Search

• Variables of ADS capability and guidance framework were designed based on TAM model. • Higher processing capability and graphic interface gained higher PB and trust. • The Higher the detecting capability, the slower the driver's take-over reaction. • PB mediated the effects of processing capability and guidance framework on trust. Individual trust can depend on the trade-off between perceived risk and perceived benefits (PBs). However, previous studies have primarily focused on risk-related factors, ignoring the potential trust factors of automated driving systems (ADS) in low-risk situations from the perspective of PBs. This study conceptualized the sub-dimensions of PB based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and examined the effects of two types of automation capability—processing capability and detecting capability—and interactive guidance framework on driving performance and driver trust in a simulated level 3 ADS. Results showed that processing capability and interactive guidance framework were critical factors in drivers' PB and trust in the ADS. Higher processing capability and the use of a graphic interface were associated with increased PB and trust. Detecting capability affected driving performance, earlier ADS detection corresponded with slower driver reaction times. PB mediated the effects of processing capability and interactive guidance framework on trust. These findings enhance the understanding of human trust in ADS from the PB perspective and provide guidance for designing guided tutorials and interactive guidance program to improve human trust and human-ADS interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automated vehicles (AVs) are not yet widely accepted by the public, and the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to lead to a shift in attitudes toward travel modes and vehicles because of travel restrictions and the risk of viral transmission. Therefore, it is necessary to understand how AVs are being accepted by the public during the pandemic. This study investigated public acceptance of AVs across two periods of the COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control in China via 19-question online surveys, including the travel modes, AVs acceptance, and sociodemographic. A total of 429 responses were collected. Results showed that the public acceptance of AVs was on the positive side, but was diverse in items: the average extra cost willing to pay for a fully AV was 28,855.88 CNY (4116.39 USD), and 26.8% of respondents were not willing to pay for it. Respondents agreed on the benefits of AVs and are concerned about legal liability for drivers and fuel economy, and had a positive attitude of commercial AVs. Most acceptance items had differences between the pandemic periods, indicating that people were more willing to accept AVs during period with higher risk of infection. However, only the difference in perceived benefits of AV of ensuring social distance was statistically significant. Gender, age, and ownership of vehicle had greater effects on AVs acceptance, while driving ability and driving experience had small effects on it. This survey can provide insights for studies examining the acceptance of AVs across time, and exploring factors influencing AVs acceptance. • Surveys of public acceptance of AVs spanned periods before and after the removal of mobility restrictions. • The acceptance of AVs was slightly more negative than in past surveys in terms of general opinion and willingness to pay. • Sociodemographic variables had significant effects on the acceptance of AVs, but were diverse. • There was significant effect of the pandemic period on perceived benefits of ensuring social distance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recycling construction and demolition (C&D) wastes into useable aggregates in subgrade applications offers significant sustainability benefits. However, the characteristics of recycled aggregates, including particle morphology, crushing strength, and shear behavior, differ substantially from natural aggregates. This paper presented an extensive experimental study on the compaction and mechanics performances of recycled concrete and brick aggregates, with a particular focus on the effects of particle breakage and shape characteristics. The compaction of recycled aggregate specimens comprising three structural types was evaluated using heavy Marshall compaction (HMC) and Superpave gyratory compaction (SGC). The compaction characteristics and particle breakage were examined, enabling a profound understanding of the compaction mechanisms associated with both methods. Furthermore, triaxial shear tests were performed to scrutinize the influences of particle shape, compaction degree, and confining pressure on shear characteristics. Results showed that after 80 gyratory rotations in SGC, the compaction degree of recycled aggregates aligned with the targeted results obtained from HMC. Changes in fractal dimension after compaction exhibited direct correlations with the two-dimensional shape distribution. Axial coefficient, fractal dimension and confining pressure most strongly influenced shear strength. In light of these insights, prediction models for shear strength parameters were proposed using multiple regression analysis. Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the relationships between aggregate morphology, compaction response, breakage behavior, and shear performance. These findings can facilitate optimized design and construction using recycled aggregates to advance sustainable infrastructure development. • Image analysis quantitatively characterized morphology of recycled aggregates. • Significant crushing occurred during compaction, especially for coarser gradations. • Shear testing showed strain-hardening behavior followed expected trends. • Regression models successfully predicted shear strength from shape, density and pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technology is an effective approach to reducing CO 2 emissions. Given the extensive range of existing technologies within the CCU framework, systematic methods for the optimal selection of economical and sustainable CCU pathways are crucial. To address this challenge, superstructure-based process design has emerged as a popular approach. Over the past several years, numerous contributions have been made in this area. This article provides an overview of surrogate models widely used in process synthesis and introduces mathematical methods for superstructure-based CCU process design. Recent advances in superstructure-based CCU process design are discussed across six selected application areas, including multistage separations for CO 2 capture, CO 2 thermochemical conversion, CO 2 electrochemical conversion, bioenergy with CCU, CO 2 transport network design, and energy systems design in CCU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in asphalt are investigated. • Factors influencing the emissions of VOCs in modified asphalt are analyzed. • A correlation between the release of VOCs and asphalt performance is built. With the booming construction of asphalt pavements, the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emission becomes a growing threat to the environment and people's health. This paper aimed to investigate the impact of Buton rock asphalt (BRA) on VOCs emissions and the high-temperature rheological properties of modified asphalt. The investigation encompassed four different levels of BRA content, heating temperatures, and exposure durations, which were subjected to range analysis to ascertain the emission characteristics of BRA modified asphalt in terms of VOCs. Furthermore, the high-temperature rheological properties were assessed through dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) tests, and the correlation between asphalt VOCs characteristics and performance indicators was analyzed. The results showed that the emissions of VOCs increase significantly with rising temperatures and longer exposure to light. However, the incorporation of a 50% BRA modifier effectively reduced VOCs emissions by 8.84% while improving the high-temperature properties of asphalt. Additionally, a positive correlation was observed between the emission behavior of asphalt VOCs and the rheological properties of BRA modified asphalt. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the environmental effect of BRA modified asphalt and it's potential as a sustainable alternative to traditional asphalt materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aims of this study were to explore factors that associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and to determine the relationship between early maternal HbA1c levels and adverse fetal or neonatal events, and to determine an optimal maternal glucose testing method in order to decrease the potential health risk for their offspring.Methods: From December 2015 to May 2016, a total of 6744 pregnant women were enrolled from Shanghai First Maternal and Infant Hospital affiliated to Tongji University prospectively in the nested case-control study. Each GDM case was matched with a healthy pregnant woman and followed up. Outcome analyses were conducted between GDM case and control groups, as well as elevated and normal maternal HbA1c levels, respectively.Results: A total of 1836 women were included in the adverse fetal and neonatal events examination. For pregnant women with early HbA1c ≥ 5.2%, the adjusted risk ratios (RR) of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), pneumonia and jaundice were 4.37 (95%CI 1.54-12.35), 2.03 (95%CI 1.24-3.33) and 1.49 (95%CI 1.01-2.20), respectively. After treatments, the frequency for the majority of events in GDM group was similar to that of healthy pregnant women. Moreover, the area under the curve (AUC) of early maternal HbA1c in predicting potential RDS is 0.734. HbA1c ≤ 4.9% excluded for RDS.Conclusions: Compared with women with normal HbA1c, those with an early elevated HbA1c level were more likely to develop adverse events, including RDS, pneumonia and jaundice. Early HbA1c testing can be used as an auxiliary method identifying potential RDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A recent study indicated that upstroke time per cardiac cycle (UTCC) in lower extremities is equivalent to ankle-brachial index (ABI) in diagnosing peripheral arterial disease and in predicting cardiovascular mortality. In this study, we aimed to compare ABI and UTCC in relation to target organ damage. A cohort of 1841 elderly participants from the Northern Shanghai Study was studied. ABI and UTCC were measured using VP-1000 device. Target organ damage including left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction, carotid intima-media thickness and plaque, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (CF-PWV), and renal damage, were evaluated by standardized methods. In correlation analysis, ABI and UTCC both significantly correlated with CF-PWV, carotid plaque, and estimated glomerular filtration rate, but not with cardiac damage. Compared with ABI, UTCC showed stronger correlation with CF-PWV. When ABI and UTCC separately put into fully adjusted multivariate logistic regression models, both ABI (OR: 2.27; 95% CI: 1.63–3.17) and UTCC (OR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.18–2.24) significantly associated with carotid plaque, but only UTCC significantly associated with increased CF-PWV (OR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.15–2.42) and renal damage (OR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.07–2.47). When ABI and UTCC both put into multivariate stepwise logistic regression models together with covariates, consistent results were observed. In ROC curve analysis, after adjusted for cofounding factors, UTCC showed slightly greater area under curve than ABI in detecting increased CF-PWV (area under curve: 0.79 vs. 0.78; P =.008); however, no difference was observed between UTCC and ABI in discriminating renal damage and carotid plaque. In conclusion, compared with ABI, UTCC showed significantly stronger association with vascular and renal damage in this elderly Chinese cohort. Highlights • Upstroke time (UT) significantly associates with most traditional CV risk factors. • Compared with ankle-brachial index, UT is better in discriminating target organ damage. • UT may be a useful tool for diagnosing peripheral arterial disease and stratifying CV risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reveal the meso-mechanical mechanism of shear behaviors in the graded crushed rocks (GCRs), which are heterogeneous in geometry and widely used in the flexible pavement, a numerical technique was proposed to simulate the geometric anisotropy of the GCRs using randomly generated models. Then, studies on meso-mechanical responses during the loading were performed through the biaxial shear test and California bearing ratio (CBR) test. The results showed that the changes of both friction and anisotropy had a similar trend with the particle size enlarging in the dense assembly, which maintain stable when the size is less than 3.0 mm. In addition, the breaking sieve (BS) between coarse and fine aggregates was six times of the base diameter (0.8 mm). The predicted shear properties in macrostructure were in good agreement with those laboratory measurements. For the shear behaviors, the fractures and force chains were mainly distributed in the area of action that was limited by force size and side boundary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to investigate the prevalence of central hypertension and its association with target organ damage (TOD). 1983 community-dwelling elderly Chinese people were recruited for this analysis. Brachial and central blood pressure (BP) were measured by an oscillometric device and SphygmoCor (type I device), respectively. Brachial hypertension was defined by brachial systolic BP/diastolic BP ≥140/90 mmHg or using antihypertensive medications. Central hypertension was defined by central systolic BP/diastolic BP ≥130/90 mmHg or using antihypertensive medications. TOD included left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, and urinary albumin-creatinine ratio. In this cohort, there were 563 (28.4%) brachial and central consistent normotension, 46 (2.3%) isolated brachial hypertension, 27 (1.4%) isolated central hypertension, and 1347 (67.9%) brachial and central combined hypertension (BCCH). In analysis of variance, BCCH showed significantly higher levels in all TOD than brachial and central consistent normotension. In multiple logistic regression, all TOD were significantly associated with BCCH (left ventricular hypertrophy: adjusted odds ratios [95% confidence interval] = 2.03 [1.55, 2.68]; left ventricular diastolic dysfunction: 2.29 [1.53, 3.43]; carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity >10 m/s: 3.41 [2.55, 4.58]; urinary albumin-creatinine ratio >30 mg/g: 1.97 [1.58, 2.44]), rather than isolated brachial hypertension or isolated central hypertension. In conclusion, central hypertension was prevalent (69.3%) in this elderly cohort. BCCH was independently and significantly associated with cardiac, arterial, and renal damage. This finding implies that both brachial and central BPs need to be considered for managing hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel fiber optic temperature sensor based on multimode interference is proposed. • The sensitivity is improved by splicing NCFs with different diameters and tapered fusion. • An ultra-high temperature sensitivity of −14.448 nm/K is achieved. • The reproductivity and repeatability of the proposed sensor are remarkable. For the advancement of temperature monitoring devices, research into high sensitivity fiber optic temperature sensors is valuable. This research suggests a fiber optic temperature sensor with great sensitivity. Specifically, the NCF (no core fiber) spliced with various diameters is employed within the multimode interference region of the typical SNS (single mode fiber-no core fiber-single mode fiber) sensor. The morphology of the splice sites connecting two NCFs is also regulated by fusing. The mixture of ethanol and glycerol is used to coat the entire structure. According to the experimental results, the proposed sensor can achieve a temperature sensitivity of −14.448 nm/°C. Additionally, the sensor has good performance in repeatability and temperature cycling thanks to its simple, dependable structure. It is anticipated that the relevant results will be useful for the development and applications of precise temperature measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to investigate the association of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) with central and peripheral hemodynamics. A total of 1599 community-based senior residents (aged ≥ 65 years) in northern Shanghai, China, were recruited as of August 2015. Echocardiography was performed for each participant using the MyLab30 Gold CV system. According to the recommendations from the American Society of Echocardiography, the ratio of E (peak early diastolic transmitral flow velocity) to E′ (early diastolic lateral mitral annulus velocity) was assessed for the evaluation of LVDD. Central blood pressure (BP) components were measured using the SphygmoCor system. In community older population (72.7 ± 6.01 years), brachial systolic BP (mm Hg) was higher than central systolic BP (141.9 ± 19.5 vs. 130.3 ± 20.1 mm Hg). A total of 214 subjects (13.4%) showed LVDD, and female showed higher prevalence of diastolic dysfunction than male (17.3% vs. 8.4%, P < .01). After adjustment for confounding variables, only central systolic BP, not brachial systolic BP, was significantly associated with E/E′ in the total population. Similar result was found in the subgroup analysis (participants without antihypertensive agents treatment, man, woman). Similar findings were obtained for the pulse pressure (PP) analysis. Within central hemodynamics, only central PP, but not central systolic BP or augmentation pressure, was significantly associated with E/E′ after adjustment. When LVDD was defined by E/E′ and other echocardiographic parameters, our findings remained unaltered in the multivariate logistic regression with similar adjustment in the total population and subgroup analysis. In the Chinese elderly cohort, central hemodynamics, especially central PP, is superior to other BP components in identifying LVDD (NCT02368938). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A method for modeling and analyzing multiteam coordination task safety risks is proposed. • The multiteam coordination process is modeled by combining FRAM and multiteam system (MTS). • The multiplex network of inter-team functional interdependence is developed to investigate the MTS coordination structure. • The variability impact matrix is used to analyze MTS coordination process variability and corresponding safety risks. • The proposed method was applied to the shield tunneling construction scenarios. The dynamically changing working environment and complex task requirements in modern industries emphasize the necessity of multiteam with different functions to work collaboratively. The multiteam coordination performance dominates the task process and the achievement of the superordinate goal, which will inevitably influence task safety. Although previous research has broadly identified the importance of inter-team cooperation to task performance, the analysis of the relationship between multiteam coordination structure, process, and system safety has not been fully addressed. Moreover, there is still a lack of an effective method to quantitatively analyze the functional interdependencies, interaction processes, and potential safety risks among teams in multiteam coordination tasks. Based on the construction industry background, this study combines FRAM and multiplex network to describe the multiteam coordination structure and task process variability. The relationship between multiteam coordination performance and construction safety risk is qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed. Case studies are adopted to verify the feasibility of the proposed method. The findings demonstrate the method's advantages in revealing the details of the influence of multiteam coordination performance on complex task safety, which is beneficial for developing targeted countermeasures to control safety risks from the perspective of the multiteam system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To investigate the effect of a home-based, nurse-led health program on quality of life and family function for postoperative patients with early-stage cervical cancer. Method 226 cervical cancer patients, from two hospitals between December 2012 and April 2014, were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. Patients in the intervention group received an individual home-based, nurse-led health program (family-care team provision, physiological rehabilitation, emotion-release management, informal social support system, and follow-up monitoring), in addition to conventional nursing education. Patients in the control group only received conventional nursing education. The Functional Assessment Cancer Therapy-Cervix, Female Sexual Function Index, and the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale were used for assessment before and after the intervention. Results After the intervention, significant improvements were found for the quality of life total scores ( t = − 7 . 650 , p = 0 . 000 ), sexual function scores ( t = − 6 . 465 , p = 0 . 00 0), cohesion scores ( t = − 8 . 417 , p = 0 . 001 ) and adaptability scores ( t = − 10 . 735 , p = 0 . 000 ) in the intervention group. Moreover, proportions of family types were also improved (χ2 = 17.77, p = 0 . 000 ). However, for the control group, no significant differences were found except for a decrease in sexual function scores (t = −4.035, p = 0 . 000 ). Significant differences in change scores between groups were also found for quality of life ( F = 41 . 980 , p = 0 . 000 ), Sexual function ( F = 37 . 380 , p = 0 . 000 ), cohesion ( F = 15 . 268 , p = 0 . 000 ) and adaptability ( F = 16 . 998 , p = 0 . 000 ). Conclusion A home-based, nurse-led health promotion program improves the quality of life, sexual function and family function in postoperative patients with early-stage cervical cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of different blood pressure (BP) categories on risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and mortality, and to evaluate the optimal range of BP in patients after stroke in rural areas of China.Methods: We performed a post hoc analysis of 1058 patients with a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack from the Northeast China Rural Cardiovascular Health Study. The average follow-up systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were categorized into 10-mm Hg increments. The primary outcome was a composite of death due to any cause, nonfatal coronary heart disease, and nonfatal stroke. The secondary outcomes were recurrent stroke, CVD events, CVD mortality, and all-cause mortality.Results: The relationship between BP (systolic and diastolic) followed a J- or U-shaped curve with primary and secondary outcomes, with increased event rates at low and high BP values, both unadjusted variables and after adjustment for baseline confounding variables. The event rates were lowest in the SBP of 110-119 and DBP of 80-89 mm Hg. Patients with a BP lower than 110/70 or 140/90 mm Hg or higher had a significantly increased risk of worse outcomes.Conclusions: For stroke survivors, a J- or U-shaped curve association exists between BP and the risk of future CVD events and mortality, with the lowest event rates in the BP range of 110-119 systolic and 80-89 diastolic. SBPs of 110-139 and DBPs of 70-89 are the appropriate range for patients after stroke in rural areas of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile strategy for the synthesis of isatins in high yield from N -alkyl-2-oxo-acetanilides has been developed via Friedel–Crafts alkylation using FeCl 3 as catalyst under air. This reaction proceeds through direct intramolecular addition and oxidation in one pot. Also this methodology is operationally simple, atom economical, and environment friendly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new method has been developed for the copper(I)-mediated trifluoromethylthiolation of α-bromoketone using commercial anhydrous potassium fluoride, elemental sulfur, and (trifluoromethyl)-trimethylsilane in anhydrous N , N -dimethylformamide. This protocol provides facile access to a variety of α-trifluoromethylthiolated carbonyl compounds in moderate to excellent yields under mild and ligand free conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A short and efficient synthesis of (+)-subersic acid in 6 steps with an overall yield of 8.6% from (−)-Sclareol was presented using Mitsunobu reaction and Claisen rearrangement as critical steps. This elegant protocol gave a convenient access to gram scales of (+)-subersic acid, which could be a precursor for its structural analogues and for further bioactivity researches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A MEMS microphone was studied via mixed flowing gas test and shock impact test. [•] Wire bond detaching was due to the nickel diffusion through the pad metallization. [•] Membrane embrittlement was due to the growth of surface silicon dioxide thin film. [•] Failures under shock impact were cracking of the diaphragm, backplate and runner. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A versatile and highly efficient approach for the synthesis of nitroarenes from aromatic amine using m-CPBA has been developed. This oxidation reaction was operationally straightforward and proceeded to afford products in good isolated yields. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Liquid crystal polymer (LCP) and silicone adhesives are widely used in electronics manufacturing. The integrity of the adhesion between the two materials is crucial to the reliability of electronic products, however, the adhesion mechanism and associated reliability has not been thoroughly understood. In this paper, the adhesion mechanism between a commonly used LCP and a silicone adhesive is evaluated by employing the 85°C/85% RH temperature humidity test, autoclave test, boiling water test (BWT), and dry air reflow aging test. The effects of different plasma treatments of the LCP surface are evaluated by the surface analysis methods, namely XPS and FTIR–ATR spectroscopy, as well as the surface roughness and energy measurements. Moreover, the adhesion strength between the LCP and silicone adhesive is measured by a shear strength tester. The shear strength testing process is simulated by the finite element method for a better understanding of the failure mechanism. The experimental results indicate that the adhesion between the LCP and silicone adhesive is based solely on the hydrogen bonds. It is found that the humidity significantly weakens the adhesion strength between the LCP and silicone adhesive. This is related to the breakdown of hydrogen bonds when water molecules are introduced to the system. Furthermore, the reflow test shows that the weakened adhesion strength can be recovered by removing the moisture from the interface. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: As a result of the ever-shortening time to market of new electronic products there is a clear need to make the currently employed reliability assessment procedures more efficient. However, while trying to achieve these cost savings it is important to pay attention to how much reliability tests can be accelerated without producing misleading lifetime statistics or irrelevant failure modes and mechanisms. Therefore, the primary objective of this work was to clarify the effects of impact repetition frequency on the lifetime and failure mechanisms of electronic component boards. The reliability assessments were conducted with four package types (BGA288, BGA144, QFN72, and μSMD36) with the intention of including different package dimensions and interconnection shapes and sizes in the scope of evaluation. Three shock impact repetition frequencies (0.01Hz, 0.1Hz, and 1.6Hz) were used to study the sensitivity of their lifetime to the time between the shock impacts. The results showed that the impact repetition frequency has a significant effect on the average lifetime of the studied packages: the average number of impacts-to-failure increased with increased impact repetition frequency. A change in the impact repetition frequency did not, however, change the primary failure mode and the failure mechanism. In order to explain this observation, the formation of residual stresses in the solder interconnections from shock impacts and their relaxation during the time between the shock impacts were evaluated by employing FEM, which showed that at room temperature the stress relaxation by creep of solder is significant even at less than 10s time frame. The effect of the stress relaxation on the lifetime of the component boards was studied experimentally by repeating the impact tests at elevated temperature with the intention of influencing rate of stress relaxation. The results showed that the relaxation of the residual stresses has a significant effect on the component boards shock reliability (at less than 1% risk level). The results presented in this paper indicate that the impact repetition frequency should be taken into account, especially when reliability assessments are being carried out with different testers, since the interval between the shock impacts varies from one test system to another. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effects of package temperature on failure mechanisms and lifetimes under mechanical shock loading were studied with the help of five different types of high-density packages (a WL-CSP and four CSP-BGAs) assembled on both double-layer and multi-layer FR4 boards. The localized heating of the packages by means of integrated heating elements was utilized in order to produce similar hot spots to those occurring in products in service. The results showed that the temperature can have a significant effect on the lifetimes of component boards under mechanical shock loading but that the effect varied according to the structures of the component boards. The average number of drops to failure of the WL-CSP component boards increased significantly with an increase in the temperature of the package, while the average number of drops to failure of the CSP-BGA component boards generally decreased. On the other hand, the drop reliability of one out of four CSP-BGA component board types was insensitive to temperature. The failure modes and mechanisms were clarified with the help of physical failure analyses that revealed different failure modes in the component boards. Furthermore, depending on the component board type, the primary failure mode may change with temperature from that identified at room temperature. Particular attention was paid to the nucleation and propagation of cracks at different test temperatures. Computational case studies were designed in order to identify the significance of a change in temperature on three factors: (a) the stiffness of the PWB; (b) the strength and elastic modulus of the solder, and (c) the thermomechanical loads. The influences of each factor on the strains and stresses in the proximity of the solder interconnections were evaluated by means of the finite element method. The results of the statistical and physical failure analyses were rationalized with the help of the results from the finite element analyses. They showed that the effects of a change in temperature on the lifetimes of the component boards under mechanical shock loading can be explained by changes in the nucleation site and/or the propagation of cracks. The results presented in this paper point out that single-load reliability tests can form an incomplete understanding of the failure mechanisms in real service environments and modifications to the currently employed reliability test standards that are needed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: Smoking is a major risk factor for peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and PAD is associated with all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. The objective of this study was to determine the combined effects of smoking and PAD on all-cause and CVD mortality. Methods: A total of 1979 males 35 years of age or older were enrolled from eight university-affiliated hospitals in Beijing and Shanghai in 2004, with both smoking status and PAD diagnosis obtained, 1712 of them had complete follow-up data. Mortality data were obtained from all participants between December 2007 and February 2008. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate relative risks (RRs) of all-cause mortality and CVD mortality among different groups. Results: At baseline, the average age of participants was 66.98-years-old (SD = 11.57), prevalence of PAD was 24.0% and 65.4% smoked cigarettes. During the 3-year follow-up, all-cause cumulative mortality rates were 27.9% (PAD/smoker), 26.3% (PAD/nonsmoker), 14.1% (no PAD/smoker), and 14.4% (no PAD/nonsmoker) (P < .001), and CVD cumulative mortality rates were 17.8%, 14.9%, 8.1%, and 7.3%, respectively (P < .001). Compared with the no PAD/nonsmoker subjects, adjusted RR from all-cause mortality in the groups of both PAD/smoker, PAD/nonsmoker, and no PAD/smoker were 1.88 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.34-2.64), 1.37 (95% CI, 0.85-2.23), and 1.08 (95% CI, 0.79-1.49), respectively. The adjusted RR from CVD mortality was 2.12 (95% CI, 1.37-3.28), 1.55 (95% CI, 0.84-2.86), and 1.13 (95% CI, 0.74-1.71), respectively. Conclusion: PAD is a major determinant of mortality. Smoking did not contribute to mortality in this study. Further research is needed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The soil-rock mixture (SRM) is an excellent composite filler for subgrade, due to its renewable sources and high structural strength. It is still a challenge to evaluate the impact of gravel content (GC) and gravel shape on the shear behaviour of SRM in pavement engineering, due to the complex and uncontrollable microstructure of SRM. Thus, the aims of the study were: (i) to experimentally analyze the influence of GC and shape distribution of limestone and basalt gravels on shear strength of SRM at various stress conditions; and (ii) to numerically investigate the difference of mesoscale characteristics between SRM models considering irregular shape and proportion by discrete element method (DEM). The test results in the laboratory showed that the Gray correlation of gravel shape on shear strength was greater than that of GC. The numerical results showed that the developed DEM model could accurately predict the mechanical properties and deformation behavior of SRM. As GC increased, the contribution of contact force within gravel particles increased. Meanwhile, the interlocking work had a nonlinear positive correlation with the increase of sphericity. This study implied that morphological characteristics of gravel should be paid more attention to during the design of the SRM subgrade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Both dyslipidemia and hypertension are important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Studies have found that there is a higher risk of dyslipidemia among hypertensive patients. This study was designed to investigate the epidemiologic features of some forms of dyslipidemia in rural hypertensive adults in China. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted during 2004 to 2006 through a cluster multistage sampling of a resident group of 6412 hypertensive individuals (2805 men and 3607 women), aged ≥ 35 years, in the countryside of Liaoning, China. The cutpoints of lipid phenotypes were based on the 1992 recommendations of the European Atherosclerosis Society. Results: The most prevalent abnormality was isolated hypercholesterolemia (34.1% for men and 37.3% for women). Mixed dyslipidemias was the second most prevalent abnormality (14.3%). Isolated hypertriglyceridemia was observed in 5.6% of the sample. The prevalence of normotriglyceridemic hypoalphalipoproteinemia and severe dyslipidemia was 2.0% and 3.3%, respectively. Only a few samples had the abnormality of hypertriglyceridemia/hypoalphalipoproteinemia (.8% for men and .3% for women). The prevalence of isolated hypertriglyceridemia, mixed dyslipidemias, and severe dyslipidemia was higher in diabetic patients compared with nondiabetic patients, in either men or women. Compared with those of normal weight, obese men had a higher prevalence of mixed dyslipidemias and hypertriglyceridemia/hypoalphalipoproteinemia, whereas isolated hypertriglyceridemia was prevalent in both genders. Conclusion: The prevalence of lipid phenotypes among these hypertensive patients was relatively high, even in rural China. Diabetes and obesity, the modifiable risk factors, increased the likelihood of having several forms of an atherogenic lipid profile. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]