Abstract: A method for managing a mutex in a data processing system is presented. For each mutex, an average acquisition cost is maintained that indicates an average consumption of computational resources that has been incurred by threads attempting to acquire the mutex. If a thread attempts to acquire a locked mutex, then the thread enters a spin state or a sleep state based on restrictive conditions and the average acquisition cost value for the mutex at that time. A thread-specific current acquisition cost value is maintained that represents the consumption of computational resources by the thread after the initial attempt to acquire the mutex and prior to acquiring the mutex. When the thread acquires the mutex, the thread-specific current acquisition cost value is included into the average acquisition cost value.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, data processing system, and a computer program product for improving the scheduling of system processes by the central processing unit. The process retrieves a set of profiling data from an executable object file for the application. The set of profiling data is associated with a given process of the application. The process passes the set of profiling data to a scheduler. The scheduler uses the set of profiling data for scheduling the given process for execution by a processor.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for preserving branch history data. The process creates a branch history table in a buffer. The process saves an address for each executed branch instruction that occurs during execution of code in the branch history table to form branch history data. In response to detecting an exception, the process saves the branch history data to an allocated memory space to form a branch history snapshot.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, data processing system, and computer program product for establishing document relevance by semantic network density. When a search query is received, one or more semantic networks are identified which contain nodes matching one or more terms in the search query. An edge density is determined for each node matching a term in the search query. A relevancy score is then calculated for each of the one or more semantic networks based on the edge densities of the nodes matching a term in the search query. Based on the relevancy score, the relevancy to the search query of a document associated with the one or more semantic networks may then be determined.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, data processing system, and computer program product for reducing memory traffic via detection and tracking of temporally silent stores. When a memory store, comprising an address and a data value, to a cache is detected, a determination is made that a cache line in the cache contains a same address as the address in the memory store. A determination is then made that a tentative cache line invalidate signal for the cache line was previously sent to other data processing systems in the network to tentatively invalidate the cache line. If the memory store is a temporally silent store, a cache line revalidate signal is sent to the other data processing systems to clear the tentative invalidate signal for the cache line.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to an optical device that includes an elongate optical element, first and second frame member, and a plurality of contact supports. The optical element includes total internal reflection properties along a length of the optical element. The first and second frame members are positioned at opposing ends of the optical element. The plurality of contact supports are mounted between the optical element and the first and second support frames. The contact supports each provide a point contact or a line contact with the optical element to hold the optical element in the XY plane.

Abstract: A system for managing threads. A kernel tread associated with a user thread is detected as being unneeded by the user tread. The kernel thread is semi-detached in which data for the thread does not change stacks in response to the kernel thread being unneeded.

Abstract: A curb style drain filter kit has a length of flexible filter material of film or mesh with interstices sized to separate small particles from run-off water. The material is wrapped around a conduit which lays in the gutter and fits in a storm sewer inlet. The filter material extends outwardly from the conduit and covers the storm drain grate. An anchor is attached to the outer edge of the material to keep the material flat and covering the grate.

Abstract: The applications are limitless and would have the possibility of use world-wide in the 33 languages as described above and potentially more. Some applications would include: For use on university and college dorm room doors, on books and articles of personal property and on projects left on desks. “NOTICE-IT” squares could even be left on food items in student refrigerators or cabinets, on anything left by the owner which is NOT TO BE DISTURBED. Use for every home or business office in the world to either place onto office doors quickly or upon work assembled on a desk, a computer station and all other office equipment or machinery that should not be disturbed. Use on home bedroom, study, and library doors by both children and adults. NOTICE-IT stickers could also be used throughout every home in the world on any object or door. To be placed on machinery or equipment that may be in the process of being serviced, repaired or altered, regardless of location.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for managing threads. A kernel thread associated with a user thread is detected as being unneeded by the user thread. The kernel thread is semi-detached in which data for the thread does not change stacks in response to the kernel thread being unneeded.

Abstract: A lock installation kit for use in installing, into a door, a dead bolt lock, a lock set with a latch, or other similar types of locks. The kit includes a hole cutter which can drill a hole entirely through a side face of the door, the hole being of a size sufficient to receive therethrough either a doorknob mechanism in the case of a lock set, or a lock cylinder in the case of a dead bolt lock. A template is also included which can be positioned over an edge of the door for locating the hole on the door side face at a predetermined distance from the door edge. In the case of a lock set with a latch, the template also locates the center of the end face of the door, and the kit then includes a wood drill for drilling a hole in the end face of the door of the size sufficient to receive therethrough the latch of the lock set. The hole cutter and template, and also the wood drill in the case of the lock set, together with appropriate instructions, are all combined with a single package.

Abstract: A ski boot generally comprising an outer boot having an upper shell and a sole attached to the bottom of the upper shell. When the ski boot is in place, the outer boot is fixed to a ski. A laterally tiltable insert rests upon the portion of the sole inside the upper shell, and a foot of a skier rests upon the insert. Inversion or eversion of the skier's foot alone causes the insert to tilt thereby creating a weight shift which is transferred to the edge of the ski causing it to turn. Skiing maneuvers are, therefore, accomplished without twisting the torso or laterally moving the knees.