title: A combinatorial-like probe on the reactivity of the {Pt₂S₂} core of Pt₂(PPh₃)₄(μ-S)₂ by electrospray mass spectrometry. Synthesis and structures of novel heterometallic sulfide aggregates of gold(III), mercury(II), and tin(IV) with platinum(II)

authors: Fong, S.W. Audi

subjects: chemistry

abstract: Electrospray mass spectrometry (ESMS) provides a rapid and convenient technique for probing the nucleophilicity of the {Pt₂S₂} butterfly  core. Positive-ion electrospray mass spectra have been recorded for a wide array of aggregates incorporating various metallo-fragments into the Pt₂(PPh₃)₄(μ-S)₂ 1 moiety. Such combinatorial-like screening allowed a large number of different metal–sulfur interactions to be studied and the resultant heterometallic aggregates postulated. Such postulations were subsequently confirmed by synthetic studies and single-crystal X-ray crystallographic analyses. This approach helped to minimize the  wastage  by focusing on the synthesis of aggregates that were supported by the ESMS evidence. It has resulted in the isolation of a series of novel aggregates such as {AuIIIPt₂S₂}, {HgIIPt₂S₂}, and {SnIVPt₂S₂} in good lab-scale yields. It also led to the trapping and characterization of the monoprotonated product of 1, which has eluded isolation.

text: A combinatorial-like probe on the reactivity of the {Pt₂S₂} core of Pt₂(PPh₃)₄(μ-S)₂ by electrospray mass spectrometry. Synthesis and structures of novel heterometallic sulfide aggregates of gold(III), mercury(II), and tin(IV) with platinum(II) Electrospray mass spectrometry (ESMS) provides a rapid and convenient technique for probing the nucleophilicity of the {Pt₂S₂} butterfly  core. Positive-ion electrospray mass spectra have been recorded for a wide array of aggregates incorporating various metallo-fragments into the Pt₂(PPh₃)₄(μ-S)₂ 1 moiety. Such combinatorial-like screening allowed a large number of different metal–sulfur interactions to be studied and the resultant heterometallic aggregates postulated. Such postulations were subsequently confirmed by synthetic studies and single-crystal X-ray crystallographic analyses. This approach helped to minimize the  wastage  by focusing on the synthesis of aggregates that were supported by the ESMS evidence. It has resulted in the isolation of a series of novel aggregates such as {AuIIIPt₂S₂}, {HgIIPt₂S₂}, and {SnIVPt₂S₂} in good lab-scale yields. It also led to the trapping and characterization of the monoprotonated product of 1, which has eluded isolation.

year: 2001

title: Modelling external light transmission through to the human fetus

authors: Isaac, Zac

subjects: fetal vision

abstract: Little is known about the visual experience of human fetuses within the womb. For many years, the uterus was assumed to be a dark environment, limited only to illumination under intense radiation. Recent research, however, shows that the human fetus exhibits brain activity when presented with visual stimuli and displays a preference for face-like stimuli presented via laser diode application to the maternal abdominal exterior. Despite growing evidence to support the notion of a visually engaged fetus during gestation, there has been minimal research undertaken to determine the extent to which the human uterus is illuminated by external light sources. Beyond aiding with experimental research in fetal vision, an understanding of uterine illumination begins to reveal the impact of varying environmental conditions on the fetal visual experience, with direct relevance to ongoing research across fields such as fetal vision, photoacoustics, and ectogenesis. This thesis outlines a mathematical model developed for the purposes of simulating the propagation of light sources through maternal tissue to the human fetus, with applications exploring the effect of adipose on transdermal monochromatic stimuli, the degree of uterine illumination imposed by natural light, and an extension to the illumination of a full maternal abdomen via a model that can account for curvature, varying tissue layer thicknesses, and the temporal aspects of pregnancy.

text: Modelling external light transmission through to the human fetus Little is known about the visual experience of human fetuses within the womb. For many years, the uterus was assumed to be a dark environment, limited only to illumination under intense radiation. Recent research, however, shows that the human fetus exhibits brain activity when presented with visual stimuli and displays a preference for face-like stimuli presented via laser diode application to the maternal abdominal exterior. Despite growing evidence to support the notion of a visually engaged fetus during gestation, there has been minimal research undertaken to determine the extent to which the human uterus is illuminated by external light sources. Beyond aiding with experimental research in fetal vision, an understanding of uterine illumination begins to reveal the impact of varying environmental conditions on the fetal visual experience, with direct relevance to ongoing research across fields such as fetal vision, photoacoustics, and ectogenesis. This thesis outlines a mathematical model developed for the purposes of simulating the propagation of light sources through maternal tissue to the human fetus, with applications exploring the effect of adipose on transdermal monochromatic stimuli, the degree of uterine illumination imposed by natural light, and an extension to the illumination of a full maternal abdomen via a model that can account for curvature, varying tissue layer thicknesses, and the temporal aspects of pregnancy.

year: 2024

title: Mental health and wellbeing for young people from intersectional identity groups: Inequity for Māori, Pacific, Rainbow young people, and those with a disabling condition

authors: Roy, Rituparna

subjects: Māori

abstract: ‘Intersectionality’ describes the converging effects of ethnicity, gender, sexuality, disability, and other social group characteristics that influence life experiences. We draw on a representative study of year 9-13 students in Tai Tokerau, Tāmaki Makaurau, and Waikato (Youth19) to explore differences in mental health and wellbeing outcomes for young people from a selection of intersectional identities (Māori, Pasifika, Rainbow, and young people with a Disabling Condition). We found a pervasive pattern of inequity for young people who have intersectional identities compared to those from the majority groups (i.e. Pākehā, non-disabled, cis-heterosexual youth). Intersectional youth had higher levels of inequity and faced a greater array of inequities. There was evidence of an additive effect for some indicators. Thematic analysis of open-text survey responses found the need for positive inclusive environments, and support for all young people, including those at the intersections of identity. Drawing on the findings, we offered several systemslevel policy recommendations, including strategies to improve inclusiveness and reduce discrimination.

text: Mental health and wellbeing for young people from intersectional identity groups: Inequity for Māori, Pacific, Rainbow young people, and those with a disabling condition ‘Intersectionality’ describes the converging effects of ethnicity, gender, sexuality, disability, and other social group characteristics that influence life experiences. We draw on a representative study of year 9-13 students in Tai Tokerau, Tāmaki Makaurau, and Waikato (Youth19) to explore differences in mental health and wellbeing outcomes for young people from a selection of intersectional identities (Māori, Pasifika, Rainbow, and young people with a Disabling Condition). We found a pervasive pattern of inequity for young people who have intersectional identities compared to those from the majority groups (i.e. Pākehā, non-disabled, cis-heterosexual youth). Intersectional youth had higher levels of inequity and faced a greater array of inequities. There was evidence of an additive effect for some indicators. Thematic analysis of open-text survey responses found the need for positive inclusive environments, and support for all young people, including those at the intersections of identity. Drawing on the findings, we offered several systemslevel policy recommendations, including strategies to improve inclusiveness and reduce discrimination.

year: 2023