Savoring Uncertainty.

The first quantification of neural discharge from the carotid body of cats in response to hypoxia, hypercapnic acidosis, and their combination discovered a strong potentiating effect of hypoxia and hypercapnic acidosis combined as compared to either alone. This paper was the start of a research journey that eventually examined the regulation of blood and cerebrospinal pH by peripheral and central chemoreceptors in the setting of systemic acid-base alterations. This research focus was the result of the author's personal fascination with mountains and human adaptation to high altitude-an interest that led to his own ascent of Mount Everest in 1963.

Risk factors for relapse in health care professionals with substance use disorders.

Context: Substance use disorders among physicians are important and persistent problems. Considerable debate exists over whether use of major opioids, especially among anesthesiologists, is associated with a higher relapse rate compared with alcohol and nonopioids. Moreover, the risk factors for relapse with current treatment and monitoring strategies are unknown.

Specificity of H ion concentration as a carotid chemoreceptor stimulus.

The present study was designed to separate quantitatively the relative contributions of (H+) and Pco2 as chemoreceptor stimuli. The integrated electrical activity from the entire Hering's nerve of the cat was measured and correlated with values of (H+), Pco2, and Po2 of arterial blood. By utilizing a combination of respiratory and metabolic acidosis or alkalosis, the effect of (H+) on carotid body nerve activity could be separated from that of Pco2.