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APL

APL (A Programming Language) is an interpreted, array-oriented programming language designed for mathematical notation and computation, invented by Canadian mathematician Kenneth E. Iverson as a system for expressing algorithms concisely using multidimensional arrays and primitive functions. Iverson developed the notation's core concepts at Harvard University starting in 1957, formalizing them in his 1962 book of the same title, before its first computer implementation by IBM researchers Adin Falkoff and Eugene Smith in 1965–1966 on the System/360 mainframe. APL's syntax relies on a distinctive set of over 50 special graphical symbols—beyond standard ASCII—to denote operations like inner products (⍣), reversal (⌽), and grade up (⍋), enabling entire algorithms to be expressed in lines or even characters rather than loops and conditionals common in procedural languages. This vectorized approach, where functions apply implicitly to array extents, pioneered the array programming paradigm and earned Iverson the ACM Turing Award in 1979 for advancing programming languages through mathematical notation. Though its esoteric symbols posed early adoption barriers—necessitating custom keyboards and terminals—modern dialects like Dyalog APL sustain its use in high-frequency trading, risk analysis, and scientific data processing, where rapid prototyping and performance on large datasets remain advantages.

Computing and technology

APL programming language

APL is an array-oriented programming language invented by Canadian mathematician Kenneth E. Iverson, who began developing its notation at Harvard University in 1957 as a tool for expressing mathematical algorithms before its formalization as a programmable language. Iverson's seminal 1962 book, A Programming Language, outlined the system's primitives and structure, initially as an executable mathematical notation rather than a full programming system. The language emphasizes operations on multidimensional arrays as its core data structure, allowing functions to apply element-wise or structurally to entire datasets in a single expression, which reduces the need for explicit loops and promotes concise code for data manipulation tasks. Iverson joined IBM in 1960, where collaboration with Adin Falkoff led to the first practical implementation in the mid-1960s, culminating in APL\360 for the mainframe released in 1966. This implementation introduced APL's distinctive right-to-left evaluation order and symbolic primitives—over 50 special characters representing functions like addition (+), inner product (), or transpose ()—which operate dyadically (on two arguments) or monadically (on one), enabling terse descriptions of algorithms that mirror mathematical intent. Early adoption occurred in scientific computing and due to its expressiveness for linear algebra and , though its non-ASCII symbols required custom keyboards or overlays, limiting broader accessibility until later terminals supported them. APL's syntax lacks traditional control structures like if statements or for loops in its core; instead, it relies on array indexing (e.g., A[2;3] for element access), reduction primitives (e.g., +/A for sum), and higher-order functions for iteration-free computation, fostering a functional style where data shapes drive execution. Modern dialects extend this with object-oriented features, parallel processing, and interoperability, but the primitive array model remains central, distinguishing APL from scalar-oriented languages like C or Python. Evaluation proceeds strictly right-to-left without operator precedence beyond function valence, as in 2 × 3 + 1 yielding 2 × (3 + 1) = 8, which aligns with its mathematical roots but demands careful bracketing for clarity. Prominent implementations include Dyalog APL, a commercial interpreter optimized for 64-bit systems since the 1980s, supporting symbols, multi-threading via parallel primitives like for futures, and integration with .NET, , and for enterprise . APL provides a free, standards-compliant interpreter adhering to ISO/IEC 13751:2002, emphasizing portability across systems for educational and research use. Other variants like MicroAPL target embedded environments, while historical systems such as Sharp APL from I.P. Sharp Associates ran on networks until the . These implementations maintain APL's interactive REPL nature, where expressions execute immediately, facilitating in domains requiring heavy numerical computation. APL persists in niche applications like , , and , where its primitives enable efficient handling of large datasets—e.g., via operations or time-series without vectorization overhead. Dyalog APL, in particular, powers production systems for data-intensive tasks, leveraging its tuned engine for performance on modern hardware, including GPUs via extensions. The language has influenced derivatives like J (ASCII-based, 1990) and (for database querying), and concepts in tools like or Excel formulas trace roots to APL's idioms, though its symbolic density and restrict mainstream adoption. Active communities, including annual conferences and online forums, sustain development, with recent efforts focusing on accessibility via web-based interpreters like TryAPL.

Apple Public License

The Apple Public Source License (APSL) is a free software license created by Apple Inc. to govern the distribution of certain open-source components, most notably the Darwin operating system released on April 5, 2000, which forms the Unix-like foundation of macOS. The license grants recipients a worldwide, royalty-free, non-exclusive right to use, reproduce, prepare derivative works, display, perform, sublicense, and distribute the covered code in source or object form, subject to specific conditions on modifications and distribution. APSL 2.0, the prevailing version released on August 6, 2003, requires that externally deployed modifications—those made available to third parties outside an organization's internal use—have their source code publicly accessible for at least 12 months or the duration of deployment, whichever is longer, and distributed under the same license terms. Under APSL, "Original Code" refers to the source and object code provided by Apple with an identifying notice, while "Modifications" encompass any additions, deletions, or changes to that code or prior modifications, and "Covered Code" includes combinations thereof. Distributors must retain Apple's copyright notices, disclaimers, and the license text in all copies, and provide prominent notices in executable forms indicating source code availability. A distinctive feature grants Apple a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, fully paid-up, royalty-free, nonexclusive to use, reproduce, modify, and distribute contributors' modifications under any terms, enabling Apple to incorporate them into proprietary products without reciprocal obligations. The disclaims warranties, limiting liability to $50, and prohibits except as needed for . Initial APSL 1.0, applied to 1.0, drew criticism from the for flaws such as overly broad requirements for submitting modifications to Apple and potential revocation rights, rendering it non-free. Revisions in , informed by FSF collaboration, narrowed the definition of "externally deployed" modifications to exclude private use, qualifying it as a , though the FSF notes it lacks true (allowing proprietary linking) and remains incompatible with the GNU General Public License. The lists APSL 2.0 as approved, categorizing it as non-reusable due to its contributor grant to Apple. APSL has seen limited adoption beyond Apple's projects, primarily licensing Darwin releases and select components like early elements of macOS frameworks, with Apple retaining layers atop the open core. Its balances openness for community contributions with Apple's control, as evidenced by the perpetual Apple receives, which critics argue favors in hybrid open- ecosystems but aligns with verified terms promoting availability without mandating freedoms for works.

Medicine

Acute promyelocytic leukemia

(APL) is a distinct subtype of (AML) characterized by the accumulation of immature promyelocytes in the and due to a disruption in myeloid cell differentiation. It accounts for 5-10% of adult AML cases, with an annual age-adjusted incidence of approximately 0.3 per 100,000 population in the United States and . The median age at diagnosis is 44-51 years, with a slight male predominance and rarity in individuals under 20. The primary genetic hallmark of APL is the balanced t(15;17)(q24;q21), present in over 95% of cases, which fuses the PML gene on with the RARA gene on chromosome 17 to form the PML- fusion oncoprotein. This acts as a transcriptional , blocking the differentiation of promyelocytes at a stage where they release procoagulant substances, leading to a high risk of (DIC) and life-threatening hemorrhage. Rare variant translocations, such as those involving PLZF-RARA or STAT5B-RARA, occur in less than 5% of cases and may confer resistance to standard therapies. APL arises from somatic mutations in hematopoietic stem cells rather than inherited defects, with potential risk factors including prior exposure to , , or solvents, though these are not definitively causal. Patients typically present with symptoms of , including fatigue, pallor, and recurrent infections from , alongside prominent bleeding manifestations such as easy bruising, epistaxis, gingival bleeding, or due to DIC-induced consumptive . Bone or joint pain, fever, and weight loss may also occur, but the distinguishes APL from other AML subtypes and demands urgent recognition, as untreated median survival is about one month. Diagnosis relies on morphological examination of peripheral blood and bone marrow smears, revealing hypergranular or hypogranular promyelocytes often packed with (faggot cells in bundles), confirmed by cytogenetic analysis, (FISH), or (RT-PCR) for PML-RARA transcripts. Coagulation studies showing prolonged , , hypofibrinogenemia, and elevated support the clinical suspicion. Risk stratification into low (WBC ≤10 × 10^9/L), intermediate, or high (WBC >10 × 10^9/L) categories guides therapy based on criteria using white blood cell count and platelet levels. Treatment centers on targeted differentiation therapy with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), which induces promyelocyte maturation by overcoming PML-RARA repression, often combined with (ATO), which promotes degradation via sumoylation and ubiquitination pathways. For low- and intermediate-risk patients, ATRA plus ATO without achieves 2-year disease-free rates of 97% and event-free of 96.6% at 72 months, as demonstrated in phase III trials. High-risk cases require initial cytoreductive (e.g., like idarubicin) alongside ATRA and ATO, yielding 5-year overall of 87%. Supportive measures include platelet and transfusions to mitigate bleeding, with hydroxyurea or for hyperleukocytosis. Oral ATO formulations, approved in regions like since 2009, offer comparable efficacy to intravenous forms while improving outpatient management. Prognosis has transformed from dismal to highly favorable with prompt initiation of ATRA, which must precede to avoid exacerbation of ; overall cure rates exceed 90% in treated patients, though early mortality from hemorrhage or differentiation syndrome (characterized by fever, dyspnea, and weight gain) remains 5-10%. , if occurring, is managed with reinduction ATRA-ATO or transplantation, but ultra-late relapses beyond 10 years have been reported in isolated cases. Monitoring for via RT-PCR ensures durable remission.

Scientific research and defense

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

The Johns Hopkins (APL) is a not-for-profit university-affiliated research center (UARC) managed by , focused on applying advanced science, engineering, and analysis to address and scientific challenges. Founded on March 10, 1942, amid , APL originated from a U.S. government initiative to harness university resources for wartime innovation, initially tasked with developing the radio —a radar-based that significantly enhanced anti-aircraft and artillery effectiveness against aerial threats. Headquartered on a 589-acre campus in , APL has grown into a major R&D entity with over 8,000 personnel, conducting independent research while prioritizing sponsor-driven missions for agencies like the Department of Defense, , and intelligence communities. APL's core mission emphasizes , technology integration, and problem-solving for high-stakes applications, including precision guidance, cybersecurity, and space systems, while maintaining autonomy from commercial interests as a UARC to ensure , long-term support for priorities. Its work spans 13 specialized mission areas, such as , undersea warfare, and , often involving and testing of prototype technologies under classified conditions. Historically, APL relocated from its initial , facilities to in the to accommodate expanding defense projects, including early research for the U.S. . Key achievements include pioneering the first photographs of from in 1946 using captured V-2 rockets, enabling foundational reconnaissance capabilities; developing the first operational engine flight in 1947; and achieving the initial successful intercept of a guided . In space exploration, APL built and operated the spacecraft, which conducted the first close-up flyby of in July 2015, revealing its surface geology and atmospheric details. More recently, APL led NASA's (DART) mission, launched in November 2021, which demonstrated kinetic impact as a planetary defense method by altering the orbit of the in September 2022—validating models for deflecting potential Earth-threatening objects. In defense, APL has secured major contracts, such as a $515 million extension in 2024 for R&D in resilient architectures, underscoring its role in sustaining U.S. technological superiority amid evolving threats.

Historical and political organizations

American Protective League

The (APL) was a volunteer organization of private citizens formed in March 1917 to assist the U.S. Department of Justice in identifying espionage, sabotage, and disloyalty during . Founded by Chicago advertising executive A. M. Briggs, the group received presidential approval from on March 30, 1917, shortly before the U.S. declaration of war on on April 6, 1917. Operating under the authority of the and subsequent sedition laws, APL members conducted and investigations without formal arrest powers or weapons, coordinating with federal agents, local police, and military officials to report suspected threats. Membership expanded rapidly to an estimated 250,000 to 300,000 individuals across more than 600 cities by late , with participants paying a nominal 75-cent fee for identification badges mimicking official credentials. The league's structure emphasized local units reporting to national directors, focusing on everyday vigilance such as monitoring draft compliance, alien activities, and signs of pro-German sympathy like hoarding or speaking foreign languages. Notable operations included raids on (IWW) offices in September alongside Bureau of Investigation agents, and large-scale "slacker raids" targeting draft evaders, such as the September 1918 action where over 75,000 men were detained and questioned over three days, yielding about 1,300 confirmed dodgers. APL efforts also extended to security, investigating potential subversive agents in collaboration with . While the organization claimed to uncover millions of disloyalty cases and aided in detaining over 40,000 individuals for the War Department, its amateur methods led to documented abuses, including warrantless searches of homes and factories, intimidation of unions and socialists, and physical assaults on suspected unpatriotics, such as forcing individuals to kiss the flag or subjecting them to mob violence. W. Gregory defended such incidents as excesses of zeal, but incoming later deemed APL reports unreliable and declined to sustain the group after the . The league dissolved in February 1919, three months post-war, amid shifting priorities and recognition of its overreach in suppressing dissent.

American Party of Labor

The American Party of Labor (APL) is an anti-revisionist Marxist-Leninist organization in the United States dedicated to the overthrow of through . Founded in by associates of Jack Shulman, a former (CPUSA) member who resigned in 1961 following the death of , the APL positions itself as the sole openly anti-revisionist Marxist-Leninist party in the country. Its ideological framework rejects post-Stalin Soviet developments such as Khrushchevism, , and , while upholding the theories of , , , , and as guiding principles for class struggle and . The party's program calls for the establishment of a socialist where the are under workers' democratic control, and are abolished, and a centrally transitions toward communist distribution. It emphasizes , opposition to U.S. —including and cessation of —and support for global anti-imperialist movements, while critiquing both U.S. and perceived imperialist tendencies in powers like and . The APL rejects electoral , viewing participation in bourgeois elections as insufficient to defeat or , and instead prioritizes building revolutionary consciousness among the . Historically, the APL emerged from earlier anti-revisionist efforts, including Foster's campaigns against CPUSA leader Earl Browder's dissolution of the party in 1944 and subsequent revisionist shifts. Facing internal challenges from 2008 to 2012, it underwent structural and political restructuring in 2014, ratified at its 2016 . Key milestones include gaining observer status in the International Conference of Marxist-Leninist Parties and Organizations (ICMLPO) in 2018 and full membership in 2024, as well as participation in the 2019 re-founding of the National Alliance Against Racist and . The party held its fifth general on March 31, 2024, focusing on ideological consolidation and opposition to issues like restrictions. Activities center on mutual aid and agitation rather than electoral campaigns, with the Red Aid program providing food, clothing, job, and housing assistance in cities across the U.S. The APL has supported labor unions such as the , organized protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline, and collaborated with groups including the (IWW) and early actions, while publishing The Red Phoenix newspaper to propagate its line. It maintains local divisions for mobilization against , , and capitalist exploitation, though it remains a marginal force without verified electoral involvement or significant membership figures.

Transportation and logistics

American President Lines

, Ltd. (APL) is a Singapore-headquartered shipping operating transpacific and intra- routes as a wholly owned of the French shipping group , following the 2016 acquisition of its parent Neptune Orient Lines (NOL). The 's lineage dates to the , chartered on April 20, 1848, by an to carry U.S. mail between the Atlantic and Pacific coasts via , initially using paddle steamers for the trade. In 1924, Scottish-American entrepreneur Robert Dollar formed the Dollar Steamship Company, acquiring and expanding subsidized mail routes to under the U.S. Shipping Act. The Commission renamed it on June 1, 1938, to project U.S. prestige amid geopolitical tensions, with Dollar's assets transferred to the government in exchange for subsidies after financial difficulties. During , APL's fleet of 63 ships transported over 1.5 million troops and vast cargo volumes across the Pacific, suffering 27 vessel losses to enemy action. Postwar, under the 1946 Ship Exchange Act, APL rebuilt with C-3 freighters converted to partial container carriers, pioneering full-containership service in 1969 with the 1,000 TEU President Kennedy, the first such vessel on transpacific routes. By 1983, APL had spun off as a from parent Natomas amid takeover pressures, operating 20 full-containerships by 1992 with capacities up to 2,200 TEUs, focusing on just-in-time logistics for electronics and perishables. NOL's 1997 acquisition for $825 million relocated headquarters to , integrating APL into a larger Asia-centric network while retaining U.S.-flag operations for Jones Act compliance. CMA CGM completed its $2.4 billion purchase of NOL (including ) on October 10, 2016, after regulatory approvals, boosting combined capacity to 3.1 million TEUs across 560 vessels and adding APL's $340 million EBIT contribution in 2017 from 5 million TEU volumes. now emphasizes U.S.-flag services under the Maritime Security Program, deploying 10 oceangoing vessels (six C9-class at 1,700 TEUs, three C10-class at 2,700 TEUs, and one 5,100 TEU ship) on five weekly loops linking U.S. West Coast ports like and Oakland to Asia (e.g., , Yantian) and one Europe route via . These comply with U.S. restrictions, supplemented by feeder services in the and intra-Asia trades, prioritizing refrigerated cargo and reliability amid global disruptions. As of 2021, 's integration supports 's scale while preserving branded U.S. market presence.

Sports and apparel

Athletic Propulsion Labs

Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL) is an American footwear company specializing in performance-oriented sneakers and athletic apparel, founded in 2009 by identical twin brothers Adam and Ryan Goldston, former basketball players. Headquartered in , the company focuses on integrating innovations with luxury design to enhance propulsion and speed in sports such as basketball and running. APL's products target athletes seeking measurable performance gains, with proprietary technologies like the Load 'N Launch system, which employs a spring-loaded heel mechanism to store during foot strike and release it for increased vertical leap or stride efficiency. The company's inaugural product, the APL Concept 1 basketball shoe released in 2010, featured this technology and claimed to boost vertical jump height by up to 3.5 inches through energy return, drawing from biomechanical principles tested in prototypes. However, on October 20, 2010, the NBA banned the shoe league-wide, citing Rule 1, Section VII(b) prohibiting devices that provide an "undue competitive advantage" by artificially enhancing a player's jump. The league's decision preempted on-court testing, based on APL's own promotional claims of propulsion enhancement, marking the Concept 1 as the first and only basketball shoe explicitly banned for such reasons. APL contested the ban, arguing the technology constituted lawful footwear cushioning rather than a prohibited spring, but complied while leveraging the controversy for brand visibility. Subsequent product lines expanded beyond basketball, incorporating refined versions of the Load 'N Launch system into running shoes like the APL Trained V2, which emphasize forward via carbon-infused plates and responsive foams for race-day speed. The company has also ventured into lifestyle and training apparel, maintaining a model alongside retail partnerships, with annual revenues supporting growth into collaborations such as with for limited-edition designs blending aerodynamics and footwear tech. APL positions itself in the luxury performance niche, distinguishing from mass-market brands by prioritizing empirical testing of energy-return metrics over aesthetic trends. As of 2023, the brand operates flagship stores in and continues to innovate on tech, though NBA restrictions persist on original spring mechanisms.

Publications and media

Applied Physics Letters

Applied Physics Letters (APL) is a peer-reviewed dedicated to the rapid publication of concise reports on significant new findings in . Published weekly by AIP Publishing, a division of the , it emphasizes prompt dissemination of experimental and theoretical results with broad implications for science, engineering, and technology. The journal was established in to address the growing demand for quick communication of advances in , filling a gap left by longer-format periodicals. Initially issued semi-monthly, its frequency shifted to weekly starting January 6, 1986, reflecting increased submission volumes and the need for timely reporting. The scope of APL encompasses applications of physics across diverse fields, including , , , , and , prioritizing papers that present key data or novel insights rather than exhaustive reviews. Manuscripts are typically limited in length to ensure brevity and focus, with an average time from submission to first decision reported as efficient by AIP standards. As of the 2024 Journal Citation Reports, APL holds an of 3.6, a five-year of 3.6, and an of 486, underscoring its influence in the field; it ranks highly among journals for citation metrics. The journal pioneered among AIP titles, launching APL Online in 1995 with the January issues. Under editor-in-chief Lesley F. Cohen of , APL maintains rigorous to uphold scientific standards, though like other physics journals, it has occasionally retracted papers for issues such as breaches in funded . No systemic controversies undermine its credibility as a venue for verifiable empirical contributions, with its emphasis on data-driven insights aligning with first-principles validation in physics. The journal's model supports causal realism by favoring reproducible results over speculative narratives, contributing to advancements like those in devices and reported in its pages since .

Other uses

Irish Anti-Partition League

The Irish Anti-Partition League (IAPL) was established in November 1945 by Nationalist Members of Parliament (MPs) and senators at a convention in , . The organization aimed to consolidate fragmented nationalist elements in , which had lacked coordinated opposition to partition since the early 1930s, and to pursue the abolition of the border created by the Act 1920. This initiative followed the July 1945 UK general election victory of the , which nationalists viewed as an opportunity to lobby for reunification amid postwar shifts in British policy. The League's core strategy involved mass mobilization, including public rallies, petitions, and propaganda campaigns targeting both local and international audiences to highlight alleged , , and economic disparities in . It contested the 1950 UK general election in Labour-held constituencies, though without securing seats, and coordinated with southern Irish authorities, receiving financial aid from the Dublin government under until mid-1951. Key figures included MPs such as Cahir Healy and Eddie McAteer, who emphasized non-violent constitutional pressure on while rejecting participation in the Northern Ireland Parliament at Stormont. The IAPL's momentum declined after the 1949 Ireland Act, which entrenched Northern Ireland's constitutional status within the and prompted de Valera's government to redirect resources toward broader diplomatic efforts. Internal divisions over and limited electoral success eroded its base, leading to its effective dissolution by the late as nationalist politics shifted toward localized organizing.

Miscellaneous acronyms

A Programming Language (APL) is an array-oriented programming language developed by in the , emphasizing concise and multidimensional arrays as its core data type. It originated from Iverson's notation for describing algorithms and was first implemented on computers in 1962 at , with commercial implementations following in the late 1960s. Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a rare subtype of characterized by a between chromosomes 15 and 17, leading to the production of abnormal promyelocytes that accumulate in the and blood. This form accounts for about 10% of cases and is notable for its risks, but it has high cure rates with treatments like all-trans and , achieving over 90% complete remission in adults when diagnosed early. The is a not-for-profit university-affiliated research center operated by , established in 1942 to support efforts and now employing over 8,000 staff focused on , space science, and advanced technology development. Abductor pollicis longus (APL) refers to a deep extensor muscle in the posterior forearm that originates from the , , and , inserting at the base of the first metacarpal to abduct and extend the thumb at the . Its tendon often passes through the first extensor compartment of the , contributing to conditions like De Quervain's .