Abstract: A sample tube assembly incorporating a fluid-tight label chamber, said label chamber being fused to or forming part of the body of the sample tube. The invention also includes a sample tube assembly wherein the tube assembly comprises:- (i) a tube portion, the bottom of which is adapted to accept an end cap; and (ii) an end cap adapted to be joined to the bottom of the tube portion; and (iii) a label chamber provided in use by a space between the bottom or outer surface of the bottom of the tube portion and the inner surface of the end cap; and wherein the end cap is fused, welded or otherwise joined to the bottom of the tube portion to provide a fluid tight-seal.

Abstract: A method of providing rebroadcast programming includes encoding a rebroadcast program, specifying a preferred play time, and providing a broadcast that fits the preferred play time. The encoding of the rebroadcast program can use a replay plan which prioritizes portions of the rebroadcast. A priority can be assigned to commercials which have been made to be shortened or dropped, or an alternative commercial substituted, depending on time limitations. A rebroadcast packaging and playlist are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed towards providing a method, system and article of manufacture for generating and utilizing debug history to improve the debugging process. By providing facilities to store and retrieve debug history records for given events, the present invention allows developers to debug code more efficiently by allowing them to leverage information stored in a debug history repository. Further, the added functionality, related to the debug history, is available via modules that work in conjunction with existing debugger applications and is provided to users via a variety of interfaces including graphic interfaces and plug-in components.

Abstract: A self-healing database engine and optimizer framework support automatically responding to execution errors to allow continued execution of a query plan. Upon encountering an execution error, the database engine automatically initiates a rebuilding of the query plan and executes the rebuilt execution plan. If an error is encountered in the rebuilt query plan then the query implementation methods are analyzed. If a query function is identified for which an alternative implementation method is available, then this alternative implementation method is substituted to create a new query plan. The new query plan is then executed to determine if the error is corrected.

Abstract: A database engine and optimizer framework support the use of transitive closure to assist in rewriting GROUP BY and ORDER BY clauses to reduce the number of referenced tables (optimally to a single table if possible) and to free the join order selected for the query plan. The SQL parser and optimizer, by performing transitive closure on the selection, or search, conditions is able to identify which fields referenced by the ORDER BY and GROUP BY clauses can be replaced with equivalent fields to improve the performance of the query. In one instance, the fields are replaced so that the ORDER BY or GROUP BY clause references only a single table. If more than one such possible ORDER BY or GROUP BY clause exists, then the optimizer selects from among the different possible clauses to select the one that provides the best performing join order.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, system, and signal-bearing medium that in an embodiment detect that a trigger exists, where the trigger indicates a potential need to rebuild a saved query access plan, and determine whether a previous job associated with the trigger created a new access plan that was identical to the saved access plan. If a previous job associated with the trigger has already created the new access plan and found that it was identical to the saved access plan, then the query is performed with the saved access plan, since there is no advantage to be gained by creating the new access plan again. In this way, multiple jobs are kept from repeatedly re-creating an access plan that is identical to one that already exists.

Abstract: A catalyst for purification of exhaust gases including (1) a catalysis-promoting coating comprising a noble metal catalyst and a NOx storage component loaded onto a carrier material, wherein the NOx storage component comprises an alkali metal and, (2) a ceramic substrate for supporting the catalysis-promoting coating, wherein the ceramic substrate exhibits resistance to alkali metal migration below 1000° C. and a coefficient of thermal expansion of less than about 25×10?7/° C. (25-800° C.). A second aspect of, the invention is a process for purifying an exhaust gas from a lean burn engine involving simultaneously removing carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides by bringing the exhaust gas from a lean burn engine into contact with the exhaust gas purifying catalyst of the present invention disclosed above.

Abstract: An apparatus, program product and method utilize the retrieval status of a resource to generate an access plan for a database query that uses the resource. The retrieval status, which indicates, for example, what percentage of a given resource is already stored in working memory, and thus need not be separately retrieved during query execution, may be used to generate more accurate input/output cost estimates for access plans, and thus enable a query optimizer to better select an access plan that is optimal under given runtime conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus, program product and method dynamically and temporarily adjust resource allocation in a computer system during execution of a database query to maximize the performance of the computer system in executing the database query. A desirable resource allocation for optimally executing a particular database query on a computer system may be determined during generation of an access plan for that database query. In association with such a determination, a request for adjusting the resource allocation may be supplied to a resource manager in the computer system to initiate the adjustment of system resources in the computer system prior to actual execution of the access plan. As a result, when the access plan is ultimately executed, the resource allocation may be adjusted in the manner specified in the request to provide an optimal environment for executing the access plan, thus enabling a proactive adjustment of resource allocation to occur in advance of future activity.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for implementing autonomic testing and verification of software fix programs or program temporary fixes (PTFs). A software fix program including multiple patches or a program temporary fix (PTF) including multiple programs is received. Each patch or program of the multiple patches or multiple programs of the software fix program or PTF is sequentially applied to a software product. The software product is tested responsive to each sequentially applied patch or program. Then next iterations or different combinations of patches or programs are sequentially applied to a software product and then the software product is tested responsive to each of the applied iterations.

Abstract: A database engine and a system running a database engine utilize a dynamic join reordering feature to change the order of two or more join operations while a query is executing. The database engine starts execution of the query with an initial join order setting but monitors the execution of the query to determine whether the initial join order or some other join order would provide better runtime performance. If another join order would provide better performance, then the database engine can change the join order during query execution and complete the query using the new join order.

Abstract: A database engine and a system running a database engine utilize a dynamic bitmap updating routine to avoid the delay associated with building an entire bitmap. When running a query on a table, the database engine can build a bitmap over a column of the table that helps avoid unnecessary I/O operations to retrieve records. The database engine initializes the bitmap so that all elements have a value of “1”, or active, and proceeds to scan and retrieve the records of the table according to the bitmap using a first process. Any retrieved record is further analyzed to determine if it is part of the result set. Concurrently, a second process is initiated which continually updates the values within the bitmap according to a set of selection criteria. As the first process continues to operate, more and more elements of the bitmap are set to “0”, or inactive, so that the first process can avoid unnecessary I/O operations.

Abstract: Compositions suitable for use as base coats and varnishes, preferably for use in combination with electrostatic of set inks printed onto plastics substrates, particularly polycarbonate compact discs. They contain a photopolymerisable material, a photoinitiator, an inorganic transfer agent and heavy metal salt preferably a metallic carboxylate. They have a good shelf life and good adhesion after hardening with ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A compiler has the capability to selectively compile individual portions of a compilable code module for optimum execution performance or for serviceability. In one aspect, individual portions, such as procedures (being less than the entire module) are selectively optimized. In another aspect, debug activity data is used for determining whether or not to optimize compiled code. It is optionally possible to support one or more levels of partial selective optimization.

Abstract: A web server computer system includes a virus checker and mechanisms for checking e-mails and their attachments, downloaded files, and web sites for possible viruses. The virus checker allows a web server to perform virus checking of different types of information real-time as the information is requested by a web client. In addition, a web client may also request that the server perform virus checking on a particular drive on the web client. If this case, the web server may receive information from the web client drive, scan the information for viruses, and inform the web client whether any viruses were found. In the alternative, the web server may download a client virus checker to the web client and cause the client virus checker to be run on the web client. The preferred embodiments thus eliminate the need for virus checking software to be installed on each web client.

Abstract: Stretchable film laminates including a layer of elastomeric openwork, such as a plurality of elastic strands or an elastomeric mesh structure. The stretchable film laminates may include a film layer bonded to the layer of elastomeric openwork, with the film layer having cross-directional stretch and the laminate having a multi-phase stretchability profile. The stretchable film laminates may be made by extruding a film from a die, stretching the film, forming and stretching a layer of elastomeric openwork, conveying the stretched elastomeric openwork onto the film while the film is stretched, and passing the film and the elastomeric openwork through a nip. The invention also includes a machine capable of producing machine-direction, cross-direction, and biaxial stretch materials. The machine includes at least one extruder, at least one filament die and at least one film die both attached to the extruder(s), and at least one nip downstream of the extruder(s).

Abstract: This invention concerns inks for use in ink-jet printers for printing on to impervious or non-porous substrates such as, for example, glass, ceramics, plastics such as, for example, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, cellulose acetate butyrate, and metals. The inks comprise a resin and two solvents having different evaporation rates. The inks dry quickly without the need for heat.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for the recordation an audio message, whereby the system converts the recorded message to a digital format, and stores the message on a record medium (18) integrally associated with the system. The record medium (18) with recorded message can be removably affixed to a wide range of objects. The system easily facilitates read, decode, and playback functionality for the recorded message without necessitating removal of the record medium (18) from the object to which it is affixed. Further, the system provides the functionality to store and forward audio messages in digital format to various computer systems (56) and computer-related devices.

Abstract: A breathable, stretch-thinned barrier film having improved strength, processability and/or breathability is formed from a mixture of a thermoplastic polymer and cavated filler particles such as cyclodextrin. The cavated filler particles provide the film with enhanced breathability to water vapor due to their ring-like, conical, cylindrical or otherwise hollow molecular structure, yet the film remains substantially impermeable to aqueous liquids. The enhanced breathability occasioned by the cavated particles permits the use of relatively low filler levels and correspondingly high polymer levels, thereby enhancing the film strength. The filler may melt during extrusion of the molten polymer into a film, facilitating smooth processing, and re-crystallize into particles after the film is formed and cooled.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for the recordation an audio message, whereby the system converts the recorded message to a digital format, and stores the message on a record medium (18) integrally associated with the system. The record medium (18) with recorded message can be removably affixed to a wide range of objects. The system easily facilitates read, decode, and playback functionality for the recorded message without necessitating removal of the record medium (18) from the object to which it is affixed. Further, the system provides the functionality to store and forward audio messages in digital format to various computer systems (56) and computer-related devices.