The response of a floating ice sheet to an accelerating line load

The two-dimensional response of a thin, floating sheet of ice to a line load that accelerates from rest at $t = 0$ to a uniform velocity V for $t \geq T$ is determined through an integral-transform solution of the linearized equations of motion. If $T = 0$ – i.e. if the load is impulsively started with velocity V – the solution exhibits singularities at $V = c_0$, the shallow-water-gravity-wave speed, and $V = c_{\min}$, the minimum speed for transverse motion of the ice, but these singularities are avoided by the acceleration of the load through the critical speeds

The starfish experiment: a Lagrangian approach

The present paper analyses the free surface deformation of a liquid metal drop under the influence of an alternating magnetic field. The analysis is restricted to the first axi- symmetric mode oscillation. In the low frequency case, the electromagnetic forces are of gradient type and purely oscillatory. Without any viscous damping, it is then possible to build a Lagrangian function, which involves the kinetic energy, the gravitational energy, the surface energy and the electromagnetic energy. The time evolution of the pool height is easily obtained from the Lagrange equation. It is shown that the pool height behaves like a non-linear forced oscillator

Extended neuromuscular blockade with mivacurium following pancuronium

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/73891/1/j.1365-2346.1996.00989.x.pd

Teaching in Anaesthesia

Introduction. Anaesthesia offers unique learning opportunities for students and clinicians. It encompasses basic & applied sciences in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathophysiology and the understanding of important principles & concepts in physics, clinical measurement, and data interpretation, as well as practical skills, decision making and teamwork. An understanding of self-directed learning theory underpins effective clinical teaching. Pedagogic developments have supported progression from large group lectures to smaller group Problem Based Learning (PBL). Unlike other specialties, clinicians in anaesthesia have the advantage of a close learner-teacher relationship – typically 1:1. This allows the trainee to be involved in the practical patient management, especially during in-theatre teaching. A structured teaching and training environment remains essential to facilitate teaching programmes for both trainees’ education as well as trainers’ accreditation. As anaesthetic specialty training evolves, technology enhanced learning is introduced to deliver and (in part) assess the progress of training. Underperformance of health care workers is recognised more commonly than in the past and this may reflect improved supervision and educational governance. Deliberate reliance on trainee led engagement in training, teaching and assessment also exposes weaker trainees who lack the management & leadership skills and motivation. Appropriate support, coaching, mentorship & signposting ensure effective teaching & address stress related underperformance. Importantly, symptoms of underperformance must be recognised and acknowledged in order to tackle these problems at an early stage, and perhaps to improve outcome for the doctor concerned. It is estimated in 2003 that 13.4 million working days were lost from stress at the workplace in the UK (Palmer, 2003)

Nitrous oxide in modern anaesthetic practice

Nitrous oxide is an N-methyl--aspartate receptor antagonist and may reduce the incidence of chronic post-surgical pain. • Nitrous oxide oxidizes Vitamin B12 and can precipitate sub-acute combined degeneration of the cord with chronic use or in patients with folate/B12 deficiency. • Nitrous oxide expands air spaces and is contraindicated in patients with pneumothorax or recent (up to 4–6 weeks) ocular surgery using intraocular gas. • Nitrous oxide has global warming and ozone depletion potential and its concentration in the theatre environment is regulated. • The ENIGMA-II trial showed that nitrous oxide does not increase the risk of death or cardiovascular complications