LOCATE: a mouse protein subcellular localization database

We present here LOCATE, a curated, web-accessible database that houses data describing the membrane organization and subcellular localization of proteins from the FANTOM3 Isoform Protein Sequence set. Membrane organization is predicted by the high-throughput, computational pipeline MemO. The subcellular locations of selected proteins from this set were determined by a high-throughput, immunofluorescence-based assay and by manually reviewing >1700 peer-reviewed publications. LOCATE represents the first effort to catalogue the experimentally verified subcellular location and membrane organization of mammalian proteins using a high-throughput approach and provides localization data for ∼40% of the mouse proteome. It is available at

The impact of shallow burial on differential decomposition to the body

NoExtant literature contains a number of specific case studies on differential decomposition involving adipocere formation or desiccation, but few describe the co-occurrence of these features within a temperate climate. The case of a 65-year-old male, partially buried in a shallow grave for 7 months, is presented in which the soft tissues of the body were outwardly well preserved. The right leg was desiccated, some parts of the body were covered with adipocere (head, neck, right shoulder, upper torso and left leg) and other parts could be classified as in the early stages of decomposition. In this study the taphonomic variables resulting in differential decomposition with desiccation and adipocere formation are discussed

Effects of hydrated lime and quicklime on the decay of buried human remains using pig cadavers as human body analogues

Recent casework in Belgium involving the search for human remains buried with lime, demonstrated the need for more detailed understanding of the effect of different types of lime on cadaver decomposition and its micro-environment. Six pigs (Sus scrofa) were used as body analogues in field experiments. They were buried without lime, with hydrated lime (Ca(OH)(2)) and with quicklime (CaO) in shallow graves in sandy loam soil in Belgium and recovered after 6 months of burial. Observations from these field recoveries informed additional laboratory experiments that were undertaken at the University of Bradford, UK. The combined results of these studies demonstrate that despite conflicting evidence in the literature, hydrated lime and quicklime both delay the decay of the carcass during the first 6 months. This study has implications for the investigation of clandestine burials and for a better understanding of archaeological plaster burials. Knowledge of the effects of lime on decomposition processes also has bearing on practices involving burial of animal carcasses and potentially the management of mass graves and mass disasters by humanitarian organisations and DVI teams.N

Taphonomic changes to the buried body in arid environments: an experimental case study in Peru

NoDespite an increasing literature on the decomposition of buried and exposed human remains it is important to recognise that specific microenviron-ments will either trigger, or delay the rate of decomposition. Recent casework in arid regions of the world has indicated a need for a more detailed understanding of the effects of burial over relatively short timescales. The decomposition of buried human remains in the coastal desert of Peru was investigated using pig cadavers (Sus scrofa) as body analogues. The project aims were to specifically examine the early phases of natural mummification and contrast the effects of direct burial in ground with burial in a tomb structure (i.e. with an air void). Temperature was logged at hourly intervals from both the surface, grave fill and core body throughout the experiment. In addition, air temperature and humidity were measured within the air void of the tomb. After two years all three pig graves were excavated, the temperature and humidity data downloaded and the pig carcasses dissected on site to evaluate condition. The results demonstrate that: (1) there were distinct differences in the nature/rate of decomposition according to burial mode; (2) after two years burial the carcasses had been subject to considerable desiccation of the outer tissues while remaining moist in the core; (3) the body had undergone putrefactive change and collapsed leading to slumping of soil within the grave fill following the curvature of the pig's back, although this was not evident from the surface; (4) there was a specific plume of body decomposition products that wicked both horizontally and also vertically from the head wounds in the sandy desert soil. These observations have widespread application for prospection techniques, investigation of clandestine burial, time since deposition and in understanding changes within the burial microenvironment under arid conditions