Cast shadows in wide perspective.

We investigated the apparent spatial layout of cast shadows up to very wide fields of view. We presented up to 130 degrees wide images in which two 'flat poles' were standing on a green lawn under a cloudless blue sky on a sunny day. The poles threw sharp cast shadows on the green, of which one was fixed.

Phenomenal transparency at X-junctions.

Phenomenal transparency was studied in a stimulus geometry that differs markedly from the conventional Metelli configuration, namely four squares that abut at a common vertex. In case of subjective transparency one perceives either a bipartite square ground overlaid with a uniform transparent rectangle, or a uniform square background overlaid with a pair of mutually orthogonal, uniform, transparent rectangular regions. Thus, the generic interpretations are limited to "left", "right", "lower", or "upper" transparent rectangles or (when no subjective transparency occurs) "mosaic".

Surface gradients, contours and the perception of surface attitude in images of complex scenes.

Sophisticated computer graphics were used to generate images of three-dimensional blocks-world scenes to investigate the perception of surface attitude. Three types of surface primitive (planar blocks, cylinders, and ellipsoids) were combined to form structured settings. The experiments were designed to investigate whether surface-based information such as gradients in shading and texture provide any significant advantage in attitude judgments over information derived from object contours.

Continuous monitoring by microprocessor from the operating room to the intensive care unit.

The "Chronicler" is made up of a microcomputer (the CPU is a Motorola 6809), an alphanumeric-graphic display with keyboard and a printer. The system is connected to several physiological signal monitors and in our application to a mechanical ventilator under electronic control. It collects every 5 seconds - or at each breathing cycle if required - all the data supplied by the various measuring devices including those in the mechanical ventilator.

Pre- and postoperative use of lormetazepam.

In preoperative use, the administration of 2 mg of lormetazepam perorally to patients no doubt abnormally nervous in anticipation of a forthcoming operation has proved to be an excellent inducer of sound sleep. In postoperative use, a dose of 2 mg of lormetazepam has a positive effect compared with the placebo, both on sleep inducement and on quality and duration of sleep. However, the results of a small series of twelve patients indicate that for recently operated adults the administration of 3 mg of lormetazepam may be recommended.

Study on peroperative bleeding in ear, nose and throat surgery.

Some interventions in ENT surgery are very difficult or are even impossible if the slightest bleeding occurs. Microsurgery of the ear is the best example. For this reason we choose this particular intervention to test different anesthesia techniques.

Etomidate and tonsillectomy.

Tonsillectomy under general anesthesia, one of the most commonplace operations there are, is more of a problem for the anesthetist than for the surgeon. Once intubated, the child or adult will be protected from any operative risks by correct ventilation and the protection of his upper airways. The only problem is that arising from the anesthesia required to carry out this intubation and from the consequences of this anesthesia on the waking period, which should be brief in order to avoid, after detubation, any reactions which might induce excessively deep sleep at that moment.