A method to improve the performance of multilayer perceptron by utilizing various activation functions in the last hidden layer and the least squares method

This article presents a fast and uncomplicated method to modify multilayer perceptrons allowing for a considerable single-step reduction of the cost function which in this case is the mean of squared errors. The method consists in, but is not limited to the change of neuron activation functions in the last hidden layer and in the single application of the least squares method. No changes are made to neuron weights in any hidden layer. Some essential strong points of the method lie in the fact that it can be used to improve operation of networks trained earlier and the learning process need not be started from the very beginning.     

A 3D nodule candidate detection method supported by hybrid features to reduce false positives in lung nodule detection

Multimedia Tools and Applications - Lungs cancer is a fatal disease. However, its early detection increases the chances of survival among patients. An automated nodule detection system provides the...     

A new method for three-dimensional reconstruction from serial sections by computer graphics using "meta-balls": reconstruction of "hepatoskeletal system" formed by Ito cells in the cod liver

A new method is described for three-dimensional reconstruction from serial ultrathin sections, using "meta-balls" as a primitive of object modeling in computer graphics (CG). We take advantage of the meta-ball's blobbiness characteristic and its rendering system for reconstructing images. The two-dimensional outline data from serial sections are converted into three-dimensional meta-ball data with a graphic editor, "Metack," by which we can check the correctness of the data conversion. Then the converted data are visualized on a color display with a CG rendering software, "Tracy". This reconstruction method is applied in studying the spatial distribution of Ito cells (fat storing cells) in the cod liver in relation to the blood capillary. By observing the reconstructed images, we can easily understand the three-dimensional relationship between the Ito cells and the blood capillary. The Ito cells surround the blood capillary and extend their cytoplasmic processes into the inter-parenchymal space to make a well-developed network system. These findings would support a concept of "hepatoskeletal system" formed by Ito cells in the cod liver. Therefore, we think that the meta-ball reconstruction method is useful in morphological study.