Necessary and Sufficient Classicality Conditions on Photon Number Distributions

We exploit results on the classical Stieltjes moment problem to obtain completely explicit necessary and sufficient conditions for the photon number distribution p(n) of a radiation field mode to be classical. These conditions are given in two forms - respectively local and global in the individual photon number probabilities. Central to the first approach is the recognition of the important fact that the quantities n!p(n) are moments of a quasiprobability distribution, notwithstanding the fact that p(n)'s can by themselves be considered as a probability distribution over the nonnegative integers. This leads to local classicality conditions involving p(n)'s for only a small number of values of n. This local approach enables us to present detailed quantitative statements on the connection between nonclassicality and oscillations in the photon number distribution. The second approach is in terms of the traditional factorial moments of p(n). Equivalence of the two approaches is established.Comment: 12-pages in revtex with three ps figure included using eps

Nonclassicality and the concept of local constraints on the photon number distribution

We exploit results from the classical Stieltjes moment problem to bring out the totality of all the information regarding phase insensitive nonclassicality of a state as captured by the photon number distribution p_n. Central to our approach is the realization that n !p_n constitutes the sequence of moments of a (quasi) probability distribution, notwithstanding the fact that p_n can by itself be regarded as a probability distribution. This leads to classicality restrictions on p_n that are local in n involving p_n's for only a small number of consecutive n's, enabling a critical examination of the conjecture that oscillation in p_n is a signature of nonclassicality.Comment: Five pages in revtex with one ps figure included using eps

Investigating the structure of the autism-spectrum quotient using Mokken scaling

Traits similar to those shown in autism spectrum condition (ASC) are apparent in relatives of individuals with ASC, and in the general population without necessarily meeting diagnostic criteria for an ASC. We assess whether the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ), a self-report measure, has hierarchical properties using Mokken scaling. Hierarchical scales allow the presence of a latent trait to be identified by discovering whether and how many specific items form an ordered array along it. Data were collected from 2 groups: (1) people with ASC (n = 449: 240 males, 209 females, M age 35.4 years, SD = 12.8) and (2) university students (n = 943: 465 males, 475 females, M age = 23.0 years, SD = 8.4). A single Mokken scale was obtained in the data from university students and 3 scales were obtained in the data from people with ASC. The scales all showed moderate Mokken scaling properties with the single scale obtained from university students showing weak invariant item ordering and 2 of the scales from people with ASC showing weak invariant item ordering. The AQ formed reliable Mokken scales. There was a large overlap between the scale from the university student sample and the sample with ASC, with the first scale, relating to social interaction, being almost identical. The present study confirms the utility of the AQ as a single instrument that can dimensionalize autistic traits in both university student and clinical samples of ASC, and confirms that items of the AQ are consistently ordered relative to one another

Study of Sputum Collection and Evaluation in the Pittsburgh Lung Screening Study (PLuSS)

Lung cancer remains a significant public health problem in 2006, despite efforts aimed at educating individuals about the dangers of tobacco and the successes of smoking cessation programs. No screening methods aimed at high risk individuals are currently supported by the National Cancer Institute or other medical organizations. Since the risk for lung cancer persists even after smoking cessation, studies of methods to detect lung cancer in its early stages, when it is amenable to cure, are clearly needed. This study examined a novel method of sputum collection and processing to determine whether the adequacy of the samples collected was improved over conventional preparation methods. We also examined lung function as a possible predictor of cytologic abnormality in the sputum of individuals at high risk for lung cancer, and studied the potential of a molecular biomarker for the early detection of lung cancer. This study employed a cross-sectional design and utilized quantitative methods for exploring the relationships between the variables, particularly those of lung function, cytologic diagnosis and gene mutation status, with personal risk factors for developing lung cancer. This study demonstrated an association between lung function and cytologic diagnosis of moderate or worse atypia in the sputum collected from these participants and examined at the University of Colorado. We also demonstrated a higher rate of sputum specimen adequacy than has been previously reported from conventional clinical experience. We examined the feasibility of conducting somatic gene mutation analysis on the samples collected by this novel method. We achieved some success in studying K-ras mutations, but were unsuccessful in our analysis of DNA methylation. From these experiences we have gathered information upon which to base further studies.The importance of these findings from a public health perspective is that there is an opportunity for early detection of lung cancer via analysis of cellular and molecular changes in sputum. We have demonstrated that the Thin Prep® methodology, applied to sputum, produces material suitable for cytologic examination and, under certain circumstances, material suitable for molecular analysis. Patients at high risk for lung cancer will benefit from continued research into novel screening methods

A Study of the Community Sources for Health Education in Anderson County, Texas

To the writer\u27s knowledge, no studies have been made to determine the following: 1. What health services and facilities are available to the citizens of Anderson County? 2. To what extent do the citizens of Anderson County make use of the health services that are available? 3. What provisions are made for Health Education in Anderson County? It is the purpose of this study to find out what health sources are available and being utilized in Anderson County. The source of data will be limited to the County Health Department of Anderson County

The role of middle leaders in fostering organizational learning in a state cooperative extension service

The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file.Title from title screen of research.pdf file viewed on (November 13, 2006)Includes bibliographical references.Vita.Thesis (Ed. D.) University of Missouri-Columbia 2005.Dissertations, Academic -- University of Missouri--Columbia -- Educational leadership and policy analysis.This qualitative study explored the nature of organizational learning and the role of regional directors (RDs) and program directors (PDs) as mid-level leaders in fostering organizational learning in one cooperative extension organization. In-depth interviews were conducted with top leaders, middle leaders, campus and regional faculty, and state extension council members. Key findings included organizational learning occurring simultaneously in four dimensions and identification of characteristics of transformative learning. RDs and PDs acted as knowledge activists in their functions as designers, enablers, evaluators, and bridges to foster organizational learning. Critical to organizational learning were relationship building, trust, communication, the process for engaging people in collaborative learning and dialogue as a means for creating a culture of care and the space for learning, and collaboration among RDs and PDs. Barriers to organizational learning involved organizational culture and structure, leader behavior, and the lack of a robust system for accessing the knowledge base

21st Century Internships: Engaging Academically And Experientially Prepared First And Second Year College Students

In this age of technology and early career planning, high school students are increasingly engaged in academically rigorous internships. However, they often must wait several years before being allowed to participate in college internships. This PowerPoint presentation highlights the secondary internship best practice credentials, challenges the high school to college internship gap, and concludes with ideas to help stakeholders troubleshoot, design, pitch, and implement 200-level credit-bearing internship programs for first and second year college students.https://dune.une.edu/casintern_facpres/1000/thumbnail.jp