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The coding system Unified Code for Units of Measure (UCUM) serves the unambiguous electronic communication of physical quantities and their measurements and has faced a slow uptake. Despite being closely related to popular healthcare standards such as LOINC, laboratories still majorly report results using proprietary unit terms. Currently available methods helping users create mappings between their units and UCUM are not flexible and automated enough to be of great use in trying to remedy this. We propose the "LOINC to UCUM Mapping Assistant" (LUMA) as a tool able to overcome the drawbacks of existing approaches while being more accessible even to inexperienced users. By mapping LOINC's Property axis to representations within UCUM reflecting its semantics, we were able to formalize the association between the two. An HL7 FHIR back-end provides LUMA with UCUM unit recommendations sourced from existing lookup tables simply by providing it with a LOINC code. Additionally, the mappings users created may be used to perform unit conversions from proprietary units to UCUM. The tool was evaluated with five participants from the LADR laboratory network in Germany, who valued the streamlined approach to creating the mappings and particularly emphasized the utility of being able to perform unit conversions within the tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Physical fitness is a key component of independent living and healthy ageing. For the measurement of physical fitness in older adults, the Senior Fitness Test is a commonly used tool. The objective of this study is to calculate sex- and age-specific normative values for handgrip strength and components of the Senior Fitness Test for older adults (65-75 years) in Germany.Methods: Cross-sectional data of 1657 community-dwelling older adults residing in Bremen, Germany (53% female) were included in this study. Physical fitness was assessed using the following measurements of the Senior Fitness Test battery: 30s-chair stand test, 2 min-step test, sit-and-reach test, and back scratch test. In addition, handgrip strength was measured using a Saehan DHD-3 digital hand dynamometer SH1003. Sex- and age specific normative values were calculated for the 1st, 3rd, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, 97th, and 99th percentile using the GAMLSS method.Results: The normative values show differences dependent on sex and age. For handgrip strength, the 30s-chair stand test and the 2 min-step test, normative values were higher for men, while women reached higher values in the sit-and-reach test and the back scratch test. For both, men and women, normative values declined with age.Conclusions: This study provides sex- and age-specific normative values for handgrip strength and components of the Senior Fitness Test for older adults in Germany. They might be useful for future research and for the application in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure and operating principle of the NanoSkan-3Di scanning probe microscope are briefly described. An investigation of the metrological characteristics of this measuring system using linear TGZ-type gratings demonstrated the high level of reproducibility of the measurements and showed that the results agree with the data obtained in a calibration at the PTB (Germany). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The thermo-physical characteristics of both nuclear, industrial graphite, such as MPG-6 from NIIGRAFIT or SGL composite from SGL Carbon Group, and the first synthesized graphite composite based on a carbon 13С isotope have been measured from room temperature to 1675K by laser flash method on an LFA-427 setup from Netzsch (Germany). The results obtained are compared to the previous data of X-Ray analysis and high-resolution electron microscopy and can be used in thermal calculations of the design of a neutron converter graphite target. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

At the TEXTOR tokamak in Jülich, Germany, a modular dispersion interferometer was installed and operated for the first time. Equipped with four lines of sight, the line-integrated density could be measured in parallel at different major radii with a resolution of better than 3 × 1017 m-2. This paper will describe the setup and show the first measurement results. Among others, it was possible to detect the evolution of a disruption with a time resolution of 4 μs. The movement of the runaway beam following the disruption could be resolved spatially and temporarily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the performance of six custom-built Hygrocopicity-Tandem Differential Mobility Analyser (H-TDMA) systems in the frame of an intercomparison workshop held in Leipzig, Germany. The study states that the goal of the workshop is to develop recommendations for atmospheric measurements. It concludes that determining the number fractions of externally mixed aerosols improves the comparability of H-TDMA measurements, and recommends proper calibration of relative humidity.

A new reference calorimeter has been developed under a European research project and set-up by Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) in Germany. The objective of the project is to measure the superior calorific value (SCV) of methane and other pure gases with a measurement uncertainty of less than 0.05 %. This paper presents the measurement results obtained for methane. Nine repeatability measurements were made. The molar SCV obtained when the measurements were averaged is 890.578 kJ·mol−1. This value agrees very accurately with the value of 890.63 kJ·mol−1 specified by ISO 6976 [ Natural Gas—Calculation of Calorific Values, Density, Relative Density and Wobbe Index from Composition. International Standard ISO 6976, corrected and reprinted 1996-02-01]. Twice the standard deviation determined for the measurements is 0.023 % and is thus clearly lower than in previous experiments. Two independent uncertainty analyses confirm that the envisaged total uncertainty of 0.05 % is achieved (95 % confidence level). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Institute of Space Systems at the University of Stuttgart has a small satellite programme consisting of currently four missions. The first of these missions is the Flying Laptop, the purpose of which are technology evaluation, Earth observation and scientific measurement. Since the budget for a University satellite programme is obviously limited, engineering models of the entire spacecraft are to be avoided. In order to keep technical risks at a low level, a simulation based development approach was selected instead which already has been applied as proven technology in industry. The Institute of Space Systems applies the system simulation infrastructure Model-based Development and Verification Environment (MDVE) developed by Astrium as real-time simulator which is commanded via a SCOS-2000 mission control system. Easy commanding of such an entire simulated S/C, respectively, later the hardware in AIT phase, is mandatory especially for students only working with the equipment for a typical 6 months thesis period. Therefore the infrastructure setup was completed by the test procedure editor and execution engine Manufacturing and Operations Information System (MOIS) which for the first time provides a complete command/execution/control chain in the programme. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Knowledge of erosion rates under real conditions is of great concern regarding sustainability of landuse and off-site effects on water bodies and settlements. Experimentally derived rates of sheet and rill erosion are often biased by experimental settings, which deviate considerably from typical landuse, by short measuring periods and by small spatial extensions, which do not account for the pronounced spatio-temporal variability of erosion events. We compiled data from 27 studies covering 1076 plot years to account for this variability. Modelling was used to correct for deficiencies in the experimental settings, which overrepresented arable land and used steeper and shorter slopes as well as higher erosivity than typically found in reality. For example, the average slope gradient was 5.9° for all arable plot experiments while it is only 2.6° on total arable land in Germany. The expected soil loss by sheet and rill erosion in Germany after taking real slopes, landuse and erosivity into account averaged 2.7 t ha− 1 yr−1. Annual crops contributed the largest proportion (90%) but hops despite its negligible contribution to landuse (0.06%) still contribute 1.0% due to its extraordinary rapid erosion, which was even faster than the measured bare fallow soil loss standardized to otherwise identical conditions. Bare fallow soil loss, which is often used as baseline, was 80 t ha− 1 yr−1 when standardized to 5.1° slope gradient, 200 m flow path length, and average German erosivity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Conversion electron spectroscopy constitutes an important tool in nuclear structure physics. A high efficiency iron-free Orange type electron spectrometer with an energy resolution of 1–2% has been installed at a beam line of the Cologne 10MV FN Tandem Van-de-Graaff accelerator for in-beam studies of conversion electrons. In combination with a -ray detector array, high efficiency -coincidences can be performed. The newly developed very fast scintillator detector with an energy resolution of about 4% makes it also possible to use -coincidences for lifetime measurements of nuclear excited states. A second iron-free Orange spectrometer can be connected to perform -coincidences. Because of the higher efficiency and the better energy resolution, the use of the Double Orange Spectrometer for lifetime measurements is more powerful. Lifetimes down to 100ps and even less can be determined with an accuracy of about 10ps. The working principle of the Orange spectrometer and the setup of the Double Orange Spectrometer are described. The performances are illustrated by examples of in-beam experiments with a main focus on high precision lifetime measurements. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Following completion of the project “Generation and characterisation of reference atmospheres of thoron decay products for the calibration of measuring devices for thoron decay products”, the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) now operates a thoron progeny chamber in which 220Rn (thoron), 222Rn and its progenies can be made available under almost all ambient conditions. This allows all measuring systems to be calibrated under realistic climatic conditions with an accuracy unique worldwide. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) performs trace analysis measurements in both the frameworks of the German Integrated Measuring and Information system as well as of the International Monitoring System for verification of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Therefore, different kinds of measurements of aerosol bound radionuclides as well as of radioactive noble gases in the atmosphere are performed. BfS as coordinating laboratory for trace analysis is responsible for the quality control. A quality assurance programme was set up with German institutions and expanded to European laboratories. The existing quality assurance programme of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation for measurements of aerosol bound radionuclides will be extended for noble gas measurements. Applied methods, achieved measurement results and the different kinds of quality assurance are presented and discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Question: Species optima or indicator values are frequently used to predict environmental variables from species composition. The present study focuses on the question whether predictions can be improved by using species environmental amplitudes instead of single values representing species optima. Location: Semi-natural, deciduous hardwood forests of northwestern Germany. Methods: Based on a data set of 558 relevés, species responses (presence/absence) to pH were modelled with Huisman-Olff-Fresco (HOF) regression models. Species amplitudes were derived from response curves using three different methods. To predict the pH from vegetation, a maximum amplitude overlap method was applied. For comparison, predictions resulting from several established methods, i.e. maximum likelihood/present and absent species, maximum likelihood/present species only, mean weighted averages and mean Ellenberg indicator values were calculated. The predictive success (squared Pearson's r and root mean square error of prediction) was evaluated using an independent data set of 151 relevés. Results: Predictions based upon amplitudes defined by maximum Coben's x probability threshold yield the best results of all amplitude definitions (R² = 0.75, RMSEP = 0.52). Provided there is an even distribution of the environmental variable, amplitudes defined by predicted probability exceeding prevalence are also suitable (R² = 0.76, RMSEP = 0.55). The prediction success is comparable to maximum likelihood (present species only) and -- after rescaling -- to mean weighted averages. Predicted values show a good linearity to observed pH values as opposed to a curvilinear relationship of mean Ellenberg indicator values. Transformation or rescaling of the predicted values is not required. Conclusions: Species amplitudes given by a minimum and maximum boundary for each species can be used to efficiently predict environmental variables from species composition. The predictive success is superior to mean Ellenberg indicator values and comparable to mean indicator values based on species weighted averages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Results of detailed microfaunal and nannofloral analyses of the Seaford Head section of Sussex, southern England, are summarised and calibrated with the macrofaunal recovery and detailed lithostratigraphy. The nannofossil events identified are discussed and compared with results from comparative sections on the Isle of Wight and in Kent, Norfolk, Germany and the North Sea basin. A calibration between nannofossil zones proposed by , the foraminiferid zones of Hart et al. (1989) and macrofossil zones is discussed and refined. The Coniacian–Campanian microfaunal distribution is also described at a subzonal level. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The performance of a new chemical ionization reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer (CIR-TOF-MS) utilising the environment chamber SAPHIR (Simulation of Atmospheric Photochemistry In a large Reaction Chamber-Forschungzentrum Jülich, Germany) is described. The work took place as part of the ACCENT (Atmospheric Composition and Change the European NeTwork for excellence) supported oxygenated volatile organic compound (OVOC) measurement intercomparison during January 2005. The experiment entailed the measurement of 14 different atmospherically significant OVOCs at various mixing ratios in the approximate range 10.0-0.6 ppbV. The CIR-TOF-MS operated throughout the exercise with the hydronium ion (H3O+) as the primary chemical ionization (CI) reagent in order to facilitate proton transfer to the analyte OVOCs. The results presented show that the CIR time-of-flight mass spectrometer is capable of detecting a wide range of atmospheric OVOCs at mixing ratios of around 10 ppbV in "real-time" (i.e. detection on the one-minute time scale), with sub-ppbV measurement also achieved following an increase in averaging time to tens of minutes. It is shown that in general OVOC measurement is made with high accuracy and precision, with integration time, mixing ratio and compound dependent values as good as 4-13% and 3-15% respectively. It is demonstrated that CIR-TOF-MS has rapid multi-channel response at the required sensitivity, accuracy and precision for atmospheric OVOC measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Primary standard gas flow meters are developed for various applications such as calibration of leak artefacts, generation of calibration pressures by dynamic gas expansion and calibration of secondary standard gas flow meters. The Istituto di Metrologia “G. Colonnetti” (IMGC), Italy, and the University of Applied Sciences Giessen-Friedberg (UASG), Germany, maintain primary flow meters based on different principles in order to measure small gas flows delivered either to vacuum (i.e. practically zero pressure) or to atmosphere (ambient pressure). The principle, design and properties of these flow meters are described. Comparison of the primary standard flow meters maintained at these laboratories was performed over a range from 3×10−8 to 7×10−4 Pam3/s with nitrogen, using a crimped capillary leak as a transfer standard. IMGC was the pilot laboratory. During the intercomparison, the transfer standard changed by ca. −2% for flow to vacuum and by ca. −4% for flow to atmosphere without obvious reason. The results of the intercomparison show that the laboratories agree within their expanded uncertainties over the measured range of gas flows. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This special feature is dedicated to methods and applications of high-precision flow rate measurements at flow rates in the range of ul/min and below. It comprises papers from authors who gave lectures at the 250th PTB Seminar 'European Meeting on Microflow Metrology', held at the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, Germany, on 24-25 June 2009 and sponsored by the Helmholtz Funds e.V., Germany. More than 40 experts from national metrology institutes, universities and manufactures of flowmeters, and from seven European countries, attended the seminar. The main goal of the seminar was to discuss the measurement of very small flow rates on a metrological basis. The lectures covered measurements of flow rates of liquids as well as of gases. Manufacturers discussed their developments of commercial flowmeters for low flow rates, and first approaches towards a measurement traceable to the SI were introduced by the national metrology institutes. Thus, many interesting discussions were stimulated between various groups, in particular between those working in metrology and on applications. The measurement of very low flow rates traceable to the SI is just beginning. So many approaches have not yet been finished or are at the moment only at the status of a proof of principle. The papers in this special feature give an insight into these different approaches and mark the beginning of an exciting way towards the measurement of small and ultrasmall flow rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nanopositioning and nanomeasuring machine developed at the Ilmenau University of Technology was originally designed for surface measurements within a measuring volume of 25 mm x 25 mm x 5 mm. The interferometric length measuring and drive systems make it possible to move the stage with a resolution of 0.1 nm and a positioning uncertainty of less than 10 nm in all three axes. Various measuring tasks are possible depending on the installed probe system. Most of the sensors utilized are one-dimensional surface probes; however, some tasks require measuring sidewalls and other three-dimensional features. A new control system, based on the I++ DME specification, was implemented in the device. The I++ DME scan functions were improved and special scan functions added to allow advanced three-dimensional scan methods, further fulfilling the demands of scanning force microscopy and micro-coordinate measurements. This work gives an overview of these new functions and the application of them for several different measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]