Abstract: It is disclosed here that synaptotagmin I (syt I) and synaptotagmin II (syt II) are the cellular receptors for botulinum neurotoxin B (BoNT/B) that mediate the cellular entry and toxicity of BoNT/B. The BoNT/B binding domains of syt I and II are also disclosed. While syt I needs gangliosides for BoNT/B binding, syt II can bind to BoNT/B in the absence of gangliosides. Various nucleic acids and polypeptides that relate to the BoNT/B binding domain of syt I or II are disclosed. Further disclosed are methods of reducing BoNT/B toxicity, methods of identifying agents that can block the binding between BoNT/B and syt I or II, methods of identifying agents that can bind to the BoNT/B binding domain of syt I or II, and methods of detecting BoNT/B or Clostridium botulinum.

Abstract: A method of producing an abrasive product comprises the steps of providing a mixture of diamond and discrete carbide particles, the diamond particles being smaller than the carbide particles and present in the mixture in an amount of more than 50 percent by volume, and subjecting the mixture to diamond synthesis conditions in the presence of a binder metal such as cobalt, nickel or iron. The abrasive product thus produced has a substantial amount of direct diamond-to-diamond bonding and many of the characteristics of a diamond compact, but improved impact resistance due to the presence of the carbide particles. The abrasive product has particular application in the machining of wood products such as natural wood, chipboard, fiberboard and hardboard.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of making an abrasive product which comprises a layer of bonded ultra-hard abrasive particles bonded to a substrate. The abrasive product is typically a diamond or cubic boron nitride composite compact.

Abstract: The inventin provides a method of making an abrasive product which comprises a layer of bonded ultra-hard abrasive particles bonded to a substrate. This abrasive product is typically a composite abrasive compact.