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This paper introduces a novel approach for sampling the orbits of an N-body simulation. The gist of the method is to exploit individual phase-space coordinates acquired during integration of the equations of motion. This technique, which we dub ‘particle-based sampling scheme’, is tailor-made for resolving rapid time-variation of coordinates when needed. The PBaSS requires less disk space (by factors of 10 or more) to retrieve orbits at a chosen accuracy than those reconstructed using the classic snapshot approach. Furthermore, the PBaSS also allows a reconstruction of the system at any time-resolution not smaller than the smallest integration time-step in a post-simulation treatment, thus avoiding costly simulation reruns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disrupting memory reconsolidation provides an opportunity to abruptly reduce the behavioural expression of fear memories with long-lasting effects. The success of a reconsolidation intervention is, however, not guaranteed as it strongly depends on the destabilization of the memory. Identifying the necessary conditions to trigger destabilization remains one of the critical challenges in the field. We aimed to replicate a study from our lab, showing that the occurrence of a prediction error (PE) during reactivation is necessary but not sufficient for destabilization. We tested the effectiveness of a reactivation procedure consisting of a single PE, compared to two control groups receiving no or multiple PEs. All participants received propranolol immediately after reactivation and were tested for fear retention 24 h later. In contrast to the original results, we found no evidence for a reconsolidation effect in the single PE group, but a straightforward interpretation of these results is complicated by the lack of differential fear retention in the control groups. Our results corroborate other failed reconsolidation studies and exemplify the complexity of experimentally investigating this process in humans. Thorough investigation of the interaction between learning and memory reactivation is essential to understand the inconsistencies in the literature and to improve reconsolidation interventions., (© 2022. The Author(s).)