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Effective Alternative Method (effective + alternative_method)
Selected AbstractsAn alternative approach to the modification of talc for the fabrication of polypropylene/talc compositesJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 1 2007Tao Wang Abstract We report an alternative method to modify talc for use in the fabrication of composites of polypropylene (PP) and talc. Grinding pulverization is employed to prepare talc fillers (referred to hereafter as p -talc). The properties of composites made with p -talc compare favorably with composites made with pulverized talc that has been further treated with a silane coupling agent (referred to as s -talc). The morphology of PP/p -talc composites illustrates particle orientation and a uniform dispersion of pulverized talc in the PP matrix. Modulated DSC analysis shows the ability of p -talc and s -talc to nucleate PP crystallization. The mechanical properties (i.e., the dynamic modulus, tensile strength, and impact resistance) of the PP/p -talc composites are very similar to PP/s -talc composites. The modification of talc by grinding is thus a highly effective alternative method to prepare PP/talc composites that does not require chemical treatment of the talc. The pulverization method is simpler and less expensive in comparison to silane treatment. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007 [source] Is 3-dimensional volume sonography an effective alternative method to the standard 2-dimensional technique of measuring the nuchal translucency?JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND, Issue 3 2006Thomas D. Shipp MD Abstract Purpose: To determine whether 3-dimensional (3D) volume scanning is an effective alternative method of measuring nuchal translucency in first-trimester fetuses compared with the standard 2-dimensional (2D) technique, and to report a standardized method of evaluation. Methods: We measured the nuchal translucency of 29 fetuses between 11.4 and 13.9 weeks of age using the standard 2D sonographic technique with the fetus in a sagittal view. We then rescanned the fetus in a coronal orientation and obtained a 3D volume of the fetal neck area from crown to rump using a consistent technique. The sagittal orientation was reconstructed, and the width of the nuchal translucency was measured electronically using the reconstructed midsagittal view. The measurements using a conventional 2D sagittal view were then compared with the 3D reconstructed sagittal view. The nuchal translucency was adequately measured in all fetuses in which the 3D assessment was attempted. Results: The nuchal translucencies of 29 consecutive fetuses were measured using both 2D and 3D multiplanar reconstruction of the fetal neck. The mean ± standard deviation for the standard 2D assessment of the nuchal translucency was 1.7 ± 1.4 mm. Using 3D reconstruction of the Z plane, the measurement was 1.8 ± 1.6 mm. This was not a statistically significant difference (P = 0.4). There was a very high correlation between the two techniques (r = 0.984, P < 0.001). Conclusions: There is an excellent correlation between the measurements of the nuchal translucency using standard 2D scanning and those obtained from 3D multiplanar reconstruction of the Z plane. Using a consistent technique, the nuchal translucency can be accurately and reliably measured with a 3D rendering. This technique is potentially useful in fetuses that are not in an optimal position for standard 2D nuchal translucency measurement. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 34:118,122, 2006 [source] Advantages of laparoscopic stented choledochorrhaphy over T-tube placementBRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 7 2004A. M. Isla Background: Postoperative complications after laparoscopic choledochotomy are mainly related to the tube. Both laparoscopic endobiliary stent placement with primary closure of the common bile duct (CBD) and primary closure of the CBD without drainage have been proposed as safe and effective alternatives to -tube placement. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of data collected prospectively on 53 consecutive patients suffering from proven choledocholithiasis who underwent laparoscopic CBD exploration through a choledochotomy between January 1999 and January 2003. In the early period a -tube was placed at the end of the procedure (n = 32). Biliary stent placement and primary CBD closure was performed from June 2001 (n = 21). Results: There were no significant differences in epidemiological characteristics, preoperative factors or intraoperative findings between the groups. Seven patients developed complications, six in the -tube group and one in the stent group. Univariate analysis revealed a significantly lower morbidity rate and shorter postoperative hospital stay in the stent group. Conclusion: Placement of a biliary endoprosthesis after laparoscopic choledochotomy achieves biliary decompression, and avoids the complications of a tube, leading to a shorter postoperative hospital stay. The method is a safe and effective alternative method of CBD drainage after laparoscopic choledochotomy. Copyright © 2004 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] | ||||||||||