MaxSAT Evaluation 2020 - Benchmark: Identifying maximum probability minimal cut sets in fault trees

This paper presents a MaxSAT benchmark focused on the identification of Maximum Probability Minimal Cut Sets (MPMCSs) in fault trees. We address the MPMCS problem by transforming the input fault tree into a weighted logical formula that is then used to build and solve a Weighted Partial MaxSAT problem. The benchmark includes 80 cases with fault trees of different size and composition as well as the optimal cost and solution for each case

MaxSAT Evaluation 2019 - Benchmark: Identifying Security-Critical Cyber-Physical Components in Weighted AND/OR Graphs

This paper presents a MaxSAT benchmark focused on identifying critical nodes in AND/OR graphs. We use AND/OR graphs to model Industrial Control Systems (ICS) as they are able to semantically grasp intricate logical interdependencies among ICS components. However, identifying critical nodes in AND/OR graphs is an NP-complete problem. We address this problem by efficiently transforming the input AND/OR graph-based model into a weighted logical formula that is then used to build and solve a Weighted Partial MaxSAT problem. The benchmark includes 80 cases with AND/OR graphs of different size and composition as well as the optimal cost and solution for each case

Semi-collapse of turbulent fountains in stratified media and the mechanisms to control their dynamics

Turbulent fountains are widespread natural phenomena with numerous industrial applications. Extensive research has focused on the temporal evolution and maximum height of these fountains, as well as their dependence on Reynolds and Froude numbers. However, the minimum height of the surrounding ambient fluid, which is removed by the fountain due to the entrainment effect, has received little attention. In this study, we investigate the dependence of this minimum height on the characteristics of the fountain and demonstrate how to control it. Our findings present important implications for technological applications of turbulent fountains, particularly in contaminant withdrawal. We discuss the potential of our results to improve the efficiency of such applications.Comment: 16 pages, 10 figure

Machine-assisted Cyber Threat Analysis using Conceptual Knowledge Discovery

Over the last years, computer networks have evolved into highly dynamic and interconnected environments, involving multiple heterogeneous devices and providing a myriad of services on top of them. This complex landscape has made it extremely difficult for security administrators to keep accurate and be effective in protecting their systems against cyber threats. In this paper, we describe our vision and scientific posture on how artificial intelligence techniques and a smart use of security knowledge may assist system administrators in better defending their networks. To that end, we put forward a research roadmap involving three complimentary axes, namely, (I) the use of FCA-based mechanisms for managing configuration vulnerabilities, (II) the exploitation of knowledge representation techniques for automated security reasoning, and (III) the design of a cyber threat intelligence mechanism as a CKDD process. Then, we describe a machine-assisted process for cyber threat analysis which provides a holistic perspective of how these three research axes are integrated together

Nanocomposite MFI-alumina and FAU-alumina Membranes: Synthesis, Characterization and Application to Paraffin Separation and CO2 Capture

Rouleau, L. Pirngruber, G. Guillou, F. Barrere-Tricca, C. Omegna, A. Valtchev, V. Pera-Titus, M. Miachon, S. Dalmon, J. A.International audienceIn this work, we report the preparation of thermally and mechanically resistant high-surface (24-cm2) nanocomposite MFI-alumina and FAUalumina membranes by pore-plugging synthesis inside the macropores of α-alumina multilayered tubular supports. The MFI membranes were prepared from a clear solution precursor mixture being able to easily penetrate into the pores of the support. The MFI membranes were evaluated in the separation of n-/i-butane mixtures. The synthesis reliability was improved by mild stirring. The most selective MFI membranes were obtained for supports with mean pore sizes of 0.2 and 0.8 μm. The MFI effective thickness could be reduced to less than 10 μm by impregnating the support with water prior to synthesis and by diluting the synthesis mixture. The best MFI membrane offered an excellent tradeoff between selectivity and permeance at 448 K, with separation factors for equimolar n-butane/i-butane mixtures up to 18 and n-butane mixture permeances as high as 0.7 μmol$\cdot$s-1$\cdot$m-2$\cdot$Pa-1.Furthermore, a novel nanocomposite FAU membrane architecture has been obtained by an original synthesis route including in situ seeding using a cold gel-like precursor mixture, followed by growth of the FAU material by hydrothermal synthesis in two steps using a clear solution of low viscosity. This new membrane showed interesting performance in the separation of an equimolar CO2/N2 mixture at 323 K, with CO2/N2 separation factors and mixture CO2 permeances up to 12 and 0.4 μmol$\cdot$s-1$\cdot$m-2$\cdot$Pa-1,respectively

Shared and distinct pathways and networks genetically linked to coronary artery disease between human and mouse

Mouse models have been used extensively to study human coronary artery disease (CAD) or atherosclerosis and to test therapeutic targets. However, whether mouse and human share similar genetic factors and pathogenic mechanisms of atherosclerosis has not been thoroughly investigated in a data-driven manner. We conducted a cross-species comparison study to better understand atherosclerosis pathogenesis between species by leveraging multiomics data. Specifically, we compared genetically driven and thus CAD-causal gene networks and pathways, by using human GWAS of CAD from the CARDIoGRAMplusC4D consortium and mouse GWAS of atherosclerosis from the Hybrid Mouse Diversity Panel (HMDP) followed by integration with functional multiomics human (STARNET and GTEx) and mouse (HMDP) databases. We found that mouse and human shared >75% of CAD causal pathways. Based on network topology, we then predicted key regulatory genes for both the shared pathways and species-specific pathways, which were further validated through the use of single cell data and the latest CAD GWAS. In sum, our results should serve as a much-needed guidance for which human CAD-causal pathways can or cannot be further evaluated for novel CAD therapies using mouse models

Assessment of bone ingrowth potential of biomimetic hydroxyapatite and brushite coated porous E-beam structures

The bone ingrowth potential of biomimetic hydroxyapatite and brushite coatings applied on porous E-beam structure was examined in goats and compared to a similar uncoated porous structure and a conventional titanium plasma spray coating. Specimens were implanted in the iliac crest of goats for a period of 3 (4 goats) or 15 weeks (8 goats). Mechanical implant fixation generated by bone ingrowth was analyzed by a push out test. Histomorphometry was performed to assess the bone ingrowth depth and bone implant contact. The uncoated and hydroxyapatite-coated cubic structure had significantly higher mechanical strength at the interface compared to the Ti plasma spray coating at 15 weeks of implantation. Bone ingrowth depth was significantly larger for the hydroxyapatite- and brushite-coated structures compared to the uncoated structure. In conclusion, the porous E-beam surface structure showed higher bone ingrowth potential compared to a conventional implant surface after 15 weeks of implantation. Addition of a calcium phosphate coating to the E-beam structure enhanced bone ingrowth significantly. Furthermore, the calcium phosphate coating appears to work as an accelerator for bone ingrowth

Toward osteogenic differentiation of marrow stromal cells and in vitro production of mineralized extracellular matrix onto natural scaffolds

Uncorrected proofTissue engineering has emerged as a new interdisciplinary field for the repair of various tissues, restoring their functions by using scaffolds, cells, and/or bioactive factors. A temporary scaffold acts as an extracellular matrix analog to culture cells and guide the development of new tissue. In this chapter, we discuss the preparation of naturally derived scaffolds of polysaccharide origin, the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells cultured on biomimetic calcium phosphate coatings, and the delivery of biomolecules associated with extracellular matrix mineralization