University of Kansas Medical Center

STOCKHOLM, Sept. 29, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- RaySearch will be showcasing the latest software innovations at ASTRO in San Diego, California, October 1-4. Participants can book demonstrations of RayStation®* treatment planning system, RayCare®* oncology information system, and cloud-based oncology analytics system RayIntelligence®, in RaySearchs's booth 3245 during the event. RayStation 2023B offers support for automatic field-in-field planning for photons, a method which generates homogeneous and conformal dose distributions by combining a few subfields, and point-based optimization of brachytherapy plans, and more efficient data loading. Attendees can experience the next steps in workflow improvements for dose tracking and adaptive replanning. Within particle therapy planning, support for proton arcs and robust optimization based on linear energy transfer (LET) will be highlighted. The latest version of RayCare includes enhanced treatment schedules, support for enhanced data migration, including feature and usability updates to the patient chart and task management. Attendees will be able to experience the new dedicated workspace for treatment course management which supports all user needs in relation to managing the fractionation schedule for treatments including assignment of plans, managing treatment settings, and handling approvals. RaySearch's latest product, the cloud-based oncology analytics system RayIntelligence will also be demonstrated during the congress. RayIntelligence features support such as import of DICOM data and new clinical goals dashboards. Johan Löf, founder and CEO, RaySearch, says: "We're excited to return to ASTRO in San Diego, meeting valued partners as well as customers and potential customers. We are also eager to showcase our latest product innovations to attendees joining us in our booth." Demonstrations at ASTRO include Brachytherapy planning Cyberknife planning Synthetic CT generation Deep learning segmentation LET evaluation Cloud based data analytics Customizable oncology workflows Occular planning Poster presentations Comprehensive Beam Modeling, Secondary Dose Computations and Treatment Planning for a 1.5 T MRgRTSystem Speakers K Kierkels and G Hilgers, Radiotherapiegroep, Arnhem/Deventer, the Netherlands C Fälth and A Angerud, RaySearch Laboratories AB, Stockholm, Sweden Towards clinical proton minibeam radiation therapy (pMBRT): development of clinical pMBRT syst prototype and pMBRT-specific treatment planning method Speakers Yuting Lin, Weijie Zhang, Dan Johnson, Wangyao Li, Gregory N Gan, Ronald C Chen and Hao Gao, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA Yolanda Prezado, Institut Curie Research Center, Orsay, France Erik Traneus, RaySearch Laboratories AB, Stockholm, Sweden For more information, please contact: Johan Löf, founder and CEO, RaySearch Laboratories AB (publ) Telephone: +46 (0) 8 510 530 00 [email protected] The following files are available for download: SOURCE RaySearch Laboratories

A new study appearing in Science Advances compares Pleistocene vegetation communities around Lake Baikal in Siberia, Russia, to the oldest archeological traces of Homo sapiens in the region. The researchers use the 'remarkable evidence' to tell a compelling story from 45,000-50,000 years ago with new detail: how the first humans migrated across Europe and Asia. It's an Ice Age mystery that's been debated for decades among anthropologists: Exactly when and how did the flow of Homo sapiens in Eurasia happen? Did a cold snap or a warming spell drive early human movement from Africa into Europe and Asia? A new study appearing in Science Advances compares Pleistocene vegetation communities around Lake Baikal in Siberia, Russia, to the oldest archeological traces of Homo sapiens in the region. The researchers use the "remarkable evidence" to tell a compelling story from 45,000-50,000 years ago with new detail: how the first humans migrated across Europe and Asia. The new pollen data suggest warming temperatures supported forests that expanded into Siberia and facilitated early human migration there, at roughly the same time as more and western areas of Eurasia. "This research addresses long-standing debates regarding the environmental conditions that early Homo sapiens faced during their migration into Europe and Asia around 40,000 to 50,000 years ago," said co-author Ted Goebel, professor of anthropology at the University of Kansas. "It provides critical insights into environmental conditions at Lake Baikal, using pollen records to reveal surprising warmth during this period." Indeed, the pollen data suggest that the dispersal of people occurred during some of the highest temperatures in the late Pleistocene, which also would have featured higher humidity. The ancient pollen record shows coniferous forests and grasslands characterized the region, able to support foraging and hunting by humans. Goebel said the environmental data, combined with archeological evidence, tell a new story. "This contradicts some recent archaeological perspectives in Europe," said the KU researcher. "The key factor here is accurate dating, not just of human fossils and animal bones associated with the archaeology of these people, but also of environmental records, including from pollen. What we have presented is a robust chronology of environmental changes in Lake Baikal during this time period, complemented by a well-dated archaeological record of Homo sapiens' presence in the region." Goebel's collaborators were lead author Koji Shichi of the Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute in Kochi, Japan; Masami Izuho of Tokyo Metropolitan University, Hachioji, Japan; and Kenji Kashiwaya of Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan. While the pollen analysis was carried out in Japan, Goebel and Izuho tied the pollen data to important evidence in the archeological record of early human migration. Goebel said the emergence of full-fledged Homo sapiens in the archaeological record corresponds to changes in culture and behavior. Early modern humans of this period were making stone tools on long, slender blades, working bone, antler and ivory to craft tools -- including some of the first bone needles with carved eyelets for sewing and early bone and antler spear points. "Some of us argue that as the anatomical changes were occurring, as evidenced by the fossil record, there was a simultaneous shift in behavior and cognition," Goebel said. "These early humans were becoming more creative, innovative and adaptable. This is when we start to observe significant changes in the archaeological record, such as cave paintings. We also find mobile art, like the early carvings known as Venus figurines. In Central Europe, there's even an ivory sculpture dating back to this early period, depicting a lion-headed man. It's not just replicating nature; it's about creative expression, inventing new things, exploring new places." At least one human bone has been found in the region that dates to the era, according to the KU researcher. "There is one human fossil from Siberia, although not from Lake Baikal but farther west, at a place called Ust'-Ishim," Goebel said. "Morphologically, it is human, but more importantly, it's exceptionally well-preserved. It has been directly radiocarbon-dated and has yielded ancient DNA, confirming it as a representative of modern Homo sapiens, distinct from Neanderthals or Denisovans, or other pre-modern archaic humans." Goebel said the earliest human inhabitants of the area likely would have lived in extended nuclear families or small bands, as they seem to have done in other areas of Eurasia. But because so much archeological evidence is degraded, it's difficult to know with certainty. "At Ust'-Ishim in Siberia, we have evidence of a fully modern human co-existing with the sites we've been discussing," he said. "However, Ust'-Ishim was an isolated discovery, found by geologists eroding from a riverbank. We lack information about its archaeological context, whether it was part of a settlement or simply a solitary bone washed downstream. Consequently, linking that single individual to the archaeological sites in the Baikal region is tenuous -- do they represent the same population? We think so, but definitely need more evidence."

Hilinski's Hope's fourth week of collective action is a continuation of the organization's service to the mental wellbeing of students across all levels and sports NEW YORK, Sept. 20, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hilinski's Hope Foundation (H3H), founded by Mark and Kym Hilinski to honor the legacy of their son Tyler, today announced that over 150 schools and organizations around the country will be participating in Student Athlete Mental Health Week, the organization's fourth annual week of collective action dedicated to addressing the mental wellbeing of student athletes, from September 30th to October 7th. Continue Reading Hilinski’s Hope’s fourth week of collective action is a continuation of the organization’s service to the mental wellbeing of students across all levels and sports "We miss Tyler every day, but we know that he would be so proud of the difference we are working to make in the lives of student athletes," said Kym Hilinski, co-founder of Hilinski's Hope. "In the last four years, Mark and I have traveled all over the country, speaking with students, sharing Tyler's story, and encouraging these tough but crucial conversations. We're incredibly honored to be joined by over 150 schools this year to fight stigma and increase mental health resources on campuses." During Student Athlete Mental Health Week, student athletes and athletic departments across the country will participate in breaking down stigma, offering quality resources, and letting student athletes know they are supported. "I want to make talking about mental health normal. Hilinski's Hope has turned a devastating life event into a force for good by taking action and creating Student Athlete Mental Health Week," said Caleb Williams, University of Southern California quarterback, founder of the Caleb Cares Foundation and 2022 Heisman Trophy recipient. "Hilinski's Hope is making talking about mental health normal. This is so important because we all have the power to help someone by simply reaching out and checking in. You never know what someone is going through and how you can impact them and maybe save a life." Participating schools have committed to at least one of the following during the week: encouraging students, parents, alumni, and fans to participate in showing solidarity, eliminating stigma around mental health by holding three fingers to the sky during the first play of the third quarter; playing a Hilinski's Hope PSA at the SAMHW games; wearing one of the many "3" ribbon products sent by H3H to their campus, participating in social media campaigns during the week, engaging in an internal assessment to evaluate how their campus is following best practices in terms of mental health programs, and include talks and trainings on campus for players, coaches, and staff. "On or off the field, the wellbeing of our players has always been one of our top priorities at the University of Oklahoma " said Patty Gasso, Head Coach of University of Oklahoma Softball. "In their adoption of Student Athlete Mental Health Week, we are proud to stand with Hilinski's Hope as they continue to advocate for the mental health and safety of student athletes of every sport and level." H3H has created evidence-based mental health resources, including the Game Plan and Online Mental Health Course, which work to educate and reduce the stigma of seeking help for mental health concerns, along with providing a new way of thinking and addressing mental health. "Education and awareness are critical in connecting student-athletes to mental health resources and no organization is doing more to promote athlete mental health than Hilinski's Hope," said Dr. Dylan Firsick, Assistant Athletic Director, Director of Mental Health and Performance at the University of Georgia. "The University of Georgia is proud to partner with Hilinski's Hope and encourage all athletic departments to do the same for the 2023 Student Athlete Mental Health Week." Student Athlete Mental Health Week coincides with Mental Illness Awareness Week, October 1-7, culminating on World Mental Health Day on October 10. Hilinski's Hope would like to say a special thank you to our lead sponsors College Hill Threads, Lombardi Wines, Carelon, Uncork for Hope and Sack The Stigma for helping make Student Athlete Mental Health Week possible. To learn more and/or get involved with Hilinski's Hope Foundation please visit . To date schools from around the country participating include: Abilene Christian University Arizona State University Auburn University Auburn University at Montgomery Aurora University Austin Peay State University Baylor University Bemidji State University Benedict College Benedictine University Berry College Boise State University Boston College Bowling Green State University Brigham Young University California Baptist University California State University, Long Beach Carroll College Central College Central Michigan University Central Washington University Claremont Mudd Scripps Colleges Clemson University Concordia University Chicago Cornell University Davidson College Delta State University Drake University Drexel University Duquesne University East Mississippi Community College Eastern Michigan University Eastern Washington University Edward Waters University Florida Atlantic University Florida State University Fordham University Gardner-Webb University George Fox University George Mason University Georgetown University Georgia Southern University Grand Canyon University Henderson State University Idaho State University Illinois State University Indiana University James Madison University Juniata College Kansas State University Keene State College King's College Lamar University Lees-McRae College Lehigh University Liberty University Louisiana State University Louisiana Tech University Marist College Marshall University Mercyhurst University Mid Michigan College Middlebury College Mississippi College Mississippi State University Missouri State University Mt San Antonio College North Carolina State University North Dakota State University North Greenville University Northern Arizona University Northern Michigan University Northwestern University Northwood University Oklahoma State University Oregon State University Pacific Lutheran University Pomona-Pitzer Colleges Rollins College Sacramento State University Saint Vincent College Saint Xavier University San Diego State University Santa Barbara City College Seattle University Siena College South Carolina State University Southern Methodist University Southern University and A&M College Southern Utah University St. Bonaventure University Stanford University Stephen F. Austin State University Stetson University Stevenson University Stony Brook University Tarleton State University Texas A&M University Texas Tech University The Catholic University of America Thiel College Tufts University University at Buffalo University of Akron University of Alabama University of Alabama at Birmingham University of Arizona University of Arkansas University of California, Berkeley University of California, Irvine University of California, Santa Barbara University of Central Florida University of Colorado, Boulder University of Dayton University of Delaware University of Detroit, Mercy University of Georgia University of Hawaii University of Iowa University of Kansas University of Massachusetts, Amherst University of Miami University of Mississippi University of Missouri University of Montana Western University of Nevada, Las Vegas University of Nevada, Reno University of North Carolina, Greensboro University of North Texas University of Oklahoma University of Redlands University of Richmond University of San Diego University of South Carolina University of South Carolina, Beaufort University of South Dakota University of South Florida University of Southern California University of Tennessee, Knoxville University of Texas Rio Grande Valley University of Texas, Arlington University of Tulsa University of Virginia University of Washington University of Wisconsin, Stout University of Wyoming Utah State University Utah Tech University Utah Valley University Vanderbilt University Viterbo University Washington State University West Virginia University Western Carolina University Whitworth University William Penn University Winston-Salem State University About Hilinski's Hope: H3H helps colleges and universities save lives, eliminate stigma, and scale mental wellness programs for student athletes. H3H does this by sharing Tyler's story, connecting students with mental health resources, and assisting universities to institutionalize best practices. To learn more about H3H please visit SOURCE Hilinski's Hope Foundation