Generalized sparse MRF appearance models

Image segmentation or registration approaches that rely on a local search paradigm (e.g, Active Appearance Models, Active Contours) require an initialization that provides for considerable overlap or a coarse localization of the object to be segmented or localized. In this paper we propose an approach that does not need such an initialization, but localizes anatomical structures in a global manner by formulating the localization task as the solution of a Markov Random Field (MRF).     

The conducting form of gramicidin A is a right-handed double-stranded double helix

The linear pentadecapeptide antibiotic, gramicidin D, is a naturally occurring product of Bacillus brevis known to form ion channels in synthetic and natural membranes. The x-ray crystal structures of the right-handed double-stranded double-helical dimers (DSDH) reported here agree with 15N-NMR and CD data on the functional gramicidin D channel in lipid bilayers. These structures demonstrate single-file ion transfer through the channels. The results also indicate that previous crystal structure reports of a left-handed double-stranded double-helical dimer in complex with Cs+ and K+ salts may be in error and that our evidence points to the DSDH as the major conformer responsible for ion transport in membranes.     

Heterodimer formation and crystal nucleation of gramicidin D

The linear pentadecapeptide antibiotic gramicidin D is a heterogeneous mixture of six components. Precise refinements of three-dimensional structures of naturally occurring gramicidin D in crystals obtained from methanol, ethanol, and n-propanol demonstrate the unexpected presence of stable left-handed antiparallel double-helical heterodimers that vary with the crystallization solvent. The side chains of Trp residues in the three structures exhibit sequence-specific patterns of conformational preference. Tyr substitution for Trp at position 11 appears to favor beta ribbon formation and stabilization of the antiparallel double helix that acts as a template for gramicidin folding and nucleation of different crystal forms. The fact that a minor component in a heterogeneous mixture influences aggregation and crystal nucleation has potential applications to other systems in which anomalous behavior is exhibited by aggregation of apparently homogeneous materials, such as the enigmatic behavior of prion proteins.     

One mind or two: Divergent views of the home-office setting: Commentary on Maroda (2006).

Comments on the article by K. J. Maroda (see record 2007-00135-012) which discussed ethical considerations of the home office. This article draws on the strong adaptive finding that the emotion-processing mind houses two relatively independent operating systems with very different perceptions, values, and adaptive preferences. In deciding ground rule issues, the conscious system is defensive, denial-prone, self-defeating, variable from one therapist to the next, and unreliable. In contrast, the deep unconscious system is relatively nondefensive, functions on the basis of archetypes and universals and is consistent across therapists, serves the best interests of all parties, and is trustworthy. This system universally experiences the home-office setting as a departure from the ideal, healing, archetypal frame and as harmful to all concerned. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

On not being heard: Response to Gargiulo (2007) and Mills (2007).

Replies to comments made by G. Gargiulo (see record 2007-16468-013) and J. Mills (see record 2007-16468-014) on the current author's original comments (see record 2007-00135-013) on an article by K. Maroda (see record 2007-00135-012). I stand by the extensive clinical evidence that I have garnered, which indicates that a revised version of Freud's topographic theory is superior to his structural theory as a platform for psychoanalytic understanding and technique. I support my position here by citing some original contributions made by the adaptive approach and then highlight adaptive insights into patients' archetypal, unconscious perceptions of the moral implications of a therapist's use of a home office. I conclude with a discussion of why psychoanalysts have rejected the adaptive approach out of hand. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Death Anxiety and the Emotion-Processing Mind.

Death anxiety, a critical influence on human life and its psychotherapies, has been relatively neglected by psychoanalytic writers. The author proposes several reasons for this oversight and introduces the communicative or strong adaptive approach to psychotherapy and psychoanalysis, which has recently begun to explore this issue. The features of the approach are described, with emphasis on a revised version of Freud's topographic model of the mind. Three forms of death anxiety are postulated: existential, predatory, and predator. The author explores the effects of each form on emotional adaptations and the psychotherapy experience, and their role in the evolution of the emotion-processing mind-the postulated mental module with which people adapt to emotionally charged events and their meanings. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Crystal and molecular structure of the centrosymmetric meso-valinomycin analogue--cyclo (D-Val-D-Hyi-D-Val-L-Hyi-L-Val-D-Hyi-L-Val-L-Hyi-L-Val-D-Hyi-D-Val-L-Hy i) (C60H102N6O18)

The crystal structure of cyclo (D-Val-D-Hyi-D-Val-L-Hyi-L-Val-D-Hyi-L-Val-L-Hyi -L-Val-D-Hyi-D-Val-L-Hyi).2H2O has been solved by x-ray direct methods. The crystals (grown from a mixture of octane/CH2Cl2) are an orthorhombic, centrosymmetric space group Pbca, cell parameters a = 11.458 (2), b = 25.613 (3), c = 23.691 (3) A, Z = 4; therefore the molecule lies on a center of inversion in the cell. The atomic coordinates for the C, N, and O atoms were refined in the anisotropic thermal motion approximation (allowing for H-atom contribution to Fcal) to a standard R-factor value of 0.081. In contrast to meso-valinomycin, the analogue under study does not adopt an octahedral cage bracelet conformation. It has an unusual centrosymmetric elongated form with two type II terminal beta-bends formed by N-H ... C=O 4-->1 type intramolecular H bonds. Two symmetry-related water molecules reside in the elongated molecular cavity of the centrosymmetric depsipeptide ring.     

Correlation between changes in dynamic properties and remaining carrying capacity

The increasing number of concrete structures deteriorating due to alkali-silica reactions and frost-thaw influence is giving rise to a need for inspection methods that will give an early indication of incipient deterioration and, if possible, information on the rate of deterioration. In this study, dynamic methods, i. e. change in natural frequencies, damping and sound velocity, have been evaluated when used on R.C. beams exposed to frost-thaw cycles. It is concluded that the dynamic methods give an early indication of incipient deterioration while it is still difficult to observe changes in carrying capacity and surface cracking.