Washington State University

About: Washington State University is a education organization based out in Pullman, Washington, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Gene. The organization has 26947 authors who have published 57736 publications receiving 2341509 citations. The organization is also known as: WSU & Wazzu.

Raw-Material Availability and the Organization of Technology

Abstract: Andrefsky, Jr., William. 1994 Raw Material Availability and the Organization of Technology. American Antiquity 59:21‑35.

Stereoselective Bimolecular Phenoxy Radical Coupling by an Auxiliary (Dirigent) Protein Without an Active Center

Abstract: The regio- and stereospecificity of bimolecular phenoxy radical coupling reactions, of especial importance in lignin and lignan biosynthesis, are clearly controlled in some manner in vivo; yet in vitro coupling by oxidases, such as laccases, only produce racemic products. In other words, laccases, peroxidases, and comparable oxidases are unable to control regio- or stereospecificity by themselves and thus some other agent must exist. A 78-kilodalton protein has been isolated that, in the presence of an oxidase or one electron oxidant, effects stereoselective bimolecular phenoxy radical coupling in vitro. Itself lacking a catalytically active (oxidative) center, its mechanism of action is presumed to involve capture of E-coniferyl alcohol-derived free-radical intermediates, with consequent stereoselective coupling to give (+)-pinoresinol.

Research progress in toughening modification of poly(lactic acid)

Abstract: Renewable poly(lactic acid) (PLA) exhibits high strength and stiffness PLA is fully biodegradable and has received great interest However, the inherent brittleness of PLA largely impedes its wide applications In this article, the recent progress in PLA toughening using various routes including plasticization, copolymerization, and melt blending with flexible polymers, was reviewed in detail PLA toughening, particularly modification of impact toughness through melt blending, was emphasized in this review Reactive blending was shown to be especially effective in achieving high impact strength The relationship between composition, morphology, and mechanical properties were summarized Toughening mechanisms were also discussed © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011

Complete genome sequence of the plant commensal Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf-5

Abstract: Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf-5 is a plant commensal bacterium that inhabits the rhizosphere and produces secondary metabolites that suppress soilborne plant pathogens. The complete sequence of the 7.1-Mb Pf-5 genome was determined. We analyzed repeat sequences to identify genomic islands that, together with other approaches, suggested P. fluorescens Pf-5's recent lateral acquisitions include six secondary metabolite gene clusters, seven phage regions and a mobile genomic island. We identified various features that contribute to its commensal lifestyle on plants, including broad catabolic and transport capabilities for utilizing plant-derived compounds, the apparent ability to use a diversity of iron siderophores, detoxification systems to protect from oxidative stress, and the lack of a type III secretion system and toxins found in related pathogens. In addition to six known secondary metabolites produced by P. fluorescens Pf-5, three novel secondary metabolite biosynthesis gene clusters were also identified that may contribute to the biocontrol properties of P. fluorescens Pf-5.

Robust noble metal-based electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction

Abstract: The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a kinetically sluggish anodic reaction and requires a large overpotential to deliver appreciable current. Despite the fact that non-precious metal-based alkaline water electrocatalysts are receiving increased attention, noble metal-based electrocatalysts (NMEs) applied in proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers still have advantageous features of larger current and power densities with lower stack cost. Engineering NMEs for OER catalysis with high efficiency, durability and utilization rate is of vital importance in promoting the development of cost-effective renewable energy production and conversion devices. In this tutorial review, we covered the recent progress in the composition and structure optimization of NMEs for OER including Ir- and Ru-based oxides and alloys, and noble-metals beyond Ir and Ru with a variety of morphologies. To shed light on the fundamental science and mechanisms behind composition/structure–performance relationships and activity–stability relationships, integrated experimental and theoretical studies were pursued for illuminating the metal–support interaction, size effect, heteroatom doping effect, phase transformation, degradation processes and single-atom catalysis. Finally, the challenges and outlook are provided for guiding the rational engineering of OER electrocatalysts for applications in renewable energy-related devices.