Abstract: The present invention concerns a new ?-galactosidase with transgalactosylating activity isolated from Bifidobacterium bifidum. The ?-galactosidase is capable of converting lactose to a mixture of galactooligosaccharides which are ?-linked and unexpectedly produces the ?-linked disaccharide galactobiose. The mixture may be incorporated into numerous food products or animal feeds for improving gut health by promoting the growth of bifidobacteria in the gut, and repressing the growth of the pathogenic microflora.

Abstract: A toilet device includes a seat (2) with a pair of side walls (14 & 16) pivotally connected thereto. The side walls are capable of three configurations with respect to the seat portion (2). In a first folded configuration they extend towards one another for compact storage of the device. In a second configuration they extend downwardly in right angles to the seat for use as a chamber pot when supplied with a suitable liner. In a third configuration the side walls extend outwardly away from one another so that the device can be placed on a conventional toilet seat and adapt that seat to the user of the device. Locking and locating means are provided for locking and/or locating the device in the three configurations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing a target through a wall or obstruction by a Moving Target Indicator (MTI) radar sensor. In an exemplary embodiment, a series of radar pulses are transmitted at frequencies less than about 5 GHz. Radar return signals are received at a plurality of receive antenna array subapertures. The radar return signals are processed by a digital beamformer to form multiple beams. Target detection processing detects moving and stationary targets through a plurality of parallel target detection signal processing paths.

Abstract: A system and method for quickly discharging a DC relay is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to circuit for discharging a relay coil, the circuit including a first suppression circuit coupled across a control power source, a switch, a relay coil in series with the switch, wherein the relay coil and the switch are coupled across the control power source, and a second suppression circuit coupled across the relay coil, wherein the relay coil is configured to actuate at least one load switch when sufficiently energized by the control power source, wherein the first suppression circuit is configured to discharge energy stored in the relay coil, and wherein the second suppression circuit is configured to discharge energy stored in the relay coil.

Abstract: A miniaturized spectrometer/spectrophotometer system and methods are disclosed. A probe tip including one or more light sources and a plurality of light receivers is provided. A first spectrometer system receives light from a first set of the plurality of light receivers. A second spectrometer system receives light from a second set of the plurality of light receivers. A processor, wherein the processor receives data generated by the first spectrometer system and the second spectrometer system, wherein an optical measurement of a sample under test is produced based on the data generated by the first and second spectrometer systems.

Abstract: A light emission device for simplifying a structure of an electron emission unit and a manufacturing process thereof is provided. A display device using the light emission device as a light source is also provided. The light emission device includes a vacuum panel having a first substrate and a second substrate facing each other. A sealing member is between the first and second substrates. Recess portions each have a depth into a side of the first substrate facing the second substrate. Cathode electrodes are in corresponding recesses. Electron emission regions are on corresponding cathode electrodes. A gate electrode is fixed at one side of the first substrate at a distance from the electron emission regions. A light emission unit is at one side of the second substrate. The gate electrode includes a mesh unit having openings for passing through an electron beam and a supporting member surrounding the mesh unit.

Abstract: An additive for an electrolyte of a lithium secondary battery, the additive including a polysiloxane-based compound represented by Formula 1 below: In formula 1 R1, R2, R3, A1, A2, l, m, n, o and p are as described in the detailed description of the present invention.

Abstract: A method of removing lead sulfide contained in refined molybdenite powder concentrates (major component; MoS2) is provided. More specifically, in order to solve the problems associated with a leaching method using a leaching agent that is employed for conventional hydrometallurgical process, oxygen-free inert gas is circulated in a furnace for pyrometallurgical treatment to evaporate lead sulfide at high temperature, followed by condensing process to recover lead sulfide at low temperature. The method is characterized in that, it can reduce environmental contamination and can easily recover sulfides of valuable metals such as lead, indium, zinc and the like.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for processing a previous image having first pixels and a present image having second pixels. The image processing apparatus includes: a pixel difference calculating unit which calculates pixel differences between corresponding pairs of the first and second pixels, and outputs pixel difference values; an edge processing unit which detects and compares edge types of the first and second pixels, sums a number of the edge types that are the same, and outputs a sum value; a noise level processing unit which calculates a noise level of the present image according to the sum value and the pixel differences; a blending value determining unit which determines a blending value according to the noise level; and an output unit which adds weights of the present and previous images according to the blending value and outputs an output image. An image processing method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An irrigation ablation probe comprises a generally rigid probe body and a handle mounted to the proximal end of the probe body. The generally rigid probe body comprises an ablation electrode at its distal end having at least one irrigation opening through which fluid can pass. An infusion tube extends through the probe body for introducing fluid into the ablation electrode. The irrigation ablation probe is useful for treating atrial fibrillation during open heart surgery.

Abstract: Cutting elements have substrates including end surfaces. TSP material layers extend over only a portion of the end surfaces or extend into the substrates below the end surfaces. Bits incorporate such cutting elements.

Abstract: A flexible piece of barrier material for use in preventing or minimizing adhesions and fibrous attachments following anterior lumbar surgery. In one embodiment, the barrier structure comprises a multiple level device shaped as a generally wider tongue to function as a barrier at or above the L4-5 level, and a generally narrower lower section to function as a barrier at or below the L5-S1 level. The structure also can include a recessed waist section along an edge opposite the tongue to allow for easier placement in the L4-5 area. In another embodiment, a single level barrier for use at or above L4-5 is shaped as a tongue with a tapered outer extension to allow the barrier to extend laterally onto the psoas muscle to provide for identification of the barrier upon reoperation.

Abstract: Printed circuit boards have circuit layers with one or more via filled holes with copper wraps and methods of manufacturing the same. An embodiment of the present invention provides a method to enhance the consistency of the wraparound plating of through-hole vias of printed circuit boards with (requiring) via filling to provide extra reliability to the printed circuit boards and enables the designers and/or manufacturers of printed circuit boards to design and manufacture boards with relatively fine features and/or tight geometries.

Abstract: A flexible stabilization device for dynamic stabilization of bones or vertebrae is provided comprising a rod construct including a rod made of an elastomeric material the rod having a first connection section, a second connection section and a third section therebetween, the first and second connection sections being connectable with a bone anchoring device, respectively, and a sleeve provided on at least a portion of the third section of the rod such that at least the first and second connection sections are exposed.

Abstract: A reticle illumination system. The novel system includes a fluid material adapted to absorb incident energy and emit fluorescent light to illuminate a target surface, and a first light source for providing the incident energy to pump the fluid material. In an illustrative embodiment, the target surface is a prism surface upon which a reticle is disposed, and the fluid material is a cement or epoxy doped with a fluorescent dye or a suspension of nanodots. The fluorescent cement is applied to the target surface behind the reticle and has an index of refraction matching that of the prism. The system may also include one or more additional light sources that transmit light into the cement and illuminate the reticle either directly or by pumping the fluorescent cement.

Abstract: An application of 2,5-dihydroxymethyl-3,6-dimethyl pyrazine and its derivatives in the preparation of drugs for the treatment of, prevention of, and/or protection from heart failure wherein the structural formula of the compound is as follows:

Abstract: A plasma display and a driving method thereof. The plasma display includes a plurality of first electrodes, a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, and a first capacitor. The first switch is connected between a first power source to supply a first voltage and the plurality of first electrodes. The second switch includes a first terminal electrically connected to the plurality of first electrodes, a second terminal connected to a second power source to supply a second voltage that is lower than the first voltage, and a gate connected to a signal input terminal. The third switch includes a first terminal electrically connected to the plurality of first electrodes, and a gate electrically connected to the first signal input terminal. The first capacitor includes a terminal connected to the second power source, and another terminal connected to a node of the first power source and a second terminal of the third switch.

Abstract: An organic light emitting display device that is capable of compensating for deterioration of organic light emitting diodes includes: a scan driver driving scan lines, compensation control lines, and light emission control lines; a data driver supplying initialization voltage to data lines during a first subperiod of a horizontal period and supplying data signals to the data lines during a second subperiod of the horizontal period; and pixels positioned at crossing areas of the scan lines and the data lines. Each pixel includes: an organic light emitting diode; a pixel circuit including a driving transistor controlling current flowing through the organic light emitting diode; and a compensation unit adjusting voltage of the gate electrode of the driving transistor based on deterioration of the organic light emitting diode. The compensation unit includes a transistor and a capacitor serially coupled between the gate and source of the driving transistor.