Abstract: A network-based system and method for ordering and cumulative results reporting of medical tests includes a computer operated at a physician location (such as a hospital or physician office) to order tests, retrieve and store statistical data or status the progress of previously ordered tests, and at least one labsite computer for receiving physician requests for tests and reporting their results. The physician computer and labsite computer are interconnected by a computer network. The physician computer receives a physician or user request for ordering a test, causes a test request message to be sent to the labsite computer, causes a request for statistical data to be sent to the network, and receives statistical data from the network. The labsite computer is programmed to receive a test request message and to cause a test results message or a test status message to be sent to the physician computer.

Abstract: A semantic attractor memory uses an evolving neural network architecture and learning rules derived from the study of human language acquisition and change to store, process and retrieve information. The architecture is based on multiple layer channels, with random connections from one layer to the next. One or more layers are devoted to processing input information. At least one processing layer is provided. One or more layers are devoted to processing outputs and feedback is provided from the outputs back to the processing layer or layers. Inputs from parallel channels are also provided to the one or more processing layers. With the exception of the feedback loop and central processing layers, the network is feedforward unless it is employed in a hybrid back-propagation configuration. The learning rules are based on non-stationary statistical processes, such as the Polya process or the processes leading to Bose-Einstein statistics, again derived from considerations of human language acquisition.