A functional perspective on machine learning via programmable induction and abduction

We present a programming language for machine learning based on the concepts of ‘induction’ and ‘abduction’ as encountered in Peirce’s logic of science. We consider the desirable features such a language must have, and we identify the ‘abductive decoupling’ of parameters as a key general enabler of these features. Both an idealised abductive calculus and its implementation as a PPX extension of OCaml are presented, along with several simple examples

Vascular Wall-Resident CD44+ Multipotent Stem Cells Give Rise to Pericytes and Smooth Muscle Cells and Contribute to New Vessel Maturation

Here, we identify CD44(+)CD90(+)CD73(+)CD34(−)CD45(−) cells within the adult human arterial adventitia with properties of multipotency which were named vascular wall-resident multipotent stem cells (VW-MPSCs). VW-MPSCs exhibit typical mesenchymal stem cell characteristics including cell surface markers in immunostaining and flow cytometric analyses, and differentiation into adipocytes, chondrocytes and osteocytes under culture conditions. Particularly, TGFß1 stimulation up-regulates smooth muscle cell markers in VW-MPSCs. Using fluorescent cell labelling and co-localisation studies we show that VW-MPSCs differentiate to pericytes/smooth muscle cells which cover the wall of newly formed endothelial capillary-like structures in vitro. Co-implantation of EGFP-labelled VW-MPSCs and human umbilical vein endothelial cells into SCID mice subcutaneously via Matrigel results in new vessels formation which were covered by pericyte- or smooth muscle-like cells generated from implanted VW-MPSCs. Our results suggest that VW-MPSCs are of relevance for vascular morphogenesis, repair and self-renewal of vascular wall cells and for local capacity of neovascularization in disease processes

European clinical guidelines for Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders. Part II: pharmacological treatment

To develop a European guideline on pharmacologic treatment of Tourette syndrome (TS) the available literature was thoroughly screened and extensively discussed by a working group of the European Society for the Study of Tourette syndrome (ESSTS). Although there are many more studies on pharmacotherapy of TS than on behavioral treatment options, only a limited number of studies meets rigorous quality criteria. Therefore, we have devised a two-stage approach. First, we present the highest level of evidence by reporting the findings of existing Cochrane reviews in this field. Subsequently, we provide the first comprehensive overview of all reports on pharmacological treatment options for TS through a MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE search for all studies that document the effect of pharmacological treatment of TS and other tic disorders between 1970 and November 2010. We present a summary of the current consensus on pharmacological treatment options for TS in Europe to guide the clinician in daily practice. This summary is, however, rather a status quo of a clinically helpful but merely low evidence guideline, mainly driven by expert experience and opinion, since rigorous experimental studies are scarce

Bituminous binder

One of the most important aspects of asphalt pavement deterioration is the ingress of water in pavement which leads to loss of the material characteristics, even material integrity with loss of aggregates. Thus the behaviour of asphalt mixture under moisture conditions is one of the key parameter for specifications. It’s a complex phenomenon which is influenced amongst other things by materials properties with wetting, cohesion and adhesion of bituminous binder and by environmental conditions with temperature, moisture, loading and layer type. It has been a research subject for a very long time and still not precisely described. A large number of test methods is available to estimate the affinity between aggregates and bituminous binders. These test methods can be subdivided in different ways; a first distinction can be based on the presence or absence of water during the test procedure. If water is present, the evaluation is in fact referred to as water sensitivity or moisture damage testing. Another distinction can be based on the type of sample that is evaluated. The test sample can be loose aggregates coated with a bituminous binder or a compacted asphalt mix sample. Lastly the individual components, bitumen and aggregate, can be tested separately through intrinsic properties. Furthermore, test results can also be based on the quantification of the test results, whether this is based on a qualitative or a quantitative evaluation. In RILEM TC 237 SIB, TG1 the main purpose was to evaluate common test methods, used to assess the affinity of bitumen to aggregate surfaces, to determine, if possible, the repeatability and reproducibility and to give recommendations for improvement. In this study both binders and aggregates have been considered. Three bituminous binders, two unmodified from different sources, one polymer modified binder, and four aggregate types, with different mineralogy, have been selected. The test methods considered in the study include the rolling bottle test, the boiling water stripping test and the bitumen bond strength test; also surface energy was investigated. This chapter presents the results of these tests and their accuracy