed with the use of both ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and GC-MS. Through an advanced statistical approach, information about the decomposition by-products and their characteristics was obtained. There is potential that the lipid profile in a textile specimen could be a valuable tool used in the examination of clothing located at a crime scene.
Time Since Death in Bioarchaeology and Human Osteology
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Date: 2020
Lime and odour: A preliminary investigation into the effect of hydrated lime on the volatiles emitted from human remains.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2023
Seasonal variation of fatty acid profiles from textiles associated with decomposing pig remains in a temperate Australian environment
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2018
A novel data pre-processing method for odour detection and identification system
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2019
Insights into the Effects of Violating Statistical Assumptions for Dimensionality Reduction for Chemical “-omics” Data with Multiple Explanatory Variables
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 09-06-2023
A novel multi-odour identification by electronic nose using non-parametric modelling-based feature extraction and time-series classification
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2019
Degradation of Clothing in Depositional Environments
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-02-2017
Recent advances in the estimation of post-mortem interval in forensic taphonomy
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-05-2020
Design of an efficient electronic nose system for odour analysis and assessment
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2020
Detecting volatile organic compounds to locate human remains in a simulated collapsed building.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2021
Rapid detection of Escherichia coli in dairy milk using static headspace-comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-12-2022
Fresh vs. frozen human decomposition – A preliminary investigation of lipid degradation products as biomarkers of post-mortem interval
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2021
Estimating the time of human decomposition based on skeletal muscle biopsy samples utilizing an untargeted LC–MS/MS-based proteomics approach
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-07-2023
DOI: 10.1007/S00216-023-04822-4
Abstract: Accurate estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI) is crucial in forensic medico-legal investigations to understand case circumstances (e.g. narrowing down list of missing persons or include/exclude suspects). Due to the complex decomposition chemistry, estimation of PMI remains challenging and currently often relies on the subjective visual assessment of gross morphological/taphonomic changes of a body during decomposition or entomological data. The aim of the current study was to investigate the human decomposition process up to 3 months after death and propose novel time-dependent biomarkers (peptide ratios) for the estimation of decomposition time. An untargeted liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry–based bottom-up proteomics workflow (ion mobility separated) was utilized to analyse skeletal muscle, collected repeatedly from nine body donors decomposing in an open eucalypt woodland environment in Australia. Additionally, general analytical considerations for large-scale proteomics studies for PMI determination are raised and discussed. Multiple peptide ratios (human origin) were successfully proposed (subgroups 200 accumulated degree days (ADD), 655 ADD and 1535 ADD) as a first step towards generalised, objective biochemical estimation of decomposition time. Furthermore, peptide ratios for donor-specific intrinsic factors (sex and body mass) were found. Search of peptide data against a bacterial database did not yield any results most likely due to the low abundance of bacterial proteins within the collected human biopsy s les. For comprehensive time-dependent modelling, increased donor number would be necessary along with targeted confirmation of proposed peptides. Overall, the presented results provide valuable information that aid in the understanding and estimation of the human decomposition processes. Graphical Abstract
The attempted predation of a sand goanna (Varanus gouldii) by a juvenile red fox (Vulpes vulpes)
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-06-2020
DOI: 10.1111/AEC.12924
The use of novel electronic nose technology to locate missing persons for criminal investigations
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2023
A rapid chemical odour profiling method for the identification of rhinoceros horns
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.FORSCIINT.2016.05.011
Abstract: Illegal poaching causes great harm to species ersity and conservation. A vast amount of money is involved in the trade of illegal or forged animal parts worldwide. In many cases, the suspected animal part is unidentifiable and requires costly and invasive laboratory analysis such as isotopic fingerprinting or DNA testing. The lack of rapid and accurate methods to identify wildlife parts at the point of detection represents a major hindrance in the enforcement and prosecution of wildlife trafficking. The ability of wildlife detector dogs to alert to different wildlife species demonstrates that there is a detectable difference in scent profile of illegally traded animal parts. This difference was exploited to develop a rapid, non-invasive screening method for distinguishing rhinoceros horns of different species. The method involved the collection of volatile organic compounds (VOC) by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and analysis by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography - time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOFMS). It was hypothesised that the use of the specific odour profile as a screening method could separate and differentiate geographic origin or exploit the difference in diets of different species within a family (such as white rhinoceros and black rhinoceros from the Rhinocerotidae family). Known black and white rhinoceros horn s les were analysed using HS-SPME-GC×GC-TOFMS and multivariate statistics were applied to identify groupings in the data set. The black rhinoceros horn s les were distinctly different from the white rhinoceros horn s les. This demonstrated that seized rhinoceros horn s les can be identified based on their distinct odour profiles. The chemical odour profiling method has great potential as a rapid and non-invasive screening method in order to combat and track illegal trafficking of wildlife parts.
The Use of Electronic Nose for the Classification of Blended and Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 04-2022
Comparative volatilomics of coral endosymbionts from one- and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography approaches
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-04-2021
Is moxibustion safe? An analytic chemical analysis of moxa smoke
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2020
From flesh to bone: Building bridges between taphonomy, archaeothanatology and forensic science for a better understanding of mortuary practices
Publisher: Routledge
Date: 29-03-2022
Quantitative speciation of volatile sulphur compounds from human cadavers by GC-ICP-MS.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2021
Capillary-driven microfluidic paper-based analytical devices for lab on a chip screening of explosive residues in soil
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHROMA.2016.01.054
Abstract: A novel microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD) was designed to filter, extract, and pre-concentrate explosives from soil for direct analysis by a lab on a chip (LOC) device. The explosives were extracted via immersion of wax-printed μPADs directly into methanol soil suspensions for 10min, whereby dissolved explosives travelled upwards into the μPAD circular s ling reservoir. A chad was punched from the s ling reservoir and inserted into a LOC well containing the separation buffer for direct analysis, avoiding any further extraction step. Eight target explosives were separated and identified by fluorescence quenching. The minimum detectable amounts for all eight explosives were between 1.4 and 5.6ng with recoveries ranging from 53-82% from the paper chad, and 12-40% from soil. This method provides a robust and simple extraction method for rapid identification of explosives in complex soil s les.
A data-driven meat freshness monitoring and evaluation method using rapid centroid estimation and hidden Markov models
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2020
An overview of risk investment in the transnational illegal wildlife trade from stakeholder perspectives
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-10-2021
DOI: 10.1002/WFS2.1397
Decomposition in Aquatic Environments
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-02-2017
The use of generalized linear mixed models to investigate postmortem lipids in textiles
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2023
Monitoring human decomposition products collected in clothing: an infrared spectroscopy study
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 25-03-2019
Assessing the Impact of Habitat and Captivity Status on Volatilome Profiles of the Illegally Traded Shingleback
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.2139/SSRN.4044529
Profiling Volatilomes: A Novel Forensic Method for Identification of Confiscated Illegal Wildlife Items
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 10-01-2020
DOI: 10.3390/SEPARATIONS7010005
Abstract: Globally, the rapid decline in wildlife species has many causes. The illegal trafficking of fauna and flora is a major contributor to species decline and continues to grow at an alarming rate. To enable the prosecution of those involved in the trafficking of illegal wildlife, accurate and reliable identification is paramount. Traditionally, morphology and DNA lification are used. This paper investigates a novel application of volatilome profiling using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time of flight mass spectrometry for wildlife s le detection. Known s les of elephant-derived ivory, other dentine s les, and bone (a common ivory substitute) were used as reference s les for volatilome profiling. Subsequently, specimens that were suspected ivory from border control seizures were obtained and analysed. Confirmatory DNA analyses were conducted on seized s les to establish the reliability parameters of volatilome profiling. The volatilome method correctly identified six of the eight seized s les as elephant ivory, which was confirmed through DNA analysis. There was also clear distinction of African elephant ivory parts from the bone and dentine s les from other species, as shown through PCA and discriminant analyses. These preliminary results establish volatilome profiling through GC×GC-TOFMS as a novel screening method used for the identification of unknown wildlife contraband.
Anatomical location dependence of human decomposition products in clothing
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 19-09-2023
The analysis of textiles associated with decomposing remains as a natural training aid for cadaver-detection dogs
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2017
The analysis of nitrate explosive vapour samples using Lab-on-a-chip instrumentation
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHROMA.2019.06.003
Abstract: The detection and analysis of explosives and explosive-related compounds is a heightened priority in recent years for homeland security and counter-terrorism applications. This study aimed to evaluate the use of a commercial Lab-On-a-Chip (LOC) instrument for the analysis of explosive vapours, with the long-term goal of developing a portable instrument for passively detecting explosives in air s les. A simple method to collect explosive vapour residues was developed using a glass vial containing varying amounts of the target explosives (1 mg/mL). Standards were diluted to the desired concentration in 150 μL of acetone to facilitate the evaporation. The top of the vial was covered with a circular 0.5 cm diameter filter paper and exposed to a range of temperatures from 22 °C to 80 °C for 15 min. Following evaporation, the filter paper chads were folded and inserted into the LOC wells containing the separation buffer for the analysis, avoiding any further extraction step. After successfully separating and detecting eight explosives via liquid analysis, three explosives were chosen as targets for the vapour analysis experiments. 1,3,5-Trinitrobenzene (TNB), 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene (TNT), and 2,4,6-Trinitrophenylmethylnitramine (Tetryl) were successfully separated, detected and identified following the vapour extraction of explosive standards onto filter paper chads. Limits of detection for the liquid analysis were demonstrated to be 2.32 ng for TNB, 2.35 ng for Tetryl, and 3.25 ng for TNT. The minimum detectable mass found for the vapour analysis was 6.03 for TNB, 9.99 ng for TNT, and 14.22 ng for Tetryl. The average recovery from the paper chads was 29% for Tetryl, 47% for TNB, and 75% for TNT (n = 4), comparable with findings from previous studies. Results show that a minimum temperature of 40 °C is necessary to vaporize the compounds using acetone, while the best results were achieved when heating the vial to 80 °C. The use of a filter paper to collect the explosives residues, avoiding any additional extraction step, and the ability to analyze these compounds using a LOC instrument, makes this approach a future alternative method for explosive residues detection in the headspace.
In vitro volatile organic compound profiling using GCxGC-TOFMS to differentiate bacteria associated with lung infections: a proof-of-concept study
Publisher: IOP Publishing
Date: 27-04-2016
DOI: 10.1088/1752-7155/10/2/026008
Abstract: Chronic pulmonary infections are the principal cause of morbidity and mortality in in iduals with cystic fibrosis (CF). Due to the polymicrobial nature of these infections, the identification of the particular bacterial species responsible is an essential step in diagnosis and treatment. Current diagnostic procedures are time-consuming, and can also be expensive, invasive and unpleasant in the absence of spontaneously expectorated sputum. The development of a rapid, non-invasive methodology capable of diagnosing and monitoring early bacterial infection is desired. Future visions of real-time, in situ diagnosis via exhaled breath testing rely on the differentiation of bacteria based on their volatile metabolites. The objective of this proof-of-concept study was to investigate whether a range of CF-associated bacterial species (i.e. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Burkholderia cenocepacia, Haemophilus influenzae, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus milleri) could be differentiated based on their in vitro volatile metabolomic profiles. Headspace s les were collected using solid phase microextraction (SPME), analyzed using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOFMS) and evaluated using principal component analysis (PCA) in order to assess the multivariate structure of the data. Although it was not possible to effectively differentiate all six bacteria using this method, the results revealed that the presence of a particular pattern of VOCs (rather than a single VOC biomarker) is necessary for bacterial species identification. The particular pattern of VOCs was found to be dependent upon the bacterial growth phase (e.g. logarithmic versus stationary) and s le storage conditions (e.g. short-term versus long-term storage at -18 °C). Future studies of CF-associated bacteria and exhaled breath condensate will benefit from the approaches presented in this study and further facilitate the production of diagnostic tools for the early detection of bacterial lung infections.
Bridging the gap between decomposition theory and forensic research on postmortem interval
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-07-2023
DOI: 10.1007/S00414-023-03060-8
Abstract: Knowledge of the decomposition of vertebrate animals has advanced considerably in recent years and revealed complex interactions among biological and environmental factors that affect rates of decay. Yet this complexity remains to be fully incorporated into research or models of the postmortem interval (PMI). We suggest there is both opportunity and a need to use recent advances in decomposition theory to guide forensic research and its applications to understanding the PMI. Here we synthesise knowledge of the biological and environmental factors driving variation in decomposition and the acknowledged limitations among current models of the PMI. To guide improvement in this area, we introduce a conceptual framework that highlights the multiple interdependencies affecting decay rates throughout the decomposition process. Our framework reinforces the need for a multidisciplinary approach to PMI research, and calls for an adaptive research cycle that aims to reduce uncertainty in PMI estimates via experimentation, modelling, and validation.
Bacterial populations associated with early-stage adipocere formation in lacustrine waters
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 29-08-2014
DOI: 10.1007/S00414-013-0907-7
Abstract: The preservation of soft tissue is a valuable evidence for forensic investigation as it may provide information about the cause and manner of death as well as the time since death. Adipocere forms from the conversion of triglycerides in the neutral fats into stable fatty acids producing a solid white product which aids tissue preservation. Adipocere will typically form in water-logged grave sites and aquatic environments. Documentation on the chemical and microbiological changes that cause adipocere formation in aquatic environments is scant and mostly based on observational case reports. The aim of this study was to monitor the early adipocere formation in lacustrine waters to investigate the effect of aquatic bacteria on adipocere formation. Tissue s les from pork (Sus scrofa domesticus) belly were submerged in water s les from Lake Ontario and deionised water (control). Bacteria s les from both water and tissue were harvested. Changes in the fatty acid composition of the tissue were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Early-stage adipocere formation was confirmed on porcine tissue submerged in lake water but was not identified on porcine tissue submerged in deionised water. Adipocere formation required an abundance of gram-positive bacteria during the early postmortem period to assist in lipolysing the triglycerides into free fatty acids. Formation of adipocere in the lake water resulted in a decrease in bacterial concentrations in the tissue over time.
NOS.E: A New Fast Response Electronic Nose Health Monitoring System
Publisher: IEEE
Date: 07-2018
Time Since Death in Bioarchaeology and Human Osteology
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Date: 2018
An in-field evaluation of rapid DNA instruments for disaster victim identification
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-11-2021
DOI: 10.1007/S00414-021-02748-Z
Abstract: In 2019 and 2020, disaster victim identification (DVI) simulations were conducted at the Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research. Whole and fragmented cadavers were positioned to replicate a building collapse scenario and left to decompose for up to 4 weeks. This study evaluated the utility of the ANDE™ 6C Rapid DNA System and the RapidHIT
Soil chemical markers distinguishing human and pig decomposition islands: a preliminary study
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-09-2020
Rapid Detection of Bacteria in Food Using Static Headspace-Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography (Hs-Gc×Gc)
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.2139/SSRN.4027222
Profiling the decomposition odour at the grave surface before and after probing
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.FORSCIINT.2015.12.038
Abstract: Human remains detection (HRD) dogs are recognised as a valuable and non-invasive search method for remains concealed in many different environments, including clandestine graves. However, the search for buried remains can be a challenging task as minimal odour may be available at the grave surface for detection by the dogs. Handlers often use a soil probe during these searches in an attempt to increase the amount of odour available for detection, but soil probing is considered an invasive search technique. The aim of this study was to determine whether the soil probe assists with increasing the abundance of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) available at the grave surface. A proof-of-concept method was developed using porcine remains to collect VOCs within the grave without disturbing the burial environment, and to compare their abundance at the grave surface before and after probing. Detection and identification of the VOC profiles required the use of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOFMS) due to its superior sensitivity and selectivity for decomposition odour profiling. The abundance of decomposition VOCs was consistently higher within the grave environment compared to the grave surface, except when the grave surface had been disturbed, confirming the reduced availability of odour at the grave surface. Although probing appeared to increase the abundance of VOCs at the grave surface on many of the s ling days, there were no clear trends identified across the study and no direct relationships with the environmental variables measured. Typically, the decomposition VOCs that were most prevalent in the grave soil were the same VOCs detected at the grave surface, whereas the trace VOCs detected in these environments varied throughout the post-burial period. This study highlighted that probing the soil can assist with releasing decomposition VOCs but is likely correlated to environmental and burial variables which require further study. The use of a soil probe to assist HRD dogs should not be disregarded but should only follow the use of non-invasive methods if deemed appropriate.
Detecting grave sites from surface anomalies: A longitudinal study in an Australian woodland
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-11-2020
A forensically validated genetic toolkit for the species and lineage identification of the highly trafficked shingleback lizard (Tiliqua rugosa).
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2023
DOI: 10.1016/J.FSIGEN.2022.102784
Abstract: Shingleback lizards (Tiliqua rugosa) are among the most trafficked native fauna from Australia in the illegal pet trade. There are four morphologically recognised subspecies of shinglebacks, all with differing overseas market values. Shinglebacks from different geographic locales are often trafficked and housed together, which may complicate identifying the State jurisdiction where the poaching event occurred. Additionally, shinglebacks can be housed and trafficked with other species within the same genus, which may complicate DNA analysis, especially in scenarios where indirect evidence (e.g. swabs, faeces) is taken for analysis. In this study, a forensic genetic toolkit was designed and validated to target shingleback DNA for species identification and geographic origin. To do this, field s ling across Australia was conducted to expand the phylogeographic s ling of shinglebacks across their species range and include populations suspected to be poaching hotspots. A commonly used universal reptile primer set (ND4/LEU) was then validated for use in forensic casework related to the genus Tiliqua. Two additional ND4 primer sets were designed and validated. The first primer set was designed and demonstrated to preferentially lify an ∼510 bp region of the genus Tiliqua over other reptiles and builds on existing data to expand the available phylogeographic database. The second primer set was designed and demonstrated to solely lify an ∼220 bp region of T. rugosa ND4 over any other reptile species. Through the validation process, all primers were demonstrated to lify T. rugosa DNA from a variety of s le types (e.g. degraded, low quality and mixed). Two of the primer sets were able to distinguish the genetic lineage of T. rugosa from the phylogeographic database. This work provides the first forensically validated toolkit and phylogeographic genetic database for Squatmate lizards.
Symbiosis induces unique volatile profiles in the model cnidarian Aiptasia
Publisher: The Company of Biologists
Date: 10-2022
DOI: 10.1242/JEB.244600
Abstract: The establishment and maintenance of the symbiosis between a cnidarian host and its dinoflagellate symbionts is central to the success of coral reefs. To explore the metabolite production underlying this symbiosis, we focused on a group of low molecular weight secondary metabolites, biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs). BVOCs are released from an organism or environment, and can be collected in the gas phase, allowing non-invasive analysis of an organism's metabolism (i.e. ‘volatilomics’). We characterised volatile profiles of the sea anemone Aiptasia (Exaiptasia diaphana), a model system for cnidarian–dinoflagellate symbiosis, using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry. We compared volatile profiles between: (1) symbiotic anemones containing their native symbiont, Breviolum minutum (2) aposymbiotic anemones and (3) cultured isolates of B. minutum. Overall, 152 BVOCs were detected, and classified into 14 groups based on their chemical structure, the most numerous groups being alkanes and aromatic compounds. A total of 53 BVOCs were differentially abundant between aposymbiotic anemones and B. minutum cultures 13 between aposymbiotic and symbiotic anemones and 60 between symbiotic anemones and cultures of B. minutum. More BVOCs were differentially abundant between cultured and symbiotic dinoflagellates than between aposymbiotic and symbiotic anemones, suggesting that symbiosis may modify symbiont physiology more than host physiology. This is the first volatilome analysis of the Aiptasia model system and provides a foundation from which to explore how BVOC production is perturbed under environmental stress, and ultimately the role they play in this important symbiosis.
Understanding clothed buried remains: the analysis of decomposition fluids and their influence on clothing in model burial environments
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-01-2019
DOI: 10.1007/S12024-018-0073-9
Abstract: Previous studies of fabric degradation have shown promising results for post-mortem interval estimations based on differences in the degradation states of clothing in the presence of decomposing remains. It is crucial to determine if a body was present when using the degradation state as an indicator of time since death. For this study, fabric s les from buried pig remains were collected and analyzed using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and chromatography- mass spectrometry. Three different fabrics were investigated 100% cotton, 100% polyester and a polyester-cotton blend. Distinct visual changes were observed between the experimental and control graves, with the fabrics in the control grave degrading more rapidly. There was also a difference between the fabric types, whereby the natural fabrics degraded much faster than the synthetic ones. Principal component analysis was used to determine that the cotton control s les could be statistically separated based on their degradation state. The presence of lipids and proteins were useful for separating "wetter" graves from those drier in nature as well as the control graves. Clothing evidence was demonstrated to provide quantitative time since death information, as well as indicating the decomposition site in the event of intentional or unintentional movement.
A Multiscale Wavelet Kernel Regularization-Based Feature Extraction Method for Electronic Nose
Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date: 11-2022
Profiling the seasonal variability of decomposition odour from human remains in a temperate Australian environment
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-07-2020
A preliminary investigation to determine the suitability of pigs as human analogues for post-mortem lipid analysis
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2022
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A Novel Electronic Nose To Locate Victims Of Mass Disaster Events
Start Date: 2021
End Date: 2023
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityDiscovery Projects - Grant ID: DP210100639
Start Date: 05-2021
End Date: 12-2024
Amount: $579,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityDiscovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE210100494
Start Date: 2021
End Date: 12-2023
Amount: $455,333.00
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View Funded Activity