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At least 865 records · Page 48

MRDIS Standalone Central Alarm Station

The MRDIS Standalone Central Alarm Station(MRDIS-CAS} is a software system for receiving, storing, and reviewing radiation data collected by the Mobile Radiation Detection and Identification System (MRDIS}, a mobile radiation scanning system developed for use in foreign ports for the DOE Megaports Initiative. It is designed to run on one of the on board computers in the MRDIS cab. It will collect, store, and display data from the MRDIS without the need for wireless communications or centralized server technology. It is intended to be a lightweight replacement for a distributed Megaports communication system in ports where the necessary communications infrastructure does not exist for a full Megaports communications system.

Source record↗

Central exclusive $\pi^{+}\pi^{-}$ production in $p \bar{p}$ collisions at $\mathbf{\sqrt{s}}$~=~0.9 and 1.96 TeV at CDF

Abstract. √s = 0.9 and 1.96 TeV in the Collider Detector at Fermilab has been measured. Events with exactly two particles with opposite charge, in |η(π)| < 1.3, with no other particles detected in |η(π)| < 5.9, were selected. We require the central π+π- state to have rapidity |y(ππ)| < 1. The data are expected to be dominated by double pomeron exchange. Therefore, the quantum numbers of the central state are constrained. The data he results are valuable for light hadron spectroscopy, and for erstanding the nature of the pomeron in a region between non-perturbative and perturbative QCD.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Building America Case Study: Multifamily Central Heat Pump Water Heaters, Davis, California

Although heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) have gained significant attention in recent years as a high efficiency electric water heating solution for single family homes, central HPWHs for commercial or multi-family applications are not as well documented in terms of measured performance and cost effectiveness. To evaluate this technology, the Alliance for Residential Building Innovation team monitored the performance of a 10.5 ton central HPWH installed on a student apartment building at the West Village Zero Net Energy Community in Davis, California. Monitoring data collected over a 16-month period were then used to validate a TRNSYS simulation model. The TRNSYS model was then used to project performance in different climates using local electric rates. Results of the study indicate that after some initial commissioning issues, the HPWH operated reliably with an annual average efficiency of 2.12 (Coefficient of Performance). The observed efficiency was lower than the unit's rated efficiency, primarily due to the fact that the system rarely operated under steady-state conditions. Changes in the system configuration, storage tank sizing, and control settings would likely improve the observed field efficiency. Modeling results suggest significant energy savings relative to electric storage water heating systems (typical annual efficiencies around 0.90) providing for typical simple paybacks of six to ten years without any incentives. The economics versus gas water heating are currently much more challenging given the current low natural gas prices in much of the country. Increased market size for this technology would benefit cost effectiveness and spur greater technology innovation.

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION↗

Building America Case Study: Multifamily Central Heat Pump Water Heaters, Davis, California

Although heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) have gained significant attention in recent years as a high efficiency electric water heating solution for single family homes, central HPWHs for commercial or multi-family applications are not as well documented in terms of measured performance and cost effectiveness. To evaluate this technology, the Alliance for Residential Building Innovation team monitored the performance of a 10.5 ton central HPWH installed on a student apartment building at the West Village Zero Net Energy Community in Davis, California. Monitoring data collected over a 16-month period were then used to validate a TRNSYS simulation model. The TRNSYS model was then used to project performance in different climates using local electric rates. Results of the study indicate that after some initial commissioning issues, the HPWH operated reliably with an annual average efficiency of 2.12 (Coefficient of Performance). The observed efficiency was lower than the unit's rated efficiency, primarily due to the fact that the system rarely operated under steady-state conditions. Changes in the system configuration, storage tank sizing, and control settings would likely improve the observed field efficiency. Modeling results suggest significant energy savings relative to electric storage water heating systems (typical annual efficiencies around 0.90) providing for typical simple paybacks of six to ten years without any incentives. The economics versus gas water heating are currently much more challenging given the current low natural gas prices in much of the country. Increased market size for this technology would benefit cost effectiveness and spur greater technology innovation.

ARBI↗

Radon Concentration in Groundwater in the Central Region of Gyeongju, Korea - 13130

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is a well known cause of lung cancer through inhalation. Nevertheless, stomach cancer can also occur if radon-containing water is ingested. This study measured the radon concentration in groundwater for drinking or other domestic uses in the central region of Gyeongju, Korea. The groundwater samples were taken from 11 points chosen from the 11 administrative districts in the central region of Gyeongju by selecting a point per district considering the demographic distribution including the number of tourists who visit the ancient ruins and archaeological sites. The mean radon concentrations in the groundwater samples ranged from 14.38 to 9050.73 Bq.m{sup -3}, which were below the recommendations by the U.S. EPA and WHO. (authors)

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Radioactive Waste Management in Central Asia - 12034

After the collapse of the Soviet Union the newly independent states in Central Asia (CA) whose regulatory bodies were set up recently are facing problems with the proper management of radioactive waste and so called 'nuclear legacy' inherited from the past activities. During the former Soviet Union (SU) period, various aspects of nuclear energy use took place in CA republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Activities range from peaceful use of energy to nuclear testing for example at the former Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site (SNTS) in Kazakhstan, and uranium mining and milling industries in all four countries. Large amounts of radioactive waste (RW) have been accumulated in Central Asia and are waiting for its safe disposal. In 2008 the Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority (NRPA), with the support of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has developed bilateral projects that aim to assist the regulatory bodies in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan (from 2010) to identify and draft relevant regulatory requirements to ensure the protection of the personnel, population and environment during the planning and execution of remedial actions for past practices and radioactive waste management in the CA countries. The participating regulatory authorities included: Kazakhstan Atomic Energy Agency, Kyrgyzstan State Agency on Environmental Protection and Forestry, Nuclear Safety Agency of Tajikistan, and State Inspectorate on Safety in Industry and Mining of Uzbekistan. The scope of the projects is to ensure that activities related to radioactive waste management in both planned and existing exposure situations in CA will be carried out in accordance with the international guidance and recommendations, taking into account the relevant regulatory practice from other countries in this area. In order to understand the problems in the field of radioactive waste management we have analysed the existing regulations through the so called 'Threat assessment' in each CA country which revealed additional problems in the existing regulatory documents beyond those described at the start of our ongoing bilateral projects in Kazakhstan, Kirgizistan Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Commissioning of a GeoMelt Vitrification Plant at the Central Laboratory on the Sellafield Site - 17561

The National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) and Kurion Veolia (Kurion) have installed a GeoMelt{sup R} In-Container Vitrification (ICV){sup R} radioactive waste treatment system in the Central Laboratory Active Rig Hall at Sellafield. This installation was completed in 2016. GeoMelt incorporates a range of patented and proprietary vitrification processing technologies that are configured in a variety of ways depending on the project and the waste. GeoMelt transforms hazardous chemical and radioactive wastes into an inert vitreous monolith. Hazardous organics are destroyed by pyrolysis and heavy metals and radionuclides are immobilized within the glass matrix where they are not preferentially leached into the environment. GeoMelt IVC produces a durable wasteform for a large variety of input wastes. The batch nature of the process which involves single-use refractory offers a wide range of process benefits over traditional vitrification technologies including: - a wide range of waste chemistries allowing high waste loadings; - compatibility with heterogeneous wastes including wastes with high metal content; - a technological simple solution without stirrers, bubblers, etc.; - No refractory corrosion concerns or melter drain failure scenarios; - Flexibility in glass chemistry and melter/disposal container configuration allows the wasteform to be specifically tailored to the storage or disposal site requirements. As part of the 2016 system commissioning at NNL's Central Laboratory, three demonstration melts were performed, one funded by Sellafield Ltd. and two by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA). The first melt processed inactive soil with an inactive caesium tracer. The second melt processed inactive soil with a Cs-137 tracer. The third melt processed active waste soil from a variety of NDA nuclear licensed sites. The work conducted during commissioning was multi-purpose; it successfully demonstrated the benefits that the GeoMelt technology could bring to the UK NDA estate while performing equipment testing/troubleshooting and operator training. A significant benefit of the GeoMelt ICV technology is volume reduction for wastes which would otherwise experience a volume increase if encapsulated. Another benefit is the ability to treat difficult radioactive waste streams not amenable to encapsulation (e.g., reactive and/or organic wastes) with a very low energy consumption. The purpose of the first commissioning melt, Plant Performance Demonstration (PPD)-1, was to operate the GeoMelt system under typical conditions and to perform a post-melt mass balance of the caesium as a surrogate for Cs-137 in order to access retention of caesium in the final glass product. The melt processed a mixture of inactive soil obtained near the Sellafield site (as analogue for contaminated Sellafield soil), additives, and glass frit. An inactive caesium tracer was added to this melt as Cs{sub 2}CO{sub 3}. The purpose of the second commissioning melt, PPD-2, was to operate the GeoMelt system under typical conditions and to perform a post-melt activity balance using a Cs-137 tracer in order to assess retention of Cs-137 in the final glass product. Materials processed were inactive soil, glass frit, additives, and a radioactive caesium tracer (CsCl). The purpose of the third melt, Experiment-1 (EX-1) was to treat active waste and inactive waste simulant, as a demonstration of simultaneous processing of multiple waste streams. EX-1 consisted of processing active soil, Magnox sludge simulant, inactive soil, additives, and frit. The active soil used for this melt was obtained from the Hunterston A, Bradwell, Capenhurst, and Sellafield nuclear licensed sites. Since most soils are high in silica, the concept for this experiment was to use the active soils to provide glass formers while co-processing Magnox sludge simulant which does not contain glass formers. Beyond demonstration of capability areas of focus of this series of demonstrations included processing efficiency (kWh/kg treated) and caesium retention (%). This paper summarizes operations and results of the three melts. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Installation and operation of GeoMelt{sup R} in container vitrification in NNL Central Lab active rig hall at Sellafield - 15328

Cleanup and subsequent immobilization of wastes on the UK's NDA estate brings major challenges. With the exception of HLW where vitrification is utilized for immobilization, cement is typically used in the management and immobilization of non-heat generating wastes. However some legacy feeds such as those containing reactive metals can be incompatible with cementation technologies, and the application of engineered cement encapsulating product to raw wastes increases wasteform volume. Cementation has also been developed to be compatible with the repository concept, which provides it with a level of protection from the environment. Potential delays in repository implementation and as yet to be determined repository waste form acceptance criteria for some wastes may require the duration of above ground storage of immobilized wastes to be extended with potential effect on the integrity of the wasteform. Vitrification is a treatment option which destroys organics and hazardous inorganics such as asbestos, reduces wasteform volume, and produces a robust leach resistant wasteform. Kurion's GeoMelt{sup R} In-container Vitrification (ICV){sup TM} is a vitrification process wherein the treatment vessel can serve as an interim-storage, transport, and final long-term storage vessel - thus negating the need to pour glass into a separate container, effectively leading to a much simpler system than traditional waste melters. The inherent volume reduction from vitrification results in a dense product with self-shielding properties, and the GeoMelt treatment process has been demonstrated to homogenize elemental metals and radionuclide contaminants of concern, eliminating hot spots and mitigating criticality concerns. All of which opens up alternatives strategies for storage and disposal. GeoMelt has been proven in the commercial and US DOE waste treatment environment with over 26,000 tonnes of hazardous waste treated to date (half of this radioactive). Kurion and the UK's National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) plan to demonstrate its application to Sellafield radioactive wastes. A small (engineering) scale demonstrator is being installed in the active rig hall at NNL's Central Laboratory at Sellafield UK with a twofold mission; 1) demonstration of the vitrification of ILW/LLW, and 2) processing of smaller volume orphan wastes that currently have no treatment path. The NNL facility will allow the handling of uranium containing materials which form a substantial component of ILW currently stored on the Sellafield site. Accurate DFs across the melter and off gas system are often difficult to obtain using inactive materials at the low concentrations present in radioactive wastes. Installation in the NNL facility will allow trace quantities of active species such as Cs-137 and Tc-99 to be processed as part of a simulant ILW stream and monitoring will allow accurate decontamination factors (DFs) to be established to support future vitrification facility design. In addition to underpinning melter operation and obtaining DFs across the system, the facility will allow the processing of radioactive waste arisings of low activity which may either be typical of larger waste volumes or may present as orphans without a disposition route. In either case the melter facility will be able to vitrify these wastes into a form that will be suitable for interim storage and disposal. Among the feeds envisaged for processing will be asbestos from power stations, contaminated soils, feeds containing uranium metals, ponds solids, sludge, and miscellaneous active laboratory wastes. The NNL Central Lab capability will be used to analyze the active product to support disposal requirements whether through letters of compliance for the Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) or waste acceptance criteria for the Low Level Waste Repository (LLWR). (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Towards Efficient N - x Contingency Selection Using Group Betweenness Centrality

The goal of N -x contingency selection is to pick a subset of critical cases to assess their potential for causing a severe crippling of an electric power grid. Even for a moderate-sized system there can be an overwhelming number of contingency cases that need to be studied. The number grows exponentially with x. This combinatorial explosion renders any exhaustive search strategy computationally infeasible, even for small to medium sized systems. We propose a novel method for N- x selection for x >1 using group betweenness centrality and show that the amount of computation can be decoupled from the problem size, thus making the contingency analysis for large systems with x > 1 computationally feasible. Consequently, it may be that N - x (for x > 1) contingency selection can be effectively deployed despite the combinatorial explosion of the number of possible N - x contingencies. Our strategy replaces computation with storage of intermediate results and therefore relies on high performance computing resources.

Contingency analysis, Contingency selection, group↗

Environments of Long-Lived Mesoscale Convective Systems Over the Central United States in Convection Permitting Climate Simulations

Continental-scale convection-permitting simulations of the warm seasons of 2011 and 2012 reproduce realistic structure and frequency distribution of lifetime and event mean precipitation of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) over the central United States. In this work, analysis is performed to determine the environmental conditions conducive to generating the longest-lived MCSs and their subsequent interactions. The simulations show that MCSs systematically form over the Great Plains ahead of a trough in the westerlies in combination with an enhanced low-level jet from the Gulf of Mexico. These environmental properties at the time of storm initiation are most prominent for the MCSs that persist for the longest times. Systems reaching 9 h or more in lifetime exhibit feedback to the environment conditions through diabatic heating in the MCS stratiform regions. As a result, the parent synoptic-scale wave is strengthened as a divergent perturbation develops over the MCS at high levels, while a cyclonic circulation perturbation develops in the midlevels of the trough, where the vertical gradient of heating in the MCS region is maximized. The quasi-balanced mesoscale vortex helps to maintain the MCS over a long period of time by feeding dry, cool air into the environment at the rear of the MCS region, so that the MCS can draw in air that increases the evaporative cooling that helps maintain the MCS. At lower levels the south-southeasterly jet of warm moist air from the Gulf is enhanced in the presence of the synoptic-scale wave. That moisture supply is essential to the continued redevelopment of the MCS.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Engineering the Big Chill: The story of JLab’s Central Helium Liquefier

This article tells the story of the Central Helium Liquefier (CHL) at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (JLab), one of the US National Laboratories. JLab’s successful superconducting radio frequency accelerator was only possible because a group of JLab engineers successfully tackled a complex of difficulties to build a cryogenic system that included the CHL, a task that required advancing the frontier of cryogenic technology. Ultimately, these cryogenic advances were applied far beyond JLab to the benefit of cutting-edge programs at other US national laboratories (Oak Ridge, Brookhaven, and the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams at MSU) as well as NASA. In addition, this innovation story dramatizes the sort of engineer-driven technological problem solving that allows the successful launch and operation of experimental projects. Along the way, the CHL story also provides an important addition to our understanding of the role played by engineers and industry in creating knowledge at physics laboratories.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Local Thermal Ablation with Continuous EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for EGFR-Mutant Non-small Cell Lung Cancers that Developed Extra-Central Nervous System (CNS) Oligoprogressive Disease

Background: Most epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) experience oligoprogressive disease. Local ablation for isolated resistant sites continued with the original EGFR-TKI showed good efficacy in these patients. We conducted this multicenter retrospective study to investigate the potential benefit of thermal ablation in NSCLC patients that developed extra-central nervous system (CNS) oligoprogressive disease during TKI treatment. Methods: A total of 71 EGFR-mutant patients treated with EGFR-TKIs were identified. Progression-free survival 1 (PFS1) was calculated from the initiation of TKI treatment to first progression. Patients with metastatic sites ≤ 3 in less than 3 extra-CNS organs suitable for local ablation therapy received either radiofrequency ablation or microwave ablation to these sites and continued on the original TKIs. PFS2 was defined from the first progression to second progression after ablation. Results: The median PFS1 for all patients was 11.8 months. Eighty extra-CNS oligoprogressive lesions in 71 patients were ablated. Thirty-six of 71 patients progressed after thermal ablation and 31 of whom died during the study period. The median PFS2 after thermal ablation was 10.0 months, and the median overall survival was 26.4 months. PFS1 and PFS2 were highly correlated with OS, whereas PFS1 was not correlated with PFS2. The numbers of oligoprogressive lesions were significantly and independently associated with PFS2. Conclusion: Local thermal ablation for the oligoprogressive lesions with continuous EGFR-TKI treatment is associated with additional 10 months of disease control and should be recommended in TKI acquired resistant-NSCLC patients.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Insights of Boundary Layer Turbulence Over the Complex Terrain of Central Himalaya from GVAX Field Campaign

Limited observations hinder understanding of turbulent characteristics in mountainous terrain resulting from heating or cooling of slopes, wind, vertical motions, and heat or moisture advection, which disperse aerosols and other pollutants over the region. In this study, the 1290 MHz radar wind profiler data are utilized to compute the boundary layer height (BLH), the refractive index structure constant (C n 2 ), and the energy dissipation rate (ε) over the central Himalayan site for the period of November 2011 to March 2012, from the intense Ganges Valley Aerosol Experiment (GVAX) field measurements. The radar wind profiler (RWP) based estimation of BLH and ε is validated against the radiosonde, representing the effectiveness of the datasets for further investigation. The strong seasonal variation of log C n 2 and log ε, with average values of ≈ -12 m -2/3 and -2 m 2 s -3 , respectively, is associated with the mountain-induced local circulations and stability in the atmospheric boundary layer. The weak stratification during weak flow is found to be responsible for deep mixing, particularly in the nocturnal boundary layer in spring. Furthermore, the level of cloud cover significantly impacts the strength of turbulence, with the highest cloud cover resulting in a substantial increase in log C n 2 (approximately -11 m -2/3 ) due to intense updraft and downdraft motions compared to clear skies. Additionally, the distribution of aerosol loading across the site, coupled with the behavior of BLH, atmospheric stability, and orographic-induced circulations, implies distinctive seasonal mechanisms for transporting aerosols toward the mountains. This study offers valuable insights into the diurnal and seasonal patterns of turbulent mixing and the mechanisms behind the transport of pollutants through boundary layer processes over the region.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Analysis of N-dimensional Klein–Gordon equation for hydrogen molecule in the non-central potential field

We investigate a complete normalized relativistic solutions for N-dimensional Hartmann potential and relativistic effects of non-central potential field for hydrogen molecule within the framework of asymptotic iteration approach. We also discuss in detail the influence of dimensions on the angular probability distribution of hydrogen molecule. N-dimensional bound state wavefunction solutions including angular and radial solutions are expressed in terms of the Jacobi and Laguerre polynomials, respectively. N-dimensional angular wavefunctions of hydrogen molecule were visualized with Matlab software. In hyperspherical coordinates, the recurrence relations between diagonal matrix elements have been derived for N-dimensional Hartmann potential in relativistic theory. We also obtain analytical expressions of diagonal matrix elements and the recurrence formula between off-diagonal matrix elements in N-dimensions.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Investigation on cloud vertical structures based on Ka-band cloud radar observations at Wuhan in Central China

Based on vertically pointing observations of Ka-band frequency-modulated continuous millimeter wave cloud radar (MMCR) in 2020, we investigate cloud vertical structures at Wuhan in central China. Case comparison indicates that the cloud top locations in the MMCR observation are largely consistent with those in satellite data. The precipitation has the occurrence frequency of 9.5% over the year, with the maximum value of 16.3% in July and the submaximal value of 14.7% in January, showing the significant influences of monsoons on precipitation at Wuhan. As the humid, cloudy and rainy climate, the probability of precipitation and non-precipitation clouds increases gradually from 53.9% in January to a large value of 71.5% in July. The non-precipitation clouds have the probability of 44.5% in the year, with two prominent peaks at the reflectivities of -35 to -30 dBZ around 12 km in summer and - 37– -32 dBZ around 10 km in spring. The cloud top can reach the heights of 14.49, 16.62, 13.38 and 11.73 km from spring to winter, respectively. The monthly mean cloud layer thickness is the largest (2.18 km) in May and September, and the smallest (1.36 km) in November. The seasonally averaged base and top heights and thickness of clouds have small diurnal variations. The high cloud is predominant in the warm months from May to September, and in the other cool months, the middle cloud has the most fraction. The quantitative investigation of clouds is helpful in improving the cloud parameterization in climate models.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Cost-optimal evaluation of centralized and distributed microgrid topologies considering voltage constraints

Optimal design of hybrid renewable mini-grids requires both economic and power quality considerations. Existing modeling approaches address these considerations via separate or loosely coupled models. Here, we extend REopt—a techno-economic optimization model developed at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory—to consider both within a single model. REopt formulates the design problem as a mixed-integer linear program that solves for a site's optimal technology mix, sizing, and operation to minimize life cycle cost. REopt has traditionally assumed a single node system. In the work presented here, we expand the REopt platform to consider multiple connected nodes with associated voltage constraints. In order to do this, we model power flow using a fixed-point linear approximation method. Additionally, we then use the model to explore design considerations of mini-grids in Sub-Saharan Africa. Specifically, we evaluate under what combinations of transmission line distance and capacity it is technically viable and economically preferable to build multiple isolated mini-grids versus an interconnected, centralized system.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

CHOD/BVAM Chemotherapy and Whole-Brain Radiotherapy for Newly Diagnosed Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma

Purpose: To assess the efficacy and toxicity of chemotherapy consisting of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin (Adriamycin), vincristine, and dexamethasone (CHOD) plus bis-chloronitrosourea (BCNU), cytosine arabinoside, and methotrexate (BVAM) followed by whole-brain irradiation (WBRT) for patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL). Methods and Materials: Patients 70 years old and younger with newly diagnosed, biopsy-proven PCNSL received one cycle of CHOD followed by two cycles of BVAM. Patients then received WBRT, 30.6 Gy, if a complete response was evoked, or 50.4 Gy if the response was less than complete; both doses were given in 1.8-Gy daily fractions. The primary efficacy endpoint was 1-year survival. Results: Thirty-six patients (19 men, 17 women) enrolled between 1995 and 2000. Median age was 60.5 years (range, 34 to 69 years). Thirty (83%) patients had baseline Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance scores of 0 to 1. All 36 patients were eligible for survival and response evaluations. Median time to progression was 12.3 months, and median survival was 18.5 months. The percentages of patients alive at 1, 2, and 3 years were 64%, 36%, and 33%, respectively. The best response was complete response in 10 patients and immediate progression in 7 patients. Ten (28%) patients had at least one grade 3 or higher neurologic toxicity. Conclusions: This regimen did improve the survival of PCNSL patients but also caused substantial toxicity. The improvement in survival is less than that reported with high-dose methotrexate-based therapies.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Sequencing of Local Therapy Affects the Pattern of Treatment Failure and Survival in Children With Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumors of the Central Nervous System

Purpose: To assess the pattern of treatment failure associated with current therapeutic paradigms for childhood atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors (AT/RT). Methods and Materials: Pediatric patients with AT/RT of the central nervous system treated at our institution between 1987 and 2007 were retrospectively evaluated. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival, and cumulative incidence of local failure were correlated with age, sex, tumor location, extent of disease, and extent of surgical resection. Radiotherapy (RT) sequencing, chemotherapy, dose, timing, and volume administered after resection were also evaluated. Results: Thirty-one patients at a median age of 2.3 years at diagnosis (range, 0.45-16.87 years) were enrolled into protocols that included risk- and age-stratified RT. Craniospinal irradiation with focal tumor bed boost (median dose, 54 Gy) was administered to 18 patients. Gross total resection was achieved in 16. Ten patients presented with metastases at diagnosis. RT was delayed more than 3 months in 20 patients and between 1 and 3 months in 4; 7 patients received immediate postoperative irradiation preceding high-dose alkylator-based chemotherapy. At a median follow-up of 48 months, the cumulative incidence of local treatment failure was 37.5% {+-} 9%; progression-free survival was 33.2% {+-} 10%; and OS was 53.5% {+-} 10%. Children receiving delayed RT ({>=}1 month postoperatively) were more likely to experience local failure (hazard ratio [HR] 1.23, p = 0.007); the development of distant metastases before RT increased the risk of progression (HR 3.49, p = 0.006); and any evidence of disease progressionbefore RT decreased OS (HR 20.78, p = 0.004). Disease progression occurred in 52% (11/21) of children with initially localized tumors who underwent gross total resection, and the progression rate increased proportionally with increasing delay from surgery to RT. Conclusions: Delayed RT is associated with a higher rate of local and metastatic disease progression in children with AT/RT. Current treatment regimens for pediatric patients with AT/RT are distinctly age stratified; novel protocols investigating RT volumes and sequencing are needed.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗