Contrasting activity patterns of two related octopus species, Octopus macropus and Octopus vulgaris.

Octopus macropus and Octopus vulgaris have overlapping habitats and are exposed to similar temporal changes. Whereas the former species is described as nocturnal in the field, there are conflicting reports about the activity time of the latter one. To compare activity patterns, the authors tested both species in the laboratory.

Segmentation of the EEG by minimization of the total gain in information.

A new procedure for detecting departures from constancy of the parameters of a probabilistic model over a period of time is proposed. It basically consists of specification of a joint probability distribution for data and models and minimization of the total gain in information. In contrast to conventional techniques, this procedure can be used to determine both the number of different models and the positions of the points at which the switches from one model to another occur.

[Circadian neuroendocrinologic profile in patients with multiple drug abuse].

13 cases of politoxicomania that had undergone stationary treatment and, at the time of observation, were in rehabilitation, comprised the case load of this study. They were compared with 10 test persons in good state of health. In order to obtain circadine hormone profiles for melatonine, cortisol, human growth hormones (HGH) and thyroid stimulating hormones (TSH), blood samples were taken every hour from 6 pm until 7 am the following morning.

Procedure for identification of different stages of EEG background activity and its application to the detection of drug effects.

A procedure for the detection of a change in EEG background activity is introduced. Here the time path of the relative power in the alpha band is modelled by fitting two lines, each corresponding to a different level of background activity. The jumping point between these two lines is estimated and serves as an indicator of drug effects.