Research of Compressive and Shear Stiffness of Laminated Elastomeric Structures

Analytical and experimental research stiffness characteristics of laminated packet are presented in this work. Package consists of alternating thin elastomeric and metallic layers jointed by vulcanization or gluing. Such packages are used in machine building, shipbuilding, civil engineering as compensating devices. The analytical expression of “compressive force – displacement” dependence is derived for the flat thin layered rubber – metal element on the basis of the variational principle; force is directed flatwise. The analytical expression of “shear force – deformation” is derived for the pre-compressed rubber-metal element. Analytical solution was confirmed by experimental data for flat packet in the shape of rectangular prism

Non-stationary vibration studying based on singular spectrum analysis

In this paper nonstationary vibrations are studied by means singular spectrum analysis (SSA) – a model-free method of time series analysis and forecasting. SSA allows decomposing the nonstationary time series into trend, periodic components and noise and forecasting subsequent behavior of system. The method can be successfully used for processing the signals from the vibrating constructional elements and machine parts. This paper shows application of this method for random and nonlinear vibrations study on the examples of construction elements vibration under seismic action

Optimization of characteristics of multilayer spherical control joint-hinge stiffness

In this work the analytical expression is derived on the basis of the variational method for the evaluation of angular stiffness characteristics of the spherical multilayered elastomeric package joint-hinge subjected to loading with hinge moment and hydrostatic pressure on the lateral surfaces. Joint-package consists of alternating metallic and thin elastomeric layers. Metallic plates-layers are assumed to be rigid. It is demonstrated that the hydrostatic pressure can both mitigate and "harden" the hinge angular stiffness characteristics depending on which side surface of the elastomeric layer it is applied. Obtained relationships allow solving problems of optimal design, operation and control program selection for compensating joints of this type

Do patients prefer optimistic or cautious psychiatrists? An experimental study with new and long-term patients

Abstract Background Patients seeking treatment may be assumed to prefer a psychiatrist who suggests a new treatment with confidence and optimism. Yet, this might not apply uniformly to all patients. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that new patients prefer psychiatrists who present treatments optimistically, whilst patients with longer-term experience of mental health care may rather prefer more cautious psychiatrists. Methods In an experimental study, we produced video-clips of four psychiatrists, each suggesting a pharmacological and a psychological treatment once with optimism and once with caution. 100 \u2018new\u2019 patients with less than 3\ua0months experience of mental health care and 100 \u2018long-term\u2019 patients with more than one year of experience were shown a random selection of one video-clip from each psychiatrist, always including an optimistic and a cautious suggestion of each treatment. Patients rated their preferences for psychiatrists on Likert type scales. Differences in subgroups with different age (18\u201340 vs. 41\u201365 years), gender, school leaving age (\u226416 vs. >16\ua0years), and diagnosis (ICD 10\ua0F2 vs. others) were explored. Results New patients preferred more optimistic treatment suggestions, whilst there was no preference among long-term patients. The interaction effect between preference for treatment presentations and experience of patients was significant (interaction p -value\u2009=\u20090.003). Findings in subgroups were similar. Conclusion In line with the hypothesis, psychiatrists should suggest treatments with optimism to patients with little experience of mental health care. However, this rule does not apply to longer-term patients, who may have experienced treatment failures in the past

Adrenocortical oncocytic neoplasm presenting with Cushing's syndrome: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Oncocytic neoplasms occur in several organs and are most commonly found in the thyroid, kidneys and salivary glands. Oncocytic neoplasms of the adrenal cortex are extremely rare and are usually non-functioning.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We report the case of an adrenocortical oncocytic neoplasm with uncertain malignant potential in a 31-year-old man with Cushing's syndrome. The patient had been operated on following diagnosis of a 7 cm adrenal mass. Following surgery, the Cushing's syndrome resolved. The patient is still alive with no metastases one year after the surgery.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Adrenocortical oncocytic neoplasms must be considered in the differential diagnosis of both functioning and non-functioning adrenal masses.</p

Interstitial cystitis: a rare manifestation of primary Sjögren’s syndrome, successfully treated with low dose cyclosporine

Chronic interstitial cystitis (IC), mostly affecting middle-aged women, is a very rare manifestation of primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS). Hereby, we report a 42-year-old woman with pSS, presenting with dysuria, urinary frequency, and suprapubic pain. She was diagnosed to have chronic IC, based upon the cystoscopic biopsy finding of chronic inflammation in the bladder wall. Systemic corticosteroid and azathioprine treatments together with local intravesical therapies were not effective. Therefore, cyclosporine (CSA) therapy was initiated. Initial low dose of CSA (1.5 mg/kg/d) improved the symptoms of the patient, with no requirement for dose increment. After 4 months of therapy, control cystoscopic biopsy showed that bladder inflammation regressed and IC improved. This case suggests that even low doses of CSA may be beneficial for treating chronic IC associated with pSS syndrome