Gluten-starch microstructure analysis revealed the improvement mechanism of Triticeae on broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum L.).

Understanding the mechanism by which Triticeae improves the quality of broomcorn millet (BM) is key to expanding the use of this crop to address food crises and food security. This study aimed to explore the effects of Triticeae on the disulfide bonds, secondary structures, microstructure, and rheological properties of BM dough, and to investigate the potential food applications of BM. Gluten protein, intermolecular SS, and ß-Sheets content of the reconstituted doughs were significantly improved compared with BM dough, which improved disorderly accumulation of starch and gluten-starch interaction in BM dough. CLSM analysis showed that broomcorn millet-common wheat (BM-CW) and broomcorn millet-durum wheat (BM-DW) also possessed larger protein areas, smaller lacunarities, and better gluten-starch interactions in the reconstituted doughs. Disulfide bonds were positively correlated with the gluten network structure, and more disulfide bonds were formed in BM-CW (3.86 µmol/g), which promoted stronger mechanical resistance in BM-CW. Therefore, the combination of BM flour with CW and DW flours had better dough elasticity and stability. Finally, a potential evaluation and optimization scheme for BM as a cooked wheaten food is proposed to improve the reference for future food security and dietary structure adjustment of residents.

Magnetic coupling and optical properties of the S6-dodecakis(trifluoromethyl)fullerene radical anions in the layered salt (PPN(+))[C60(CF3)12(·-)].

Poly(trifluoromethyl)fullerene S6-C60(CF3)12 was reduced by sodium fluorenone ketyl in the presence of (PPN)Cl (PPN = bis(triphenylphosphine)iminium) to afford the salt (PPN)[C60(CF3)12] (1), which contains C60(CF3)12(·-) radical anions. In the crystal structure of 1, C60(CF3)12(·-) layers alternate with the PPN(+) cations. There are short F⋅⋅⋅F contacts between C60(CF3)12(·-) radical anions within the layers but no C⋅⋅⋅C contacts. DFT calculations revealed that the negative charge on C60(CF3)12(·-) is distributed mainly between sp(2) carbon and fluorine atoms, whereas spin density is localized mainly on the fullerene-cage sp(2) carbon atoms. IR and UV/Vis/NIR spectra in the solid state and solution showed characteristic changes relative to those of neutral S6-C60(CF3)12 due to the formation of radical anions. The solid-state electronic spectrum of 1 exhibits a single broad band at 738 nm attributed to C60(CF3)12(·-). Crystals of 1 show a narrow EPR signal with g = 2.0025 (ΔH = 0.45 mT) at 300 K. The temperature dependence of the integral intensity follows the Curie-Weiss law with a negative Weiss temperature of -11.8 K (30-300 K) indicating antiferromagnetic interaction of spins. This dependence was approximated by the Heisenberg model for one-dimensional chains of antiferromagnetically interacting spins with exchange interaction J/kB = -9.1 K. It was assumed that magnetic interaction between the C60(CF3)12(·-) spins in the layers is mediated by short F⋅⋅⋅F contacts.

Synthesis, structure, and theoretical study of trifluoromethyl derivatives of C84(23) fullerene.

Trifluoromethylation of a higher fullerene mixture with CF3I was performed in ampoules at 550 °C. HPLC separation followed by crystal growth and X-ray diffraction study resulted in the structure elucidation of nine CF3 derivatives of D2d-C84 (isomer 23). The molecular structures of C84(23)(CF3)4, C84(23)(CF3)8, C84(23)(CF3)10, C84(23)(CF3)12, two isomers of C84(23)(CF3)14, two isomers of C84(23)(CF3)16, and C84(23)(CF3)18 were discussed in terms of their addition patterns and the relative formation energies. Extensive theoretical DFT calculations were performed to identify the most stable molecular structures. It was found that the addition of CF3 groups to the C84(23) fullerene is governed by two main rules: no additions in positions of triple hexagon junctions and predominantly para additions in C6(CF3)2 hexagons on the fullerene cage. The only exception with an isolated CF3 group in C84(23)(CF3)12 is discussed in more detail.

Assessing performance of multi-hospital organizations: a measurement approach.

PURPOSE: This paper aims to introduces a measure to assess the perceived effectiveness of multi-hospital organizations (MOs). DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A sample of top managers of non-profit hospitals serves as the study setting. Data were collected via mail surveys. Usable responses were obtained from 189 hospitals. The measure was developed by considering the instrumentality and effect components of a set of relevant motives for joining an MO. During the course of the study, three alternative formulations were examined. FINDINGS: Results show that the measures based on effect alone and a multiplicative combination of effect and instrumentality demonstrate sound psychometric properties. The recommendation here is to adopt the latter measure. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: The study was limited to a particular sample. Replications among other samples are needed to validate the current findings. Also, because the exact content of the objective function of a hospital for joining an MO is not necessarily constant over time, there is a need to conduct similar studies on a periodic basis. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The measure recommended here uses multiplicative/weighted instrumentality and effect scores as opposed to only the instrumentality or effect scores. This makes it possible to go beyond the mere "why" or "how" questions. Simultaneous consideration of instrumentality and effect dimensions affords a richer and more relevant understanding. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Valid and reliable measures of performance are critical for both managerial and research purposes. The measure proposed in the current study could be used in structural equation models to investigate the effect of individual actions on performance and the impact of performance on other outcome measures (e.g. intentions to stay in an MO).

Relationships between hospital-centered and multihospital-centered factors and perceived effectiveness: a canonical study of nonprofit hospitals.

This article reports on the results of a survey which investigated the nature of relationships between hospital and multihospital organization-centered factors and background characteristics, and multihospital organization effectiveness. Canonical correlation is employed in analyzing the data. Results and their implications are discussed.