Escape character in sql queries
                                                 

Summary 
Like all scripting languages so and oracle sql has its escape character. If you execute in E-Business Suite

select * from all_tables where table_name like 'AP_%';

The results will not be all tables starting with AP_* as might be expected but all table starting with AP* 

Now put the escape character at your statement to get exactly what you want.

select * from all_tables where table_name like 'AP<_%' ESCAPE '<';

select * from all_tables where table_name like 'AP_%'; --without Escape character you will get table_name like APPLY$% also.