Abstract: A Diesel Emissions Fluid (DEF) Thawing arrangement is provided for use with a vehicle having an engine, an Engine Control Module (ECM), an exhaust system, and an SCR catalytic device. A DEF injection system is connected to the exhaust system and to the ECM. A DEF tank is connected to the DEF injection system. An exhaust pipe branch is connected to the exhaust system. A heat exchanging apparatus is connected to the exhaust pipe branch and is configured to exchange heat from exhaust gas within the exhaust pipe branch to the DEF in the DEF tank. The heat exchanging apparatus may be an exhaust gas to DEF heat exchanger located at least partially within the DEF tank, or may be an exhaust gas to coolant heat exchanger connected to an engine coolant circuit and a coolant to DEF heat exchanger located at least partially within the DEF tank.

Abstract: Techniques for improving complex database queries are provided. A determination is made whether to adopt a static or dynamic query execution plan for a received database query based on metrics. When a dynamic query execution plan is adopted, the database query is separated into query fragments. A plan fragment is generated for each query fragment and executed to generate feedback for the plan fragment. The feedback from the execution of each plan fragment is used to initiate query rewrite rules to simplify the corresponding query fragments. The rewritten query fragments are combined to generate the dynamic query plan.

Abstract: A system and method for loading data into column-partitioned database tables. The system and method incorporate a mechanism for buffering data extracted from the rows of a source table in column-oriented fashion within an in-buffer memory, enabling an efficient bulk-write of large arrays of values from the buffer into column-partitioned database tables. The system and method may also include optimizations for grouping columns according to data types and altering the order in which columns are inserted into the database tables.

Abstract: One or a soft correlation of a database can be adjusted (e.g., modified, replaced, overwritten) for use with respect to one or more record(s) of the database associated with the soft correlation, by considering at least one or more violations of the soft correlations in the one or more of records database records associated with the soft correlation. In addition, an adjusted soft correlation can be stored and used for optimizations of database queries pertaining to one or more records associated with the adjusted soft correlation. Typically, the adjusted soft correlation is adjusted by at least considering the violations of an original soft correlation in the one or more records relating to the database queries.

Abstract: One or a soft correlation of a database can be adjusted (e.g., modified, replaced, overwritten) for use with respect to one or more record(s) of the database associated with the soft correlation, by considering at least one or more violations of the soft correlations in the one or more of records database records associated with the soft correlation. In addition, an adjusted soft correlation can be stored and used for optimizations of database queries pertaining to one or more records associated with the adjusted soft correlation. Typically, the adjusted soft correlation is adjusted by at least considering the violations of an original soft correlation in the one or more records relating to the database queries.

Abstract: Data portions of a database can be grouped and ranked in order of priory for reassignment from one or more maps to another one or more maps. It should be noted that a first map can assign the data portions to a first configuration of processors for processing the data portions, and a second map assigns the data portions to a second configuration of processors, different than the first configuration, for processing the data portions in a database system and/or environment. The data portions are reassigned in groups during an available time (window) for reassignment by taking the first one of the groups can be reassigned (“moved”) in the available, then the second one in the available reaming time, and so on, until no group of data portions can be moved in the remaining time or all of them have been moved.

Abstract: A database operation is performed in a file system residing on a plurality of processing modules. The file system includes a first relation having a plurality of first-relation entries. Each of the plurality of first-relation entries has a first-relation attribute that is of interest in the database operation. A value of a distribution attribute in each of the first-relation entries is set to a unique value selected from among a domain of unique values. The first-relation entries of the first relation are redistributed among the plurality of processing modules based on the first-relation attribute and the distribution attribute. The computational operation is performed to produce a result.

Abstract: An order (or priority) for reassigning data portions of a database from a first map to a second map can be determined. It should be noted that the first map assigns the data portions to a first configuration of processors for processing the data portions, and the second map assigns the data portions to a second configuration of processors, different than the first configuration, for processing the data portions in a database system and/or environment. The order can be determined by grouping the data in multiple groups and ordering the groups in accordance with a determined priority for reassignment. In doing so, one or more relationships between the data portions and/or cost of use for each one the groups can be considered.

Abstract: The number of processors that store data can be limited for some data in order to improve efficiency in database system that uses multiple processing units to process data. For example, a map can be provided for one or more sparse database tables (or tables) that are relatively small in view of the number of processors that are available. The map can effectively assign distinct portions of the data, e.g., rows of a database, for processing only to a limited number of processors (or processing units). The database system can use the map to process data accordingly.

Abstract: Techniques for improving complex database queries are provided. A determination is made whether to adopt a static or dynamic query execution plan for a received database query based on metrics. When a dynamic query execution plan is adopted, the database query is separated into query fragments. A plan fragment is generated for each query fragment and executed to generate feedback for the plan fragment. The feedback from the execution of each plan fragment is used to initiate query rewrite rules to simplify the corresponding query fragments. The rewritten query fragments are combined to generate the dynamic query plan.

Abstract: Data portions of a database can be grouped and ranked in order of priory for reassignment from one or more maps to another one or more maps. It should be noted that a first map can assign the data portions to a first configuration of processors for processing the data portions, and a second map assigns the data portions to a second configuration of processors, different than the first configuration, for processing the data portions in a database system and/or environment. The data portions are reassigned in groups during an available time (window) for reassignment by taking the first one of the groups can be reassigned (“moved”) in the available, then the second one in the available reaming time, and so on, until no group of data portions can be moved in the remaining time or all of them have been moved.

Abstract: An order (or priority) for reassigning data portions of a database from a first map to a second map can be determined. It should be noted that the first map assigns the data portions to a first configuration of processors for processing the data portions, and the second map assigns the data portions to a second configuration of processors, different than the first configuration, for processing the data portions in a database system and/or environment. The order can be determined by grouping the data in multiple groups and ordering the groups in accordance with a determined priority for reassignment In doing so, one or more relationships between the data portions and/or cost of use for each one the groups can be considered.

Abstract: The number of processors that store data can be limited for some data in order to improve efficiency in database system that uses multiple processing units to process data. For example, a map can be provided for one or more sparse database tables (or tables) that are relatively small in view of the number of processors that are available. The map can effectively assign distinct portions of the data, e.g., rows of a database, for processing only to a limited number of processers (or processing units). The database system can use the map to process data accordingly.

Abstract: A system and method for loading data into column-partitioned database tables. The system and method incorporate a mechanism for buffering data extracted from the rows of a source table in column-oriented fashion within an in-buffer memory, enabling an efficient bulk-write of large arrays of values from the buffer into column-partitioned database tables. The system and method may also include optimizations for grouping columns according to data types and altering the order in which columns are inserted into the database tables.

Abstract: Disclosed is an accessory for eyeglasses. This accessory for eyeglasses may be used for numerous purposes including, but not limited to, prominently displaying branding indicia, advertising indicia, or any combination thereof. In certain aspects, the accessory for eyeglasses may include a clip configured to secure around an earpiece of a pair of eyeglasses. In certain aspects, the clip includes spaced first and second members connected through a U-shaped bend such that the second member is biased in the direction of the first member. The first member includes an attachment feature protruding from one side thereof in a direction away from the second member, and the second member is divided into a central member centered between spaced side members. The accessory for eyeglasses further includes a button configured to be removably attached to the attachment feature.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cosmetic compositions comprising: at least one non-ionic surfactant chosen from alkylpolyglycosides and mono- and polyglycerolated surfactants, and at least one vinylformamide/vinylamine copolymer comprising: from 10 to 90 mol % of units of following formula A: and from 90 to 10 mol % of units of following formula B: and a method for treating keratinous substances using said composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is an accessory for eyeglasses. This accessory for eyeglasses may be used for numerous purposes including, but not limited to, prominently displaying branding indicia, advertising indicia, or any combination thereof. In certain aspects, the accessory for eyeglasses may include a clip configured to secure around an earpiece of a pair of eyeglasses. In certain aspects, the clip includes spaced first and second members connected through a U-shaped bend such that the second member is biased in the direction of the first member. The first member includes an attachment feature protruding from one side thereof in a direction away from the second member, and the second member is divided into a central member centered between spaced side members. The accessory for eyeglasses further includes a button configured to be removably attached to the attachment feature.

Abstract: A method for automatically tracking compliance in a clinical trials process involving one or more operations comprising selecting a container; associating an identifier with the container, the identifier having a unique signature data item thereon; reading the unique signature data item to a relational database; performing a first operation relating to the container; checking the performance of the first operation against a compliance standard; following the successful completion of the first operation, writing an associated compliance data item to the relational database; optionally performing one or more further operations relating to the container; and following the successful completion of each optional further operation or a package thereof, writing an associated compliance data item to the database.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling one or more characteristics of a service received by a mobile station in a mobile communications network across a radio communications link with a dynamically varying bandwidth. Bandwidth-sensing data packets are created for the purpose of determining changes in the bandwidth available across the link and transmissions of bandwidth-sensing data packets across the link are monitored. If timing information generated from the monitored transmissions indicates a change in the bandwidth, then one or more characteristics of the service received can be altered.

Abstract: A soft tissue biopsy device is provided which allows for the recovery of a biopsy of tissue flat in shape, particularly suitable for lymph node biopsy. The device includes twin opposing primary blades preferably aligned in parallel planes, to cut the upper and lower surfaces of the biopsy. A detachment blade is provided to cut the side walls and distal ends of the biopsy. In a preferred embodiment, each primary blade has a sharpened tip set at an angle with a sharpened point to assist tissue penetration. The detachment blade, preferably has inwardly curving flexible sharpened tips at its distal end, and is attached to the handle at its proximal end by a slider such that when in a retracted position, the detachment blade is retracted from the tip of the twixt blades; and when in an advanced position, the tip of the detachment blade abuts the tip of the twin blades.