diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/comparison/datetime_range.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/comparison/datetime_range.aql
index 64ffd8b..4268231 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/comparison/datetime_range.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/comparison/datetime_range.aql
@@ -10,10 +10,8 @@
         text: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1 if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset TwitterData(Tweet)
-  partitioned by key id on group1;
+  partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset TwitterData 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
@@ -23,4 +21,4 @@
 for $t in dataset('TwitterData')
 where $t.time > datetime("2011-05-15T16:00:00Z") and $t.time < datetime("2011-05-15T21:59:59Z")
 order by $t.id
-return { "id": $t.id }
\ No newline at end of file
+return { "id": $t.id }
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/co.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/co.aql
index ccacb66..879b2b8 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/co.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/co.aql
@@ -21,7 +21,6 @@
   }
 }
 
-
 create type OrderType as open {
   oid: int32,
   cid: int32,
@@ -37,15 +36,12 @@
   orders: [OrderType]
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1 if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset Customers3(CustomerType) 
-  partitioned by key cid on group1;
+  partitioned by key cid;
 create dataset Orders3(OrderType)
-  partitioned by key oid on group1;
+  partitioned by key oid;
 create dataset CustomerOrders3(CustomerOrdersType)
-  partitioned by key cid on group1;
-
+  partitioned by key cid;
 
 write output to nc1:"rttest/custord_co.adm";
 
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/customer_q_01.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/customer_q_01.aql
index 83a72ee..04f7669 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/customer_q_01.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/customer_q_01.aql
@@ -22,8 +22,6 @@
   }
 }
 
-
-
 create external dataset Customers(CustomerType)
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
 (("path"="nc1://data/nontagged/customerData.json"),("format"="adm"));
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/denorm-cust-order_01.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/denorm-cust-order_01.aql
index e951abc..decc8bb 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/denorm-cust-order_01.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/denorm-cust-order_01.aql
@@ -21,9 +21,6 @@
   }
 }
 
-
-
-
 create type OrderType as open {
   oid: int32,
   cid: int32,
@@ -39,14 +36,12 @@
   orders: [OrderType]
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1 if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset Customers1(CustomerType) 
-  partitioned by key cid on group1;
+  partitioned by key cid;
 create dataset Orders1(OrderType)
-  partitioned by key oid on group1;
+  partitioned by key oid;
 create dataset CustomerOrders1(CustomerOrdersType)
-  partitioned by key cid on group1;
+  partitioned by key cid;
 
 load dataset Customers1 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
@@ -56,10 +51,8 @@
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
 (("path"="nc1://data/custord-tiny/order-tiny.adm"),("format"="adm")) pre-sorted;
 
-
 // write output to nc1:"rttest/denorm-cust-order_01.adm";
 
-
 write into dataset CustomerOrders1 (
 
 for $c in dataset('Customers1')
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/denorm-cust-order_02.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/denorm-cust-order_02.aql
index 39815d7..2ac6910 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/denorm-cust-order_02.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/denorm-cust-order_02.aql
@@ -21,9 +21,6 @@
   }
 }
 
-
-
-
 create type OrderType as open {
   oid: int32,
   cid: int32,
@@ -39,14 +36,12 @@
   orders: [OrderType]
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1 if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset Customers2(CustomerType) 
-  partitioned by key cid on group1;
+  partitioned by key cid;
 create dataset Orders2(OrderType)
-  partitioned by key oid on group1;
+  partitioned by key oid;
 create dataset CustomerOrders2(CustomerOrdersType)
-  partitioned by key cid on group1;
+  partitioned by key cid;
 
 load dataset Customers2 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
@@ -56,7 +51,6 @@
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
 (("path"="nc1://data/custord-tiny/order-tiny.adm"),("format"="adm")) pre-sorted;
 
-
 write into dataset CustomerOrders2 (
 
 for $c in dataset('Customers2')
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/denorm-cust-order_03.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/denorm-cust-order_03.aql
index 978bedf..324dbb0 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/denorm-cust-order_03.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/denorm-cust-order_03.aql
@@ -4,8 +4,6 @@
 
 use dataverse test;
 
-
-
 create type AddressType as open {
   number: int32, 
   street: string,
@@ -38,14 +36,12 @@
   orders: [OrderType]
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1 if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset Customers3(CustomerType) 
-  partitioned by key cid on group1;
+  partitioned by key cid;
 create dataset Orders3(OrderType)
-  partitioned by key oid on group1;
+  partitioned by key oid;
 create dataset CustomerOrders3(CustomerOrdersType)
-  partitioned by key cid on group1;
+  partitioned by key cid;
 
 load dataset Customers3 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/freq-clerk.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/freq-clerk.aql
index d6eb4c4..cd4ef0e 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/freq-clerk.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/freq-clerk.aql
@@ -27,10 +27,8 @@
   total: float
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1 if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset CustomerOrders(CustomerOrderType) 
-  partitioned by key cid on group1;
+  partitioned by key cid;
 
 
 load dataset CustomerOrders
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/join_q_01.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/join_q_01.aql
index 2a6a37b..ddde56e 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/join_q_01.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/join_q_01.aql
@@ -22,8 +22,6 @@
   }
 }
 
-
-
 create type OrderType as open {
   oid: int32,
   cid: int32,
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/load-test.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/load-test.aql
index ae2d750..5f73e4b 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/load-test.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/load-test.aql
@@ -1,5 +1,4 @@
 drop dataverse test if exists;
-drop nodegroup group0 if exists;
   
 create dataverse test;
 use dataverse test;
@@ -21,13 +20,10 @@
   }
 }
 
-create nodegroup group0 if not exists on nc1;
-create nodegroup group1 if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset c1(CustomerType) 
-  partitioned by key cid on group0;
+  partitioned by key cid;
 create dataset c2(CustomerType) 
-  partitioned by key cid on group1;  
+  partitioned by key cid;  
   
 load dataset c1 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
@@ -49,7 +45,6 @@
 return $c
 
 
-
 // write output to nc1:"rttest/denorm-cust-order_01.adm";
 
 
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/order_q_01.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/order_q_01.aql
index 36e6830..0fb9218 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/order_q_01.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/order_q_01.aql
@@ -15,7 +15,6 @@
 }
 
 
-
 create external dataset Orders(OrderType)
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
 (("path"="nc1://data/nontagged/orderData.json"),("format"="adm"));
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/order_q_02.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/order_q_02.aql
index a16eab6..08856e9 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/order_q_02.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/order_q_02.aql
@@ -15,7 +15,6 @@
 }
 
 
-
 create external dataset Orders(OrderType)
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
 (("path"="nc1://data/nontagged/orderData.json"),("format"="adm"));
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/order_q_04.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/order_q_04.aql
index c9b22d8..b2d55d9 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/order_q_04.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/custord/order_q_04.aql
@@ -15,7 +15,6 @@
 }
 
 
-
 create external dataset Orders(OrderType)
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
 (("path"="nc1://data/nontagged/orderData.json"),("format"="adm"));
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dapd/q1.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dapd/q1.aql
index df75811..e55a643 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dapd/q1.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dapd/q1.aql
@@ -3,7 +3,6 @@
 create dataverse test;
 use dataverse test;
 
-
 create type AddressType as closed {
   street: string,
   city: string,
@@ -25,8 +24,6 @@
   }}
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create external dataset User(UserType) 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
 (("path"="nc1://data/events/tiny/user.adm"),("format"="adm"));
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dapd/q2.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dapd/q2.aql
index 171fb02..545e31f 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dapd/q2.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dapd/q2.aql
@@ -31,10 +31,6 @@
   end_time: datetime
 }
 
-
-
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create external dataset Event(EventType) 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
 (("path"="nc1://data/events/tiny/event.adm"),("format"="adm"));
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dapd/q3.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dapd/q3.aql
index 9c871b2..23e4557 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dapd/q3.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dapd/q3.aql
@@ -23,17 +23,13 @@
 }}
 }
 
-
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset User(UserType)
- partitioned by key name on group1;
+ partitioned by key name;
 
 load dataset User 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
 (("path"="nc1://data/events/tiny/user.adm"),("format"="json")) pre-sorted;
 
-
 write output to nc1:'rttest/dapd_q3.adm';
 
 set simthreshold '.5f';
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/delete-with-index.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/delete-with-index.aql
index b1ad097..fdd9cba 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/delete-with-index.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/delete-with-index.aql
@@ -22,15 +22,13 @@
   l_comment: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
 create dataset LineItem(LineItemType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 
 load dataset LineItem 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
 (("path"="nc1://data/tpch0.001/lineitem.tbl"),("format"="delimited-text"),("delimiter"="|")) pre-sorted;
 
-
 create index idx_LineItem_partkey on LineItem(l_linenumber);
 create index idx_LineItem_suppkey on LineItem(l_suppkey);
 
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/delete.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/delete.aql
index cdd0315..22a540a 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/delete.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/delete.aql
@@ -22,16 +22,13 @@
   l_comment: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset LineItem(LineItemType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 
 load dataset LineItem 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
 (("path"="nc1://data/tpch0.001/lineitem.tbl"),("format"="delimited-text"),("delimiter"="|")) pre-sorted;
 
-
 delete $l from dataset LineItem where $l.l_orderkey>=10;
 
 write output to nc1:"rttest/dml_delete.adm";      
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/insert-tuple-with-index.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/insert-tuple-with-index.aql
index fcc83d6..2236aed 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/insert-tuple-with-index.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/insert-tuple-with-index.aql
@@ -9,16 +9,13 @@
   l_suppkey: int32
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1 if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset LineID(LineIDType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 
 load dataset LineID 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
 (("path"="nc1://data/tpch0.001/lineitem_0.tbl"),("format"="delimited-text"),("delimiter"="|")) pre-sorted;
 
-
 create index idx_LineID_partkey on LineID(l_linenumber);
 create index idx_LineID_suppkey on LineID(l_suppkey);
 
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/insert-tuple.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/insert-tuple.aql
index 731f7cd..27250ae 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/insert-tuple.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/insert-tuple.aql
@@ -9,16 +9,13 @@
   l_suppkey: int32
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1 if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset LineID(LineIDType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 
 load dataset LineID 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
 (("path"="nc1://data/tpch0.001/lineitem_0.tbl"),("format"="delimited-text"),("delimiter"="|")) pre-sorted;
 
-
 insert into dataset LineID (
 let $x:=1
 let $y:=2
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/insert-wisc.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/insert-wisc.aql
index 4e9e594..e1825d0 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/insert-wisc.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/insert-wisc.aql
@@ -4,8 +4,6 @@
 
 use dataverse test;
 
-create nodegroup group1 if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create type Schema as closed {
 unique1:  int32,
 unique2:  int32,
@@ -25,9 +23,9 @@
 string4:  string
 }
 
-create dataset onektup(Schema) partitioned by key unique2 on group1;
+create dataset onektup(Schema) partitioned by key unique2;
 
-create dataset tenktup1(Schema) partitioned by key unique2 on group1;
+create dataset tenktup1(Schema) partitioned by key unique2;
 
 load dataset onektup 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
@@ -37,7 +35,7 @@
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
 (("path"="nc1://data/wisc/tenktup.adm"),("format"="delimited-text"),("delimiter"="|")) pre-sorted;
 
-create dataset tmp(Schema) partitioned by key unique2 on group1;
+create dataset tmp(Schema) partitioned by key unique2;
 
 load dataset tmp 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/insert-with-index.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/insert-with-index.aql
index ec30668..e14af7e 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/insert-with-index.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/insert-with-index.aql
@@ -28,13 +28,11 @@
   l_suppkey: int32
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset LineItem(LineItemType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 
 create dataset LineID(LineIDType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 
 load dataset LineItem 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/insert.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/insert.aql
index 2123aa8..8062ce1 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/insert.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/insert.aql
@@ -28,13 +28,11 @@
   l_suppkey: int32
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1;
-
 create dataset LineItem(LineItemType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 
 create dataset LineID(LineIDType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 
 load dataset LineItem 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/insert_less_nc.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/insert_less_nc.aql
index 80cb4f5..d3efad9 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/insert_less_nc.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/insert_less_nc.aql
@@ -28,13 +28,11 @@
   l_suppkey: int32
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1nc2 if not exists on nc2;
-
 create dataset LineItem(LineItemType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1nc2;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 
 create dataset LineID(LineIDType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1nc2;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 
 load dataset LineItem 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/load-from-hdfs.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/load-from-hdfs.aql
index c6fef4b..4641c68 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/load-from-hdfs.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/load-from-hdfs.aql
@@ -22,11 +22,8 @@
   l_comment: string
 }
 
-
-create nodegroup group1 if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset LineItem(LineItemType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 
 //load dataset LineItem 
 //using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/load-with-index.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/load-with-index.aql
index 38df3ef..efab267 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/load-with-index.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/load-with-index.aql
@@ -21,10 +21,8 @@
   l_comment: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1 if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset LineItem(LineItemType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 
 create index idx_partkey on LineItem(l_partkey);
 
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/opentype-insert.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/opentype-insert.aql
index d72372f..0c71f54 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/opentype-insert.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/opentype-insert.aql
@@ -1,15 +1,12 @@
 create dataverse testdv2;
 use dataverse testdv2;
 
-
 create type testtype as open {
   id: string,
   name: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup grouptest on nc1;
-
-create dataset testds(testtype) partitioned by key id on grouptest;
+create dataset testds(testtype) partitioned by key id;
  
  insert into dataset testds (
  { "id": "001", "name": "Person Three", "hobbies": {{"scuba", "music"}}}
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/opentype-insert2.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/opentype-insert2.aql
index 8339bc2..db5ee2e 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/opentype-insert2.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/opentype-insert2.aql
@@ -13,8 +13,7 @@
 
 insert into dataset testds( for $i in range(1,10) return { "id":$i,"name":"John Doe" });
 
-
 write output to nc1:"rttest/dml_opentype-insert2.adm";
 for $l in dataset('testds')
 order by $l.id
-return $l
\ No newline at end of file
+return $l
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/scan-delete-rtree-secondary-index.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/scan-delete-rtree-secondary-index.aql
index bb2f934..6201ca2 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/scan-delete-rtree-secondary-index.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/scan-delete-rtree-secondary-index.aql
@@ -13,10 +13,8 @@
   rec: rectangle
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset MyData(MyRecord)
-  partitioned by key id on group1;
+  partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset MyData 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/scan-insert-rtree-secondary-index.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/scan-insert-rtree-secondary-index.aql
index fe9c017..236b4a9 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/scan-insert-rtree-secondary-index.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/dml/scan-insert-rtree-secondary-index.aql
@@ -18,18 +18,15 @@
   point: point
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset MyData(MyRecord)
-  partitioned by key id on group1;
+  partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset MyData 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
 (("path"="nc1://data/spatial/spatialData.json"),("format"="adm")) pre-sorted;
 
-
 create dataset MyMiniData(MyMiniRecord)
-  partitioned by key id on group1;
+  partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset MyMiniData 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/failure/delete-rtree.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/failure/delete-rtree.aql
index 0ad2dde..465d94f 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/failure/delete-rtree.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/failure/delete-rtree.aql
@@ -11,17 +11,13 @@
 	text: string
 }
 
-
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset MyData(MyRecord)
-  partitioned by key id on group1;
+  partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset MyData 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
 (("path"="nc1://data/twitter/smalltweets.txt"),("format"="adm")) pre-sorted;
 
-
 delete $l from dataset MyData where $l.id>=50 die after 1500;
 
 write output to nc1:"rttest/failure_delete-rtree.adm";      
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/failure/delete.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/failure/delete.aql
index cb51030..cd4a922 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/failure/delete.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/failure/delete.aql
@@ -22,16 +22,13 @@
   l_comment: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset LineItem(LineItemType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 
 load dataset LineItem 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
 (("path"="nc1://data/tpch0.001/lineitem.tbl"),("format"="delimited-text"),("delimiter"="|")) pre-sorted;
 
-
 delete $l from dataset LineItem where $l.l_orderkey>=10 die after 1500;
 
 write output to nc1:"rttest/failure_delete.adm";      
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/failure/insert-rtree.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/failure/insert-rtree.aql
index ca4e910..2ec32f4 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/failure/insert-rtree.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/failure/insert-rtree.aql
@@ -16,10 +16,8 @@
   loc: point
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset MyData(MyRecord)
-  partitioned by key id on group1;
+  partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset MyData 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
@@ -27,7 +25,7 @@
 
 
 create dataset MyMiniData(MyMiniRecord)
-  partitioned by key id on group1;
+  partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset MyMiniData 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/failure/insert.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/failure/insert.aql
index 570f4bc..3f1daad 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/failure/insert.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/failure/insert.aql
@@ -28,13 +28,11 @@
   l_suppkey: int32
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset LineItem(LineItemType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 
 create dataset LineID(LineIDType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 
 load dataset LineItem 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/failure/q1_pricing_summary_report_failure.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/failure/q1_pricing_summary_report_failure.aql
index def6e9a..a0c7f87 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/failure/q1_pricing_summary_report_failure.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/failure/q1_pricing_summary_report_failure.aql
@@ -23,10 +23,8 @@
   l_comment: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1;
-
 create dataset LineItem(LineItemType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 
 load dataset LineItem 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-1_1.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-1_1.aql
index 4409fec..8438ae9 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-1_1.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-1_1.aql
@@ -12,9 +12,7 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1 if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-1_2.1.1.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-1_2.1.1.aql
index 8deab14..d575424 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-1_2.1.1.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-1_2.1.1.aql
@@ -12,9 +12,7 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1 if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-1_2.1.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-1_2.1.aql
index 8a492ae..f0b43d1 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-1_2.1.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-1_2.1.aql
@@ -12,9 +12,7 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1 if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-1_2.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-1_2.aql
index 68d26fe..a96e933 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-1_2.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-1_2.aql
@@ -12,9 +12,7 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1 if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2.1_5.3.1.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2.1_5.3.1.aql
index f499ba3..f424166 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2.1_5.3.1.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2.1_5.3.1.aql
@@ -12,9 +12,7 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2.2.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2.2.aql
index ce8dae4..05304c5 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2.2.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2.2.aql
@@ -17,10 +17,8 @@
   rank: int32
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
-create dataset TOKENSRANKEDADM(TOKENSRANKEDADMType) partitioned by key rank on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
+create dataset TOKENSRANKEDADM(TOKENSRANKEDADMType) partitioned by key rank;
 
 load dataset DBLP 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2_1.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2_1.aql
index 7328e60..be6073b 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2_1.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2_1.aql
@@ -12,9 +12,7 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1 if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2_2.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2_2.aql
index 5c5cc8e..9d31f4a 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2_2.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2_2.aql
@@ -12,9 +12,7 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1 if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2_3.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2_3.aql
index 6ffb2d5..4bc6836 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2_3.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2_3.aql
@@ -12,9 +12,7 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1 if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2_4.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2_4.aql
index 6a0a011..149a9b4 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2_4.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2_4.aql
@@ -12,9 +12,7 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1 if not exists  on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2_5.1.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2_5.1.aql
index 7d3e144..90e1b15 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2_5.1.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2_5.1.aql
@@ -12,9 +12,7 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2_5.2.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2_5.2.aql
index f69e98f..2771589 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2_5.2.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2_5.2.aql
@@ -12,9 +12,7 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2_5.3.1.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2_5.3.1.aql
index ec9726d..57cdab4 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2_5.3.1.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2_5.3.1.aql
@@ -12,9 +12,7 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2_5.3.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2_5.3.aql
index a0b3011..e4e8cfd 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2_5.3.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2_5.3.aql
@@ -12,9 +12,7 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2_5.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2_5.aql
index 6c5e1ac..8d3c4c3 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2_5.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-2_5.aql
@@ -12,9 +12,7 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-3_1.1.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-3_1.1.aql
index e871290..e65952d 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-3_1.1.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-3_1.1.aql
@@ -12,9 +12,7 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-3_1.2.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-3_1.2.aql
index d1d65dc..4a98706 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-3_1.2.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-3_1.2.aql
@@ -12,9 +12,7 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-3_1.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-3_1.aql
index eea456e..d998928 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-3_1.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-3_1.aql
@@ -12,9 +12,7 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-aqlplus_1.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-aqlplus_1.aql
index 089fc47..445b3f6 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-aqlplus_1.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-aqlplus_1.aql
@@ -12,9 +12,7 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP from nc1:'data/pub-small/dblp-small-id.txt' delimited by ':';
 
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-2_1.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-2_1.aql
index a5bb9cd..a899a80 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-2_1.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-2_1.aql
@@ -20,10 +20,8 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
-create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
+create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-2_2.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-2_2.aql
index fab6877..4c30bb7 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-2_2.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-2_2.aql
@@ -20,10 +20,8 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
-create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
+create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-2_3.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-2_3.aql
index 34654e3..5c49fd2 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-2_3.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-2_3.aql
@@ -20,10 +20,8 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
-create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
+create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-2_4.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-2_4.aql
index f2ad20d..fa8501c 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-2_4.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-2_4.aql
@@ -20,10 +20,8 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
-create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
+create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-2_5.1.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-2_5.1.aql
index c5d4b73..97d163f 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-2_5.1.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-2_5.1.aql
@@ -20,10 +20,8 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
-create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
+create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-2_5.2.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-2_5.2.aql
index b272e34..0329a87 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-2_5.2.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-2_5.2.aql
@@ -20,10 +20,8 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
-create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
+create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-2_5.3.1.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-2_5.3.1.aql
index fd58328..9d9c141 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-2_5.3.1.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-2_5.3.1.aql
@@ -20,10 +20,8 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
-create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
+create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id;
 
 
 load dataset DBLP
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-2_5.3.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-2_5.3.aql
index a52183f..11d4327 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-2_5.3.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-2_5.3.aql
@@ -20,10 +20,8 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
-create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
+create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-2_5.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-2_5.aql
index 7ccdc0c..603077e 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-2_5.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-2_5.aql
@@ -20,10 +20,8 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
-create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
+create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_1.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_1.aql
index b22d355..2a3f6ec 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_1.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_1.aql
@@ -20,10 +20,8 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
-create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
+create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_2.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_2.aql
index 5dc2cad..e942aa0 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_2.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_2.aql
@@ -20,10 +20,8 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
-create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
+create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_3.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_3.aql
index 0ce00ca..dbbc1b1 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_3.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_3.aql
@@ -20,10 +20,8 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
-create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
+create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_4.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_4.aql
index ac683c8..a703037 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_4.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_4.aql
@@ -20,10 +20,8 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
-create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
+create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_5.1.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_5.1.aql
index fd6ad95..c6d61e2 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_5.1.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_5.1.aql
@@ -20,10 +20,8 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
-create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
+create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_5.2.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_5.2.aql
index cc49092..f881151 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_5.2.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_5.2.aql
@@ -20,10 +20,8 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
-create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
+create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_5.3.1.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_5.3.1.aql
index 66fb57e..b0884f2 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_5.3.1.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_5.3.1.aql
@@ -20,10 +20,8 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
-create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
+create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_5.3.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_5.3.aql
index 93545b3..46bd31d 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_5.3.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_5.3.aql
@@ -20,10 +20,8 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
-create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
+create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_5.4.1.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_5.4.1.aql
index 9782508..c8ed34b 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_5.4.1.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_5.4.1.aql
@@ -20,10 +20,8 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
-create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
+create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_5.4.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_5.4.aql
index cb5b8ba..e4eab9d 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_5.4.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_5.4.aql
@@ -20,10 +20,8 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
-create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
+create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_5.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_5.aql
index 0f1f2fe..55d508b 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_5.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-3_5.aql
@@ -20,10 +20,8 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
-create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
+create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-aqlplus_1.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-aqlplus_1.aql
index ead8e81..c5d4669 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-aqlplus_1.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-aqlplus_1.aql
@@ -20,10 +20,8 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
-create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key;
+create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key;
 
 load dataset DBLP from nc1:'data/pub-small/dblp-small-id.txt' delimited by ':';
 load dataset CSX from nc1:'data/pub-small/csx-small-id.txt' delimited by ':';
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-aqlplus_2.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-aqlplus_2.aql
index 611fd29..da7d3cc 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-aqlplus_2.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-aqlplus_2.aql
@@ -20,10 +20,8 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
-create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key;
+create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key;
 
 load dataset DBLP from nc1:'data/pub-small/dblp-small-id.txt' delimited by ':';
 load dataset CSX from nc1:'data/pub-small/csx-small-id.txt' delimited by ':';
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-aqlplus_3.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-aqlplus_3.aql
index e6dc1ed..0f0e993 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-aqlplus_3.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-aqlplus_3.aql
@@ -20,10 +20,8 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
-create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
+create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP from nc1:'data/pub-small/dblp-small-id.txt' delimited by ':';
 load dataset CSX from nc1:'data/pub-small/csx-small-id.txt' delimited by ':';
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-dblp-aqlplus_1.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-dblp-aqlplus_1.aql
index e1b53d3..b6da9586 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-dblp-aqlplus_1.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-csx-dblp-aqlplus_1.aql
@@ -20,10 +20,8 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
-create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
+create dataset CSX(CSXType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP from nc1:'data/pub-small/dblp-small-id.txt' delimited by ':';
 load dataset CSX from nc1:'data/pub-small/csx-small-id.txt' delimited by ':';
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-lookup_1.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-lookup_1.aql
index a235756..61ca78e 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-lookup_1.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-lookup_1.aql
@@ -12,9 +12,7 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id on group1;
+create dataset DBLP(DBLPType) partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset DBLP
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-splits-3_1.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-splits-3_1.aql
index 68800dd..f0f4a6e 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-splits-3_1.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/dblp-splits-3_1.aql
@@ -12,8 +12,6 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create external dataset DBLP(DBLPType) 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
 (("path"="nc1://data/pub-small/dblp-small-id.txt"),("format"="delimited-text"),("delimiter"=":"));
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/events-users-aqlplus_1.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/events-users-aqlplus_1.aql
index 6093823..b0c70ad 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/events-users-aqlplus_1.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/events-users-aqlplus_1.aql
@@ -24,10 +24,8 @@
 }
 
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset User(UserType)
- partitioned by key name on group1;
+ partitioned by key name;
 load dataset User from nc1:'data/events/tiny/user.adm';
 
 write output to nc1:'rttest/fuzzyjoin_events-users-aqlplus_1.adm';
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-int-aqlplus_1.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-int-aqlplus_1.aql
index 7e4ab38..b7e2d25 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-int-aqlplus_1.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-int-aqlplus_1.aql
@@ -9,9 +9,7 @@
   interests: <string>
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid on group1;
+create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid;
 
 load dataset Users from nc1:'data/users-visitors-small/users.json';
 
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-int-aqlplus_2.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-int-aqlplus_2.aql
index d1e49a0..8910d67 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-int-aqlplus_2.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-int-aqlplus_2.aql
@@ -9,9 +9,7 @@
   interests: <string>
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid on group1;
+create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid;
 
 load dataset Users from nc1:'data/users-visitors-small/users.json';
 
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-int-aqlplus_3.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-int-aqlplus_3.aql
index bf15bf6..f896430 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-int-aqlplus_3.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-int-aqlplus_3.aql
@@ -9,9 +9,7 @@
   interests: <string>
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid on group1;
+create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid;
 
 load dataset Users from nc1:'data/users-visitors-small/users.json';
 
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-lot-aqlplus_1.1.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-lot-aqlplus_1.1.aql
index ccdd07f..584014a 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-lot-aqlplus_1.1.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-lot-aqlplus_1.1.aql
@@ -9,9 +9,7 @@
   interests: <string>
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid on group1;
+create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid;
 
 load dataset Users from nc1:'data/users-visitors-small/users.json';
 
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-lot-aqlplus_1.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-lot-aqlplus_1.aql
index 3b4a6fe..2a9e544 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-lot-aqlplus_1.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-lot-aqlplus_1.aql
@@ -9,9 +9,7 @@
   interests: <string>
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid on group1;
+create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid;
 
 load dataset Users from nc1:'data/users-visitors-small/users.json';
 
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-lot-aqlplus_2.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-lot-aqlplus_2.aql
index 3e970c7..c4592a2 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-lot-aqlplus_2.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-lot-aqlplus_2.aql
@@ -9,9 +9,7 @@
   interests: <string>
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid on group1;
+create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid;
 
 load dataset Users from nc1:'data/users-visitors-small/users.json';
 
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-lot-aqlplus_3.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-lot-aqlplus_3.aql
index 1979ba1..10d9c61 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-lot-aqlplus_3.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-lot-aqlplus_3.aql
@@ -9,9 +9,7 @@
   interests: <string>
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid on group1;
+create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid;
 
 load dataset Users from nc1:'data/users-visitors-small/users.json';
 
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-int-3_1.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-int-3_1.aql
index abbb66a..d2aebca 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-int-3_1.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-int-3_1.aql
@@ -18,10 +18,8 @@
   interests: {{string}}
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid on group1;
-create dataset Visitors(VisitorType) partitioned by key vid on group1;
+create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid;
+create dataset Visitors(VisitorType) partitioned by key vid;
 
 
 load dataset Users 
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-int-aqlplus_1.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-int-aqlplus_1.aql
index 1a676c5..64fd639 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-int-aqlplus_1.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-int-aqlplus_1.aql
@@ -18,10 +18,8 @@
   interests: <string>
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid on group1;
-create dataset Visitors(VisitorType) partitioned by key vid on group1;
+create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid;
+create dataset Visitors(VisitorType) partitioned by key vid;
 
 load dataset Users from nc1:'data/users-visitors-small/users.json';
 load dataset Visitors from nc1:'data/users-visitors-small/visitors.json';
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-int-aqlplus_2.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-int-aqlplus_2.aql
index 1e6e417..aa24266 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-int-aqlplus_2.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-int-aqlplus_2.aql
@@ -18,10 +18,8 @@
   interests: <string>
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid on group1;
-create dataset Visitors(VisitorType) partitioned by key vid on group1;
+create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid;
+create dataset Visitors(VisitorType) partitioned by key vid;
 
 load dataset Users from nc1:'data/users-visitors-small/users.json';
 load dataset Visitors from nc1:'data/users-visitors-small/visitors.json';
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-int-aqlplus_3.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-int-aqlplus_3.aql
index 2d39bd4..674ae07 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-int-aqlplus_3.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-int-aqlplus_3.aql
@@ -18,10 +18,8 @@
   interests: <string>
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid on group1;
-create dataset Visitors(VisitorType) partitioned by key vid on group1;
+create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid;
+create dataset Visitors(VisitorType) partitioned by key vid;
 
 load dataset Users from nc1:'data/users-visitors-small/users.json';
 load dataset Visitors from nc1:'data/users-visitors-small/visitors.json';
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-int-vis-user-lot-aqlplus_1.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-int-vis-user-lot-aqlplus_1.aql
index 4561a7a..51cbc6d 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-int-vis-user-lot-aqlplus_1.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-int-vis-user-lot-aqlplus_1.aql
@@ -18,10 +18,8 @@
   interests: <string>
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid on group1;
-create dataset Visitors(VisitorType) partitioned by key vid on group1;
+create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid;
+create dataset Visitors(VisitorType) partitioned by key vid;
 
 load dataset Users from nc1:'data/users-visitors-small/users.json';
 load dataset Visitors from nc1:'data/users-visitors-small/visitors.json';
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-lot-3_1.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-lot-3_1.aql
index 4de46a5..9f2fd07 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-lot-3_1.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-lot-3_1.aql
@@ -18,10 +18,8 @@
   interests: {{string}}
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid on group1;
-create dataset Visitors(VisitorType) partitioned by key vid on group1;
+create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid;
+create dataset Visitors(VisitorType) partitioned by key vid;
 
 load dataset Users 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-lot-aqlplus_1.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-lot-aqlplus_1.aql
index d328366..439bf67 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-lot-aqlplus_1.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-lot-aqlplus_1.aql
@@ -18,10 +18,8 @@
   interests: <string>
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid on group1;
-create dataset Visitors(VisitorType) partitioned by key vid on group1;
+create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid;
+create dataset Visitors(VisitorType) partitioned by key vid;
 
 load dataset Users from nc1:'data/users-visitors-small/users.json';
 load dataset Visitors from nc1:'data/users-visitors-small/visitors.json';
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-lot-aqlplus_2.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-lot-aqlplus_2.aql
index bf0f287..81b0b60 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-lot-aqlplus_2.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-lot-aqlplus_2.aql
@@ -18,10 +18,8 @@
   interests: <string>
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid on group1;
-create dataset Visitors(VisitorType) partitioned by key vid on group1;
+create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid;
+create dataset Visitors(VisitorType) partitioned by key vid;
 
 load dataset Users from nc1:'data/users-visitors-small/users.json';
 load dataset Visitors from nc1:'data/users-visitors-small/visitors.json';
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-lot-aqlplus_3.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-lot-aqlplus_3.aql
index 72cb80c..3c98faa 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-lot-aqlplus_3.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-lot-aqlplus_3.aql
@@ -18,10 +18,8 @@
   interests: <string>
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid on group1;
-create dataset Visitors(VisitorType) partitioned by key vid on group1;
+create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid;
+create dataset Visitors(VisitorType) partitioned by key vid;
 
 load dataset Users from nc1:'data/users-visitors-small/users.json';
 load dataset Visitors from nc1:'data/users-visitors-small/visitors.json';
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-lot-aqlplus_4.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-lot-aqlplus_4.aql
index 19415d5..5e12c6d 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-lot-aqlplus_4.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-lot-aqlplus_4.aql
@@ -18,10 +18,8 @@
   interests: <string>
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid on group1;
-create dataset Visitors(VisitorType) partitioned by key vid on group1;
+create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid;
+create dataset Visitors(VisitorType) partitioned by key vid;
 
 load dataset Users from nc1:'data/users-visitors-small/users.json';
 load dataset Visitors from nc1:'data/users-visitors-small/visitors.json';
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-lot-aqlplus_5.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-lot-aqlplus_5.aql
index 698b1b5..8f14385 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-lot-aqlplus_5.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-lot-aqlplus_5.aql
@@ -18,10 +18,8 @@
   interests: <string>
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1 if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid on group1;
-create dataset Visitors(VisitorType) partitioned by key vid on group1;
+create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid;
+create dataset Visitors(VisitorType) partitioned by key vid;
 
 load dataset Users from nc1:'data/users-visitors-small/users.json';
 load dataset Visitors from nc1:'data/users-visitors-small/visitors.json';
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-lot-int-aqlplus_1.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-lot-int-aqlplus_1.aql
index 6a43fa6..facf238 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-lot-int-aqlplus_1.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-lot-int-aqlplus_1.aql
@@ -18,11 +18,8 @@
   interests: <string>
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1 if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid on group1;
-create dataset Visitors(VisitorType) partitioned by key vid on group1;
-
+create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid;
+create dataset Visitors(VisitorType) partitioned by key vid;
 
 load dataset Users from nc1:'data/users-visitors-small/users.json';
 load dataset Visitors from nc1:'data/users-visitors-small/visitors.json';
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-lot-int-aqlplus_2.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-lot-int-aqlplus_2.aql
index 693191a..e38178e 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-lot-int-aqlplus_2.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/fuzzyjoin/user-vis-lot-int-aqlplus_2.aql
@@ -18,11 +18,8 @@
   interests: <string>
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1 if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid on group1;
-create dataset Visitors(VisitorType) partitioned by key vid on group1;
-
+create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid;
+create dataset Visitors(VisitorType) partitioned by key vid;
 
 load dataset Users from nc1:'data/users-visitors-small/users.json';
 load dataset Visitors from nc1:'data/users-visitors-small/visitors.json';
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/index/orders-index-custkey-conjunctive.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/index/orders-index-custkey-conjunctive.aql
index f01b16d..10db179 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/index/orders-index-custkey-conjunctive.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/index/orders-index-custkey-conjunctive.aql
@@ -2,7 +2,6 @@
 create dataverse tpch;
 use dataverse tpch;
 
-
 create type OrderType as closed {
   o_orderkey: int32, 
   o_custkey: int32, 
@@ -15,11 +14,8 @@
   o_comment: string
 }
 
-
-create nodegroup group1 if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset Orders(OrderType)
-  partitioned by key o_orderkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key o_orderkey;
 
 load dataset Orders 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter" 
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/index/orders-index-custkey.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/index/orders-index-custkey.aql
index 7bc7320..38bc76c 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/index/orders-index-custkey.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/index/orders-index-custkey.aql
@@ -2,7 +2,6 @@
 create dataverse tpch;
 use dataverse tpch;
 
-
 create type OrderType as closed {
   o_orderkey: int32, 
   o_custkey: int32, 
@@ -15,11 +14,8 @@
   o_comment: string
 }
 
-
-create nodegroup group1 if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset Orders(OrderType)
-  partitioned by key o_orderkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key o_orderkey;
 
 load dataset Orders 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/index/range-search.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/index/range-search.aql
index ea0b4ef..666dc73 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/index/range-search.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/index/range-search.aql
@@ -22,10 +22,8 @@
   l_comment: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset LineItem(LineItemType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 
 load dataset LineItem 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter" 
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/index/rtree-secondary-index.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/index/rtree-secondary-index.aql
index 71c5630..6dab809 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/index/rtree-secondary-index.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/index/rtree-secondary-index.aql
@@ -13,10 +13,8 @@
   rec: rectangle
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset MyData(MyRecord)
-  partitioned by key id on group1;
+  partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset MyData 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter" 
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/nested-loop-join_01.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/nested-loop-join_01.aql
index 876648b..79b3a9f 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/nested-loop-join_01.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/nested-loop-join_01.aql
@@ -16,10 +16,8 @@
   interests: {{string}}
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1 if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
-create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid on group1;
-create dataset Visitors(VisitorType) partitioned by key vid on group1;
+create dataset Users(UserType) partitioned by key uid;
+create dataset Visitors(VisitorType) partitioned by key vid;
 
 
 load dataset Users 
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/open-closed/open-closed-13.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/open-closed/open-closed-13.aql
index 68d0b70..379e282 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/open-closed/open-closed-13.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/open-closed/open-closed-13.aql
@@ -14,9 +14,7 @@
   name: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup grouptest on nc1;
-
-create dataset testds(testtype) partitioned by key id on grouptest;
+create dataset testds(testtype) partitioned by key id;
 
 insert into dataset testds (
 { "id": "001", "name": "Person Three", "hobbies": {{"scuba", "music"}}}
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/open-closed/open-closed-20.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/open-closed/open-closed-20.aql
index cc2513f..d7ad173 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/open-closed/open-closed-20.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/open-closed/open-closed-20.aql
@@ -1,9 +1,10 @@
 /*
  * Test case name :  open-closed-20.aql
- * Description    :  Insert into open type internal dataset by querying another internal dataset
+ * Description    :  Insert into open type internal dataset by querying another internal dataset which is of open type with nullable fields
  *                :  In this case source dataset has (n+n) fields and the target dataset has only n fields, but has no intial records in it.
+ *                :  In this scenario, the source dataset (open) has some optional fields
  * Success        :  Yes
- * Date           :  29 April 2012
+ * Date           :  May 01 2012
  */
 
 
@@ -21,26 +22,24 @@
 id:int32,
 name:string,
 age:int8,
-sex:string,
-dob:date
+sex:string?,
+dob:date?
 }
 
 create dataset employee(Emp) partitioned by key id;
 
-insert into dataset employee({"id":201,"name":"John Doe","age":32,"sex":"M","dob":"1-1-82"});
-insert into dataset employee({"id":202,"name":"John Smith","age":30,"sex":"M","dob":"1-1-82"});
-insert into dataset employee({"id":201,"name":"John Wayne","age":62,"sex":"M","dob":"1-1-82"});
-insert into dataset employee({"id":203,"name":"Roger Sanders","age":48,"sex":"M","dob":"1-1-82"});
-insert into dataset employee({"id":204,"name":"Raj Singh","age":37,"sex":"M","dob":"1-1-82"});
-insert into dataset employee({"id":205,"name":"Mike Tyson","age":44,"sex":"M","dob":"1-1-82"});
-insert into dataset employee({"id":206,"name":"Brett Lee","age":35,"sex":"M","dob":"1-1-82"});
-insert into dataset employee({"id":207,"name":"Chen Li","age":39,"sex":"M","dob":"1-1-82"});
-insert into dataset employee({"id":208,"name":"Mike Carey","age":42,"sex":"M","dob":"1-1-82"});
-insert into dataset employee({"id":209,"name":"Abdullah","age":29,"sex":"M","dob":"1-1-82"});
-insert into dataset employee({"id":221,"name":"Mariam","age":25,"sex":"F","dob":"1-1-82"});
-insert into dataset employee({"id":221,"name":"Mariam","age":25,"sex":"F","dob":"1-1-82","desgination":{{"dsg":"Department Manager"}}});
+insert into dataset employee({"id":201,"name":"John Doe","age":32,"sex":"M","dob":date("1975-01-11")});
+insert into dataset employee({"id":202,"name":"John Smith","age":30,date("1982-05-23")});
+insert into dataset employee({"id":201,"name":"John Wayne","age":62,"sex":"M"});
+insert into dataset employee({"id":203,"name":"Roger Sanders","age":48,"sex":"M","dob":date("1960-01-08")});
+insert into dataset employee({"id":204,"name":"Raj Singh","age":37,"sex":"M","dob":date("1975-01-08")});
+insert into dataset employee({"id":205,"name":"Mike Tyson","age":44,"dob":date("1969-11-02")});
+insert into dataset employee({"id":206,"name":"Brett Lee","age":35,"sex":"M","dob":date("1976-06-09")});
+insert into dataset employee({"id":207,"name":"Chen Li","age":39,"sex":"M"});
+insert into dataset employee({"id":208,"name":"Mike Carey","age":42});
+insert into dataset employee({"id":221,"name":"Mariam","age":40,"sex":"F","dob":date("1970-01-09"),"desgination":{{"dsg":"Department Manager"}}});
 
-insert into dataset dtst01({for $l in dataset('employee') return $l});
+insert into dataset dtst01(for $l in dataset('employee') return $l);
 
 for $l in dataset('dtst01')
-retunr $l 
+return $l 
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/open-closed/open-closed-21.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/open-closed/open-closed-21.aql
index c1c7ab2..71ce585 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/open-closed/open-closed-21.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/open-closed/open-closed-21.aql
@@ -1,12 +1,11 @@
 /*
  * Test case name :  open-closed-21.aql
- * Description    :  Insert into open type internal dataset by querying another closed type internal dataset
- *                :  In this case source dataset has (n+n) fields and the target dataset has only n fields, but has no intial records in it.
+ * Description    :  Insert into open type internal dataset by querying another open type internal dataset
+ *                :  In this case source dataset has (n+n) fields and the target dataset has only 1 field, but has no intial records in it.
  * Success        :  Yes
  * Date           :  29 April 2012
  */
 
-
 drop dataverse test if exists;
 create dataverse test;
 use dataverse test;
@@ -17,7 +16,7 @@
 
 create dataset dtst01(TestType) partitioned by key id;
 
-create type Emp as closed {
+create type Emp as open {
 id:int32,
 name:string,
 age:int8,
@@ -27,19 +26,17 @@
 
 create dataset employee(Emp) partitioned by key id;
 
-insert into dataset employee({"id":201,"name":"John Doe","age":32,"sex":"M","dob":"1-1-82"});
-insert into dataset employee({"id":202,"name":"John Smith","age":30,"sex":"M","dob":"1-1-82"});
-insert into dataset employee({"id":201,"name":"John Wayne","age":62,"sex":"M","dob":"1-1-82"});
-insert into dataset employee({"id":203,"name":"Roger Sanders","age":48,"sex":"M","dob":"1-1-82"});
-insert into dataset employee({"id":204,"name":"Raj Singh","age":37,"sex":"M","dob":"1-1-82"});
-insert into dataset employee({"id":205,"name":"Mike Tyson","age":44,"sex":"M","dob":"1-1-82"});
-insert into dataset employee({"id":206,"name":"Brett Lee","age":35,"sex":"M","dob":"1-1-82"});
-insert into dataset employee({"id":207,"name":"Chen Li","age":39,"sex":"M","dob":"1-1-82"});
-insert into dataset employee({"id":208,"name":"Mike Carey","age":42,"sex":"M","dob":"1-1-82"});
-insert into dataset employee({"id":209,"name":"Abdullah","age":29,"sex":"M","dob":"1-1-82"});
-insert into dataset employee({"id":221,"name":"Mariam","age":25,"sex":"F","dob":"1-1-82"});
+insert into dataset employee({"id":201,"name":"John Doe","age":32,"sex":"M","dob":date("1975-01-11")});
+insert into dataset employee({"id":202,"name":"John Smith","age":30,"sex":"M","dob":date("1982-07-12")});
+insert into dataset employee({"id":203,"name":"John Wayne","age":62,"sex":"M","dob":date("1950-01-08")});
+insert into dataset employee({"id":204,"name":"Roger Sanders","age":48,"sex":"M","dob":date("1972-11-12")});
+insert into dataset employee({"id":205,"name":"Raj Singh","age":37,"sex":"M","dob":date("1978-05-06")});
+insert into dataset employee({"id":206,"name":"Mike Tyson","age":44,"sex":"M","dob":date("1965-09-03")});
+insert into dataset employee({"id":227,"name":"Mariam","age":30,"sex":"F","dob":date("1982-11-01")});
 
-insert into dataset dtst01({for $l in dataset('employee') return $l});
+insert into dataset employee({"id":228,"name":"Cathy","age":35,"sex":"F","dob":date("1976-06-11"),"desgination":{{"Department Manager"}}});
+
+insert into dataset dtst01(for $l in dataset('employee') return $l);
 
 for $l in dataset('dtst01')
-retunr $l 
+return $l 
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/open-closed/open-closed-22.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/open-closed/open-closed-22.aql
index ced75c4..6e05f61 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/open-closed/open-closed-22.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/open-closed/open-closed-22.aql
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 /*
  * Test case name :  open-closed-22.aql
- * Description    :  Insert into a closed type internal dataset which has nullable(optional) and non-nullable fields
+ * Description    :  Insert into a closed type dataset which has nullable(optional) and non-nullable fields
  * Success        :  Yes
  * Date           :  30 April 2012
  */
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/quantifiers/somesat_02.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/quantifiers/somesat_02.aql
index 9ac6f95..18f1c20 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/quantifiers/somesat_02.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/quantifiers/somesat_02.aql
@@ -29,12 +29,10 @@
   total: float
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1 if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset CustomerSomeSat02(CustomerType)
-  partitioned by key cid on group1;
+  partitioned by key cid;
 create dataset OrdersSomeSat02(OrderType)
-  partitioned by key oid on group1;
+  partitioned by key oid;
 
 load dataset CustomerSomeSat02 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter" 
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/scan/10.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/scan/10.aql
index 7878583..2d71d87 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/scan/10.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/scan/10.aql
@@ -11,18 +11,14 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-
-create nodegroup group1 if not exists on nc1;
-
 create dataset DBLP1(DBLPType) 
-  partitioned by key id on group1;
+  partitioned by key id;
 
 // drop dataset DBLP1;
 load dataset DBLP1
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
 (("path"="nc1://data/dblp-small/dblp-small-id.txt"),("format"="delimited-text"),("delimiter"=":"));
 
-
 write output to nc1:"rttest/scan_10.adm";
 
 for $paper in dataset('DBLP1')
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/scan/20.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/scan/20.aql
index a07aab2..675f26d 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/scan/20.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/scan/20.aql
@@ -12,10 +12,8 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1 if not exists on nc1;
-
 create dataset DBLPadm(DBLPType) 
-  partitioned by key id on group1;
+  partitioned by key id;
 
 // drop dataset DBLPadm;
 load dataset DBLPadm 
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/scan/30.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/scan/30.aql
index 057bdae..04238ef 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/scan/30.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/scan/30.aql
@@ -11,8 +11,6 @@
   misc: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1 if not exists on nc1;
-
 create external dataset DBLPsplits(DBLPType) 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
 (("path"="nc1://data/dblp-small/dblp-small.adm"),("format"="adm")); 
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/scan/alltypes_01.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/scan/alltypes_01.aql
index e772502..0800ce4 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/scan/alltypes_01.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/scan/alltypes_01.aql
@@ -2,14 +2,12 @@
 create dataverse test;
 use dataverse test;
 
-
 create type AddressType as open {
   number: int32, 
   street: string,
   city: string
 }
 
-
 create type AllType as open {
   id: int32,
   name: string,
@@ -33,7 +31,6 @@
   // union
 }
 
-
 create external dataset All(AllType)
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
 (("path"="nc1://data/nontagged/allData.json"),("format"="adm"));
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/scan/numeric_types_01.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/scan/numeric_types_01.aql
index f716d1c..07586f4 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/scan/numeric_types_01.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/scan/numeric_types_01.aql
@@ -12,7 +12,6 @@
   doubleField: double?
 }
 
-
 create external dataset Numeric(NumericType)
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
 (("path"="nc1://data/nontagged/numericData.adm"),("format"="adm"));
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/scan/spatial_types_01.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/scan/spatial_types_01.aql
index 1ad5244..248149f 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/scan/spatial_types_01.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/scan/spatial_types_01.aql
@@ -2,7 +2,6 @@
 create dataverse test;
 use dataverse test;
 
-
 create type SpatialType as open {
   id: int32,
   point: point,
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/scan/spatial_types_02.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/scan/spatial_types_02.aql
index 6bca691..ea06b96 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/scan/spatial_types_02.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/scan/spatial_types_02.aql
@@ -11,10 +11,8 @@
   circle: circle
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1 on nc1;
-
 create dataset Spatial2(SpatialType) 
-	partitioned by key id on group1;
+	partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset Spatial2 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/scan/temp_types_02.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/scan/temp_types_02.aql
index 22289ef..064385c 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/scan/temp_types_02.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/scan/temp_types_02.aql
@@ -10,15 +10,12 @@
   duration: duration
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1 on nc1;
-
 create dataset Temp2(TempType) 
-	partitioned by key id on group1;
+	partitioned by key id;
 
 load dataset Temp2 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
 (("path"="nc1://data/nontagged/tempData.txt"),("format"="delimited-text"),("delimiter"="|")) pre-sorted;
-
        
 write output to nc1:"rttest/scan_temp_types_02.adm";
       
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/semistructured/count-nullable.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/semistructured/count-nullable.aql
index c1bbe7e..0a0945e 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/semistructured/count-nullable.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/semistructured/count-nullable.aql
@@ -19,8 +19,6 @@
 }
 
 
-create nodegroup group1 if not exists on nc1;
-
 create external dataset Customers(CustomerType) 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
 (("path"="nc1://data/semistructured/tiny01/customer.adm"),("format"="adm"));
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/semistructured/cust-filter.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/semistructured/cust-filter.aql
index b5bea3e..e2ab245 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/semistructured/cust-filter.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/semistructured/cust-filter.aql
@@ -18,9 +18,6 @@
   children: [ { name: string, age: int32? } ]
 }
 
-
-create nodegroup group1 if not exists on nc1;
-
 create external dataset Customers(CustomerType) 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
 (("path"="nc1://data/semistructured/tiny01/customer.adm"),("format"="adm"));
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/semistructured/has-param1.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/semistructured/has-param1.aql
index 8f44e23..930e83d 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/semistructured/has-param1.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/semistructured/has-param1.aql
@@ -11,8 +11,6 @@
   total: float
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1 if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create external dataset Orders(OrderType)
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
 (("path"="nc1://data/semistructured/tiny01/orders.adm"),("format"="adm"));
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/distinct_by.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/distinct_by.aql
index 278104b..95d715e 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/distinct_by.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/distinct_by.aql
@@ -23,10 +23,8 @@
   l_comment: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1;
-
 create dataset LineItem(LineItemType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 
 load dataset LineItem 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/group_no_agg.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/group_no_agg.aql
index d0607bf..dedaa7f 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/group_no_agg.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/group_no_agg.aql
@@ -9,10 +9,8 @@
   r_comment: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1 if not exists  on nc1;
-
 create dataset Regions_group_no_agg(RegionType) 
-  partitioned by key r_regionkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key r_regionkey;
 
 write output to nc1:"rttest/tpch_group_no_agg.adm";
 
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q10_returned_item.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q10_returned_item.aql
index 7dea9bb..3b641a4 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q10_returned_item.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q10_returned_item.aql
@@ -1,6 +1,5 @@
 drop dataverse tpch if exists;
 create dataverse tpch;
-  
 
 use dataverse tpch;
 
@@ -89,24 +88,22 @@
   ps_comment: string 
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1 if not exists on nc1;
-
 create dataset LineItem(LineItemType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 create dataset Orders(OrderType)
-  partitioned by key o_orderkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key o_orderkey;
 create dataset Supplier(SupplierType)
-  partitioned by key s_suppkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key s_suppkey;
 create dataset Region(RegionType) 
-  partitioned by key r_regionkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key r_regionkey;
 create dataset Nation(NationType) 
-  partitioned by key n_nationkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key n_nationkey;
 create dataset Part(PartType)
-  partitioned by key p_partkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key p_partkey;
 create dataset Partsupp(PartSuppType)
-  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey on group1;  
+  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey;  
 create dataset Customer(CustomerType) 
-  partitioned by key c_custkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key c_custkey;
 
 load dataset LineItem 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q11_important_stock.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q11_important_stock.aql
index 5545608..245c7f5 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q11_important_stock.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q11_important_stock.aql
@@ -89,24 +89,22 @@
   ps_comment: string 
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset LineItem(LineItemType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 create dataset Orders(OrderType)
-  partitioned by key o_orderkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key o_orderkey;
 create dataset Supplier(SupplierType)
-  partitioned by key s_suppkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key s_suppkey;
 create dataset Region(RegionType) 
-  partitioned by key r_regionkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key r_regionkey;
 create dataset Nation(NationType) 
-  partitioned by key n_nationkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key n_nationkey;
 create dataset Part(PartType)
-  partitioned by key p_partkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key p_partkey;
 create dataset Partsupp(PartSuppType)
-  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey on group1;  
+  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey;  
 create dataset Customer(CustomerType) 
-  partitioned by key c_custkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key c_custkey;
 
 load dataset LineItem 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q12_shipping.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q12_shipping.aql
index ac87051..9dcade8 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q12_shipping.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q12_shipping.aql
@@ -89,24 +89,22 @@
   ps_comment: string 
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset LineItem(LineItemType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 create dataset Orders(OrderType)
-  partitioned by key o_orderkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key o_orderkey;
 create dataset Supplier(SupplierType)
-  partitioned by key s_suppkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key s_suppkey;
 create dataset Region(RegionType) 
-  partitioned by key r_regionkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key r_regionkey;
 create dataset Nation(NationType) 
-  partitioned by key n_nationkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key n_nationkey;
 create dataset Part(PartType)
-  partitioned by key p_partkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key p_partkey;
 create dataset Partsupp(PartSuppType)
-  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey on group1;  
+  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey;  
 create dataset Customer(CustomerType) 
-  partitioned by key c_custkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key c_custkey;
 
 load dataset LineItem 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q13_customer_distribution.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q13_customer_distribution.aql
index a33a716..9a91177 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q13_customer_distribution.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q13_customer_distribution.aql
@@ -89,24 +89,22 @@
   ps_comment: string 
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset LineItem(LineItemType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 create dataset Orders(OrderType)
-  partitioned by key o_orderkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key o_orderkey;
 create dataset Supplier(SupplierType)
-  partitioned by key s_suppkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key s_suppkey;
 create dataset Region(RegionType) 
-  partitioned by key r_regionkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key r_regionkey;
 create dataset Nation(NationType) 
-  partitioned by key n_nationkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key n_nationkey;
 create dataset Part(PartType)
-  partitioned by key p_partkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key p_partkey;
 create dataset Partsupp(PartSuppType)
-  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey on group1;  
+  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey;  
 create dataset Customer(CustomerType) 
-  partitioned by key c_custkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key c_custkey;
 
 load dataset LineItem 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q14_promotion_effect.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q14_promotion_effect.aql
index 9438746..a38b1d6 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q14_promotion_effect.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q14_promotion_effect.aql
@@ -89,24 +89,22 @@
   ps_comment: string 
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset LineItem(LineItemType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 create dataset Orders(OrderType)
-  partitioned by key o_orderkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key o_orderkey;
 create dataset Supplier(SupplierType)
-  partitioned by key s_suppkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key s_suppkey;
 create dataset Region(RegionType) 
-  partitioned by key r_regionkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key r_regionkey;
 create dataset Nation(NationType) 
-  partitioned by key n_nationkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key n_nationkey;
 create dataset Part(PartType)
-  partitioned by key p_partkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key p_partkey;
 create dataset Partsupp(PartSuppType)
-  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey on group1;  
+  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey;  
 create dataset Customer(CustomerType) 
-  partitioned by key c_custkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key c_custkey;
 
 load dataset LineItem 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q15_top_supplier.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q15_top_supplier.aql
index 948f466..49b0c03 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q15_top_supplier.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q15_top_supplier.aql
@@ -89,24 +89,22 @@
   ps_comment: string 
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset LineItem(LineItemType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 create dataset Orders(OrderType)
-  partitioned by key o_orderkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key o_orderkey;
 create dataset Supplier(SupplierType)
-  partitioned by key s_suppkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key s_suppkey;
 create dataset Region(RegionType) 
-  partitioned by key r_regionkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key r_regionkey;
 create dataset Nation(NationType) 
-  partitioned by key n_nationkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key n_nationkey;
 create dataset Part(PartType)
-  partitioned by key p_partkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key p_partkey;
 create dataset Partsupp(PartSuppType)
-  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey on group1;  
+  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey;  
 create dataset Customer(CustomerType) 
-  partitioned by key c_custkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key c_custkey;
 
 load dataset LineItem 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q16_parts_supplier_relationship.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q16_parts_supplier_relationship.aql
index 5e337d4..ad16d3c 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q16_parts_supplier_relationship.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q16_parts_supplier_relationship.aql
@@ -89,24 +89,22 @@
   ps_comment: string 
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset LineItem(LineItemType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 create dataset Orders(OrderType)
-  partitioned by key o_orderkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key o_orderkey;
 create dataset Supplier(SupplierType)
-  partitioned by key s_suppkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key s_suppkey;
 create dataset Region(RegionType) 
-  partitioned by key r_regionkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key r_regionkey;
 create dataset Nation(NationType) 
-  partitioned by key n_nationkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key n_nationkey;
 create dataset Part(PartType)
-  partitioned by key p_partkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key p_partkey;
 create dataset Partsupp(PartSuppType)
-  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey on group1;  
+  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey;  
 create dataset Customer(CustomerType) 
-  partitioned by key c_custkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key c_custkey;
 
 load dataset LineItem 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q17_small_quantity_order_revenue.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q17_small_quantity_order_revenue.aql
index d631abc..05cf693 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q17_small_quantity_order_revenue.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q17_small_quantity_order_revenue.aql
@@ -89,24 +89,22 @@
   ps_comment: string 
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset LineItem(LineItemType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 create dataset Orders(OrderType)
-  partitioned by key o_orderkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key o_orderkey;
 create dataset Supplier(SupplierType)
-  partitioned by key s_suppkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key s_suppkey;
 create dataset Region(RegionType) 
-  partitioned by key r_regionkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key r_regionkey;
 create dataset Nation(NationType) 
-  partitioned by key n_nationkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key n_nationkey;
 create dataset Part(PartType)
-  partitioned by key p_partkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key p_partkey;
 create dataset Partsupp(PartSuppType)
-  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey on group1;  
+  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey;  
 create dataset Customer(CustomerType) 
-  partitioned by key c_custkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key c_custkey;
 
 load dataset LineItem 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q18_large_volume_customer.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q18_large_volume_customer.aql
index 7f55551..1347ff5 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q18_large_volume_customer.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q18_large_volume_customer.aql
@@ -89,24 +89,22 @@
   ps_comment: string 
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset LineItem(LineItemType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 create dataset Orders(OrderType)
-  partitioned by key o_orderkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key o_orderkey;
 create dataset Supplier(SupplierType)
-  partitioned by key s_suppkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key s_suppkey;
 create dataset Region(RegionType) 
-  partitioned by key r_regionkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key r_regionkey;
 create dataset Nation(NationType) 
-  partitioned by key n_nationkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key n_nationkey;
 create dataset Part(PartType)
-  partitioned by key p_partkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key p_partkey;
 create dataset Partsupp(PartSuppType)
-  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey on group1;  
+  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey;  
 create dataset Customer(CustomerType) 
-  partitioned by key c_custkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key c_custkey;
 
 load dataset LineItem 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q19_discounted_revenue.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q19_discounted_revenue.aql
index cbd9d53..b856eed 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q19_discounted_revenue.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q19_discounted_revenue.aql
@@ -89,24 +89,22 @@
   ps_comment: string 
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset LineItem(LineItemType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 create dataset Orders(OrderType)
-  partitioned by key o_orderkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key o_orderkey;
 create dataset Supplier(SupplierType)
-  partitioned by key s_suppkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key s_suppkey;
 create dataset Region(RegionType) 
-  partitioned by key r_regionkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key r_regionkey;
 create dataset Nation(NationType) 
-  partitioned by key n_nationkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key n_nationkey;
 create dataset Part(PartType)
-  partitioned by key p_partkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key p_partkey;
 create dataset Partsupp(PartSuppType)
-  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey on group1;  
+  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey;  
 create dataset Customer(CustomerType) 
-  partitioned by key c_custkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key c_custkey;
 
 load dataset LineItem 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q1_pricing_summary_report_nt.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q1_pricing_summary_report_nt.aql
index 2d2e3c4..b53fc87 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q1_pricing_summary_report_nt.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q1_pricing_summary_report_nt.aql
@@ -23,10 +23,8 @@
   l_comment: string
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1;
-
 create dataset LineItem(LineItemType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 
 load dataset LineItem 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q20_potential_part_promotion.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q20_potential_part_promotion.aql
index 091dda6..bdb591f 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q20_potential_part_promotion.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q20_potential_part_promotion.aql
@@ -89,24 +89,22 @@
   ps_comment: string 
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset LineItem(LineItemType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 create dataset Orders(OrderType)
-  partitioned by key o_orderkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key o_orderkey;
 create dataset Supplier(SupplierType)
-  partitioned by key s_suppkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key s_suppkey;
 create dataset Region(RegionType) 
-  partitioned by key r_regionkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key r_regionkey;
 create dataset Nation(NationType) 
-  partitioned by key n_nationkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key n_nationkey;
 create dataset Part(PartType)
-  partitioned by key p_partkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key p_partkey;
 create dataset Partsupp(PartSuppType)
-  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey on group1;  
+  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey;  
 create dataset Customer(CustomerType) 
-  partitioned by key c_custkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key c_custkey;
 
 load dataset LineItem 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q21_suppliers_who_kept_orders_waiting.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q21_suppliers_who_kept_orders_waiting.aql
index e8bf676..f544e09 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q21_suppliers_who_kept_orders_waiting.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q21_suppliers_who_kept_orders_waiting.aql
@@ -89,24 +89,22 @@
   ps_comment: string 
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset LineItem(LineItemType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 create dataset Orders(OrderType)
-  partitioned by key o_orderkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key o_orderkey;
 create dataset Supplier(SupplierType)
-  partitioned by key s_suppkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key s_suppkey;
 create dataset Region(RegionType) 
-  partitioned by key r_regionkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key r_regionkey;
 create dataset Nation(NationType) 
-  partitioned by key n_nationkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key n_nationkey;
 create dataset Part(PartType)
-  partitioned by key p_partkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key p_partkey;
 create dataset Partsupp(PartSuppType)
-  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey on group1;  
+  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey;  
 create dataset Customer(CustomerType) 
-  partitioned by key c_custkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key c_custkey;
 
 load dataset LineItem 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q22_global_sales_opportunity.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q22_global_sales_opportunity.aql
index 3f96e89..29131c8 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q22_global_sales_opportunity.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q22_global_sales_opportunity.aql
@@ -89,24 +89,22 @@
   ps_comment: string 
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset LineItem(LineItemType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 create dataset Orders(OrderType)
-  partitioned by key o_orderkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key o_orderkey;
 create dataset Supplier(SupplierType)
-  partitioned by key s_suppkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key s_suppkey;
 create dataset Region(RegionType) 
-  partitioned by key r_regionkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key r_regionkey;
 create dataset Nation(NationType) 
-  partitioned by key n_nationkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key n_nationkey;
 create dataset Part(PartType)
-  partitioned by key p_partkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key p_partkey;
 create dataset Partsupp(PartSuppType)
-  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey on group1;  
+  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey;  
 create dataset Customer(CustomerType) 
-  partitioned by key c_custkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key c_custkey;
 
 load dataset LineItem 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q2_minimum_cost_supplier.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q2_minimum_cost_supplier.aql
index 1b87727..5490213 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q2_minimum_cost_supplier.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q2_minimum_cost_supplier.aql
@@ -89,24 +89,22 @@
   ps_comment: string 
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset LineItem(LineItemType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 create dataset Orders(OrderType)
-  partitioned by key o_orderkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key o_orderkey;
 create dataset Supplier(SupplierType)
-  partitioned by key s_suppkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key s_suppkey;
 create dataset Region(RegionType) 
-  partitioned by key r_regionkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key r_regionkey;
 create dataset Nation(NationType) 
-  partitioned by key n_nationkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key n_nationkey;
 create dataset Part(PartType)
-  partitioned by key p_partkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key p_partkey;
 create dataset Partsupp(PartSuppType)
-  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey on group1;  
+  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey;  
 create dataset Customer(CustomerType) 
-  partitioned by key c_custkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key c_custkey;
 
 load dataset LineItem 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q3_shipping_priority_nt.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q3_shipping_priority_nt.aql
index 3152a4b..68fb864 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q3_shipping_priority_nt.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q3_shipping_priority_nt.aql
@@ -89,24 +89,22 @@
   ps_comment: string 
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset LineItem(LineItemType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 create dataset Orders(OrderType)
-  partitioned by key o_orderkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key o_orderkey;
 create dataset Supplier(SupplierType)
-  partitioned by key s_suppkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key s_suppkey;
 create dataset Region(RegionType) 
-  partitioned by key r_regionkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key r_regionkey;
 create dataset Nation(NationType) 
-  partitioned by key n_nationkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key n_nationkey;
 create dataset Part(PartType)
-  partitioned by key p_partkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key p_partkey;
 create dataset Partsupp(PartSuppType)
-  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey on group1;  
+  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey;  
 create dataset Customer(CustomerType) 
-  partitioned by key c_custkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key c_custkey;
 
 load dataset LineItem 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q4_order_priority.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q4_order_priority.aql
index a616f1c..3f1c7ec 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q4_order_priority.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q4_order_priority.aql
@@ -89,24 +89,22 @@
   ps_comment: string 
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset LineItem(LineItemType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 create dataset Orders(OrderType)
-  partitioned by key o_orderkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key o_orderkey;
 create dataset Supplier(SupplierType)
-  partitioned by key s_suppkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key s_suppkey;
 create dataset Region(RegionType) 
-  partitioned by key r_regionkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key r_regionkey;
 create dataset Nation(NationType) 
-  partitioned by key n_nationkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key n_nationkey;
 create dataset Part(PartType)
-  partitioned by key p_partkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key p_partkey;
 create dataset Partsupp(PartSuppType)
-  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey on group1;  
+  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey;  
 create dataset Customer(CustomerType) 
-  partitioned by key c_custkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key c_custkey;
 
 load dataset LineItem 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q5_local_supplier_volume.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q5_local_supplier_volume.aql
index 3a5650f..d345b3b 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q5_local_supplier_volume.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q5_local_supplier_volume.aql
@@ -89,24 +89,22 @@
   ps_comment: string 
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset LineItem(LineItemType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 create dataset Orders(OrderType)
-  partitioned by key o_orderkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key o_orderkey;
 create dataset Supplier(SupplierType)
-  partitioned by key s_suppkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key s_suppkey;
 create dataset Region(RegionType) 
-  partitioned by key r_regionkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key r_regionkey;
 create dataset Nation(NationType) 
-  partitioned by key n_nationkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key n_nationkey;
 create dataset Part(PartType)
-  partitioned by key p_partkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key p_partkey;
 create dataset Partsupp(PartSuppType)
-  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey on group1;  
+  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey;  
 create dataset Customer(CustomerType) 
-  partitioned by key c_custkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key c_custkey;
 
 load dataset LineItem 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q6_forecast_revenue_change.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q6_forecast_revenue_change.aql
index ea05231..3ca0424 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q6_forecast_revenue_change.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q6_forecast_revenue_change.aql
@@ -89,24 +89,22 @@
   ps_comment: string 
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset LineItem(LineItemType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 create dataset Orders(OrderType)
-  partitioned by key o_orderkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key o_orderkey;
 create dataset Supplier(SupplierType)
-  partitioned by key s_suppkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key s_suppkey;
 create dataset Region(RegionType) 
-  partitioned by key r_regionkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key r_regionkey;
 create dataset Nation(NationType) 
-  partitioned by key n_nationkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key n_nationkey;
 create dataset Part(PartType)
-  partitioned by key p_partkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key p_partkey;
 create dataset Partsupp(PartSuppType)
-  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey on group1;  
+  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey;  
 create dataset Customer(CustomerType) 
-  partitioned by key c_custkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key c_custkey;
 
 load dataset LineItem 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q7_volume_shipping.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q7_volume_shipping.aql
index c603a75..c91eca5 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q7_volume_shipping.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q7_volume_shipping.aql
@@ -89,24 +89,22 @@
   ps_comment: string 
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset LineItem(LineItemType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 create dataset Orders(OrderType)
-  partitioned by key o_orderkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key o_orderkey;
 create dataset Supplier(SupplierType)
-  partitioned by key s_suppkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key s_suppkey;
 create dataset Region(RegionType) 
-  partitioned by key r_regionkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key r_regionkey;
 create dataset Nation(NationType) 
-  partitioned by key n_nationkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key n_nationkey;
 create dataset Part(PartType)
-  partitioned by key p_partkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key p_partkey;
 create dataset Partsupp(PartSuppType)
-  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey on group1;  
+  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey;  
 create dataset Customer(CustomerType) 
-  partitioned by key c_custkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key c_custkey;
 
 load dataset LineItem 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q8_national_market_share.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q8_national_market_share.aql
index bea39bf..420a179 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q8_national_market_share.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q8_national_market_share.aql
@@ -89,24 +89,22 @@
   ps_comment: string 
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
-
 create dataset LineItem(LineItemType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 create dataset Orders(OrderType)
-  partitioned by key o_orderkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key o_orderkey;
 create dataset Supplier(SupplierType)
-  partitioned by key s_suppkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key s_suppkey;
 create dataset Region(RegionType) 
-  partitioned by key r_regionkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key r_regionkey;
 create dataset Nation(NationType) 
-  partitioned by key n_nationkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key n_nationkey;
 create dataset Part(PartType)
-  partitioned by key p_partkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key p_partkey;
 create dataset Partsupp(PartSuppType)
-  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey on group1;  
+  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey;  
 create dataset Customer(CustomerType) 
-  partitioned by key c_custkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key c_custkey;
 
 load dataset LineItem 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"
diff --git a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q9_product_type_profit_nt.aql b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q9_product_type_profit_nt.aql
index 9d83747..33c2aad 100644
--- a/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q9_product_type_profit_nt.aql
+++ b/asterix-app/src/test/resources/runtimets/queries/tpch/q9_product_type_profit_nt.aql
@@ -89,24 +89,23 @@
   ps_comment: string 
 }
 
-create nodegroup group1  if not exists on nc1, nc2;
 
 create dataset LineItem(LineItemType)
-  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber on group1;
+  partitioned by key l_orderkey, l_linenumber;
 create dataset Orders(OrderType)
-  partitioned by key o_orderkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key o_orderkey;
 create dataset Supplier(SupplierType)
-  partitioned by key s_suppkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key s_suppkey;
 create dataset Region(RegionType) 
-  partitioned by key r_regionkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key r_regionkey;
 create dataset Nation(NationType) 
-  partitioned by key n_nationkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key n_nationkey;
 create dataset Part(PartType)
-  partitioned by key p_partkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key p_partkey;
 create dataset PartSupp(PartSuppType)
-  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey on group1;  
+  partitioned by key ps_partkey, ps_suppkey;  
 create dataset Customer(CustomerType) 
-  partitioned by key c_custkey on group1;
+  partitioned by key c_custkey;
 
 load dataset LineItem 
 using "edu.uci.ics.asterix.external.dataset.adapter.NCFileSystemAdapter"