Analysis of self-assembled monolayer interfaces by electrospray mass spectrometry : a gentle approach

A general mass spectrometry technique for the characterization of alkanethiol-modified surfaces is presented. Alkanethiol self-assembled onto a gold surface (in this case, peptides were attached to the gold surface via a thiolate bond) was reductively desorbed in 0.05 M KOH in the presence of octadecyl-derivatized silica gel. The peptide adsorbed onto the silica gel, whereupon it could be filtered, washed to remove any salts, and then eluted using a mixture of 4:1 v/v methanol/water. The eluant containing the peptide was injected into a Fourier transform ion-cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer (FTICR/MS) via electrospray ionization. The spectrum showed no fragmentation of the peptide, demonstrating the gentleness of the technique. This simple procedure is not limited to FTICR/MS and could be adapted to other mass spectrometers.

Atom probe microscopy of self-assembled monolayers : preliminary results

We have achieved three-dimensional imaging of decanethiol self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on metal surfaces by atom probe tomography (APT). The present Letter provides preliminary results on Ni [001] and Au [111], shows the analytical potential of APT analysis of SAMs, and details developments in specimen preparation and in data-treatment methodologies. Importantly, the investigation of the mass spectra from analysis of the SAMs revealed no combination of sulfur and hydrogen at the interface between the metal substrates and the organic materials, potentially providing insight about the bonding of the thiols on the substrate.

Dolly girls : tweenies as artefacts of consumption

The apparent sexualization and exploitation of young girls by the consumer media is a much debated topic in the advanced liberal democracies. This paper will develop the argument that the ‘consumer-media culture’ has established itself as one of the most powerful influences in processes of self-formation for young people, and that a tweenie self can be understood as an artefact of consumption. We will identify and analyse the resources that the consumer media provides to tweenies - girls aged between 9 and 14 - as they seek to fashion a sense of self. The paper presents an analysis of the resources presented to this population of young girls/women by an Australian ‘appearance’ magazine, Dolly. We will argue that these identity resources are limited in scope, are dominated by images of young, slim and attractive females, and position the tweenie self as an artefact of consumption.

The role of self-direction in Australian sonographers' professional development

Most sonographers are in favour of professional development; however, in the presence of deterrents and de-motivators, the utilisation of self-direction in their learning may be adversely affected. The mandatory input only nature of CPD and the large number of activities presented to sonographers may also prevent full utilisation of self-direction.

Public policy and USM : an approach to fit a renewed sense of public purpose

Malaysian Higher educational reform is an important and central aspect of the broader Malaysian public policy focus on excellence, development and national growth. This proposed paper intends to discuss analyze and critique the APEX program for Malaysian Universities. In particular the paper will investigate and discuss the way Universiti Sains Malaysia has interpreted and developed its strategic goals in light of its award of APEX status. Specifically I intend to discuss the strengths and limitations of the Universiti Sains Malaysia agenda, and contextualize it within a broader discussion about the directions of Malaysian Higher Education, in conditions of globalization, network society, and the knowledge economy. The challenges faced by the reform agenda at USM are significant and it is important that any understanding of the USM agenda be informed by deep reflection on the underlying philosophical aims and justifications for its direction. In this way my paper will attempt to show how the USM project is both an important part of Malaysian national development and a critical response to contemporary globalization, while at the same time an innovative and challenging intervention into public policy debate in Higher Education. The values and objectives of USM in regards to its strategic reorientation have implications far beyond the Higher Education sector and these implications will also be discussed.

Structure and properties of self-assembled narural rubber/multi-walled carbon nanotube composites

Natural rubber (NR)/multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs) composites were prepared bycombining self-assembly and latex compounding techniques. The acid-treated MWCNTs (H2SO4: HNO3=3:1,volume ratio) were self-assembled with poly (diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) through electrostaticadhesion. In the second assembling, NR/MWCNTs composites were developed by mixing MWCNTs/PDDAsolution with NR latex. The results show that MWCNTs are homogenously distributed throughout the NRmatrix as single tube and present a great interfacial adhesion with NR phase when MWCNTs contents areless than 3 wt%. Moreover, the addition of the MWCNTs brings about the remarkable enhancement in tensilestrength and crosslink density compared with the NR host, and the data peak at 2 wt% MWCNTs loadings.When more MWCNTs are loaded, aggregations of MWCNTs are gradually generated, and the tensile strengthand crosslink both decrease to a certain extent.

Doubling and convergence : novel models of vision and sense of space

Re-photography is considered in this paper as a synthesis of the processes of seeing, to develop an aesthetic of space.

This practice deals with being (noun and verb) in space and the perception of space and depiction of space; space at the intersection of landscape and human. A key to the conundrum of the figure and the ground arises out of practical photographic investigations to convey the very human sensations of being on the ground, in the confounding landscape of the Central Victorian (Australian) ironbark forests and goldfields.

What is revealed is that what we see, what we attend to, actually appears concentrated at the nodes of a series of vortices. Each vortex is a moiré interference of converging views of the same scene. Attention is a convergence on particulars. Like a magnetic field, the vortex remains invisible in our everyday vision, but it appears in these images. It is imprinted from individual perspectives at particular places; a new perspective with a point of apparition rather than of vanishing.

Using peoplemap technique to elicit and broadcast sense of place

The population in Geelong Region is expected to keep growing. In order to work towards a better future of the region, it is essential to understand the feelings and needs of local communities and empower them in the community affairs. This study used an innovative technique – peoplemap – to investigate local communities’ sense of place. The primary objective of the investigations was to reveal the sense of place of Geelong Region. Local residents (N=166) in Geelong Region were interviewed face-to-face about how they identify themselves, what they love, what they want, and how empowered they feel. This paper reports the sense of place of three areas of Geelong Region: Ocean Grove, Bannockburn and Teesdale, and Corio-Norlane. Thematic analyses revealed the sense of place of these three areas, and identified their similarities and differences. The results of this study have several implications for government policy makers, planners and designers. This study contributes to the sense of place research, in that civic action was found to be a valid dimension of sense of place.