CSL 2010 Annual Report

CENTRAL
SCIENCE
LABORATORY
2010 Annual Report
CONTENTS
Director’s Report 2010
3
Staff and Laboratory Developments
4
Reports
5
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Facility
6
Proteomics Mass Spectrometry Facility
7
Vibrational Spectroscopy and Elemental Analysis Facility
8
Stable Isotope Facility
9
Electron Microscopy and X-ray Microanalysis Facility
10
Organic Mass Spectrometry Facility
11
ICP Mass Spectrometry Facility
12
Molecular Genetics Facility
13
Technical Services Group
14
Computing Support Services
15
Operating Results
16
Strategy
17
2010 External Client List
18
2010 Refereed journal articles
19
2010 Staff
20
Other University and Professional Service 2010
21
Glossary
22
Cover: NMR Microscopy of a broccoli plant - 3D visualisation of water content
DIRECTOR’S
REPORT 2010
Despite a continued downturn in
income into 2010 we have been able
to increase our client base by 9.5%
2010 has been another tough but
productive year for the CSL. Despite
a continued downturn in income into
2010 we have been able to increase our
client base by 9.5%, have remained very
successful in ARC LIEF grant bids and
maintained the ability to build funds to
purchase essential equipment outright.
It was very pleasing to be in a position
at the close of 2010 to be able to order
a new fast mapping Raman Spectrometer
at a total cost of $440,000. This new
state-of-the-art instrument will be
Tasmania’s first new generation fastmapping Raman and will enable users to
perform very fast and detailed chemical
mapping of their samples. Researchers
will be able to map the chemistry of a
sample to a spatial resolution better
than 1 micrometre. It will also be able
to provide three dimensional images
as Raman is a confocal technique.
Applications will be numerous and wide
ranging. For example medicinal and
pharmaceutical researchers will use the
system to study the changes in nerve and
brain cells due to the pathological effects
of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers
in geology will use the rapid mapping
feature to identify minerals and use the
3D imaging for very small melt and fluid
inclusion in volcanic rock.
Raman spectroscopy will also be used by
chemists to better understand catalytic
processes and to provide information of
in-house produced materials such as labon-a-chip devices and nanodiamonds.
I especially wish to thank Dr Thomas
Rodemann for his diligence and hard
work in bringing the Raman Spectrometer
bid to fruition. This latest success tops
off an extraordinary decade for the CSL,
winning 10 major equipment ARC LIEF
grants in 10 years. This reflects very well
on the quality of the UTAS researchers
who have been involved and the unique
and efficient structure of the CSL.
In 2010 the CSL continued the strategy
of self-funding and amongst other items,
a new liquid nitrogen generator plant
worth $180,000 has been ordered.
This plant will replace the CSL’s 31
year old system with a more efficient,
higher capacity setup that will double
UTAS’ liquid nitrogen production and
will underpin growth in key areas like
ACROSS and IMAS.
The CSL remains in a very strong position
and I sincerely thank all staff for a very
productive 2010.
DIRECTOR’S
REPORT
Evan Peacock
Director
CSL 2010 ANNUAL REPORT 3
STAFF AND LABORATORY
DEVELOPMENTS
Following the recommendations of
the 2009 review into CSL financial
operations, all RHD qualified Facility
managers were transferred from
Professional to Academic (Research
Fellow) positions in July 2010
Following the recommendations of
the 2009 review into CSL financial
operations, all RHD qualified Facility
managers were transferred from
Professional to Academic (Research
Fellow) positions in July 2010. This is a
very positive move by the University that
recognises the integral support role the
CSL plays in UTAS research.
Staff Developments
Laboratory Developments
Ms Sharee McCammon was appointed
as a part time Laboratory Analyst in the
Molecular Genetics Facility at the start
of the year. Her primary role has been to
ensure that the Facility is compliant with
all WH&S regulations, particularly in the
areas of chemical data-basing, storage
and risk assessments, and considerable
progress has been made. Sharee has
also provided invaluable technical
assistance to postgraduate students
over the course of 2010.
The CSL underwent a significant
redevelopment in the first quarter of
2010. This included the rationalisation
of space on level one to allow co-location
of our key technical services and the
refurbishment of space to allow for the
installation of new equipment.
Dr Sandrin Feig was appointed to the
position of Laboratory Analyst with the
EMXM facility in June 2010, working
50% part time on a 2-year contract.
Sandrin has extensive prior experience
in the Facility working as postdoctoral
researcher with CODES and settled into
the new role very quickly.
Unfortunately Edwin Lowe will leave
the CSL in January 2011 to embark on
a PhD at Massey University, NZL. We
thank him for his drive and wealth of
instrumental experience, Edwin made
a huge contribution in establishing
proteomics mass spectrometry as a
research technique at the University
of Tasmania. He will be replaced by
Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
researcher, Dr Richard Wilson, who
has a strong background in cartilage
proteomics, preparation techniques
and data manipulation.
The CSL commissioned and/or ordered
several new instruments in 2010 including
a $440,000 UPLC-MS and a $632,500
FEG Electron Microscope partly funded
by ARC-LIEF grants. The UPLC-MS
system is already producing outstanding
results. CSL self-funded instruments
purchased in 2010 include:
• A 20x ATR (attenuated total reflectance)
infrared objective for the Bruker
Hyperion Microscope on the Mid
Infrared Vertex 70 system.
• A Sterling liquid nitrogen generator
to replace our 31 year old plant
(installation: January 2011).
• A new advanced sample introduction
system for the ICPMS Facility,
comprising a CETAC autosampler
housed in its own clean laminar
flow chamber.
STAFF AND
LABORATORY
DEVELOPMENTS
4
REPORTS
CSL 2010 ANNUAL REPORT 5
NUCLEAR MAGNETIC
RESONANCE FACILITY
DR JAMES HORNE
NUCLEAR
MAGNETIC
RESONANCE
Major Clients
Research Developments
Tasmanian Alkaloids, CSIRO – Lipid
Chemistry Group, Pulp and Paper group,
Menzies Research Institute, UTAS School
of Medicine, UTAS School of Chemistry,
NCMCRS, Marinova.
2010 saw strong growth in demand from
the life sciences sector with several new
projects in preparation. A successful
grant award from the MAWA trust
(Medical Advances Without Animals) of
$30,000 was secured by researchers in
the CSL, School of Medical Sciences and
the Menzies Research Institute for the
creation of model “muscle” systems for
monitoring of muscle physiology by
NMR spectroscopy.
A collaboration between the
aforementioned partners and Paul
Cassidy of Griffith University is
developing NMR probe technology for
in vivo spectroscopy with rats, involving
a range of physiological challenges.
Progress in the metabolomics area has
seen the establishment of a full workflow
for collection, analysis and data-mining
of metabolomic data. Methods and data
quality are verified against world-leading
research in the area and several projects
are now being run in the Facility. This area
is set for considerable expansion
in 2011.
2011
The major focus for 2011 will be the
preparation and submission of an ARC
LIEF Grant application for a new 600 MHz
NMR Spectrometer equipped with
a cryoprobe and LC capability.
Multislice NMR Microscopy of broccoli in plane resolution 78μm x 39μm
6
PROTEOMICS MASS
SPECTROMETRY FACILITY
MR EDWIN LOWE
Research Developments
Bacterial proteomics work examining the
stress response of spoilage organisms
has continued to be the primary focus
of the Proteomics Facility for 2010.
In the field of Plant Science, Auxin
Biosynthesis, previous published results
on the Trp-dependant biosynthesis of
indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) has suggested
that N-hydroxy-tryptamine serves as
an intermediate for IAA biosynthesis
in plants. Utilising accurate mass MS/
MS Orbitrap measurements we have
been able to challenge this aasumption;
leading to doubts whether N-hydroxytryptamine’s role as an intermediate.
Publication of these results required some
extremely robust accurate mass MS/MS
measurements.
2011
In other areas of UTAS research the
Facility has been involved in projects on:
• Rat muscle proteomics
(School of Pharmacy).
• Fish proteomics –
gill disease (NCMCRS).
• Crustacean proteomics
(School of Agricultural Science).
External Work
In conjunction with the Organic Mass
Spectrometry Facility the Proteomics
Mass Spectrometry Facility has continued
to provide accurate mass measurements
for external customers.
Demand for proteomics from UTAS’
Food Safety group will increase
significantly with the commissioning
of their new Bioreactor. The research
focus will move from spoilage organisms
to pro-biotic stress response, primarily
for Lactobacillus.
Metabolomics research, in conjunction
with the Menzies Research Institute
and the Faculty of Health Science, will
commence in 2011. This work will require
a new suite of workflow methodologies to
enable efficient data analysis.
Quantitative proteomics will also continue
to be developed as a capability within
the CSL.
PROTEOMICS
MASS
SPECTROMETRY
CSL 2010 ANNUAL REPORT 7
VIBRATIONAL SPECTROSCOPY &
ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS FACILITY
DR THOMAS RODEMANN
VIBRATIONAL
SPECTROSCOPY
& ELEMENTAL
ANALYSIS
Major Clients
Research Developments
The elemental analyser was again heavily
utilised in 2009 with over 1500 samples
being analysed. Over 30 research groups
used the Facility mainly from the Schools
of Earth Sciences/CODES, Chemistry,
Plant Science, Pharmacy, TAFI, ACE
CRC, Forestry CRC and TIAR. In addition,
the Facility was regularly used by
external clients, such as other Australian
Universities, Analytical Services Tasmania
and private companies. The nature of
the samples was therefore quite varied
and diverse.
In 2010 the Vibrational Spectroscopy
Facility supported numerous Honours
and PhD projects and Dr Thomas
Rodemann collaborated on projects with
many UTAS researchers. Such projects
included the development of a nearinfrared (NIR) model for ploidy prediction
of Acacia crassicarpa; the development
of a near infrared spectroscopic method
to detect microbial spoilage communities
in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar); the effect
of environment on physical and chemical
traits of Eucalyptus pauciflora; and the
effect of dissolved salt, DOM and wood
resin concentration on paper properties.
In addition the facility continued to
support some major research programs
within Forestry CRC, Plant Science and
CODES, such as the incorporation of
wood quality factor into plantation estate
management, the Eucalypt Genetics
program and the investigation of volatiles
in melt and fluid inclusions.
About 7500 samples were analysed in
the vibrational spectroscopy Facility.
The FT-NIR was mainly used by
researchers from the School of Plant
Science and Forestry CRC. The FT-IR
Facility was used by CODES, School of
Chemistry and external clients such as
Analytical Services Tasmania.
Equipment Updates
Thomas also continued his collaboration
with researchers in the School of
Chemistry in 2010 where he remained
a PhD co-supervisor in the field of
microreactors as part of the” lab-on-achip” program.
Dr Rodemann coordinated and submitted
a successful ARC LIEF grant bid by
a team of UTAS researchers for the
purchase of a fast mapping Raman
spectrometer. The ARC will contribute
$240,000 towards this new instrument
which is expected to be installed in
mid-2011.
2011
The main focus in 2011 will be the
purchase and commissioning of the
new Raman spectrometer.
In 2010 the CSL purchased a 20x ATR
(attenuated total reflectance) infrared
objective for the Bruker Hyperion
Microscope on the Vertex 70 system.
This objective enables users to now
measure reflectance spectra that were
previously very difficult to obtain. Samples
are brought in direct contact with a small
Germanium crystal that is incorporated in
the objective. The sample measurement
then takes place at the interface of the
crystal and sample and is independent
of the reflective nature of the sample.
Ploidy differentiation of Acacia crassicarpa by NIR spectroscopy
8
STABLE ISOTOPE FACILITY
MR KEITH HARRIS,
MRS CHRISTINE COOK
In 2010 the end of the CSL’s contract
with the Antarctic Climate and
Ecosystems (ACE) CRC saw a marked
reduction in the number of ice-core
waters submitted for oxygen isotope
analysis (only 285 compared to a yearly
average in 2007-2009 of over 7,200).
It was expected that this would allow
more time for the laboratory’s other
speciality; sulfur isotope analysis by in situ
laser ablation of sulfide mineral grains in
polished thin section. However, problems
with the venerable Nd-YAG laser in mid2010, eventually diagnosed as due to a
deteriorated coating on the front mirror
of the laser train, thwarted this plan.
This event highlights the the urgent need
to upgrade this equipment. Unfortunately
the CSL was unsuccessful in its 2010
ARC LIEF grant bid to do so but it will
be resubmitted in 2011.
Our other work for CODES went
smoothly, with 12 staff and postgraduate students submitting 310
carbonate samples (for C/O isotopes)
and 440 sulfide and sulfate samples
(for S isotopes); some external work
for mining companies and collaborative
projects between CODES staff and other
universities was also completed.
2011
In mid-2011 the SO2 extraction line
in the Facility (on which all S isotope
analytical work by the “traditional”
Dumas combustion method has been
done since the late 1970s at UTAS) will
be dismantled for maintenance to the
glass lines and replacement of vacuum
gauges. The Facility’s CO2 extraction line
will receive a similar upgrade. In 2011
the Stable Isotope Facility will seek to
become quarantine approved.
STABLE
ISOTOPE
CSL 2010 ANNUAL REPORT 9
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY &
X-RAY MICROANALYSIS FACILITY
DR KARSTEN GOEMANN,
DR SANDRIN FEIG
In 2010, usage of the Electron
Microscopy and X-ray Microanalysis
Facility (EMXMF) remained on a similar
level to 2009 with over 2600 paid hours
on the electron microprobe (EPMA) and
close to 3000 on the scanning electron
microscope (SEM). The x-ray microscope
(µXRF) was only used to test suitability
for certain projects which so far have not
been pursued further. Significant staff
resources were occupied by system
selection and site preparation for a new
second SEM and set up and training of
new EPMA software. Similar to 2009,
the SEM had an excellent downtime
due to failure or maintenance of only
11 days, with a record low of 19 days
of unavailability for the microprobe.
Again, a high number (7) of Honours
students from CODES used the facility,
5 for whom EMXM techniques played a
significant role in their projects.
The range of projects and clients did
not change markedly in 2010, with
the majority of Facility use coming
from CODES and the School of Earth
Sciences. A notable new development
was the analysis of uranium minerals
and complex rare earth aluminium
phosphates on the microprobe. Some
quite unusual smaller projects were also
undertaken, including the quantitative
analysis of elemental distribution in
the fish Urinari calculi. This work was
performed for TAFI in collaboration
with the Electron Microscopy Unit of
the Australian Antarctic Division, where
sample preparation was carried out.
In February 2010, the Facility was visited
by Paul Carpenter from Washington
University (St Louis, USA) to provide
training and fine-tuning of the new “Probe
for EPMA” software package, which
was purchased to expand and improve
analytical capabilities of the Cameca
microprobe. Paul not only works as
developer and field engineer for Probe
Software Inc., he is also one of the world
leading experts on electron microprobe
analysis in general, so Facility staff
benefited greatly from his visit. The new
package has seen steadily increasing use,
particularly for sulfide mineral analysis - to
tackle the complex spectral interferences
and optimise matrix corrections.
In April, Dr Karsten Goemann travelled
to Japan, Singapore and the UK to test
potential candidates for a new Schottky
field emission SEM system - to be
purchased through a $400,000 ARC LIEF
grant combined with UTAS contributions.
Through tender, the combination of
a Hitachi SU 70 SEM and an Oxford
XMax80 energy dispersive spectrometer
(EDS) was decided on, ordered in July
2010 and delivered late in the year.
Existing space was refurbished and
upgraded extensively to provide a suitable
laboratory. Installation is scheduled for
late January 2011. This world-class
system will provide UTAS with ultra-high
imaging resolution, particularly at low
accelerating voltages (1.6 nm at 1 kV),
thus enabling the study of nanometresized surface features - potentially coating
free. Samples that will be studied include
nanoparticle-loaded polymer networks
used in separation science and extremely
fine surface detail of phytoplankton.
The high beam stability and large area
x-ray detector of the instrument will also
facilitate very fast element mapping and
chemical microanalysis with full standardbased quantification at sub-micron
resolution.
In July 2010, Karsten delivered an invited
lecture on µXRF analysis at the 21st
Australian Conference on Microscopy
and Microanalysis in Brisbane.
2011
The main focus will be on the installation
of, and training and method development
on, the new SEM. Karsten will also
present an EPMA master class during
the 11th Symposium of the Australian
Microbeam Analysis Society in Canberra
in February and has been invited to
speak at the Microscopy & Micronalysis
conference held in Nashville (USA)
in August.
ELECTRON
MICROSCOPY
& X-RAY
MICROANALYSIS
10
ORGANIC MASS
SPECTROMETRY FACILITY
A/PROF NOEL DAVIES,
MR MARSHALL HUGHES
ORGANIC MASS
SPECTROMETRY
Major Clients
Schools of Plant Science, Agricultural
Science, Chemistry, Pharmacy and
Zoology. Usage of the Facility from other
Australian universities and national and
international clients was significantly down
in 2010 compared to previous years.
Equipment
The major highlight for 2010 was
the installation in July of a new
$440,000 Ultra Performance Liquid
Chromatograph/Triple Quadrupole Mass
Spectrometer, funded jointly, by an ARC
LIEF grant as well as UTAS Division of
Research and individual schools and
research centres. A/Prof Davies was the
lead investigator on this proposal. This
instrument suite, which also includes
diode array and evaporative light
scattering detectors, has revolutionised
many analyses and dramatically increased
productivity. Its major initial impact has
been on the analysis of plant hormones,
with dramatic improvements in coverage
and productivity. Ten other projects
from five different schools/research
centres have also already benefited
significantly from this new acquisition. It
promises to provide a rapid, robust and
extremely sensitive platform for research
across a diverse range of disciplines
including plant science, natural product
chemistry, synthetic chemistry, zoology,
forestry, microbiology, Antarctic studies,
pharmacology and other health sciences.
Over 2000 samples were analysed in the
5 months since installation to the end
of 2010.
The Kratos high resolution mass
spectrometer experienced a major
hardware failure during the year, with
downtime of several months as parts
were shipped back and forth to the UK.
Research update
A/Prof Davies was a co-author on
7 papers in 2010, including a paper
outlining a major reassessment of one of
the biosynthetic pathways to auxin, one of
the major plant hormones. Several other
papers were in press at the end of 2010.
A/Prof Geoff Allen and Dr Paul Walker
from TIAR and A/Prof Davies received
$159,000 in funding from Horticulture
Australia for research on the pheromones
of the white-fringed weevil, a serious
potato pest. Significant progress was
made on a research project on possum
sex pheromones with Prof Stuart McLean
(Pharmacy), and postgraduate pheromone
projects on earwigs (Steve Quarrel,
Agricultural Science) and echidnas (Rachel
Harris, Zoology - for which A/Prof Davies
is a PhD supervisor). Examples of other
new projects for the year included the
quantitation of urinary sugars for Human
Life Sciences and eucalypt leaf sugars for
TIAR, monitoring griseofulvin in red blood
cells for the Menzies Research Institute,
measuring corticosteroids in shark blood
for Zoology and developing a sensitive
assay for several nicotine metabolites in
urine for Pharmacy.
Picogram level determination of strigolactones (a recently discovered class
of plant hormones) in pea root exudates by UPLC/MS/MS.
CSL 2010 ANNUAL REPORT 11
ICP MASS
SPECTROMETRY
FACILITY
DR ASHLEY TOWNSEND
ICP MASS
SPECTROMERTY
Major Clients
School of Chemistry (both Hobart and
Launceston), ACE, TAFI, ACROSS,
and NCMCRS. The Australian Antarctic
Division was a major external user.
Equipment update
During 2010 remaining issues associated
with the installation and commissioning
of the new High Resolution ICP-MS were
more clearly identified and rectified. It
is pleasing to report that the instrument
is now fully operational meeting
specifications with improved reliability.
A new advanced sample introduction
system comprising a CETAC autosampler
housed in its own clean laminar flow
chamber was also commissioned in
2010. The purchase of this equipment
was generously supported through
the Faculty Science, Engineering and
Technology equipment round and through
central CSL funds. The system required
considerable modification by the CSL
electronic and mechanical staff and will
be solely dedicated to those samples with
elements at ultra-trace levels requiring the
cleanest protocols.
Research Developments
A large number of marine particulate
samples collected from Southern
Ocean and Antarctic environments were
analysed using the ICP-MS facility in
2010 by physical and biogeochemical
oceanographers based in ACE CRC and
IMAS. Elemental concentrations present
in these samples were typically in the
low parts-per-billion or parts-per-trillion
range, so great care was required during
sampling, pre-treatment and analysis
12
to prevent contamination from external
sources (e.g. human, instrument, dust,
between sample crossover etc). These
samples were size fractionated providing
new information as to the role elements
such as Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn play in
biogeochemical cycles, which in turn
may have broader climate implications.
Workers from the AAD looking at metal
contamination in marine sediments
shifted their focus from Casey Station
to those sourced from near another
Australian Station, Davis. This survey
work analysed a large number of
elements and provided a useful first-pass
assessment of contamination “hot-spots”
at this site.
Staff from TAFI, NCMCRS and CSIRO
Marine and Atmospheric Research
continued to use the CSL ICP-MS to
monitor key inorganic markers (Y and Yb)
inserted as inert tracers in fish diets and
associated samples.
Likewise, researchers from the School
of Chemistry (Launceston) continued to
make use of the ICP-MS for broad metal
screening of a range of industrial and
environmental samples in 2010. Samples
analysed included process streams
and effluents, as well as river water and
sediment samples.
Dr Townsend was invited to present two
keynote lectures at international meetings
in China in November 2010 – the first
was the “Journal of Analytical Atomic
Spectrometry International Symposium”
held in Beijing celebrating JAAS’ 25th
year of publication; the second was the
“4th Asia-Pacific Winter Conference
on Plasma Spectrochemistry” held in
Chengdu, part of a rotating series of
conferences held in North America,
Europe and Asia dedicated to the
fundamentals and applications of plasma
based instrumentation. Travel to China
was partly supported through a 2010
UTAS Conference Travel Grant. Ashley
also attended and supported the “18th
RACI Research and Development
Topics Conference in Analytical and
Environmental Chemistry” hosted by the
School of Chemistry, UTAS in December
2010, acting as a student poster judge.
Two manuscripts were published in
2010, with a further two articles currently
“in press”.
2011
A new focus for the facility in 2011
will be to investigate “novel analytical
technologies using high resolution
inductively coupled plasma mass
spectrometry for the rapid and accurate
determination of biologically-important
trace elements in seawater”. The project
will develop a new analytical method
combining isotope dilution with standard
additions for the simultaneous multielement determination of trace elements
like Mn, Fe, Co, Cu and Zn in marine
samples. This work will be funded from
a successful 2010 UTAS Cross-Theme
Grant to Drs Andrew Bowie (ACE),
Delphine Lannuzel (IMAS), Ashley
Townsend (CSL) and Andrew Seen
(Chemistry).
MOLECULAR
GENETICS FACILITY
MR ADAM SMOLENSKI,
MS SHAREE MCCAMMON
Major Clients
The Schools of Plant Science, Zoology
and Agriculture, IMAS and IASOS form
the main client base of this Facility
and there have also been collaborative
arrangements with CSIRO Marine and
Atmospheric Research and the Antarctic
Division.
Equipment and
Research Update
The Facility’s PCR (Polymerase Chain
Reaction) machines, including both
conventional and quantitative platforms,
have been the most heavily utilised
instruments for 2010 and demand is
exceeding current capability.
The Facility also operates two Beckman
Coulter CEQ Genetic Analysis Systems
(automated sequencers) that are primarily
used for the separation of fluorescently
labelled DNA fragments and occasionally
DNA sequencing for an undergraduate
course at the Menzies Research Institute.
2010 saw a marked increase in sample
throughput on these systems, particularly
towards the end of the year.
2011
The majority of increased demand
came from the School of Agricultural
Science and IMAS and this is expected
to continue well into 2011. An example
of a project that relied heavily upon the
CEQ was a study of the persistence
of Saproxylic (dead wood inhabiting)
beetles in production forest landscapes.
The genetic data from the CEQ is used
to map beetle gene flow and dispersal
through different forest classes. These
data are used to determine which
landscape features most influence beetle
movement and furthermore, how much,
what type and what spatial distribution
of coarse woody debris (a vital resource
for these beetles that is diminished
by forestry practices) is needed by
Saproxylic beetles to maintain gene flow
in differently managed forest landscapes.
The CSL will seek to expand its
quantitative (or real time) PCR capacity
by acquiring a new instrument with high
resolution melt (HRM) capability by mid2011. The HRM function will expand
the number of analyses available to
researchers, particularly in the areas of
genotyping and rapid mutation detection.
The regulation of gene expression during
development in the common garden
pea is an example of a long term project
that would benefit greatly from such a
purchase.
MOLECULAR
GENETICS
CSL 2010 ANNUAL REPORT 13
TECHNICAL SERVICES GROUP
MR KEVIN JACOBSON,
MR JOHN DAVIS,
MR PETER DOVE,
MR PAUL WALLER,
MR DAVID CHADDERTON
TECHNICAL
SERVICES
GROUP
Major Clients
The Technical Services Group (TSG)
supported a wide range of clients in
2010 with key work being performed
for: School of Agricultural Science, ACE
(CRC), ACROSS, CODES, School of
Chemistry, School of Earth Science,
School of Geography & Environmental
Studies, IASOS, School of Mathematics
& Physics, School of Pharmacy, School of
Plant Science and Reprographics.
Works Update
During 2010 a significant amount of time
was dedicated to repair work both inside
and outside the CSL. The TSG was also
heavily involved in the redevelopment of
space in the CSL in the first quarter of
the year, particularly in the planning of
workshops and computing support room
layouts. As the refurbishment took around
3 months to complete, there was some
inevitable disruption of TSG services to
the University.
Major TSG input was also given
in supporting the installation and
commissioning of the CSL’s new
UPLC-MS system, the design and
construction of a microcomputer
controlled water recirculation system
for the new Hitachi HU-70 FEG Electron
Microscope, and assisting in the
preparation of the laboratory to house it.
Research Developments
Major projects to support research
included:
• Design and construction of a novel
ultra-high capacity Laminar Flow Hood
(ACE CRC).
• Design and construction of a highly
complex Peltier cooling unit to control
the temperature of capillary tubes
(ACROSS).
• Detailed feasibility study for the in house
construction of a Quad CE (ACROSS).
• Construction of high frequency
Capacitively Coupled Contactless
Conductivity Detectors (C4D) and
associated preamplifier circuit boards
(ACROSS).
• Design and construction of a
customised Saffron Drying Oven
(Agricultural Science).
14
- Saffron is best dried at a specific
temperature and humidity, the oven
constitutes an integral part of a PhD
project based around an industry pilot
to improve final product quality.
• Driving Simulator
(School of Psychology).
- A simulator, complete with car
seat, seatbelt, pedals, instruments
and 3 large surround view screens
to study the effects of commonly
used medications such as sleeping
pills, stimulants and painkillers in
combination with alcohol on driving
ability.
• Design, construction and installation
of a Shading Disc UV Radiometer
(Geography).
- The disc will be used to track the sun
and measure diffuse radiation over the
course of a full year.
2011
In 2011 the TSG will have substantial
involvement in the commissioning of
the new Scanning Electron Microscope,
the fast mapping Raman Spectrometer
and a major upgrade to the CSL’s Liquid
Nitrogen plant.
COMPUTING SUPPORT SERVICES
MR CAESAR BRUNO,
MR JOHN MCKIRDY
COMPUTING
SUPPORT
SERVICES
2011
The majority work for 2010 involved
compliance with UTAS ITR policy and
ongoing maintenance and upkeep of CSL
computing infrastructure on 68 systems.
With backup capability at capacity and
several limitations in current practises the
CSL’s data backup strategy was reviewed
in consultation with UTAS IT Services.
Very old controller systems, including a
20 year old SUNOS Unix system and
even some DOS based architecture, has
required flexible delivery of maintenance
and archiving.
In 2011 Computing Support will be
working closely with UTAS Web Services
staff to facilitate a changeover to a new
fully audited and updated CSL web
content by mid-2011.
Other projects for consideration in 2011
that may continue into 2012 involve major
changes to network structure to better
allow access and service to CSL clients.
CSL 2010 ANNUAL REPORT 15
OPERATING RESULTS
FOR THE CSL
OPERATING
RESULTS
The following table indicates the operating results with
the costs attributed for 2006-10 with a 2011 budget:
Fully Costed Financial
Results for the CSL
2011
BUDGET
2010
ACTUAL
2009
ACTUAL
2008
ACTUAL
2007
ACTUAL
2006
ACTUAL
Internal Income
450,000
416,546
523,439
556,939
417,071
280,888
External Income
80,000
49,353
61,785
154,768
116,275
94,377
1,739,000
1,689,000
1,407,500
1,366,000
1,300,508
1,250,000
UTAS contribution for
instrument purchases
-
10,000
188,181
-
-
-
Miscellaneous
-
-
4,667
-
-
-
Total Income
2,269,000
2,164,899
2,185,572
2,077,707
1,833,854
1,625,265
1,831,000
1,736,020
1,592,828
1,460,436
1,415,116
1,290,199
150,000
212,312
100,140
133,057
141,006
171,952
Facilities Minor Upgrades & Repairs
100,000
20,156
97,330
201,591
31,158
65,627
Workshops - Materials
60,000
53,121
56,713
38,074
65,345
32,806
Workshops - Other Costs
30,000
18,110
37,436
20,887
10,810
5,749
Other Costs
(General Running Expenses)
25,000
18,797
12,925
43,435
43,182
50,623
Major Upgrades &
Equipment purchases
200,000
250,499
270,122
53,429
-
20,500
Development of Internal
chargeback system
10,000
23,906
30,244
-
-
-
Total Expenses
2,406,000
2,332,921
2,197,738
1,950,909
1,706,617
1,637,456
NET PROFIT/(LOSS) *
(137,000)
(168,022)
(12,166)
126,798
127,237
(12,191)
INCOME
University Funding for Salaries
EXPENSES
Salaries
Facilities - Maintenance and
Expenses, including Service
Contracts
* Currently, the net figure does not take into account depreciation of equipment
16
Relative Growth
(by Activity)
Others
Maths & Physics
Geography & Env Studies
Menzies/Medicine
Pharmacy
ACE CRC
Zoology
TAFI/AMC/Aquaculture/IMAS
Plant Science/Forestry CRC
TIAR/Agricultural Science
Chemistry
CODES/Earth Science
External
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Graph represents relative growth by activity for the years 2005 – 2010.
STRATEGY
STRATEGY
2010 has seen a continued decline in
income for the CSL, particularly from
external sources. However there has
been an overall increase of 9.5% in
client numbers across the CSL and
a continuous growth in demand in
some Facilities, especially EMXM and
Vibrational Spectroscopy. This increase
in demand will inevitably necessitate the
recruitment of extra specialist staff and
space. To keep up with the increasing
duties and workload in the EMXM Facility,
full-time positions will be required in the
longer term.
The Vibrational Spectroscopy Facility is
experiencing similar pressures, which will
be compounded once the new Raman
Spectrometer is added to the suite of
techniques available.
Although unsuccessful in 2010, the
CSL will resubmit an ARC LIEF grant
application in 2011 for the purchase of
a continuous flow Isotope Ratio Mass
Spectrometer to replace our aging
equipment and move UTAS into new
research fields. Such a system will be
essential to research conducted in many
areas of the University, including IMAS,
ACE CRC, CODES, the 3 Schools of
Life Sciences and the School of Earth
Science. It is very important that the
University again becomes up to date
in this technique.
Increased interest from researchers in
Medical and Life Sciences has driven
the 2 year process of coordinating
an ARC LIEF bid for a high sensitivity
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)
spectrometer. This is chiefly to facilitate
protein and natural product structural
elucidations currently not possible
at UTAS. The bid, to be submitted in
early 2011, will be a very significant
undertaking for the University, comprising
a $1,500,000 suite of equipment that will
necessitate a very large commitment of
UTAS capital.
Growing interest from researchers in the
Life and Human Sciences field has also
led to a rapid expansion in metabolomics
in the CSL. Mass Spectrometry, whole
sample NMR spectroscopy and spatially
localised NMR spectroscopy and
microscopy will be used extensively
in 2011.
a UTAS Graduate Certificate course in
Advanced Analytical Techniques. The
course will cover many of the techniques
used at the CSL as optional units and
we are aiming for a semester 1 2011
delivery date.
The cost of many instruments continues
to decrease, driven by higher sales
volumes and miniaturisation. What were
cutting edge instruments a decade ago
have now become routine bench-top,
costing below the threshold designated
by ARC LIEF grant guidelines. With
backing from the Division of Research the
CSL successfully argued at UTAS Budget
and Planning rounds for a competitive
funding scheme to be established; to
support the purchase of instruments in
the $50,000 - $200,000 cost range. We
plan on applying to this fund in 2011 to
purchase essential new equipment for
the Molecular Genetics Facility.
The current outlook for 2012-2013
involves the purchase of a Next
Generation gene sequencing instrument.
The CSL hopes to be formally involved
in research higher degree teaching from
2011 onwards and Dr Ashley Townsend
has begun the process of establishing
CSL 2010 ANNUAL REPORT 17
2010 EXTERNAL
CLIENT LIST
ACL Bearings
Hobart Equine Practice
Analytical Services Tasmania
Injury Prevention and Management
Attia Ltd
La Trobe University
Australian Antarctic Division
Medicinal Chemistry Group
Brandon Glassblowing Equipment
Microbeam Services
CGU Insurance
Mineral Resources of Tasmania
CSIRO
Novost Pty Ltd
Curtin University
Ducane Estate
Port Arthur Historic Site Management
Authority
Essential Oils of Tasmania
Tasmanian Alkaloids Pty Ltd
FEI Company (Australia)
Tassal
Forensic Science Services Tasmania
(Division of Tasmania Police)
Thermo Optek (Australia) Pty Ltd
GEMOC, Macquarie University
University of NSW
Heemskirk Consolidated Ltd
University of South Australia
University of Adelaide
2010
EXTERNAL
CLIENT LIST
18
2010 REFEREED
JOURNAL ARTICLES
Blair, C, Jacobson, GA, Walls, J, Davies,
NW, ‘Volatile organic compounds in
runners near a roadway: increased blood
levels after short duration exercise’ British
Journal of Sports Medicine, 44, 731-735
(2010)
Bowie, AR, Townsend, AT, Lannuzel,
D, Remenyi, TA, Merwe, PVD, ‘Modern
sampling and analytical methods for the
determination of trace elements in marine
particulate material using magnetic
sector inductively coupled plasma-mass
spectrometry’ Analytica Chimica Acta,
676, 15-27 (2010)
Davies, NW, Smith, JA, Molesworth, PP,
Ross, JJ, ‘Hydrogen-Deuterium exchange
on aromatic rings during Atmospheric
Pressure Chemical Ionization mass
spectrometry’ Rapid Communications
in Mass Spectrometry, 24, 1105-1110
(2010)
Jones, RC, Canty, AJ, Caradoc-Davies,
T, Davies, NW, Gardiner, MG, Marriott,
PJ, Rühle, CPG, Tolhurst, V-A, ‘A new
mechanistic pathway under Sonogashira
reaction protocol involving multiple
acetylene insertions’ Dalton Transactions,
30, 3799-3801 (2010)
McArthur, C, Loney, PE, Davies, NW,
Jordan, GJ, ‘Early ontogenetic trajectories
vary among defence chemicals in
seedlings of a fast-growing eucalypt’
Austral Ecology, 35, 157-166 (2010)
Thomas, J, Davies, NW, Narkowicz, CN,
Jacobson, GA, ‘An examination of the
leaf oils of Tasmanian Kunzea ambigua,
other Kunzea species and commercial
Kunzea oil’ Journal of Essential Oil
Research, 22, 38-385 (2010)
Tivendale, ND, Davies, NW, Molesworth,
PP, Davidson, SE, Smith, JA, Lowe, E,
Reid, JB, Ross, JJ, ‘Reassessing the
role of N-hydroxytryptamine in auxin
biosynthesis’ Plant Physiology 154,
1957-1965 (2010)
McGuiness, DS, Davies, NW, Horne, J,
Ivanov, I, ‘Unravelling the mechanism of
polymerisation with the Phillips catalyst’
Organometallics, 29, 6111-6116 (2010)
Palmer, AS, Snape, I, Townsend, AT,
Stark, JS, Samson, C, Riddle, MJ,
‘Sediment profile characterization at
contaminated and reference locations
in the Windmill Islands, East Antarctica’
Marine Pollution Bulletin, 60, 1541-1549
(2010)
2010
REFEREED
JOURNAL
ARTICLES
CSL 2010 ANNUAL REPORT 19
2010 STAFF
2010
STAFF
Mr Caesar Bruno BSocSc(Hons)
Computer Systems Support
Mr David Chadderton Cert Elec Eng
Technician, Central Electronics Workshop
Mrs Christine Cook
Assoc Dip Lab Tech
Laboratory Assistant,
Stable Isotope Ratio Analysis Facility
Associate Professor Noel Davies
BScAgr(Hons), PhD
Principal Research Fellow, Organic
Mass Spectrometry Facility
Mr John Davis Cert Elec Eng
Senior Technician, Central Electronics
Workshop
Mr Peter Dove Cert Weld, GMAW, TIS
Senior Technician, Central Mechanical
Workshop
Mrs Lisa Febey
Administrative Support
Dr Karsten Goemann
Dipl Min, Dr rer nat (Clausthal)
Research Fellow, Electron Microscopy
and X-ray Microanalysis Facility
20
Mr Keith Harris BSc(Hons)
Senior Scientist, Stable Isotope Ratio
Analysis Facility
Ms Sharee McCammon BSc(Hons)
Laboratory Analyst,
Molecular Genetics Facility
Dr James Horne BSc(Hons), PhD
Research Fellow, Nuclear Magnetic
Resonance Facility
Mr John Parry
Specialist Programmer
Mr Marshall Hughes ARMIT
Laboratory Analyst, Organic Mass
Spectrometry Facility
Mr Kevin Jacobson
Technical Services Group Manager,
Technician, Cryogenic Supplies
Mr Edwin Lowe BTech, MTech
(BioTech Eng)
Research Fellow, Proteomics Mass
Spectrometry Facility
Dr Sandrin Feig Dipl Geow,
Dr rer nat (Hannover)
Laboratory Analyst, Electron Microscopy
and X-ray Microanalysis Facility
Mr John McKirdy
Computer Systems Support
Dr Evan Peacock BSc(Hons), PhD
Director
Dr Thomas Rodemann BSc(Hons),
Dip Ed, PhD
Deputy Director, Research Fellow,
Vibrational Spectroscopy & Elemental
Analysis Facility
Mr Adam Smolenski BSc(Hons), MSc
Research Fellow, Molecular Genetics
Facility
Dr Ashley Townsend BSc(Hons), PhD
Deputy Director, Research Fellow,
ICP Mass Spectrometry Facility
Mr Paul Waller Cert Rad & Electronics
Senior Technician, Central Electronics
Workshops
OTHER UNIVERSITY
AND PROFESSIONAL
SERVICE 2010
Associate Professor Noel Davies
Tasmanian Representative – Australian
and New Zealand Society for Mass
Spectrometry
Dr Thomas Rodemann
Treasurer – Tasmanian Branch Royal
Australian Chemical Institute
IntReader - Australian Research Council
Member - Chemistry Building Safety
Committee
Executive Committee Member Australian and New Zealand Society for
Mass Spectrometry
Mr John Davis
Chemistry Building Safety Committee –
Electrical and safety advisor/presenter
Mr Kevin Jacobson
Member - Chemistry Building
Safety Committee
Tasmanian Representative –
Vacuum Association
Dr Karsten Goeman
Tasmanian Representative –Australian
Microscopy and Microanalysis Society
Tasmanian Representative – Australian
Microbeam Analysis Society
Dr Evan Peacock
Member – Radiation Advisory Committee
Employee Safety Representative
Member - CSL Users Group
Dr Ashley Townsend
Member - Academic Senate
Member - Standing Academic
Committee, Academic Senate
Chair - Alumni Committee
Member - Ceremonial and Honorary
Degrees Committee
Member - Chemistry Building Safety
Committee
Secretary - CSL Users Group
Member – Royal Australian Chemical
Institute Professional Assessment
Committee
Member – International Advisory
Board of Journal of Analytical
Atomic Spectroscopy
Deputy Chair – CSL Users Group
OTHER
UNIVERSITY AND
PROFESSIONAL
SERVICE 2010
CSL 2010 ANNUAL REPORT 21
GLOSSARY
AAD Australian Antarctic Division
ACE Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems CRC
ACROSS Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science
ARC Australian Research Council
CODES ARC Centre of Excellence in Ore Deposits
CRC Cooperative Research Centre
EDS Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry
EMXM Electron Microscopy and X-Ray Microanalysis
FEG Field Emission Gun
FID Flame Ionisation Detector
FTIR Fourier Transform Infrared
FTNIR Fourier Transform Near Infrared
GC Gas Chromatography
IASOS Institute of Antarctic and Southern Ocean Studies
ICP Inductively Coupled Plasma
IMAS Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies
LIEF Linkage Infrastructure and Equipment Fund
MS Mass Spectrometry
NCMCRS National Centre for Marine Conservation and Resource Sustainability
NHMRC National Health and Medical Research Council
NMR Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
PARC Pfizer Analytical Research Centre
PCR Polymerase Chain Reaction
SEM Scanning Electron Microscopy
SIRA Stable Isotope Ratio Analysis
TAFI Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute
TIAR Tasmanian Institute of Agricultural Research
UPLCMS Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry
XM X-ray Microscopy
XRF X-ray Fluorescence
GLOSSARY
22
CSL 2010 ANNUAL REPORT 23
CSL
Central Science Laboratory
Private Bag 74
Hobart Tasmania 7001
Tel: +61 3 6226 2055
Fax: +61 3 6226 2494
www.utas.edu.au/research/central-science-laboratory