Membrane mechanics dictate axonal pearls-on-a-string morphology and function.

Axons are ultrathin membrane cables that are specialized for the conduction of action potentials. Although their diameter is variable along their length, how their morphology is determined is unclear. Here, we demonstrate that unmyelinated axons of the mouse central nervous system have nonsynaptic, nanoscopic varicosities ~200 nm in diameter repeatedly along their length interspersed with a thin cable ~60 nm in diameter like pearls-on-a-string.

Validation of a general-use high flux isotope reactor-specific metaheuristic optimization framework for isotope production target design.

Currently, advanced optimization methods are limited for isotope production (IP) campaigns at the US Department of Energy's High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) located at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), leading to years of conservative and historical approaches with minimal innovation. Moreover, the growing demand for new and existing isotopes is beginning to challenge the capacity of HFIR. This work explores the development and integration of metaheuristic (MH) optimization techniques for more efficient target design and irradiation strategies.

State Variation in Medicare Reimbursement for the Top 100 Cardiothoracic Surgery Procedures, 2013-2022.

Objective We analyzed changes in reimbursement rates for cardiothoracic surgery procedures from 2013 to 2022 to identify interstate variance and compare changes in reimbursement between procedural groups. Methods The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services database was analyzed to find the 100 highest-grossing cardiothoracic surgery CPT codes from 2013 to 2022. Medicare Administrative Contractor codes were utilized to identify reimbursement for each state.

Changes in Medicare Reimbursement for Top Burn Surgery Procedures by State Between 2011 and 2022.

This study analyzed the geographic variation in annual Medicare reimbursement changes for common burn surgery procedures from 2011 to 2022 to clarify trends in reimbursement. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services' Physician fee schedule database was analyzed to find state-by-state reimbursement rates for the most common burn surgery procedures. Physician reimbursement was adjusted for inflation utilizing the consumer price index.