On modulating the self-assembly behaviors of poly(styrene-b-4-vinylpyridine)/octyl gallate blends in solution state via hydrogen bonding from different common solvents.

We have investigated the complexation-induced phase behavior of the mixtures of poly(styrene-b-4-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P4VP) and octyl gallate (OG) due to hydrogen bonding in different solvents. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic result indicates that the hydrogen-bonding was formed between the P4VP blocks and OG in both THF and DMF, implying the P4VP blocks can bind to OG. For PS-b-P4VP/OG mixture in chloroform, the morphological transitions were induced from the unimer configuration to swollen aggregate and complex-micelles by adding OG. Interestingly, the complex-micelles can lead the formation of the honeycomb structure from chloroform solution. The PS-b-P4VP/OG mixture in THF, behaving an amphiphilic diblock copolymer in solution state, exhibited a series of morphological transitions from sphere, pearl-necklace-liked rod, worm-liked rod, vesicle, to core-shell-corona aggregates by increasing the OG content. In contrast, the PS-b-P4VP/OG mixture in DMF maintained the unimer configuration upon adding OG. Therefore, the complexation-induced morphology of the mixtures of PS-b-P4VP and OG can be mediated by adopting different common solvents to affect the self-assembly behavior.

Medical team satisfaction with nurse practitioner clinical performance.

The nurse practitioner (NP) system aims to enhance medical care quality, prevent and reduce human errors in medical care, and instill a cooperative spirit in medical teams. Nationally and international studies indicate a high level of satisfaction with the NP system from patients and their family. However, the expectations and satisfaction of medical teams with NP clinical performance have not yet been clearly delineated. In this research, a sample of 255 physicians, nurses, and other medical staff were recruited from a medical center in central Taiwan. Questionnaires given to this sample addressed the three major aspects of: "NP System", "clinical practice content", and "performance of clinical professional competency". The Content Validity Index (CVI) of the questionnaire was .8981, and Cronbach's reliability values for the three aspects were .88, .94, and .89, respectively. Results indicate that physicians and nurses have a significant difference of opinions with regard to the three aspects addressed. Physicians have higher recognition and satisfaction of the "NP system" and "performance of clinical professional competency". Nurses tend to see "clinical practice content" as the major aspect. In conclusion, physicians and other medical staff had very positive attitudes towards the NP system and believed the clinical competency performance could be improved.

[Nurse practitioner's capability].

Nurse practitioner development affirms the social value of nursing staff and promotes the professional image of nursing. As the medical environment and doctor-patient relations change, how should a nurse practitioner carry out clinical care? Apart from having foundations in medical knowledge and high-quality nursing techniques, nurse practitioners must have other clinical skills, in order to break out of their former difficult position, promote nursing competitiveness, provide a multi -dimensional service, win the people's acclamation and develop international links.