Simultaneous measurement of surface velocity and plasma density with interferometric velocimetry.

The apparent velocity measured by an interferometric surface velocimeter is a function of both the surface velocity and the time derivative of the refractive index along the measurement path. We employed this dual sensitivity to simultaneously measure km/s surface velocities and 1018 cm-3 average plasma densities with combined VISAR (velocity interferometer system for any reflector) and PDV (photonic Doppler velocimetry) measurements in experiments performed on the Z Pulsed Power Facility. We detail the governing equations, associated assumptions, and analysis specifics and show that the surface velocity can be extracted without knowledge of the specific plasma density profile.

The inductively driven transmission line: A passively coupled device for diagnostic applications on the Z pulsed power facility.

The inductively driven transmission line (IDTL) is a miniature current-carrying device that passively couples to fringe magnetic fields in the final power feed on the Z Pulsed Power Facility. The IDTL redirects a small amount of Z's magnetic energy along a secondary path to ground, thereby enabling pulsed power diagnostics to be driven in parallel with the primary load for the first time. IDTL experiments and modeling presented here indicate that IDTLs operate non-perturbatively on Z and that they can draw in excess of 150 kA of secondary current, which is enough to drive an X-pinch backlighter. Additional experiments show that IDTLs are also capable of making cleaner, higher-fidelity measurements of the current flowing in the final feed.

Immobilising giant unilamellar vesicles with zirconium metal-organic framework anchors.

Lipid bilayer vesicles have provided a window into the function and fundamental properties of cells. However, as is the case for most living and soft matter, vesicles do not remain still. This necessitates some microscopy experiments to include a preparatory immobilisation step. Here, we describe a straightforward method to immobilise giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) using zirconium-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and demonstrate that GUVs bound in this way will stay in position on a timescale of minutes to hours.

Central line catheterisation as a cause of vocal cord palsy.

We report an unusual case of vocal cord palsy secondary which developed following insertion of a central line. A 46-year-old gentleman was admitted with seizure activity and reduced GCS. Following failed attempts at establishing intravenous or intraosseous access, a central line was placed into the right internal jugular vein. After extubation, the patient was found to have a right vocal cord palsy. Contemporaneous computed tomography (CT) imaging of the neck and thorax was performed to determine the cause of the palsy. Although this CT was clear, review of the original trauma CT showed a haematoma within the right carotid sheath. This led to a diagnosis of neuropraxia secondary to haematoma from central venous catheterisation. The patient went on to make a full recovery. We discuss our case with review of previous literature and discussion of management in such situations.