Pattern Classification using Artificial Neural Networks

Classification is a data mining (machine learning) technique used to predict group membership for data instances. Pattern Classification involves building a function that maps the input feature space to an output space of two or more than two classes.Neural Networks (NN) are an effective tool in the field of pattern classification, using training and testing data to build a model. However, the success of the networks is highly dependent on the performance of the training process and hence the training algorithm. Many training algorithms have been proposed so far to improve the performance of neural networks. In this project, we shall make a comparative study of training feedforward neural network using the three algorithms - Backpropagation Algorithm, Modified Backpropagation Algorithm and Optical Backpropagation Algorithm. These algorithms differ only on the basis of their error functions.We shall train the neural networks using these algorithms and taking 75 instances from the iris dataset (taken from the UCI repository and then normalised) ; 25 from each class. The total number of epochs required to reach the degree of accuracy is referred to as the convergence rate. The basic criteria of comparison process are the convergence rate and the classification accuracy. To check the efficiency of the three training algorithms, graphs are plotted between No. of Epochs vs. Mean Square Error(MSE). The training process continues till M.S.E falls to a value 0.01. The effect of using the momentum and learning rate on the performance of algorithm are also observed. The comparison is then extended to compare the performance of multilayer feedforward network with Probabilistic network

Comparison of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy with physical therapy alone co existing meniscal tear and knee osteoarthritis

Background: In patients with a meniscal tear and mild-to moderate osteoarthritis, we analyzed whether arthroscopic partial meniscectomy improve physical and functional outcomes more than physical therapy does.Methods: 52 patients had a meniscal tear as well as osteoarthritis confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging or radiography. Symptoms had persisted for more than 3 months despite conservative measures. Patients were allocated to Group A subjected to partial meniscectomy and postoperative physical therapy (n=26) or to Group B with physical therapy alone (n=26). The primary outcome measure was change on the physical-function scale of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) during the 6 months after randomization. A 12-month assessment was added to determine the stability of the result. Secondary outcomes were the pain score on the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS).Results: At 6 months, the 2 groups did not differ in mean improvement in the WOMAC physical-function score, in decreases on the KOOS pain score. The results were similar at 12 months. Conclusions: In patients with a meniscal tear and mild-tomoderate osteoarthritis, both groups showed similar outcomes between arthroscopic meniscectomy and physical therapy

Functional outcome following quadriceps tendon lengthening in congenital dislocation of the knee, with special reference to extensor weakness

This study reports the incidence and proposes a probable cause of flexion deformity and extensor weakness following lengthening of quadriceps tendon for the congenital dislocation of the knee and also proposes a modification of the functional grading given in the literature to this effect. Seventeen knees in ten patients were treated with a follow-up from 3 to 8 years. Fifteen knees were grade III and were operated with quadriceps lengthening and anterior capsulotomy. Two knees were Grade II and were initially closed reduced, but operated later due to recurrence. The results were graded on a modification of functional grading system given in the literature [1]. There were excellent results in four, good in five and fair in eight knees. There was an extensor weakness in ten knees (average 12.2°) and flexion deformity (15°) in one. Eight patients could squat and all started walking independently by 10–20 months of age, except one. V-lengthening of the quadriceps tendon produced a satisfactory improvement in the knee function. The theoretical role of the gastrocnemius and hamstring muscles in abetting flexion deformity and extensor weakness is suggested

Psilocybin-assisted therapy and HIV-related shame

As a proposed mediator between stigma-related stressors and negative mental health outcomes, HIV-related shame has been predictive of increased rates of substance use and difficulties adhering to antiretroviral treatment among people with HIV. These downstream manifestations have ultimately impeded progress toward national goals to End the HIV Epidemic, in part due to limited success of conventional psychotherapies in addressing HIV-related shame. In a pilot clinical trial (N = 12), receipt of psilocybin-assisted group therapy was associated with a large pre-post decrease in HIV-related shame as measured by the HIV and Abuse Related Shame Inventory, with a median (IQR) change of - 5.5 (- 6.5, - 3.5) points from baseline to 3-months follow-up (Z = - 2.6, p = 0.009, r = - 0.75). A paradoxical exacerbation of sexual abuse-related shame experienced by two participants following receipt of psilocybin raises critical questions regarding the use of psilocybin therapy among patients with trauma. These preliminary findings carry potential significance for the future of HIV care

As-Built and Post-treated Microstructures of an Electron Beam Melting (EBM) Produced Nickel-Based Superalloy

The microstructures of an electron beam melted (EBM) nickel-based superalloy (Alloy 718) were comprehensively investigated in as-built and post-treated conditions, with particular focus individually on the contour (outer periphery) and hatch (core) regions of the build. The hatch region exhibited columnar grains with strong 〈001〉 texture in the build direction, while the contour region had a mix of columnar and equiaxed grains, with no preferred crystallographic texture. Both regions exhibited nearly identical hardness and carbide content. However, the contour region showed a higher number density of fine carbides compared to the hatch. The as-built material was subjected to two distinct post-treatments: (1) hot isostatic pressing (HIP) and (2) HIP plus heat treatment (HIP + HT), with the latter carried out as a single cycle inside the HIP vessel. Both post-treatments resulted in nearly an order of magnitude decrease in defect content in hatch and contour regions. HIP + HT led to grain coarsening in the contour, but did not alter the microstructure in the hatch region. Different factors that may be responsible for grain growth, such as grain size, grain orientation, grain boundary curvature and secondary phase particles, are discussed. The differences in carbide sizes in the hatch and contour regions appeared to decrease after post-treatment. After HIP + HT, similar higher hardness was observed in both the hatch and contour regions compared to the as-built material

Papillorenal Syndrome-Causing Missense Mutations in PAX2/Pax2 Result in Hypomorphic Alleles in Mouse and Human

Papillorenal syndrome (PRS, also known as renal-coloboma syndrome) is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by potentially-blinding congenital optic nerve excavation and congenital kidney abnormalities. Many patients with PRS have mutations in the paired box transcription factor gene, PAX2. Although most mutations in PAX2 are predicted to result in complete loss of one allele's function, three missense mutations have been reported, raising the possibility that more subtle alterations in PAX2 function may be disease-causing. To date, the molecular behaviors of these mutations have not been explored. We describe a novel mouse model of PRS due to a missense mutation in a highly-conserved threonine residue in the paired domain of Pax2 (p.T74A) that recapitulates the ocular and kidney findings of patients. This mutation is in the Pax2 paired domain at the same location as two human missense mutations. We show that all three missense mutations disrupt potentially critical hydrogen bonds in atomic models and result in reduced Pax2 transactivation, but do not affect nuclear localization, steady state mRNA levels, or the ability of Pax2 to bind its DNA consensus sequence. Moreover, these mutations show reduced steady-state levels of Pax2 protein in vitro and (for p.T74A) in vivo, likely by reducing protein stability. These results suggest that hypomorphic alleles of PAX2/Pax2 can lead to significant disease in humans and mice

Raman Spectroscopy of Nanostructures and Nanosized Materials

The interest of micro and tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy to analyze nanosized and nanostructured materials, chiefly semiconductors, oxides and pristine or functionalized carbon nanotubes, is reviewed at the light of the contributions to this special issue. Particular attention is paid to the fact that chemical reactions, size or shape distribution, defects, strain and couplings may add to nano-dimensionality in defining the Raman signature

Molecular Arrangement in Self-Assembled Azobenzene-Containing Thiol Monolayers at the Individual Domain Level Studied through Polarized Near-Field Raman Spectroscopy

6-[4-(phenylazo)phenoxy]hexane-1-thiol self-assembled monolayers deposited on a gold surface form domain-like structures possessing a high degree of order with virtually all the molecules being identically oriented with respect to the surface plane. We show that, by using polarized near-field Raman spectroscopy, it is possible to derive the Raman scattering tensor of the ordered layer and consequently, the in-plane molecular orientation at the individual domain level. More generally, this study extends the application domain of the near-field Raman scattering selection rules from crystals to ordered organic structures