First year EnMAP radiometric performance based on scenes over RadCalNet and PICS sites

The radiometric performance of EnMAP is presented based on scenes over RadCalNet and PICS sites acquired during the first year since launch. The results show the typical accuracy and stability attainable by EnMAP radiometric products

Randomized controlled phase 2 trial of hydroxychloroquine in childhood interstitial lung disease

Background No results of controlled trials are available for any of the few treatments offered to children with interstitial lung diseases (chILD). We evaluated hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in a phase 2, prospective, multicentre, 1:1-randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group/crossover trial. HCQ (START arm) or placebo were given for 4 weeks. Then all subjects received HCQ for another 4 weeks. In the STOP arm subjects already taking HCQ were randomized to 12 weeks of HCQ or placebo (= withdrawal of HCQ). Then all subjects stopped treatment and were observed for another 12 weeks. Results 26 subjects were included in the START arm, 9 in the STOP arm, of these four subjects participated in both arms. The primary endpoint, presence or absence of a response to treatment, assessed as oxygenation (calculated from a change in transcutaneous O 2 -saturation of ≥ 5%, respiratory rate ≥ 20% or level of respiratory support), did not differ between placebo and HCQ groups. Secondary endpoints including change of O 2 -saturation ≥ 3%, health related quality of life, pulmonary function and 6-min-walk-test distance, were not different between groups. Finally combining all placebo and all HCQ treatment periods did not identify significant treatment effects. Overall effect sizes were small. HCQ was well tolerated, adverse events were not different between placebo and HCQ. Conclusions Acknowledging important shortcomings of the study, including a small study population, the treatment duration, lack of outcomes like lung function testing below age of 6 years, the small effect size of HCQ treatment observed requires careful reassessments of prescriptions in everyday practice (EudraCT-Nr.: 2013-003714-40, www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu , registered 02.07.2013)

Derivation of Land Surface Parameters from MOS-B Data

The article gives an overview about the potential and limits of MOS-B data in land applications. It can be shown that although the module MOS-B was especially developed for ocean colour research its data provide the capability for derivation of land surface parameters in the regional scale

iPad basiertes Flugführungsdisplay für zeitgenaue Anflugverfahren

Kontinuierliche Sinkflugprofile (Continuous Descent Approach – CDA) versprechen sowohl eine Treibstoff- und Emissionsreduzierung über den gesamten Anflug als auch eine Lärmreduzierung besonders im unteren Teil des Anfluges. Diese Einsparungen lassen sich jedoch nur realisieren, wenn nach dem Beginn der Sinkflugphase keine Änderungen an der Streckenlänge oder am Höhenprofil, zum Beispiel durch Anweisungen der Flugsicherung, mehr notwendig sind. Diese Einschränkung führt dazu, dass solche lärmarmen Anflüge hauptsächlich in Situationen mit geringem Verkehrsaufkommen durchgeführt werden. Verschiedene Studien haben jedoch gezeigt, dass sich CDAs auch in dichten Verkehrssituationen durchführen lassen, wenn die notwendige Staffelung durch vorher festgelegte Ankunftszeiten festgelegt und während des gesamten Anfluges vom Luftfahrzeug kontrolliert und eingehalten wird. Die dafür notwendigen Algorithmen und Systeme befinden sich bereits in der Entwicklung, werden aber aufgrund der langen Entwicklungszyklen in der Luftfahrt erst in mehreren Jahren im Cockpit zur Verfügung stehen. Um eine zeitgenaue Flugführung auch mit den heute verfügbaren Systemen zu realisieren ist im Rahmen des EU Projektes Clean Sky eine Flugführungsanzeige auf einem iPad entwickelt worden die dem Piloten Zielwerte für den Autopiloten anzeigt, so dass das Luftfahrzeug örtlich und zeitlich präzise dem vorher vereinbarten Flugprofil folgen kann. Im Rahmen des Projektes wurden bereits erste Versuche mit Piloten im Simulator zur grundsätzlichen Akzeptanz und Leistung des Systems durchgeführt. Weitere Versuche im Simulator und im Flugversuch sind in 2015 geplant

A quasi-linear inversion algorithm to estimate optical depth's of "FINE" and "COARSE" aerosols from MERIS/ECMWF-data

The information content of MERIS with regard to aerosol parameters is discussed. It is shown, that combining MERIS-data with ancillary data from ECMWF will allow not only to estimate the total optical depth of atmospheric aerosols but also to extract two main aerosol contributions , named FINE and COARSE aerosols in accordance with the classification of Whitby /1 /. An algorithm is presented to estimate the two optical depths from MERIS/ECMWF data. It is shown, that the algorithm can be used for measurements above type one water but by a straight forward modification also above type two waters like the Baltic Sea

Optical depth of the aerosol and amount of suspended matter of the ocean water from MOS-B data

A quasi-linear algorithm (QLA) for the retrieval of the optical depths of fine and coarse aerosol in the ocean atmosphere from NIR data of the sensor MERIS has been developed. Since in case II water the influence of the suspended matter on the water leaving reflectance cannot be neglected an estimation of its amount is involved (Piesik, Witt /1/). One step of the test of the algorithm was to apply it on MOS-B data. This had required some modifications. The results are shown in comparison to those of the PCI algorithm (Krawczyk et al. /2/, /3/)

GENETIC-MARKERS IN PRIMATES - PEDIGREE PATTERNS OF A BREEDING GROUP OF BARBARY MACAQUES (MACACA-SYLVANA LINNAEUS, 1758)

Schmitt J, Ritter H, Schmidt C, Witt R. GENETIC-MARKERS IN PRIMATES - PEDIGREE PATTERNS OF A BREEDING GROUP OF BARBARY MACAQUES (MACACA-SYLVANA LINNAEUS, 1758). FOLIA PRIMATOLOGICA. 1981;36(3-4):191-200