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Spherical plasma lens models are known to suffer from a severe over-pressure problem, with some observations requiring lenses with central pressures up to millions of times in excess of the ambient ISM. There are two ways that lens models can solve the over-pressure problem: a confinement mechanism exists to counter the internal pressure of the lens, or the lens has a unique geometry, such that the projected column-density appears large to an observer. This occurs with highly asymmetric models, such as edge-on sheets or filaments, with potentially low volume-density. In the first part of this work we investigate the ability of non-magnetized plasma filaments to mimic the magnification of sources seen behind spherical lenses and we extend a theorem from gravitational lens studies regarding this model degeneracy. We find that for plasma lenses, the theorem produces unphysical charge density distributions. In the second part of the work, we consider the plasma lens over-pressure problem. Using magnetohydrodynamics, we develop a non self-gravitating model filament confined by a helical magnetic field. We use toy models in the force-free limit to illustrate novel lensing properties. Generally, magnetized filaments may act as lenses in any orientation with respect to the observer, with the most high density events produced from filaments with axes near the line of sight. We focus on filaments that are perpendicular to the line of sight that show the toroidal magnetic field component may be observed via the lens rotation measure., Comment: Accepted for publication in MNRAS. 19 pages, 10 figures. Comments welcome!

Objective. To implement and assess pharmacy students’ opinions of a new student organization that uses visual, linguistic, and performing arts to bring emotional support, joy, and healing to patients. Methods. Pro Me, an on-campus, community-service organization was formed at the Appalachian College of Pharmacy for students with talent or background in the arts. Members organized performances and art events at local assisted living facilities, long-term care facilities, hospitals, mobile medical clinics, schools, etc. The group also promoted various public health care initiatives. A survey was conducted to assess the impact of participation in the organization on members. Results. Pro Me began in March 2018 with 27 initial members. Approximately one year later, the organization had grown to 66 members and become the largest student organization on campus. During its first year, members participated in a wide array of community service events. On the survey, students reported having increased empathy and that participation in Pro Me had enhanced their overall pharmacy school experience. Conclusion. Establishing a performing arts organization like Pro Me at other pharmacy schools could provide students with a creative outlet, leadership opportunities, and patient contact experiences that can increase their compassion and empathy and thereby better prepare them to be practicing clinicians.