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Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Cave-dwelling "Croods" settle at top of movie box office
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Animated movie "The Croods," the story of a prehistoric family seeking a new home, debuted at the top of box office charts with $44.7 million in weekend ticket sales in the United States and Canada.
The 3D family film from "Shrek" and "Madagascar" creator Dreamworks Animation dethroned two-time champion "Oz the Great and Powerful," which slipped to third place. The Walt Disney Co prequel to "The Wizard of Oz" earned $22 million during its third weekend, according to studio estimates released on Sunday.
In between the two family films, thriller "Olympus Has Fallen" about a White House under terrorist attack took in $30.5 million from Friday through Sunday.
"The Croods" was produced by Dreamworks Animation and distributed by 20th Century Fox, a unit of News Corp. "Olympus Has Fallen" was released by privately held FilmDistrict.
(Reporting by Lisa Richwine and Andrea Burzynski)
Source: http://news.yahoo.com/cave-dwelling-croods-settle-top-movie-box-office-163634720--sector.html
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Monday, March 25, 2013
New lung cancer study takes page from Google's playbook
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Public release date: 25-Mar-2013[ | E-mail |
Share ] Contact: Robert Perkins
perkinsr@usc.edu
213-740-9226
University of Southern California
Research uses mathematical probability model to predict how lung cancer spreads
SAN DIEGO - The same sort of mathematical model used to predict which websites people are most apt to visit is now showing promise in helping map how lung cancer spreads in the human body, according to a new study published in the journal Cancer Research.
A team of researchers used an algorithm similar to the Google PageRank and to the Viterbi Algorithm for digital communication to analyze the spread patterns of lung cancer. The team includes experts from the University of Southern California (USC), Scripps Clinic, The Scripps Research Institute, University of California, San Diego Moores Cancer Center and Memorial Sloan-Kettering in New York.
"This research demonstrates how similar the Internet is to a living organism," said USC Viterbi School of Engineering Professor Paul Newton, Ph.D., the lead and corresponding author of the study. "The same types of tools that help us understand the spread of information through the web can help us understand the spread of cancer through the human body."
Employing a sophisticated system of mathematical equations known as a Markov chain model, the research team guided by USC applied mathematicians found that metastatic lung cancer does not progress in a single direction from primary tumor site to distant locations, which has been the traditional medical view. Instead, they found that cancer cell movement around the body likely occurs in more than one direction at a time.
Researchers also learned that the first site to which the cells spread plays a key role in the progression of the disease. The study showed that some parts of the body serve as "sponges" that are relatively unlikely to further spread lung cancer cells to other areas of the body. The study identified other areas as "spreaders" for lung cancer cells.
The study revealed that for lung cancer, the main spreaders are the adrenal gland and kidney, whereas the main sponges are the regional lymph nodes, liver and bone.
The study applied the advanced math model to data from human autopsy reports of 163 lung cancer patients in the New England area, from 1914 to 1943. This time period was targeted because it predates the use of radiation and chemotherapy, providing researchers a clear view of how cancer progresses if left untreated. Among the 163 patients, researchers charted the advancement patterns of 619 different metastases to 27 distinct body sites.
The study's findings could potentially impact clinical care by helping guide physicians to targeted treatment options, designed to curtail the spread of lung cancer. For example, if the cancer is found to have moved to a known spreader location, imaging tests and interventions can be quickly considered for focused treatment before the cells may be more widely dispersed. Further study is needed in this area.
Keeping tabs on cancer's movement in the body is vital to patient care. While a primary cancer tumor (confined to a single location) is often not fatal, a patient's prognosis can worsen if the cancer metastasizes that is, flakes off and travels to other parts of the body to form new tumors.
The study is part of a relatively new movement to involve physical sciences in oncology research. Mathematics probability models that interpret data from specific patient populations offer a new alternative to the established approach of relying on broader clinical trends to predict where, and how fast, cancer will spread.
###
In addition to Newton, senior contributing authors include Jeremy Mason of the USC Viterbi School of Engineering; Kelly Bethel, M.D., of Scripps Clinic; Lyudmila Bazhenova, M.D., of the UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center; Jorge Nieva, M.D., of Billings Clinic; Larry Norton, M.D., of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; and Peter Kuhn, Ph.D., of The Scripps Research Institute.
The study was conducted at the Scripps Physics Oncology Center (http://4db.us) and was funded by a grant U54CA143906 to Kuhn from the National Cancer Institute and the Gates Millennium Fellowship Program of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Scripps Health provides comprehensive care at its five hospital campuses and its various outpatient facilities. With more than 300 affiliated physicians, Scripps Cancer Care seeks to provide the best possible treatment and cutting-edge research trials for patients by coordinating medical expertise in the areas of clinical cancer care, community outreach and clinical, translational and basic research.
ABOUT SCRIPPS HEALTH
Founded in 1924 by philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps, Scripps Health is a $2.6 billion nonprofit integrated health system based in San Diego, Calif. Scripps Health treats a half-million patients annually through the dedication of 2,600 affiliated physicians and 13,500 employees among its five acute-care hospital campuses, home health care services, and an ambulatory care network of physician offices and 24 outpatient centers and clinics.
Recognized as a leader in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, Scripps Health is also at the forefront of clinical research, genomic medicine, wireless health care and graduate medical education. With three highly respected graduate medical education programs, Scripps Health is a longstanding member of the Association of American Medical Colleges and is recognized by Truven Health Analytics (formerly Thomson Reuters) for having one of the top teaching hospitals in the nation. Scripps Health is also the region's only cardiovascular program recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best in the country. Scripps Health has been consistently recognized by Fortune, Working Mother magazine and AARP as one of the best places in the nation to work. More information can be found at http://www.scripps.org.
ABOUT THE SCRIPPS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) is one of the world's largest independent, not-for-profit organizations focusing on research in the biomedical sciences. Over the past decades, TSRI has developed a lengthy track record of major contributions to science and health, including laying the foundation for new treatments for cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, hemophilia, and other diseases. The institute employs about 3,000 people on its campuses in La Jolla, CA, and Jupiter, FL, where its renowned scientistsincluding three Nobel laureateswork toward their next discoveries. The institute's graduate program, which awards PhD degrees in biology and chemistry, ranks among the top ten of its kind in the nation. For more information, see http://www.scripps.edu.
ABOUT THE USC VITERBI SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
Engineering Studies began at the University of Southern California in 1905. Nearly a century later, the Viterbi School of Engineering received a naming gift in 2004 from alumnus Andrew J. Viterbi, inventor of the Viterbi algorithm now key to cell phone technology and numerous data applications. Consistently ranked among the top graduate programs in the world, the school enrolls more than 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students, taught by 177 tenured and tenure-track faculty, with 60 endowed chairs and professorships. http://viterbi.usc.edu
ABOUT UC SAN DIEGO MOORES CANCER CENTER
UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center is home to nearly 350 medical and radiation oncologists, cancer surgeons, and researchers. It is one of only 41 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the country, a rare honor distinguishing exceptionally high achievement in research, clinical care, education and community outreach and partnerships. For more information, visit http://www.cancer.ucsd.edu.
Contact: Steve Carpowich
858-678-7183
carpowich.stephen@scrippshealth.org
Contact: Mika Ono
858-784-2052
mikaono@scripps.edu
Contact: Scott LaFee
619-543-6163
slafee@ucsd.edu
Contact: Megan Hazle
213-821-1555
hazle@usc.edu
[ | E-mail | Share ] ?
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.
Public release date: 25-Mar-2013[ | E-mail |
Share ] Contact: Robert Perkins
perkinsr@usc.edu
213-740-9226
University of Southern California
Research uses mathematical probability model to predict how lung cancer spreads
SAN DIEGO - The same sort of mathematical model used to predict which websites people are most apt to visit is now showing promise in helping map how lung cancer spreads in the human body, according to a new study published in the journal Cancer Research.
A team of researchers used an algorithm similar to the Google PageRank and to the Viterbi Algorithm for digital communication to analyze the spread patterns of lung cancer. The team includes experts from the University of Southern California (USC), Scripps Clinic, The Scripps Research Institute, University of California, San Diego Moores Cancer Center and Memorial Sloan-Kettering in New York.
"This research demonstrates how similar the Internet is to a living organism," said USC Viterbi School of Engineering Professor Paul Newton, Ph.D., the lead and corresponding author of the study. "The same types of tools that help us understand the spread of information through the web can help us understand the spread of cancer through the human body."
Employing a sophisticated system of mathematical equations known as a Markov chain model, the research team guided by USC applied mathematicians found that metastatic lung cancer does not progress in a single direction from primary tumor site to distant locations, which has been the traditional medical view. Instead, they found that cancer cell movement around the body likely occurs in more than one direction at a time.
Researchers also learned that the first site to which the cells spread plays a key role in the progression of the disease. The study showed that some parts of the body serve as "sponges" that are relatively unlikely to further spread lung cancer cells to other areas of the body. The study identified other areas as "spreaders" for lung cancer cells.
The study revealed that for lung cancer, the main spreaders are the adrenal gland and kidney, whereas the main sponges are the regional lymph nodes, liver and bone.
The study applied the advanced math model to data from human autopsy reports of 163 lung cancer patients in the New England area, from 1914 to 1943. This time period was targeted because it predates the use of radiation and chemotherapy, providing researchers a clear view of how cancer progresses if left untreated. Among the 163 patients, researchers charted the advancement patterns of 619 different metastases to 27 distinct body sites.
The study's findings could potentially impact clinical care by helping guide physicians to targeted treatment options, designed to curtail the spread of lung cancer. For example, if the cancer is found to have moved to a known spreader location, imaging tests and interventions can be quickly considered for focused treatment before the cells may be more widely dispersed. Further study is needed in this area.
Keeping tabs on cancer's movement in the body is vital to patient care. While a primary cancer tumor (confined to a single location) is often not fatal, a patient's prognosis can worsen if the cancer metastasizes that is, flakes off and travels to other parts of the body to form new tumors.
The study is part of a relatively new movement to involve physical sciences in oncology research. Mathematics probability models that interpret data from specific patient populations offer a new alternative to the established approach of relying on broader clinical trends to predict where, and how fast, cancer will spread.
###
In addition to Newton, senior contributing authors include Jeremy Mason of the USC Viterbi School of Engineering; Kelly Bethel, M.D., of Scripps Clinic; Lyudmila Bazhenova, M.D., of the UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center; Jorge Nieva, M.D., of Billings Clinic; Larry Norton, M.D., of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; and Peter Kuhn, Ph.D., of The Scripps Research Institute.
The study was conducted at the Scripps Physics Oncology Center (http://4db.us) and was funded by a grant U54CA143906 to Kuhn from the National Cancer Institute and the Gates Millennium Fellowship Program of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Scripps Health provides comprehensive care at its five hospital campuses and its various outpatient facilities. With more than 300 affiliated physicians, Scripps Cancer Care seeks to provide the best possible treatment and cutting-edge research trials for patients by coordinating medical expertise in the areas of clinical cancer care, community outreach and clinical, translational and basic research.
ABOUT SCRIPPS HEALTH
Founded in 1924 by philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps, Scripps Health is a $2.6 billion nonprofit integrated health system based in San Diego, Calif. Scripps Health treats a half-million patients annually through the dedication of 2,600 affiliated physicians and 13,500 employees among its five acute-care hospital campuses, home health care services, and an ambulatory care network of physician offices and 24 outpatient centers and clinics.
Recognized as a leader in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, Scripps Health is also at the forefront of clinical research, genomic medicine, wireless health care and graduate medical education. With three highly respected graduate medical education programs, Scripps Health is a longstanding member of the Association of American Medical Colleges and is recognized by Truven Health Analytics (formerly Thomson Reuters) for having one of the top teaching hospitals in the nation. Scripps Health is also the region's only cardiovascular program recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best in the country. Scripps Health has been consistently recognized by Fortune, Working Mother magazine and AARP as one of the best places in the nation to work. More information can be found at http://www.scripps.org.
ABOUT THE SCRIPPS RESEARCH INSTITUTE
The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) is one of the world's largest independent, not-for-profit organizations focusing on research in the biomedical sciences. Over the past decades, TSRI has developed a lengthy track record of major contributions to science and health, including laying the foundation for new treatments for cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, hemophilia, and other diseases. The institute employs about 3,000 people on its campuses in La Jolla, CA, and Jupiter, FL, where its renowned scientistsincluding three Nobel laureateswork toward their next discoveries. The institute's graduate program, which awards PhD degrees in biology and chemistry, ranks among the top ten of its kind in the nation. For more information, see http://www.scripps.edu.
ABOUT THE USC VITERBI SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
Engineering Studies began at the University of Southern California in 1905. Nearly a century later, the Viterbi School of Engineering received a naming gift in 2004 from alumnus Andrew J. Viterbi, inventor of the Viterbi algorithm now key to cell phone technology and numerous data applications. Consistently ranked among the top graduate programs in the world, the school enrolls more than 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students, taught by 177 tenured and tenure-track faculty, with 60 endowed chairs and professorships. http://viterbi.usc.edu
ABOUT UC SAN DIEGO MOORES CANCER CENTER
UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center is home to nearly 350 medical and radiation oncologists, cancer surgeons, and researchers. It is one of only 41 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the country, a rare honor distinguishing exceptionally high achievement in research, clinical care, education and community outreach and partnerships. For more information, visit http://www.cancer.ucsd.edu.
Contact: Steve Carpowich
858-678-7183
carpowich.stephen@scrippshealth.org
Contact: Mika Ono
858-784-2052
mikaono@scripps.edu
Contact: Scott LaFee
619-543-6163
slafee@ucsd.edu
Contact: Megan Hazle
213-821-1555
hazle@usc.edu
[ | E-mail | Share ] ?
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.
Source: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-03/uosc-nlc032213.php
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PFT: 'A dream team in the making'?
Getty ImagesTexans running back Arian Foster seems to be new school, in many ways.? But when it comes to football, Foster has an old-school mentality.
And Foster is willing to prove his acceptance of the risks by signing away his rights to sue the NFL in the future.
?Personally, absolutely, because I knew what I was getting into when I first had the dream of playing in the NFL,? Foster told Stephen A. Smith and Ryan Ruocco of ESPN Radio New York, via SportsRadioInterviews.com.? ?I knew what I was getting into.? The game?s a violent sport.? Anything can happen.? People get paralyzed; people get hurt ? broken legs, broken everything.? It?s just part of the game, and I knew what I was getting into.? So to me, it?s kind of like blaming the NFL for your injuries, and I don?t blame the NFL because it was my decision to partake in this game. . . .? So I would never sue.? I don?t have ill feelings toward those that have sued or whatever.? That?s their business.? It?s just the way I see it.? I just wouldn?t.?
Foster?s comments came in the context of the new rule regarding the use of the top of the helmet in the open field.? But Foster doesn?t believe the new rule will affect him very much.
?That play doesn?t come into play a lot with my running style, but you have guys like Adrian Peterson, guys that really are hard runners and try to create that contact,? Foster said.? ?This is going to affect them more than it will myself.? But I find myself sometimes lowering my head and lowering my shoulders.? It?s just, you?re not gonna think about the rule changes.? We?ve been running like this since we were kids. . . .? They want us to change that mentality in one offseason, it?s gonna be tough.? I was never a fan of all the defensive rule changes also ? where you can?t lead with your helmet or the facemask ? because guys have been tackling like this for years.? I was never a fan of that, and I?m definitely not a fan of this.?
While many believe the ongoing rule changes arise from a desire to limit future liability to current players, no current player can claim that he doesn?t realize the risks or that any information about the risks was concealed from him.? Then there?s the fact that the players are represented by a union, which has the ability to push for any necessary safety changes.
Still, Foster?s mindset reflects the attitude of most players who have signed up to play football ? and it?s the same attitude most of the players now suing the league surely would have had during their playing careers.
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Cat Walks Dog Home On Leash (VIDEO)
Looking for the perfect video for your lazy Sunday afternoon? This cat walking its dog home should hit the spot.
Also on HuffPost:
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Sunday, March 24, 2013
Investing - Silver Investment- Is It Lucrative Entry Point for a Good ...
Experts advice that investment in silver and other metals is advantageous instead of solely relying on the conservative investment methods. So, to know what makes silver a good commodity for investment, the investor has to initially understand some pros and cons of investing silver. Knowing the various ways of investing in silver can help them in selecting the right investment method, depending on their requirement.
Most of the investors give preference to silver after gold while planning for commodity investment. The reason for this is that there are numerous other benefits of silver apart from being an investment. At the same time like in other investments, the silver investment does have some risks. But as it is considered as tangible commodity, investors find it as a sensible investment and divide some of their finances for investing in this white metal. Further, it costs much less than gold and its value increases concurrently with gold. However, the investors with an interest or pondering to invest in the silver have to be cautious while making decisions. Knowing all the merits and de-merits of silver investing, identifying various kinds of investing methods, monitoring silver prices and checking Sunshine Profits silver stocks ranking are some good ideas for investors to find their investment requirements.
Know the merits and demerits of investing in silver
Similar to other types of investments, the idea of trading or investing in silver have some merits as well as de-merits. Initially, let's know the merits of investing in it. Being a versatile metal, it is not affected by currency devaluation. So any change in the currency value has reverse effects on silver value. That is, if currency value decreases then its value increases. It is cheaper than gold, and it is good idea for investors with relatively little amount of money at disposal, to invest in it. During the times of economic downturn, silver can be beneficial in exchanging for currency. Furthermore, the usage of silver in metallurgical industry, electronics, computers and drug industry makes it a lucrative investment idea. On the other side, it is subjected to price changes like any other commodity and cannot be beneficial if the investment is not intended for longtime. Another drawback is the rate of return, which is not very good for silver investment when compared to other commodities. Moreover to exchange it for other items, the investor has to first convert it to currency. Finally, any precious item has the risk of getting stolen, so also with silver.
Different ways to investment in silver
Buying its physical form such as silver bullion bars, coins and rounds is a fundamental form of investing. It is easily available for purchase in different ranges starting from 10 to 1000 ounces and can be bought online or from the silver dealers. For investors who prefer short term investments, there is an option of Silver Exchange Traded Funds available. ETFs allow investors to do silver trading in the form of silver funds or stocks, and also for keeping track of the silver prices. However, depending on the needs suitable methods can be selected by the investor.
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Snowstorm takes aim at Plains, Midwest
JC Hobbs directs his wife Sarah as they help to pull a van and U-Haul up a hill outside Calhan, Colo. as a storm continued to bring bad weather to the Colorado Springs area Saturday, March 23, 2013. Transportation officials said Interstate 70 was closed from Denver to Colby, Kan., on Saturday. The National Weather Service said the Denver area could see up to 7 inches of snow Saturday. (AP Photo/The Colorado Springs Gazette, Michael Ciaglo) MAGS OUT
JC Hobbs directs his wife Sarah as they help to pull a van and U-Haul up a hill outside Calhan, Colo. as a storm continued to bring bad weather to the Colorado Springs area Saturday, March 23, 2013. Transportation officials said Interstate 70 was closed from Denver to Colby, Kan., on Saturday. The National Weather Service said the Denver area could see up to 7 inches of snow Saturday. (AP Photo/The Colorado Springs Gazette, Michael Ciaglo) MAGS OUT
A tractor-trailer sits on the shoulder of Interstate 70 westbound after sliding off the icy highway near Watkins, Colo., as a spring storm packing high winds and heavy snow sweeps over Colorado's Front Range and on to the eastern plains on Saturday, March 23, 2013. Forecasters predict up to a foot of snow will fall in some locations in Colorado before the storm heads toward the nation's midsection. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Calhan Police Sgt. Josh Morrision stands by his car as he blocks Eastbound traffic on Highway 24 outside of Calhan, Colo. as blowing snow and slick roads closed the highway Saturday, March 23, 2013. Transportation officials said Interstate 70 was closed from Denver to Colby, Kan., on Saturday. The National Weather Service said the Denver area could see up to 7 inches of snow Saturday. (AP Photo/The Colorado Springs Gazette, Michael Ciaglo) MAGS OUT
Cars and trucks idle on southbound Interstate 25 just south of Highway 34 at the Loveland, Colo. exit Saturday, March 23, 2013 following a multi car wreck that occurred on the interstate during the snow storm. Forecasters predict up to a foot of snow will fall in some locations in Colorado before the storm heads toward the nation's midsection. (AP Photo/The Coloradoan, Rich Abrahamson)
A long line of tractor trailers sits idle along Interstate 70 eastbound near Watkins, Colo., at a roadblock to close the highway as a spring storm packing high winds and heavy snow sweeps over Colorado's Front Range and on to the eastern plains on Saturday, March 23, 2013. Forecasters predict up to a foot of snow will fall in some locations in Colorado before the storm heads toward the nation's midsection. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) ? An early spring snowstorm forced the cancellation of more than 100 flights at Denver International Airport and closed several roads Saturday as it moved eastward, dumping more than a foot of snow in some places.
The snow started falling around midnight in northeast Colorado and then moved into northwest Kansas and southwest Nebraska.
Ten to 15 inches of snow had fallen by Saturday afternoon north of Interstate 70 in northwest Kansas and northeast Colorado, with another 1 to 2 inches expected in the area, said Ryan Husted, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Goodland, Kan., where 15 inches of snow had fallen.
The storm also dropped up to 7 inches of snow in southwestern Nebraska before tapering off Saturday afternoon, said David Pearson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service near Omaha, Neb.
"But the wind is really blowing, so visibility in those areas is still going to be pretty low," Pearson said.
Husted said winds gusting at speeds of up to 45 mph were creating snow drifts of 2 to 3 feet in parts of Kansas, Colorado and Nebraska.
I-70 had been shut down Saturday from Denver to Colby, Kan., because of poor visibility. The northbound lanes of Interstate 25 also were closed south of Fort Collins, Colo., because of multiple accidents.
"It's a mess here," said Jerry Killingsworth, a National Weather Service meteorologist also based in Goodland, Kan. "Heavy, wet snow, tree limbs down."
At the Goodland 24/7 truck stop, truckers milled around. With roads in the area closed, they are "just waiting," said Samantha Lamb, the truck stop's assistant manager.
"Our hotel across the street from us is pretty full," Lamb said. "Our parking lot has a good 35, 40 trucks in it."
As the system moved eastward, it threatened to inconvenience fans attending the NCAA men's college basketball tournament in Kansas City.
Scott Blair, a meteorologist in Pleasant Hill, Mo., said light showers and drizzle began switching over to snow Saturday afternoon in Kansas City and western Missouri. The heaviest snowfall was expected overnight, with up to 6 inches forecast for the Kansas City metropolitan area.
"If people don't need to be out driving tomorrow that would certainly be recommended," he said.
Dan Gavitt, vice president of the NCAA men's basketball championships, said teams and officials already are onsite and that no game delays are anticipated.
"This region routinely has winter snow and has the appropriate equipment and procedures to manage these winter conditions," Gavitt said in a written statement. "We encourage fans planning to attend games to pay attention to the weather, use good judgment and follow any directions from local authorities regarding travel and weather."
North Carolina coach Roy Williams was nonplussed.
"It's no distraction, unless the roof goes off, we'll still be able to play and the whole bit like that," Williams said.
Elsewhere, some churches and other organizations were calling off events. Among them, the final game of the Emporia State baseball series with Southwest Baptist was canceled.
Denver International Airport spokesman Heath Montgomery said about 106 flights have been canceled, many of which involved commuter jets headed to nearby destinations or to mountain towns.
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center said up to a foot of new snow in the mountains could create dangerous avalanche conditions.
Colorado State Patrol troopers also spent part of Saturday working a crash near Johnstown involving a tractor-trailer that burst into flames. An estimated 20 to 50 vehicles, including four tractor-trailers, crashed or slid off the roadway in the area. The patrol said several people were hospitalized, but no fatalities have been reported.
The system will move into Illinois and Indiana overnight and into Sunday.
Meteorologist Dan Smith with the National Weather Service in Lincoln, Ill., said snowstorms aren't uncommon in early spring. The latest the area has seen snow, he said, was April 23, in 1910.
"One good thing about (the snowstorms) is it doesn't matter how much you get, it usually doesn't stick around too long because temperatures start to warm up pretty good," he said.
Farther south, tornadoes were possible in Louisiana and Mississippi, while strong winds and low humidity could lead to forest fires and wildfires in parts of New Mexico and West Texas.
___
Associated Press writers Jason Keyser in Chicago, Thomas Peipert in Denver, David Skretta in Kansas City, Mo., and Margery A. Beck in Omaha, Neb., contributed to this report.
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