title: Molecular dynamics decomposition of temperature-dependent elastic neutron scattering by a protein solution

authors: Hayward, Jennifer A.

abstract: Molecular dynamics simulations are performed of bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor in a cryosolution over a range of temperatures from 80 to 300 K and the origins identified of elastic dynamic neutron scattering from the solution. The elastic scattering and mean-square displacement calculated from the molecular dynamics trajectories are in reasonable agreement with experiments on a larger protein in the same solvent. The solvent and protein contributions to the scattering from the simulation model are determined. At lower temperatures (< 200 K) or on shorter timescales ( 10 ps) the scattering contributions are proportional to the isotopic nuclear scattering cross-sections of each component. However, for T > 200 K marked deviations from these cross-sections are seen due to differences in the dynamics of the components of the solution. Rapid activation of solvent diffusion leads to the variation with temperature of the total elastic intensity being determined largely by that of the solvent. At higher temperatures (>240 K) and longer times ( 100 ps) the protein makes the only significant contribution to the scattering, the solvent scattering having moved out of the accessible time-space window. Decomposition of the protein mean-square displacement shows that the observed dynamical transition in the solution at 200–220 K involves activation of both internal motions and external whole-molecule rotational and translational diffusion. The proportion that the external dynamics contributes to the protein mean-square displacement increases to  30 and 60% at 300 K on the 10- and 100-ps timescales, respectively.

text: Molecular dynamics decomposition of temperature-dependent elastic neutron scattering by a protein solution Molecular dynamics simulations are performed of bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor in a cryosolution over a range of temperatures from 80 to 300 K and the origins identified of elastic dynamic neutron scattering from the solution. The elastic scattering and mean-square displacement calculated from the molecular dynamics trajectories are in reasonable agreement with experiments on a larger protein in the same solvent. The solvent and protein contributions to the scattering from the simulation model are determined. At lower temperatures (< 200 K) or on shorter timescales ( 10 ps) the scattering contributions are proportional to the isotopic nuclear scattering cross-sections of each component. However, for T > 200 K marked deviations from these cross-sections are seen due to differences in the dynamics of the components of the solution. Rapid activation of solvent diffusion leads to the variation with temperature of the total elastic intensity being determined largely by that of the solvent. At higher temperatures (>240 K) and longer times ( 100 ps) the protein makes the only significant contribution to the scattering, the solvent scattering having moved out of the accessible time-space window. Decomposition of the protein mean-square displacement shows that the observed dynamical transition in the solution at 200–220 K involves activation of both internal motions and external whole-molecule rotational and translational diffusion. The proportion that the external dynamics contributes to the protein mean-square displacement increases to  30 and 60% at 300 K on the 10- and 100-ps timescales, respectively.

year: 2003-08

title: Childhood Obesity Prevention: A Parent Administered Behavioural Intervention to Increase Child Physical Activity

authors: Howarth, Joelene Marie

subjects: Chilhood Obesity Prevention

abstract: Obesity is a complex and increasingly prevalent health disorder that is associated with a wide range of medical, social, and psychological difficulties. People are more likely to be obese if they consume an energy dense diet but do not engage in physical activity. Research has indicated that interventions, when implemented during childhood, have long-term outcomes that are superior to interventions implemented in adulthood. This research piloted a behaviourally based intervention programme, with parents as the agents of change, to promote a lifestyle change for inactive children. The programme focussed on increasing physical play (lifestyle activity) and on decreasing sedentary behaviour (an obesity promoting behaviour) during children's after school leisure time. The intervention was investigated using three case studies. Although no conclusive evidence was gained regarding the effectiveness of the pilot programme there was some evidence that children participating reduced their amount of sedentary behaviour and increased the amount of time they spent in physical play. There was also evidence that parents were able to administer the programme and that they found it useful. The results from the present study suggest that the development and application of parent administered behavioural programmes, in the form of packaged interventions to prevent child
obesity, warrant further investigation both in terms of the benefits and costeffectiveness it could offer parents and practitioners alike.

text: Childhood Obesity Prevention: A Parent Administered Behavioural Intervention to Increase Child Physical Activity Obesity is a complex and increasingly prevalent health disorder that is associated with a wide range of medical, social, and psychological difficulties. People are more likely to be obese if they consume an energy dense diet but do not engage in physical activity. Research has indicated that interventions, when implemented during childhood, have long-term outcomes that are superior to interventions implemented in adulthood. This research piloted a behaviourally based intervention programme, with parents as the agents of change, to promote a lifestyle change for inactive children. The programme focussed on increasing physical play (lifestyle activity) and on decreasing sedentary behaviour (an obesity promoting behaviour) during children's after school leisure time. The intervention was investigated using three case studies. Although no conclusive evidence was gained regarding the effectiveness of the pilot programme there was some evidence that children participating reduced their amount of sedentary behaviour and increased the amount of time they spent in physical play. There was also evidence that parents were able to administer the programme and that they found it useful. The results from the present study suggest that the development and application of parent administered behavioural programmes, in the form of packaged interventions to prevent child
obesity, warrant further investigation both in terms of the benefits and costeffectiveness it could offer parents and practitioners alike.

year: 2006

title: Applying Kaupapa Māori Processes to Documentary Film.

authors: Waititi, Kahurangi Rora

subjects: Maori documentary

abstract: This thesis explores the application of Kaupapa Māori processes to documentary filmmaking through practiced-led research. The need for this research came to light through the experience of witnessing unacceptable behaviour shown by film crews towards kaumātua who were attending the 2006 28th Māori Battalion Reunion. In reflecting on this experience and considering my own filming experience as a person with a Te Ao Māori background, the basis for this argument was conceived. This thesis argues that there are alternative ways in which filming can be conducted by considering processes that already exist within Māori practices and philosophies.          

This Thesis, therefore, investigates alternative processes of filming that have developed from a Kaupapa Māori perspective through practical filming experience.  An historical overview of the relationship between Māori, media and filming practices have been provided to give context to this discussion.  The application of Kaupapa Māori processes to film was considered through the use of Marae protocol and philosophies. The application of these concepts was supported by the creative research which was utilised by referencing specific examples. The reader is, therefore, instructed to refer to the DVD in the front of the thesis as referenced in the written text.

text: Applying Kaupapa Māori Processes to Documentary Film. This thesis explores the application of Kaupapa Māori processes to documentary filmmaking through practiced-led research. The need for this research came to light through the experience of witnessing unacceptable behaviour shown by film crews towards kaumātua who were attending the 2006 28th Māori Battalion Reunion. In reflecting on this experience and considering my own filming experience as a person with a Te Ao Māori background, the basis for this argument was conceived. This thesis argues that there are alternative ways in which filming can be conducted by considering processes that already exist within Māori practices and philosophies.          

This Thesis, therefore, investigates alternative processes of filming that have developed from a Kaupapa Māori perspective through practical filming experience.  An historical overview of the relationship between Māori, media and filming practices have been provided to give context to this discussion.  The application of Kaupapa Māori processes to film was considered through the use of Marae protocol and philosophies. The application of these concepts was supported by the creative research which was utilised by referencing specific examples. The reader is, therefore, instructed to refer to the DVD in the front of the thesis as referenced in the written text.

year: 2007