FILE - In this July 1, 2013 file photo, Leann Rimes performs at the Friend Movement Anti-Bullying Benefit Concert at the El Rey Theatre, in Los Angeles. Los Angeles court records show a judge on Monday, Oct. 28, 2013, dismissed an invasion of privacy lawsuit filed by Rimes against two women she claimed illegally recorded a phone conversation with her and posted it online. (Photo by John Shearer/Invision/AP, file)
LOS ANGELES (AP) — An invasion of privacy lawsuit that LeAnn Rimes filed against two Northern California women has been dismissed.
Los Angeles court records show the actress-singer's suit against Kimberly Smiley and her daughter Alexis Smiley was dismissed Monday. The dismissal prevents Rimes from re-filing the case.
Rimes sued the women in August 2012 claiming they recorded a phone conversation with her and posted it online. She said the recording damaged her reputation and relationships, and caused her emotional distress.
Kimberly Smiley denied wrongdoing in an interview after the suit was filed.
Steve White, an attorney representing the Smileys, says the two sides resolved their differences and he could not comment further.
Rimes' lawyer, Larry Stein, was not immediately available to comment.
Greg Sargent thinks it’s unseemly and ill-mannered for Republicans to focus on the fact that a great many people are losing their health insurance because of Obamacare. He does make a few very reluctant concessions. For instance:
Critics of the law are right to ask whether it is having an adverse impact on these millions of Americans. And the White House could have been clearer in laying the groundwork for this political argument: It wasn’t sufficient to say people who like their plans will be able to keep it, which is narrowly untrue.
But this is just the necessary back swing required for teeing up the real wrongdoers here, the Republicans.
Contact: Jennifer Horsley collections@plos.org 44-012-234-42836 Public Library of Science
PLOS ONE introduces a new Collection on Sauropod Gigantism
A new PLOS Collection featuring research on the complex evolutionary cascade theory that made the unique gigantism of sauropod dinosaurs possible launched on October 30th. This Collection features new research articles that have published in the open access journal PLOS ONE.
Sauropod dinosaurs were the largest terrestrial animals to roam the Earth, exceeding all other land-dwelling vertebrates in both mean and maximal body size. While convergently evolving many features seen in large terrestrial mammals, such as upright, columnar limbs and barrel-shaped trunks, sauropods evolved some unique features, such as the extremely long necks and diminutive heads they are famous for.
The unique gigantism of sauropod dinosaurs has long been recognized as an important problem in the evolution of vertebrates, raising questions as to why no other land-based lineage has ever reached this size, how these dinosaurs functioned as living animals, and how they were able to maintain stable populations over distinct geological periods.
This new PLOS Collection discusses major efforts by evolutionary biologists and paleontologists to understand sauropods as living animals, and to explain their evolutionary success and uniquely gigantic body size.
The articles address these questions from a number of varied disciplinary viewpoints, including those of ecology, engineering, functional morphology, animal nutrition, and palaeontology. For instance, one section features articles from researchers that investigated sauropod mobility and posture, to better understand the reasons for their extremely long necks.
"You could explain gigantism just by looking at the trait of having many small offspring. But our model shows us there were probably several factors," says Dr. P. Martin Sander, a professor at the Steinmann Institute for Geology, Mineralogy and Palaeontology at the University of Bonn, Germany.
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PLEASE LINK TO THE SCIENTIFIC ARTICLE IN ONLINE VERSIONS OF YOUR REPORT (URL goes live after the embargo ends): http://www.ploscollections.org/sauropodgigantism
Disclaimer: This press release refers to upcoming articles in PLOS ONE. The releases have been provided by the article authors and/or journal staff. Any opinions expressed in these are the personal views of the contributors, and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of PLOS. PLOS expressly disclaims any and all warranties and liability in connection with the information found in the release and article and your use of such information.
About PLOS ONE: PLOS ONE is the first journal of primary research from all areas of science to employ a combination of peer review and post-publication rating and commenting, to maximize the impact of every report it publishes. PLOS ONE is published by the Public Library of Science (PLOS), the open-access publisher whose goal is to make the world's scientific and medical literature a public resource.
All works published in PLOS ONE are Open Access. Everything is immediately availableto read, download, redistribute, include in databases and otherwise usewithout cost to anyone, anywhere, subject only to the condition that the original authors and source are properly attributed. For more information about PLOS ONE relevant to journalists, bloggers and press officers, including details of our press release process and our embargo policy, see the EveryONE blog at http://everyone.plos.org/media.
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A sauropod walks into a bar. 'Why the long neck?'
PUBLIC RELEASE DATE:
30-Oct-2013
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Contact: Jennifer Horsley collections@plos.org 44-012-234-42836 Public Library of Science
PLOS ONE introduces a new Collection on Sauropod Gigantism
A new PLOS Collection featuring research on the complex evolutionary cascade theory that made the unique gigantism of sauropod dinosaurs possible launched on October 30th. This Collection features new research articles that have published in the open access journal PLOS ONE.
Sauropod dinosaurs were the largest terrestrial animals to roam the Earth, exceeding all other land-dwelling vertebrates in both mean and maximal body size. While convergently evolving many features seen in large terrestrial mammals, such as upright, columnar limbs and barrel-shaped trunks, sauropods evolved some unique features, such as the extremely long necks and diminutive heads they are famous for.
The unique gigantism of sauropod dinosaurs has long been recognized as an important problem in the evolution of vertebrates, raising questions as to why no other land-based lineage has ever reached this size, how these dinosaurs functioned as living animals, and how they were able to maintain stable populations over distinct geological periods.
This new PLOS Collection discusses major efforts by evolutionary biologists and paleontologists to understand sauropods as living animals, and to explain their evolutionary success and uniquely gigantic body size.
The articles address these questions from a number of varied disciplinary viewpoints, including those of ecology, engineering, functional morphology, animal nutrition, and palaeontology. For instance, one section features articles from researchers that investigated sauropod mobility and posture, to better understand the reasons for their extremely long necks.
"You could explain gigantism just by looking at the trait of having many small offspring. But our model shows us there were probably several factors," says Dr. P. Martin Sander, a professor at the Steinmann Institute for Geology, Mineralogy and Palaeontology at the University of Bonn, Germany.
###
PLEASE LINK TO THE SCIENTIFIC ARTICLE IN ONLINE VERSIONS OF YOUR REPORT (URL goes live after the embargo ends): http://www.ploscollections.org/sauropodgigantism
Disclaimer: This press release refers to upcoming articles in PLOS ONE. The releases have been provided by the article authors and/or journal staff. Any opinions expressed in these are the personal views of the contributors, and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of PLOS. PLOS expressly disclaims any and all warranties and liability in connection with the information found in the release and article and your use of such information.
About PLOS ONE: PLOS ONE is the first journal of primary research from all areas of science to employ a combination of peer review and post-publication rating and commenting, to maximize the impact of every report it publishes. PLOS ONE is published by the Public Library of Science (PLOS), the open-access publisher whose goal is to make the world's scientific and medical literature a public resource.
All works published in PLOS ONE are Open Access. Everything is immediately availableto read, download, redistribute, include in databases and otherwise usewithout cost to anyone, anywhere, subject only to the condition that the original authors and source are properly attributed. For more information about PLOS ONE relevant to journalists, bloggers and press officers, including details of our press release process and our embargo policy, see the EveryONE blog at http://everyone.plos.org/media.
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Police cars in Iowa and Florida are testing a secret weapon: a small cannon embedded in the grill. It shoots "tracking" bullets — containing tiny GPS devices — that can stick to the trunk of a suspect's car. Police could then follow a suspect at a leisurely pace instead of embarking on a dangerous high-speed chase.
Good morning. I'm Renee Montagne. Police cars in Iowa and Florida are testing a secret weapon: a small cannon embedded in the grille. It shoots tracking bullets containing tiny GPS devices that can stick to the trunk of a suspect's car. Police could then follow a suspect at a leisurely pace instead of embarking on a dangerous high-speed chase. The weapon, very James Bond, except American police would need to get a warrant before attaching a GPS to a car. It's MORNING EDITION.
NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by a contractor for NPR, and accuracy and availability may vary. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Please be aware that the authoritative record of NPR's programming is the audio.
More power to you: Marines boost energy, lighten load
PUBLIC RELEASE DATE:
30-Oct-2013
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Contact: Peter Vietti onrpublicaffairs@navy.mil 703-696-5031 Office of Naval Research
ARLINGTON, Va.In an effort to move toward increased energy independence in the field, Marines used a wearable solar-powered system to extend the battery life of crucial electronic devices during a recent field exercise, officials announced Oct. 30.
Sponsored by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) and assembled at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division, the Marine Austere Patrolling System (MAPS) combines solar power and an individual water purifier to help lighten the load of Marines conducting lengthy missions in remote locations with few or no options for resupply.
"The primary challenge facing the Marine Corps in expeditionary environments is that we're carrying too much weight," said Capt. Frank Furman, logistics program manager for ONR's Expeditionary Maneuver Warfare and Combating Terrorism Department.
MAPS gives individuals the ability to manage power and filter water on the move. A key features is a flexible solar panel, about the size of a piece of paper, made possible by breakthroughs at the Naval Research Laboratory.
The new gear proved to be a go-to power source to keep radio communications up and running during a field test with the 1st Battalion 5th Marines at the Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, Calif. While in a remote mountainous area, company and platoon commanders had to rely on Marines using the MAPS gear because their radios were the only ones that still had power.
"As engineers, we rely heavily on Marine feedback to improve system function, form and fit," said Justin Miller, MAPS lead systems integrator. "Actually observing Marines use the system in this challenging terrain to sustain their gear is very positive, because we can incorporate their feedback into the design."
Marines use more electronic devices than ever before, including radios, night-vision goggles and GPS systems. Each comes with its own set of batteries and spares, which can add several pounds to what a Marine has to carry.
"Marines planning a 24-hour mission may need four batteries, but we bring eight as a safety factor, because we can never risk running out completely," said Furman, an infantry officer who served in two tours to Afghanistan. "MAPS provides two benefits. First, we can lessen the risk of batteries running out completely. Second, the weight of spare batteries and extra water is eliminated. This directly affects on our endurance and ability to move and stay alert."
For a 96-hour patrol, MAPS has the potential to reduce the weight of batteries and water carried by a Marine from more than 60 pounds to 13 pounds. The system's ability to sustain Marines for longer stretches reduces the need for dangerous logistics resupply operations, a goal stated in the Marine Corps Expeditionary Energy Strategy and Implementation Plan.
This month's field evaluation followed on the heels of a similar evaluation in July by members of the 3rd Battalion 1st Marines at Camp Pendleton, Calif.
The Marine Corps Expeditionary Energy Office continues to work with partner agencies to collect data from exercises and inform future development and fielding of subcomponent systems.
###
ONR provides the science and technology necessary to maintain the Navy and Marine Corps' technological advantage. Through its affiliates, ONR is a leader in science and technology with engagement in 50 states, 70 countries, 1,035 institutions of higher learning and 914 industry partners. ONR employs approximately 1,400 people, comprising uniformed, civilian and contract personnel, with additional employees at the Naval Research Lab in Washington, D.C.
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More power to you: Marines boost energy, lighten load
PUBLIC RELEASE DATE:
30-Oct-2013
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Contact: Peter Vietti onrpublicaffairs@navy.mil 703-696-5031 Office of Naval Research
ARLINGTON, Va.In an effort to move toward increased energy independence in the field, Marines used a wearable solar-powered system to extend the battery life of crucial electronic devices during a recent field exercise, officials announced Oct. 30.
Sponsored by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) and assembled at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division, the Marine Austere Patrolling System (MAPS) combines solar power and an individual water purifier to help lighten the load of Marines conducting lengthy missions in remote locations with few or no options for resupply.
"The primary challenge facing the Marine Corps in expeditionary environments is that we're carrying too much weight," said Capt. Frank Furman, logistics program manager for ONR's Expeditionary Maneuver Warfare and Combating Terrorism Department.
MAPS gives individuals the ability to manage power and filter water on the move. A key features is a flexible solar panel, about the size of a piece of paper, made possible by breakthroughs at the Naval Research Laboratory.
The new gear proved to be a go-to power source to keep radio communications up and running during a field test with the 1st Battalion 5th Marines at the Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, Calif. While in a remote mountainous area, company and platoon commanders had to rely on Marines using the MAPS gear because their radios were the only ones that still had power.
"As engineers, we rely heavily on Marine feedback to improve system function, form and fit," said Justin Miller, MAPS lead systems integrator. "Actually observing Marines use the system in this challenging terrain to sustain their gear is very positive, because we can incorporate their feedback into the design."
Marines use more electronic devices than ever before, including radios, night-vision goggles and GPS systems. Each comes with its own set of batteries and spares, which can add several pounds to what a Marine has to carry.
"Marines planning a 24-hour mission may need four batteries, but we bring eight as a safety factor, because we can never risk running out completely," said Furman, an infantry officer who served in two tours to Afghanistan. "MAPS provides two benefits. First, we can lessen the risk of batteries running out completely. Second, the weight of spare batteries and extra water is eliminated. This directly affects on our endurance and ability to move and stay alert."
For a 96-hour patrol, MAPS has the potential to reduce the weight of batteries and water carried by a Marine from more than 60 pounds to 13 pounds. The system's ability to sustain Marines for longer stretches reduces the need for dangerous logistics resupply operations, a goal stated in the Marine Corps Expeditionary Energy Strategy and Implementation Plan.
This month's field evaluation followed on the heels of a similar evaluation in July by members of the 3rd Battalion 1st Marines at Camp Pendleton, Calif.
The Marine Corps Expeditionary Energy Office continues to work with partner agencies to collect data from exercises and inform future development and fielding of subcomponent systems.
###
ONR provides the science and technology necessary to maintain the Navy and Marine Corps' technological advantage. Through its affiliates, ONR is a leader in science and technology with engagement in 50 states, 70 countries, 1,035 institutions of higher learning and 914 industry partners. ONR employs approximately 1,400 people, comprising uniformed, civilian and contract personnel, with additional employees at the Naval Research Lab in Washington, D.C.
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AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.
Apple’s once-dominant lead in the fast-growing tablet market is shrinking as buyers move to Android tablets, which are cheaper and available in different sizes, according to separate research released by IHS and IDC on Wednesday.
Tablet shipments during the third quarter this year totaled 47.6 million units, growing by 36.7 percent compared to the same quarter last year, according to IDC. Android tablets drove the growth, while Apple’s iPad shipments were flat and Windows tablets continued to struggle.
Apple maintained the top spot in tablet shipments, totaling 14.1 million iPads during the quarter, growing by just 0.6 percent compared to the previous year. The company’s tablet market share fell to 29.6 percent during the third quarter, down from 40.2 percent a year ago.
The current tablet market share of 29.6 percent is Apple’s lowest to date, IDC said. Research firm IHS pegged Apple’s third-quarter market share at 29.7 percent.
Apple’s tablet shipments slowed due to a delay in product launches to the fourth quarter from earlier in the year. But the company is poised to regain market share with the new iPad Air and iPad Mini with Retina display, which will start shipping in November.
“With two 7.9-inch [iPad Mini] models starting at $299 and $399, and two 9.7-inch models starting at $399 and $499, Apple is taking steps to appeal to multiple segments,” said Jitesh Ubrani, IDC research analyst, in a statement.
Who else is selling tablets?
Samsung was the biggest beneficiary of the growth in Android tablets, holding 20.4 percent market share during the third quarter, up from 12.4 percent a year ago. The South Korean company’s tablet shipments totaled 9.7 million units, growing by 123 percent compared to last year.
Asustek was in third place with shipments up 53.9 percent to 3.5 million. Lenovo was in the fourth spot, with tablet shipments of 2.3 million, growing by a whopping 420.7 percent. Acer was in fifth place, with quarterly shipments growing by 346.3 percent.
While Apple is the solo tablet vendor with iOS, the sheer volume and spate of sub-$250 tablets has made Android a leading tablet OS, said Rhoda Alexander, director of tablet research at IHS.
“The erosion in Apple’s unit shipment market share was inevitable,” Alexander said in a statement.
Samsung took some cues from its smartphone market and expanded its tablet offerings at different prices, Alexander said. But the low margins of Android devices have hurt the profits of tablet makers.
“Cheaper almost always wins the volume race, and competitors were quick to adjust pricing when it became clear that it was impossible to achieve anything close to Apple’s unit growth at the same price level,” Alexander said.
Android assisted by small tablet vendors
The overall installed base of Android tablets received an assist from a group of “other” small tablet vendors, which held the single largest market share in the IDC and IHS surveys. The group includes regional tablet vendors in China that ship sub-$100 tablets with 7-inch screens, cheap components, and older versions of Android. Tablet shipments from that group totaled 16.8 million units according to IDC, and 16.4 million according to IHS.
The return rates on those cheap tablets are high, and the devices don’t last too long. The cheap-tablet business model is not yet proven, analysts said.
“Shipments alone won’t guarantee long-term success. For that you need a sustainable hardware business model, a healthy ecosystem for developers, and happy end users,” said Tom Mainelli, research director of tablets at IDC.
Nikon just announced the winners for its 2013 Small World Photomicrography Competition. It's basically a collection of the best images of things you can only see under a light microscope. Or better yet, it's the best photographs of things you can't actually see. Here are some fantastically creepy shots that were our favorites.
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