Abstract: An isolated polypeptide comprising a botulinum neurotoxin C1 light chain having a modified amino acid sequence relative to the sequence of a wild-type botulinum neurotoxin C1 light chain is disclosed. The modified botulinum neurotoxin C1 light chain is capable of selectively cleaving syntaxin protein, but has substantially reduced or no activity against SNAP-25 as compared to wild type botulinum neurotoxin C1 light chain, and is thus useful as a research tool and in medical treatment.

Abstract: A valve-type oil feeder comprising a housing, a valving spindle, and a piston. The housing has a valve chamber and a piston chamber, the valve chamber has an oil inlet, a first outlet, and a second outlet; the piston chamber has an oil intake chamber, an oil discharge chamber, and an oil outlet; the oil intake chamber communicates with the second outlet, and the oil discharge chamber communicates with the first outlet and the oil outlet respectively; the valving spindle is arranged in the valve chamber and movable between an original position at which the oil inlet is cut off from the second outlet while the first outlet communicates with the second outlet, and a working position at which the oil inlet communicates with the second outlet while the first outlet is cut off from the second outlet The present invention is applicable to various fluid and semi-fluid media, and applicable to various pressure and viscosity ranges.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for retiming an integrated circuit are described. According to certain embodiments, the retiming comprises performing a timing analysis for one or more paths in the integrated circuit to obtain slack values, selecting one of the paths based on the slack values obtained, and determining a retimeable cut along the path selected. The retimeable cut in these exemplary embodiments comprises a set of input pins for one or more logic instances in the integrated circuit to which one or more retimed sequential elements can be coupled in order to improve the slack value of the path selected. In particular embodiments, the retimeable cut is automatically selected from multiple possible cuts along the path selected. Other embodiments for retiming integrated circuits are disclosed, as well as integrated circuits and circuit design databases retimed by the disclosed methods. Computer-executable media storing instructions for performing the disclosed methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for retiming an integrated circuit are described. According to certain embodiments, the retiming comprises performing a timing analysis for one or more paths in the integrated circuit to obtain slack values, selecting one of the paths based on the slack values obtained, and determining a retimeable cut along the path selected. The retimeable cut in these exemplary embodiments comprises a set of input pins for one or more logic instances in the integrated circuit to which one or more retimed sequential elements can be coupled in order to improve the slack value of the path selected. In particular embodiments, the retimeable cut is automatically selected from multiple possible cuts along the path selected. Other embodiments for retiming integrated circuits are disclosed, as well as integrated circuits and circuit design databases retimed by the disclosed methods. Computer-executable media storing instructions for performing the disclosed methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention internal energy engine is a power machine that makes use of the shape memory effect of shape memory alloy members. The member can be made from a Ni-Ti alloy, for example. It generates great force on a movable part when its transformation is constrained while undergoing temperature changes. The generated high pressure or high speed fluid working medium stream can be used for many practical functions, such as to drive a generator. An important advantage is using waste heat as the energy source. Thus using no fuel and creating no pollution.