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At least 307 records · Page 17Linked to original sources

Computer-aided diagnosis: a neural-network-based approach to lung nodule detection.

In this work, we have developed a computer-aided diagnosis system, based on a two-level artificial neural network (ANN) architecture. This was trained, tested, and evaluated specifically on the problem of detecting lung cancer nodules found on digitized chest radiographs. The first ANN performs the detection of suspicious regions in a low-resolution image. The input to the second ANN are the curvature peaks computed for all pixels in each suspicious region. This comes from the fact that small tumors possess and identifiable signature in curvature-peak feature space, where curvature is the local curvature of the image data when viewed as a relief map. The output of this network is thresholded at a chosen level of significance to give a positive detection. Tests are performed using 60 radiographs taken from routine clinic with 90 real nodules and 288 simulated nodules. We employed free-response receiver operating characteristics method with the mean number of false positives (FP's) and the sensitivity as performance indexes to evaluate all the simulation results. The combination of the two networks provide results of 89%-96% sensitivity and 5-7 FP's/image, depending on the size of the nodules.

Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted↗

The Telemedicine benchmark--a general tool to measure and compare the performance of video conferencing equipment in the telemedicine area.

In this paper, we describe the 'Telemedicine Benchmark' (TMB), which is a set of standard procedures, protocols and measurements to test reliability and levels of performance of data exchange in a telemedicine session. We have put special emphasis on medical imaging, i.e. digital image transfer, joint viewing and editing and 3D manipulation. With the TMB, we can compare the aptitude of different video conferencing software systems for telemedicine issues and the effect of different network technologies (ISDN, xDSL, ATM, Ethernet). The evaluation criteria used are length of delays and functionality. For the application of the TMB, a data set containing radiological images and medical reports was set up. Considering the Benchmark protocol, this data set has to be exchanged between the partners of the session. The Benchmark covers file transfer, whiteboard usage, application sharing and volume data analysis and compression. The TMB has proven to be a useful tool in several evaluation issues.

Benchmarking↗

A model of the interaction between mood and memory.

This paper investigates a neural network model of the interaction between mood and memory. The model has two attractor networks that represent the inferior temporal cortex (IT), which stores representations of visual stimuli, and the amygdala, the activity of which reflects the mood state. The two attractor networks are coupled by forward and backward projections. The model is however generic, and is relevant to understanding the interaction between different pairs of modules in the brain, particularly, as is the case with moods and memories, when there are fewer states represented in one module than in the other. During learning, a large number of patterns are presented to the IT, each paired with one of two mood states represented in the amygdala. The recurrent connections within each module, the forward connections from the memory module to the amygdala, and the backward connections from the amygdala to the memory module, are associatively modified. It is shown how the mood state in the amygdala can influence which memory patterns are recalled in the memory module. Further, it is shown that if there is an existing mood state in the amygdala, it can be difficult to change it even when a retrieval cue is presented to the memory module that is associated with a different mood state. It is also shown that the backprojections from the amygdala to the memory module must be relatively weak if memory retrieval in the memory module is not to be disrupted. The results are relevant to understanding the interaction between structures important in mood and emotion (such as the amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex) and other brain areas involved in storing objects and faces (such as the inferior temporal visual cortex) and memories (such as the hippocampus).

Affect↗

Dynamic cell structures for the evaluation of keypoints in facial images.

In this contribution Dynamic Cell Structures (DCS network) are applied to classify local image structures at particular facial landmarks. The facial landmarks such as the corners of the eyes or intersections of the iris with the eyelid are computed in advance by a combined model and data driven sequential search strategy. To reduce the detection error after the processing of the sequential search strategy, the computed image positions are verified applying a DCS network. The DCS network is trained by supervised learning with feature vectors which encode spatially arranged edge and structural information at the keypoint position considered. The model driven localization as well as the data driven verification are based on steerable filters, which build a representation comparable with one provided by a receptive field in the human visual system. We apply a DCS based classifier because of its ability to grasp the topological structure of complex input spaces and because it has proved successful in a number of other classification tasks. In our experiments the average error resulting from false positive classifications is less than 1%.

Algorithms↗

Can artificial neural networks provide an "expert's" view of medical students performances on computer based simulations?

Artificial neural networks were trained to recognize the test selection patterns of students' successful solutions to seven immunology computer based simulations. When new student's test selections were presented to the trained neural network, their problem solutions were correctly classified as successful or non-successful > 90% of the time. Examination of the neural networks output weights after each test selection revealed a progressive increase for the relevant problem suggesting that a successful solution was represented by the neural network as the accumulation of relevant tests. Unsuccessful problem solutions revealed two patterns of students performances. The first pattern was characterized by low neural network output weights for all seven problems reflecting extensive searching and lack of recognition of relevant information. In the second pattern, the output weights from the neural network were biased towards one of the remaining six incorrect problems suggesting that the student mis-represented the current problem as an instance of a previous problem.

Allergy and Immunology↗

Systematic investigations of the contrast results of histochemical stainings of neurons and glial cells in the human brain by means of image analysis.

The investigation of neurohistological specimens by image analysis has become an important tool in morphological neuroscience. The problems which arise during the processing of these images are non-trivial, especially if a pattern recognition of cells in the imaged tissue is intended. One of the major problems faced concerns the segmentation of structures of interest, whether cells or other histologic structures. The segmentation problem is often the result of an inappropriate staining procedure. For serious image analysis to be performed, the material under investigation must be optimally prepared. Spatially complex patterns, e.g. fuzzy-like neighbouring neurons, are easy to recognize for humans. But the integrative and associative performance of current artificial neuronal network schemes is too low to achieve the same recognition quality as humans do. Therefore, a general analysis of staining characteristics was performed, especially with respect to those stains which are relevant to object segmentation. Although most image analytical investigations of tissues are based on stained samples, a study of this type has not been previously conducted. Of the stains and procedures evaluated, the gallocyanin chrome alum combination staining provided the best stain contrast. Furthermore, this staining method shows sufficient constancy within different parts of the human brain. Even the fine nuclear textures are differentiable and can be used for further pattern recognition procedures.

Adult↗

Artificial neural networks: a potential role in osteoporosis.

Artificial neural networks are computer software systems that recognize patterns in complex data sets. A recent development in neural computing, multiversion systems (MVS), has led to enhanced analytical power, and this was harnessed to demonstrate the value of risk factors in predicting the result of osteoporosis investigations by quantitative ultrasound. 274 women were screened in an open-access osteoporosis service. A conventional risk factor questionnaire was completed for each patient by the osteoporosis specialist nurse. An MVS was trained on 180 randomly selected data sets and tested on the remaining 94. The results were compared with those from logistic regression analysis in predictive power, both from the selected 20-item questionnaire and for a limited 5-item questionnaire comprising age, height, height loss, weight and years since the menopause. The MVS approach predicted the T-score categorization of the patients from the 20-item questionnaire with 83.0% accuracy, whereas logistic regression yielded an accuracy of only 72.8% (P = 0.04). From the 5-item database the MVS yielded a best prediction accuracy of 73.1%, whereas the logistic regression prediction accuracy was 60% (P = 0.04). These results suggest that 20 risk factors can be used by an MVS to predict the outcome of osteoporosis investigations with a power that outperforms conventional statistical methods. Use of this system may improve the selection of patients for osteoporosis investigations, since even with only 5 risk factors the system performs nearly as well as that based on the full 20 factors.

Aged↗

Dynamic topology representing networks.

In the present paper, we propose a new algorithm, namely the Dynamic Topology Representing Networks (DTRN) for learning both topology and clustering information from input data. In contrast to other models with adaptive architecture of this kind, the DTRN algorithm adaptively grows the number of output nodes by applying a vigilance test. The clustering procedure is based on a winner-take-quota learning strategy in conjunction with an annealing process in order to minimize the associated mean square error. A competitive Hebbian rule is applied to learn the global topology information concurrently with the clustering process. The topology information learned is also utilized for dynamically deleting the nodes and for the annealing process. Properties of the DTRN algorithm will be discussed. Extensive simulations will be provided to characterize the effectiveness of the new algorithm in topology preserving, learning speed, and classification tasks as compared to other algorithms of the same nature.

Algorithms↗

Analog neural network-based helicopter gearbox health monitoring system.

The development of a reliable helicopter gearbox health monitoring system (HMS) has been the subject of considerable research over the past 15 years. The deployment of such a system could lead to a significant saving in lives and vehicles as well as dramatically reduce the cost of helicopter maintenance. Recent research results indicate that a neural network-based system could provide a viable solution to the problem. This paper presents two neural network-based realizations of an HMS system. A hybrid (digital/analog) neural system is proposed as an extremely accurate off-line monitoring tool used to reduce helicopter gearbox maintenance costs. In addition, an all analog neural network is proposed as a real-time helicopter gearbox fault monitor that can exploit the ability of an analog neural network to directly compute the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) as a sum of weighted samples. Hardware performance results are obtained using the Integrated Neural Computing Architecture (INCA/1) analog neural network platform that was designed and developed at The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory. The results indicate that it is possible to achieve a 100% fault detection rate with 0% false alarm rate by performing a DFT directly on the first layer of INCA/1 followed by a small-size two-layer feed-forward neural network and a simple post-processing majority voting stage.

Aircraft↗

Evaluation of new self-learning techniques for the generation of criteria for differentiation of wide-QRS tachycardia in supraventricular tachycardia and ventricular tachycardia.

This study presents a comparison of three different methods for differentiating between supraventricular and ventricular tachycardias with wide-QRS complex. One set of criteria, derived using classical statistical techniques, was compared with two new self-learning computer techniques: the artificial neural networks and the induction algorithm approach. By analyzing the results obtained in an independent test set, using these new techniques, the criteria defined by the classical method could be improved.

Algorithms↗

Simulation of adaptive mechanisms in the vestibulo-ocular reflex.

The vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), which stabilizes the eyes in space during head movements, can undergo adaptive modification to maintain retinal stability in response to natural or experimental challenges. A number of models and neural sites have been proposed to account for this adaptation but these do not fully explain how the nervous system can detect and correct errors in both gain and phase of the VOR. This paper presents a general error correction algorithm based on the multiplicative combination of three signals (retinal slip velocity, head position, head velocity) directly relevant to processing of the VOR. The algorithm is highly specific, requiring the combination of particular sets of signals to achieve compensation. It is robust, with essentially perfect compensation observed for all gain (0.25X - 4.0X) and phase (-180 degrees - +180 degrees) errors tested. Output of the model closely resembles behavioral data from both gain and phase adaptation experiments in a variety of species. Imposing physiological constraints (no negative activation levels or changes in the sign of unit weights) does not alter the effectiveness of the algorithm. These results suggest that the mechanisms implemented in our model correspond to those implemented in the brain of the behaving organism. Predictions concerning the nature of the adaptive process are specific enough to permit experimental verification using electrophysiological techniques. In addition, the model provides a strategy for adaptive control of any first order mechanical system.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Webometry: measuring the synergy of the World-Wide Web.

This is the second progress report on the webometry project: acquisition of data regarding the density of links on the world-wide web (WWW). We illustrate the primary visualization strategy, the synergy matrix, in the case of a model subnet of nine nodes.

Computer Communication Networks↗

Computer-assisted decision making in portal verification--optimization of the neural network approach.

PURPOSE: Conventional portal verification requires that a qualified radiation oncologist make decisions as to the set-up acceptability. This scheme is no longer sustainable with the large numbers of images available on-line and stringent time constraints. Therefore the objective of this study was to develop, optimize, and evaluate on clinical data an artificial intelligence decision-making tool for portal verification. The tool, based on the artificial neural network (ANN) approach, should approximate, as closely as possible, portal verification assessments made by a radiation oncologist expert. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 328 electronic portal images of tangential breast irradiations were included in the study. A radiation oncologist expert evaluated these images and rated the treatment set-up acceptability on a scale from 0 to 10. Translational and rotational errors in the placement of the radiation field boundaries formed seven-dimensional feature vectors that represented each of the 328 portal images/treatments. The feature vectors were used as inputs to a three-layer, feedforward ANN. The neural network was trained on the oncologist's ratings. RESULTS: The rms discrepancy between the ANN and the expert's ratings was 1.05 rating points. Using the decision threshold equal to 5 for both sets of ratings, the ANN classifier was capable of detecting 100% of the portals classified as "unacceptable" by the expert. Only 6.5% of portals acceptable to the oncologist were misclassified as "unacceptable" by the ANN. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate the feasibility of using the ANN portal image classifier as an automated assistant to the radiation oncologist. Its role would be to recommend an appropriate decision as to the acceptability or otherwise of a given treatment set-up depicted in a portal image.

Breast Neoplasms↗

An economised craniofacial identification system.

It has been attempted to develop an economised craniofacial identification system, as a special automated version of photo/video superimposition technique, that can deal with common cases of personal identification with the aid of a skull and a nearly front view face photograph of the suspected victim. The proposed method is economic in respect of (i) cost of hardware configuration, (ii) processing time as well as (iii) manual labour involved. Over and above, it has got a capability to take care of ambiguities due to soft tissue thickness during the selection of facial features, which is a part of the procedure. In order to reconstruct a 2-D cranial image, superimposable over the facial one, the new method does not need any reconstruction of a digitised 3-D cranial image. It works simply by a suitable segment-wise processing of a 2-D cranial image with the aid of the symmetry perceiving adaptive neuronet (SPAN), that has recently been introduced in connection with nearly front view facial image recognition. The final comparison of the facial and the superimposable cranial images is as versatile as the same for facial image recognition by SPAN.A practical application of this extended version of SPAN has been demonstrated in the present paper.

Child↗

The enhanced LBG algorithm.

Clustering applications cover several fields such as audio and video data compression, pattern recognition, computer vision, medical image recognition, etc. In this paper, we present a new clustering algorithm called Enhanced LBG (ELBG). It belongs to the hard and K-means vector quantization groups and derives directly from the simpler LBG. The basic idea we have developed is the concept of utility of a codeword, a powerful instrument to overcome one of the main drawbacks of clustering algorithms: generally, the results achieved are not good in the case of a bad choice of the initial codebook. We will present our experimental results showing the ELBG is able to find better codebooks than previous clustering techniques and the computational complexity is virtually the same as the simpler LBG.

Algorithms↗

Unified stabilization approach to principal and minor components extraction algorithms.

Principal component and minor component extractions provide powerful techniques in many information processing fields. There have been proposed a number of algorithms for principal and minor component (or subspace) extraction, which have different dynamical behaviors. In this paper, we give rigorous stability analysis of these algorithms, obtaining a unified insight view on the dynamical behaviors of various algorithms.

Algorithms↗