Abstract: The invention provides methods for decreasing lignin content and for increasing the level of fermentable carbohydrates in plants by down-regulation of the NST transcription factor. Nucleic acid constructs for down-regulation of NST are described. Transgenic plants are provided that comprise reduced lignin content. Plants described herein may be used, for example, as improved biofuel feedstock and as highly digestible forage crops. Methods for processing plant tissue and for producing ethanol by utilizing such plants are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides processes of preparing a peptide including a GCC agonist sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1-249 described herein.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for decreasing lignin content and for increasing the level of fermentable carbohydrates in plants by down-regulation of the NST transcription factor. Nucleic acid constructs for down-regulation of NST are described. Transgenic plants are provided that comprise reduced lignin content. Plants described herein may be used, for example, as improved biofuel feedstock and as highly digestible forage crops. Methods for processing plant tissue and for producing ethanol by utilizing such plants are also provided.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for treating or preventing an infarction by administering to a patient in need thereof a compound capable of suppressing the expression or activity of the von Willebrand Factor (VWF). Thus, the invention relates to the use of a pharmaceutically effective amount of a VWF inhibitor, such as ADAMTS13, for the preparation of a medicament for treating conditions known to involve infarction to reduce or eliminate the symptoms and effect of an infarction.

Abstract: An exemplary polishing brush includes a mounting member, a plurality of polishing bristles and a latching member. The mounting member defines a plurality of through holes. Each of the polishing bristles is partially inserted into one of the plurality of through holes respectively. The latching member connects with all of the polishing bristles at a side of the through holes of the mounting member, and fixed in the mounting member. When the latching member is disconnected from the mounting member, the polishing bristles are detached from the mounting member.