Learning keyword phrases from query logs of USPTO patent examiners for automatic query scope limitation in patent searching

Professional search in patent repositories poses several unique challenges. One key requirement is to search the entire affected space of concepts, following well-defined procedures to ensure traceability of results obtained. Several techniques have been introduced to enhance query generation, preferably via automated query term expansion, to improve retrieval effectiveness. Currently, these approaches are mostly limited to computing additional query terms from patent documents based on statistical measures. For conceptual search to solve the limitation of traditional keyword search standard dictionaries are used to provide synonyms and keyword phrases for query refinement. Studies show that these are insufficient in such highly specialized domains. In this paper, we present an approach to extract keyword phrases from query logs created during the validation procedure of the patent applications. This creates valuable domain-specific lexical databases for several specific patent classes that can be used to both expand as well as limit the scope of a patent search. This provides a more powerful means to guide a professional searcher through the search process. We evaluate the lexical databases based on real query sessions of patent examiners.     

Development and monitoring of an integrated bioprocess for production of a potential malaria vaccine with Pichia pastoris

An engineered variant of the yeast Pichia pastoris was used to produce the potential malaria vaccine D1M1. This paper describes the implementation of an expanded bed adsorption chromatography step into a sequential cultivation process of the yeast in order to link protein expression, cell release, and product capture of the secreted protein in a fully automated plant. The process is operated with a semi-continuous strategy for an integrated production. Process improvements have been achieved using design of experiments. Resulting purities of product achieved up to 87% with recoveries of 51% in a single downstream operation. Furthermore, a multivariate analysis of historical batch data was used to develop a golden batch model for process monitoring.     

Temperature cycling and its effect on mechanical behaviours of highporosity chalks

Temperature history can have a significant effect on the strength of water-saturated chalk.In this study,hydrostatic stress cycles are applied to understand the mechanical response of chalk samples exposed to temperature cycling between each stress cycle,compared to the samples tested at a constant temperature.The total accumulated strain during a stress cycle and the irreversible strain are reported.Chalk samples from Kansas(USA)and Mons(Belgium),with different degrees of induration(i.e.amount of contact cementation),were used.The samples were saturated with equilibrated water(polar)and nonpolar Isopar H oil to quantify water weakening.All samples tested during 10 stress cycles with varying temperature(i.e.temperature cycled in between each stress cycle)accumulated more strain than those tested at constant temperatures.All the stress cycles were performed at 30℃.The two chalk types behaved similarly when saturated with Isopar H oil,but differently when saturated with water.When saturated with water,the stronger Kansas chalk accumulated more total strain and more irreversible strain within each stress cycle than the weaker Mons chalk.     

膨胀剂对约束条件下UHPC早期抗裂性能影响的试验研究

超高性能混凝土(UHPC)在钢桥面铺装结构中由于铺装材料受到钢板、栓钉等的约束,加上材料本身水胶比小,更易收缩,早期容易承受拉应力导致开裂。通过在拌和过程中添加膨胀剂可以起到减小收缩的作用,但该方法对于约束条件下的UHPC铺装的早期抗裂性能提升是否有促进作用,仍需通过更多试验进行合理评估和深入研究。通过圆环法对3组不同配方的UHPC在均匀约束条件下的早期抗裂性能进行定量测试,并将试验数据进行回归分析和计算,得到了各组的平均应力发展速率,进而评估了各组的开裂风险等级。试验结果表明,通过在UHPC中加入适量膨胀剂,可使其最终收缩应力减小,并可降低其收缩应力发展速率,进一步降低其在约束条件下的开裂风险。     

反凝析现象对雅克拉凝析气处理工艺的影响

雅克拉凝析气田位于塔里木盆地北部，地处新疆维吾尔自治区阿克苏地区境内，它是中国石化集团公司西北分公司探明并投入开发的最大凝析气田，采用衰竭式开采。通过对井口物流的相态研究，认识了凝析气的反凝析规律，采取了提高凝析气中C^＋₃收率的方法，以确保外输干气的烃露点达到管输要求，并提高该气田开发的经济效益。在工艺方案设计过程中，通过多种工艺方案比选，确定选用膨胀机进口压力为6.0 MPa的膨胀机制冷工艺， C^＋₃收率达到92％以上，外输干气烃露点满足管输要求。     

应用时频分析方法辨识时变系统的模态参数

应用Gabor展开及Hilbert变换进行时变线性系统模态参数的辨识。利用非平稳信号的Gabor变换将结构响应信号表示在时频面上，并通过Gabor展开重构分离模态分量，建立每一阶模态的时变线性模型。对单模态时变线性模型应用Hilbert变换来辨识随时间变化的模态频率和阻尼。通过对刚度和阻尼慢变的两自由度系统模态参数的仿真辨识验证辨识方法的有效性。仿真结果表明：本文方法为时变线性系统的模态参数辨识提供了一条新的途径。     

Prediction Model for BTA Deep-Hole Machining using Fuzzy Clustering Approach: Experimental Study

In this article, a subtractive clustering-based fuzzy identification method and a Sugeno-type fuzzy inference system are used for modeling in metal cutting. This approach is considered with its application on the experimental study of Boring and Trepanning Association (BTA) deep-hole drilling. The model for the surface roughness is identified by using the cutting speed and feed as input data and roughness as the output data. Using subtractive clustering in both input and output spaces performs the model-building process. Minimum error model is obtained through enumerative search of clustering parameters. The fuzzy model obtained is capable of predicting the surface roughness for a given set of inputs (speed and feed). Therefore, the operator can predict the quality of the surface for a given set of working parameters and will then be able to set the machining parameters to achieve a certain surface quality. The fuzzy model is verified experimentally by further experimentation using different sets of inputs. The tool life is also investigated using the same approach. The fuzzy inference system obtained is capable of predicting the tool life for a given set of cutting parameters. Therefore, the operator will be able to predict how many minutes the cutting tool is going to last and will set the time for the next tool change.     

The Role of Test Protocols in Automated Test Generation for Embedded-Core-Based System ICs

Modular testing is an attractive approach to testing large system ICs, especially if they are built from pre-designed reusable embedded cores. This paper describes an automated modular test development approach. The basis of this approach is that a core or module test is dissected into a test protocol and a test pattern list. A test protocol describes in detail how to apply one test pattern to the core, while abstracting from the specific test pattern stimulus and response values. Subsequent automation tasks, such as the expansion from core-level tests to system-chip-level tests and test scheduling, all work on test protocols, thereby greatly reducing the amount of compute time and data involved. Finally, an SOC-level test is assembled from the expanded and scheduled test protocols and the (so far untouched) test patterns. This paper describes and formalizes the notion of test protocols and the algorithms for test protocol expansion and scheduling. A running example is featured throughout the paper. We also elaborate on the industrial usage of the concepts described.     

High temperature controlled atmosphere experiments for catalysts in a transmission electron microscope

A new transmission electron microscopy (TEM) specimen preparation procedure for high temperature experiments using a controlled atmosphere specimen holder (HTCASH) has been developed. It is designed for studying the microstructure of catalyst specimens before and after treatments in various gases. The procedure involved (1) finding a new formula for the embedding material, (2) devising a new method of making specimen supports, and (3) developing a method for removing the embedding material after the specimen has been microtomed. These techniques were then brought together to produce the ideal specimens for the HTCASH experiments. As an extra benefit, this procedure is also suitable for preparing specimens for ultrahigh resolution imaging experiments. The application of the new procedure in HTCASH experiments is illustrated through a high temperature reduction of a Co/SiO₂-923 catalyst.