Extreme weather threatens rich ecosystems

ScienceDaily (Mar. 30, 2012) ? Extreme weather such as hurricanes, torrential downpours and droughts will become more frequent in pace with global warming. Consequently, this increases the risk for species extinction, especially in bio diverse ecosystems such as coral reefs and tropical rainforests.

Human impact means that flora and fauna become extinct at a rate 100?1000 times higher than normal. Climate change has been deemed as one of the main causes of species depletion.

A research team in theoretical biology at Link?ping University has, through the use of mathematical modelling and simulation, studied how the dynamics of different types of ecosystems may be affected by significant environment fluctuations.

Linda Kaneryd, doctoral student and lead author of a study recently published in the journal, Ecology and Evolution, says the results were surprising.

?Several previous studies of food web structures have suggested that species-rich ecosystems are often more robust than species-poor ecosystems. However at the onset of increased environmental fluctuations, such as extreme weather, we see that extreme species-rich ecosystems are the most vulnerable and this entails a greater risk for a so-called cascading extinction.?

In a rainforest or on coral reef there are a wide variety of species of primary producers such as green plants and algae. Since they are competitors, relatively few individuals of the same species exist, subjecting them to a greater risk of extinction should external conditions change. This could result in a depletion of food sources for a species of herbivores that, in turn, affects a predator at the top of the food chain. Biologists call this transformation a cascading extinction.

The opposite would apply to an ecosystem whereby few species exist in large numbers and animal species are adaptable generalists.

The researchers create their model food webs following on from their experiences with real ecosystems; what eats what, the composition of the species' life cycles, and how they interact with others. In this study, external conditions are represented as an increasing and unpredictable variation.

?The model we worked with is quite typical. The next step is to introduce actual, detailed climatic data,? informs Bo Ebenman, Professor of Theoretical Biology who supervised Linda Kaneryds thesis.

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Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Link?ping Universitet, via AlphaGalileo.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

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Journal Reference:

1. Linda Kaneryd, Charlotte Borrvall, Sofia Berg, Alva Curtsdotter, Anna Ekl?f, C?line Hauzy, Tomas Jonsson, Peter M?nger, Malin Setzer, Torbj?rn S?terberg, Bo Ebenman. Species-rich ecosystems are vulnerable to cascading extinctions in an increasingly variable world. Ecology and Evolution, 29 MAR 2012 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.218

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: Views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

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Bellsouth Internet Security Services: Offering your Computer ...

With the arrival and development of personal computer applications as well as involving Internet technology,
acquiring information is not anymore a frightening task to perform. Anybody can access the information
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A result of the wide availability of the net, it is not just considered to be the content
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Mass Effect 3 Razer Gaming Gear -- The Onza TE Controller And ...

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Whether you've already played through Mass Effect 3 or not, if you're a fan of the series then Razer's high-end ME3 peripherals might be just what you've been dreaming of. While Razer has a whole line of collectible Mass Effect 3 gear, this week in Tech Junkies we're going to be focusing on the Razer Onza TE Xbox 360/PC controller and the Chimaera 5.1 headset. Let's get to it. There's an Earth to save after all.

Read on to see what we thought of the Razer Onza TE Xbox 360/PC controller and the Chimaera 5.1 headset.

The Razer Onza TE Xbox 360/PC Controller
Price: $59.99

The ergonomic Onza TE is Razer's adjustable and? programmable Xbox 360/PC controller. The Mass Effect 3 edition of the controller prominently features the N7 logo? on the bottom left as well as Razer's own logo on the right side.

The major difference between the Onza and a regular 360 controller has to be the two additional fully-programmable shoulder buttons located right above each trigger. You can easily program any command you think is most important to those easy-to-hit buttons and give yourself a leg up while in combat.

The Onza also has adjustable resistance analog sticks, something that I found really useful. All you have to do is twist the analog stick and it increases (or decreases) in resistance, allowing you to customize your controls based on every situation. If you prefer slower controls for a more precise shot, amp up the resistance. If you like twitch shooting then you can turn the resistance down to a minimum. It's a feature I haven't seen on a lot of Xbox controllers and I feel as though it has a lot of applications, especially since you probably won't just be using the Onza solely for ME3.

Aside from these customizable features, the Onza also features a lot of cosmetic components. Its got a 15 foot, lightweight braided fiber cable that won't get tangled up in your mess of stuff, and let's face it, braided cables just look better than wired ones.

The Onza's action buttons look pretty slick too. Razer's used their Hyperesponse technology on them, meaning there's no lag between when you press the button and when you fire the shot. While that's good enough, the buttons on the Onza also feel a lot "clickier" than what you'll find on a normal Xbox controller. The D-Pad's also "clickier" than what you might be used to,? allowing for more even precision. Seriously, if you miss a shot with this thing you need to step up your game.

Theoretically, you're going to be able to fire faster and more comfortably with all these buttons and their tactile feedback. Plus, all of the action buttons flaunt Razer's famous font and each of them are back lit.

Who's The Onza TE For?

The Onza TE is for those gamers who want a precise, customizable controller. The controller itself is a little light, weighing in at about a .55 pounds compared to the .85 pounds of the standard Microsoft 360 controller. You may think that's not a lot, but the Onza definitely feels lighter, which some may think means "cheaper" but I'd have to disagree. The lightweight feel won't hurt your game at all, and with the ability to set the resistance on the analog sticks you're going to be playing at a whole new level, which is why Razer's dubbed the Onza as a "Tournament Edition" controller. All in all, if you're a Mass Effect 3 fan this controller will help your game.

The Razer Chimaera 5.1 Wireless Xbox 360 Headset
Price: $209.99

Simply put, Razer's Chimaera 5.1 Xbox 360 headset is a beast. If you want to hear as the Reapers close in around you while you're playing Mass Effect 3, this headset will do the job and more. It's emblazoned with the N7 logo on both ear cups, but other than that the headset doesn't really scream Mass Effect 3, which you may or may not like.

The Chimaera offers full 5.1 surround sound tuned for 3D positional audio so you'll be able to hear in game sounds as if they were happening right in front of you. Plus, the headset operates on a 5.8 GHz frequency so there won't ever be any wireless interference to hinder your performance.

The headset also comes with a large docking station, allowing you to recharge the Chimaera in style. What's neat is that up to four base stations can be connected together for a lag-free gaming session if you decide to LAN with a few friends.

As for the Chimaera itself, it weighs in at about .81 pounds and the huge ear cups ar 2.16" in diameter. I have pretty small ears, but the cups fit comfortably around them with a lot of room left over.? The top of the headset also has a lot of padding, so even if you're gaming for long periods of time it won't seem too straining.

Who's The Chimaera 5.1 For?

If you want the most immersive gaming experience possible, then you might want to consider shelling out for the Chimaera 5.1. I'd also suggest the headset for anyone who's going to be playing a lot of games with friends, because of its dedicated local team communication functionality.

That said, the headset is expensive. It does come with a lot of great features, surround sound, and the Mass Effect 3 detailing looks cool, but I'm not sure if it's over $200 cool. Since? the Chimaera only works with the Xbox 360 and I don't think I'd ever have a whole room of people together who all have these headsets, I'm not sure if it'd be worth the price. That's just me though.

If you're thinking, "man this gear looks rad, but I'm still on the fence..." then maybe what Razer's throwing in with each item will be enough to push you over the edge. With the purchase of any Mass Effect 3 gear from Razer you'll unlock the Deadly Collector Assault Rifle.

The Collector Assault Rifle is similar to a human assault rifle, but its looks will definitely set you apart. It's an extremely accurate automatic assault rifle with pretty good damage, but it's heavy, which might slow you down. The good news is that if you already have the rifle (let's say you bought more than one Razer ME3 product), you can use the code to make it even stronger.

So what do you think of Razer's Onza TE controller and Chimaera 5.1 headset, Tech Junkies? If you have one, I want to hear your take on it, and if you were considering getting one, are you still on the fence still? Let us know in the comments section and stay tuned next week for another round of Tech Junkies.

Have something to share? Sitting on a news tip? E-mail me. You can also follow me on Twitter!?

?

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Head of 'faster-than-light' neutrinos team resigns

Italy's National Institute of Nuclear Physics said Friday that Antonio Ereditato had stepped down from the leadership of the OPERA experiment, whose measurements on the?speed?of neutrinos were widely questioned when they were announced in September.

The scientist who headed a European research team that last year measured particles traveling faster than?light?has resigned, weeks after a rival team cast doubt on the accuracy of those readings.

Skip to next paragraph

Italy's National Institute of Nuclear Physics said Friday that Antonio Ereditato had stepped down from the leadership of the OPERA experiment, whose measurements on the?speed?of neutrinos were widely questioned when they were announced in September.

Ereditato confirmed his resignation to The Associated Press in an email but declined to comment further.

The OPERA team itself had cautioned in September that the measurements needed to be checked by independent researchers because they appeared to go against a key tenet of modern physics ? that nothing can travel faster than?light.

Breaking that rule, which underlies Albert Einstein's famous special theory of relativity, could have opened the door to a new kind of physics in which time travel and warp?speeds?might be possible.

In February, the OPERA team acknowledged that it had found a flaw in the technical setup of its experiment that could have affected the measurements, but held off on calling them wrong.

Then, earlier this month, a rival team called ICARUS clocked neutrino?speeds?using a different experiment and found they behaved just as expected. They traveled at, but no faster than,?light?speed.

OPERA, ICARUS and two other teams will try to settle the issue once and for all by conducting further tests at the European Organization for Nuclear Research, or CERN, in May.

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Wills, Trusts & Estates Prof Blog: Top Eight Estate Planning Mistakes

? Winehouse Did Not Have a Will After All | Main

March 29, 2012

Top Eight Estate Planning Mistakes

Estate planning attorneys occasionally make errors, and LifeHeathPro recently asked several estate planners to identify the most common estate planning mistakes they see made by others. The top eight mistakes named are below:

1. Estate planners frequently complete beneficiary designations improperly (e.g., failing to change a beneficiary after a death or divorce).
2. Some attorneys fail to change asset titles to trusts after incorporating revocable trusts into a client?s estate plan.
3. Advisors tend to incorrectly assume a cleints? goals without taking the time to truly listen to the client?s objectives.
4. Some advisors allow clients to name minor children outright as primary or contingent beneficiaries of life insurance or retirement plans in which event the court must appoint a bonded guardian if the parents die before the children reach maturity.
5. Many attorneys also name a financial institution as successor trustee/executor instead of or after a surviving spouse.
6. Advisors often draft both a health-care power of attorney and a living will for the same client?too documents that can be in conflict with each other.
7. Advisors sometimes fail to research a state?s estate exemption amount which can differ from the federal estate exemption amount.
8. Attorneys also tend to fail to address asset protection planning with couples nearing retirement.

See Ed McCarthy, 8 Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid, LifeHealthPro, Mar. 1, 2012.

Special thanks to Jim Hillhouse (Professional Legal Marketing (PLM, Inc.)) for bringing this article to my attention.

March 29, 2012 in Estate Planning - Generally | Permalink

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Baylor coach Mulkey diagnosed with Bell's Palsy

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Vitals - Rethinking how we confront cancer: Bad science and risk ...

A new government report found the overall cancer death rate is falling, and the incidence of cancer deaths is declining in men and has leveled off in women. NBC's Robert Bazell reports.

?By Robert Bazell
Chief science and medical correspondent
NBC News

Two thought provoking and disturbing studies out Wednesday raise major questions about conduct of the ?War on Cancer.? One examines? the quality of basic research and the other concludes that half of current cancer deaths could be prevented.

Almost 90 percent of early stage cancer research looking for improved treatments is wrong, according to scientists at biotechnology giant Amgen and the MD Anderson Cancer Center. ?The researchers describe their findings as ?shocking.?

Read Wednesday's news about the decline in cancer death rates.

The allegations about questionable research in the quest for treatments appear in the prestigious journal Nature.? C. Glenn Begley, the former head of cancer research at Amgen, and surgical oncologist Lee M. Ellis of MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston describe how scientists at the Thousand Oaks, Calif.-based Amgen tried to replicate the results of 53 landmark cancer research papers.? By landmark, they mean papers cited by others as significant progress.? All were so-called ?pre-clinical,? meaning they were studies in rodents or with cells in petri dishes. The scientists were able to replicate only 11 percent of the conclusions.? In science, replication is proof.? If a study can?t be reproduced reliably, it is wrong.?

Most of the papers in question describe gene mutations or other changes in cancer cells that could be potential targets for new cancer treatments.? Such research is obviously critical for companies like Amgen deciding how to spend hundreds of millions testing potential drugs in humans.? The findings at Amgen do not differ greatly from those at a team at Bayer HealthCare in Germany, which reported last year that it could not replicate 25 per cent of studies.

Begley and Ellis assume that fraud plays little or no role in the bad science. ?These investigators were all competent, well-meaning scientists who truly wanted to make advances in cancer research,? they write.

So, what is the problem? Scientists often ignore negative findings that might raise a warning, cherry picking the results and putting the best face on their research. The practice involves many parties -- not just the scientists -- in the research process who turn blind eyes to questionable actions.

As Begley and Ellis detail it, ?To obtain funding, a job, promotion or tenure, researchers need a strong publication record?Journal? editors, reviewers, and grant review committees [and I might add journalists?R.B.] often look for a scientific finding that is simple, clear and complete?a ?perfect? story.? It is therefore tempting for investigators to submit suspected data sets for publication, or even to massage data.??

Whatever the motivation, the results are all too often wrong.

Begley and Ellis call for nothing less than a change in the culture of cancer research.? They demand more willingness to admit to imperfections and an end to the practice of failing to publish negative results.?

?We in the field,? the say, ?must remain focused on the purpose of cancer research: to improve the lives of patients.?

While the Amgen report casts doubt on cancer research, a separate study concludes that fully half of all cancers occurring today are preventable.? It raises questions about the billions spent searching for treatments and concludes that ?we must vigorously implement what we already know about preventing cancer.?

The article about prevention appears in the top-tier journal Science Translational Medicine. Epidemiologists Graham Colditz, Kathleen Wolin and public health researcher Sarah Gehlert of Washington University in St. Louis review the best data.?

According to the careful Washington University study, smoking remains the biggest cancer-causing environmental factor ?-- responsible for ?33 percent of cancer deaths, almost 189,000 lives a year in the U.S. alone.? Obesity now follows closely, causing 20 percent of cancer deaths, or 114,000 people a year.? Pollution and radiation (most of it from medical sources) each account for only about 2 percent of cancers.?

The argument about allocation of funds for reducing the risk of cancer versus treatment is as old as our efforts to confront cancer.? But as these authors show the evidence and the need to act on it grow ever stronger.

As a society, we have shown we can do a great deal ? but not nearly enough ?? about tobacco.?Obesity is another story, but we must do better if we want to be serious about cancer ? and all the other attendant diseases.

Even short of the huge social challenges in confronting tobacco and obesity, there are many proven relatively simple methods to cut cancer deaths.? They include effective screening tests, such as pap tests and colonoscopies. The vaccines against HPV and hepatitis B both prevent cancer-causing viral infections, and aspirin is looking ever better as a cancer control agent.

Only 1.5 percent of the U.S. cancer research budget now goes to risk reduction. The rest seeks to find treatments, an effort that Begley and Ellis show is seriously flawed.? As these two powerful studies out Wednesday show, it is high time we reorder our priorities.

Robert Bazell is NBC's chief science and medical correspondent. Follow him?on?Facebook?and?Twitter.

?Related:

Daily aspirin linked to reduced cancer risk

What kills one person every six seconds??

More from Robert Bazell:??

Could weight-loss surgery end diabetes?

Source: http://vitals.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/28/10905933-rethinking-how-we-confront-cancer-bad-science-and-risk-reduction

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