Abstract: A method and apparatus for tracking a plurality of database resource consumers is provided. A request is received from a job for a database resource of a plurality of resources. Based on the request, a database resource allocation amount for the job is updated. The database resource allocation amount specifies an amount of the database resource allocated to the job. It is determined whether the job is a primary consumer for the resource. A primary consumer is defined according to a consumption of the database resource relative to other database resource consumers. The determining is based on the database resource amount allocated to the job; and a respective database resource amount allocated to each of the plurality of database resource consumers. Upon determining that the job is one of the plurality of primary consumers, the job is added to a stored list identifying the primary consumers for the database resource.

Abstract: An index advice record engine generates and stores index advice records. An index advice policy mechanism allows a user to define an index advice policy that specifies criteria for autonomic index creation, modification and deletion. An autonomic index mechanism reads the index advice records, compares this information with the criteria in the user-defined index advice policies, and determines whether an index should be created, modified or deleted based on the information in the index advice records and the index advice policies. By automating the process of creating, modifying and deleting indexes according to user-defined policies, the preferred embodiments alleviate human users from most of the work of manually creating, modifying and deleting indexes.

Abstract: An index advice record engine generates and stores index advice records. An index advice policy mechanism allows a user to define an index advice policy that specifies criteria for autonomic index creation, modification and deletion. An autonomic index mechanism reads the index advice records, compares this information with the criteria in the user-defined index advice policies, and determines whether an index should be created, modified or deleted based on the information in the index advice records and the index advice policies. By automating the process of creating, modifying and deleting indexes according to user-defined policies, the preferred embodiments alleviate human users from most of the work of manually creating, modifying and deleting indexes.

Abstract: The states associated with a programmable state machine are reordered to compress the storage of transitions which define the state machine. To reorder the states, a score is computed and assigned to each of the states. Next, the states are sorted according to their computed scores. In some embodiments, to compute the score for each current state based on the received input symbol, the number of times that the input symbol causes transition to similar states is added. The sum of the scores in each row of the table is representative of the score for the associated current state associated with that row. The states are sorted according to their score and a new state transition table is generated in accordance with the reordered states.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method, article of manufacture, and an apparatus used to provide an interface driven by database tables. The method includes receiving a query identifier associated with a database query. The query is executed to generate a set of query results, and a set of actions associated with the set of query result is also identified. The set of query results and the set of actions are provided to a client component of the database-driven interface.

Abstract: A calorimeter (1-7) comprising a volume sensor (11) to measure a volume of a breath, and a processing means (13) to calculate a metabolic rate from the output of the volume sensor; and wherein the calorimeter calculates a metabolic rate without means to measure the chemical constituents present in a breath.

Abstract: According to the present invention in a first aspect, there is provided an apparatus for determining the type of fuel burnt by a user, the apparatus comprising an oxygen sensor and a carbon dioxide sensor, and wherein the oxygen sensor and the carbon dioxide sensor are operable to establish the type of fuel burnt by a user of the apparatus.

Abstract: A database query optimizer includes an access plan storage mechanism that stores execution detail corresponding to a query statement in an access plan cache. By storing execution detail in the access plan cache along with the query statement, the execution detail is available when needed to debug database problems, even after a problem occurs. The execution detail stored in the access plan cache may be mined and analyzed after-the-fact, producing a very powerful tool for debugging database problems. Snapshots of the execution detail may also be created by a user. In addition, the user may setup autonomic snapshots and comparisons so that a user may be alerted from a degradation in database performance between two snapshots.

Abstract: A database graphical comparison tool allows comparing database items that include multiple database statements and graphically displaying the comparison results in a ranked list of database statements. The graphical comparison tool includes a graphical user interface that allows a user to easily configure the tool for both manual and automatic (or scheduled) comparisons. In addition, the user may specify one or more actions that may be autonomically performed when the comparison of database items meets predefined criteria. Database items that may be compared using the database graphical comparison tool include optimizer monitors and plan cache snapshots.

Abstract: An index advice record engine generates and stores index advice records. An index advice policy mechanism allows a user to define an index advice policy that specifies criteria for autonomic index creation, modification and deletion. An autonomic index mechanism reads the index advice records, compares this information with the criteria in the user-defined index advice policies, and determines whether an index should be created, modified or deleted based on the information in the index advice records and the index advice policies. By automating the process of creating, modifying and deleting indexes according to user-defined policies, the preferred embodiments alleviate human users from most of the work of manually creating, modifying and deleting indexes.

Abstract: An index advice record engine generates and stores index advice records. An index advice policy mechanism allows a user to define an index advice policy that specifies criteria for autonomic index creation. An autonomic index creation mechanism reads the index advice records, compares this information with the criteria in the user-defined index advice policies, and determines whether an index should be created based on the information in the index advice records and the index advice policies. By automating the process of creating indexes according to user-defined policies, the preferred embodiments alleviate human users from most of the work of manually creating indexes.

Abstract: An index advice record engine generates and stores index advice records. An index advice policy mechanism allows a user to define an index advice policy that specifies criteria for autonomic index creation, modification and deletion. An autonomic index mechanism reads the index advice records, compares this information with the criteria in the user-defined index advice policies, and determines whether an index should be created, modified or deleted based on the information in the index advice records and the index advice policies. By automating the process of creating, modifying and deleting indexes according to user-defined policies, the preferred embodiments alleviate human users from most of the work of manually creating, modifying and deleting indexes.

Abstract: The technique for analyzing a live wireless network (20) includes repeatedly alternating (54, 60) between a baseline network configuration (52, 58, 64) and a trial network configuration (56, 62) a plurality of times within a twenty-four hour period. A disclosed example includes repeatedly alternating between the baseline network configuration and the trial network configuration such that each network configuration is used for a sample period that lasts about one hour. In one example, the pattern of alternating between the trial and baseline network configurations is determined randomly while in another example each network configuration is used in a preselected pattern such as every other hour.

Abstract: A method for detecting packet data transmission following an inactive period of a transmitter. The method includes using a dynamic acquisition search window which grows from an initial width (determined by the size of the corresponding standard search window prior to entering the inactive period) up to a maximum width (for example, the width of a full cell) in correspondence with the length of time that the transmitter is in the inactive state. The method is particularly directed to a mobile transmitter having active and inactive periods. The method according to the present invention is also useful relative to streaming data, such as voice, including a plurality of multipath components.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer having a matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) source which operates at ambient pressure is disclosed.

Abstract: A programmable finite state machine (FSM) includes, in part, a first address calculation logic block, a first lookup table, a second address calculation logic block, and a second lookup table. The first address calculation logic block generates an address for the first lookup table based on the received input symbol and the current state. The data stored in first look-up table at the generated address is used by the second address calculation logic block to compute an address for the second lookup table. Data stored in the second lookup table is the next state to which the FSM transitions. The programmable FSMs uses redundant information of the transition table to compress these transitions and thus requires a smaller memory while maintaining a high data throughput. The data in the first and second lookup tables are coded and supplied by a compiler. The FSM operation may optionally be pipelined.

Abstract: A jar opening apparatus for opening a jar having a screw-on lid which comprises a base having a jar supporting surface, a generally vertically extending guide column connected to the base and a carriage assembly connected to the guide for movement relative to the guide between a first raised position and a second lowered position. The carriage assembly comprises a carriage; a lid engaging member connected to the carriage for engaging the screw-on lid when the carriage is in the second position, and rotating means for imparting rotation to the lid engaging member. The rotating means uniquely comprises a drive screw connected to the carriage and a cooperating driven tube connected to the lid engaging member. A novel operating mechanism is operably associated with the carriage for moving the carriage between the first and second positions.

Abstract: In the method, system conditions may be monitored for at least a first time period within a periodic time interval, and network parameters for optimizing a wireless network may be determined. The determined network parameters may be implemented during a first time period within the at least one subsequent periodic time interval.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for the reduction of immune responses to an exogenous allergen. The reduction is obtained by pre-treatment or pre-conditioning, without injection, of a subject with the allergen so as to reduce immune responses in the subject upon additional exposure to the allergen. The invention is advantageously used in a variety of contexts, including seasonal allergies wherein pre-treatment or pre-conditioning is performed before the onset of the seasonal allergy.

Abstract: At least one base station of a wireless network adjusts its access area so as to drive at least one measure of utilization of a resource or resources of that cell toward, but not to exceed, a specified maximum level. The adjustment is dynamic in that it responds in real time to traffic fluctuations. The adjustment is autonomous in that it is not directed from outside the cell. The access area of the cell is determined by the received strength, at the respective users, of a beacon channel transmitted from the base station. In specific implementations, the access area may be adjusted by adjusting the effective signal transmit strength of the beacon signal, or by adjusting the tilt of the antenna that transmits to the cell.