A framework for the local information dynamics of distributed computation in complex systems

The nature of distributed computation has often been described in terms of the component operations of universal computation: information storage, transfer and modification. We review the first complete framework that quantifies each of these individual information dynamics on a local scale within a system, and describes the manner in which they interact to create non-trivial computation where "the whole is greater than the sum of the parts". We describe the application of the framework to cellular automata, a simple yet powerful model of distributed computation. This is an important application, because the framework is the first to provide quantitative evidence for several important conjectures about distributed computation in cellular automata: that blinkers embody information storage, particles are information transfer agents, and particle collisions are information modification events. The framework is also shown to contrast the computations conducted by several well-known cellular automata, highlighting the importance of information coherence in complex computation. The results reviewed here provide important quantitative insights into the fundamental nature of distributed computation and the dynamics of complex systems, as well as impetus for the framework to be applied to the analysis and design of other systems.Comment: 44 pages, 8 figure

Carcinoma of the larynx: the Dutch national guideline for diagnostics, treatment, supportive care and rehabilitation.

PURPOSE: This evidence based guideline aims to facilitate proper management and to prevent diverging views concerning diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of carcinoma of the larynx between the major referral centers for head and neck cancer in The Netherlands. METHOD: A multidisciplinary committee was formed representing all medical and paramedical disciplines involved in the management of laryngeal cancer and all head and neck oncology centers in The Netherlands. This committee reviewed the literature and formulated statements and recommendations based on the level of evidence and consistency of the literature data. Where reliable literature data were not available, recommendations were based on expert opinion. RESULTS: Strict criteria have been proposed for the radiological diagnostic procedures as well as for the pathology report. For carcinoma in situ and severe dysplasia, microsurgery, preferably by laser, is proposed. For all other stages of invasive carcinoma, a full course of radiotherapy as a voice conserving therapy is the treatment of choice. Only in cases with massive tumor volumes with invasion through the laryngeal skeleton, primary surgery is inevitable. For rehabilitation and supportive care, minimal criteria are described. Due to the complexity of therapy and relative rarity of larynx carcinoma, all patients should be seen at least once in a dedicated head and neck clinic. CONCLUSION: This guideline for the management of larynx carcinoma was produced by a multidisciplinary national committee and based on scientific evidence wherever possible. This procedure of guideline development has created the optimal conditions for nationwide acceptance and implementation of the guideline

Domain structures in (NH4)2ZnC14

Applied Science

Testing the predictive power of visual discomfort from glare metrics in the near-window and near-wall zones of the daylit classroom environment

The objective of the present study was to find how well a group of selected luminance-based metrics predict reported visual discomfort from daylight glare in spatial conditions that differ from the conditions where metrics tend to developed and validated for. An empirical study involving the assessment of visual discomfort from glare by n=50 subjects (n=185 cases) in a daylit-only classroom space was carried out to investigate this problem. It was found that the glare indexes were the most robust metrics predicting reported glare. However, as all metrics failed most of the statistical tests in the near-wall zone of the classroom, it can be said that none of the metrics was able to predict with enough accuracy the glare reported across the space. Indeed, the metrics show a very poor performance in the sitting positions away from the window, an aspect that requires further investigation.Building Physic

Non-smoking and non-drinking patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a distinct population.

Item does not contain fulltextOBJECTIVE: To recognize specific clinicopathological characteristics of non-smoking and non-drinking (NSND) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. This can increase our knowledge regarding a potentially different carcinogenesis in these patients. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS: Retrospective analysis of data for 195 NSND patients with HNSCC and comparison with data for patients with HNSCC obtained from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. RESULTS: Compared with all HNSCC patients in the Netherlands, our NSND patients with HNSCC were typically female (n = 142; 73%vs 26%), old at disease presentation (mean 73 years vs 64 years), and had tumors mainly of the oral cavity (n = 130; 66%vs 25%). Most tumors were stage I (n = 67; 34%) and stage IVA (n = 59; 30%). The incidence of second primary tumors (SPTs) was high (n = 32; 16%), mainly occurring in the oral cavity (n = 26; 13%). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Our study confirms that NSND HNSCC patients have different clinicopathological characteristics from those of the overall HNSCC population; however, the frequency of SPTs is as high in NSND patients as in patients who smoke and drink alcohol. More research, and particularly molecular data are needed to obtain a better understanding of head and neck cancer in NSND patients

A method for estimating fisheye lens’ field-of view angle and projection for HDR luminance capture

The calculation of field-of-view luminance based metrics for visual discomfort from glare evaluation in real scenes via HDR (High Dynamic Range) luminance capture does generally require the use of wide view fisheye lenses. This paper presents an easy to implement and low-cost method to estimate a fisheye lens’ total field-of view and projection method, which is required for accurate glare evaluations.Building Physic