@article{BungValero2018, author = {Bung, Daniel Bernhard and Valero, Daniel}, title = {Re-aeration on stepped spillways with special consideration of entrained and entrapped air}, series = {Geosciences}, volume = {8}, journal = {Geosciences}, number = {9}, publisher = {MDPI}, address = {Basel}, issn = {2076-3263}, pages = {Article number 333}, year = {2018}, abstract = {As with most high-velocity free-surface flows, stepped spillway flows become self-aerated when the drop height exceeds a critical value. Due to the step-induced macro-roughness, the flow field becomes more turbulent than on a similar smooth-invert chute. For this reason, cascades are oftentimes used as re-aeration structures in wastewater treatment. However, for stepped spillways as flood release structures downstream of deoxygenated reservoirs, gas transfer is also of crucial significance to meet ecological requirements. Prediction of mass transfer velocities becomes challenging, as the flow regime differs from typical previously studied flow conditions. In this paper, detailed air-water flow measurements are conducted on stepped spillway models with different geometry, with the aim to estimate the specific air-water interface. Re-aeration performances are determined by applying the absorption method. In contrast to earlier studies, the aerated water body is considered a continuous mixture up to a level where 75\% air concentration is reached. Above this level, a homogenous surface wave field is considered, which is found to significantly affect the total air-water interface available for mass transfer. Geometrical characteristics of these surface waves are obtained from high-speed camera investigations. The results show that both the mean air concentration and the mean flow velocity have influence on the mass transfer. Finally, an empirical relationship for the mass transfer on stepped spillway models is proposed.}, language = {en} } @article{ValeroBung2018, author = {Valero, Daniel and Bung, Daniel Bernhard}, title = {Reformulating self-aeration in hydraulic structures: Turbulent growth of free surface perturbations leading to air entrainment}, series = {International Journal of Multiphase Flow}, volume = {100}, journal = {International Journal of Multiphase Flow}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0301-9322}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijmultiphaseflow.2017.12.011}, pages = {127 -- 142}, year = {2018}, abstract = {A new formulation for the prediction of free surface dynamics related to the turbulence occurring nearby is proposed. This formulation, altogether with a breakup criterion, can be used to compute the inception of self-aeration in high velocity flows like those occurring in hydraulic structures. Assuming a simple perturbation geometry, a kinematic and a non-linear momentum-based dynamic equation are formulated and forces acting on a control volume are approximated. Limiting steepness is proposed as an adequate breakup criterion. Role of the velocity fluctuations normal to the free surface is shown to be the main turbulence quantity related to self-aeration and the role of the scales contained in the turbulence spectrum are depicted. Surface tension force is integrated accounting for large displacements by using differential geometry for the curvature estimation. Gravity and pressure effects are also contemplated in the proposed formulation. The obtained equations can be numerically integrated for each wavelength, hence resulting in different growth rates and allowing computation of the free surface roughness wavelength distribution. Application to a prototype scale spillway (at the Aviemore dam) revealed that most unstable wavelength was close to the Taylor lengthscale. Amplitude distributions have been also obtained observing different scaling for perturbations stabilized by gravity or surface tension. The proposed theoretical framework represents a new conceptualization of self-aeration which explains the characteristic rough surface at the non-aerated region as well as other previous experimental observations which remained unresolved for several decades.}, language = {en} } @article{AltherrBroetzDietrichetal.2018, author = {Altherr, Lena and Br{\"o}tz, Nicolas and Dietrich, Ingo and Gally, Tristan and Geßner, Felix and Kloberdanz, Hermann and Leise, Philipp and Pelz, Peter Franz and Schlemmer, Pia and Schmitt, Andreas}, title = {Resilience in mechanical engineering - a concept for controlling uncertainty during design, production and usage phase of load-carrying structures}, series = {Applied Mechanics and Materials}, volume = {885}, journal = {Applied Mechanics and Materials}, publisher = {Trans Tech Publications}, address = {B{\"a}ch}, isbn = {1662-7482}, doi = {10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.885.187}, pages = {187 -- 198}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Resilience as a concept has found its way into different disciplines to describe the ability of an individual or system to withstand and adapt to changes in its environment. In this paper, we provide an overview of the concept in different communities and extend it to the area of mechanical engineering. Furthermore, we present metrics to measure resilience in technical systems and illustrate them by applying them to load-carrying structures. By giving application examples from the Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) 805, we show how the concept of resilience can be used to control uncertainty during different stages of product life.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{RendonDieckmannWeidleetal.2018, author = {Rendon, Carlos and Dieckmann, Simon and Weidle, Mathias and Dersch, J{\"u}rgen and Teixeira Boura, Cristiano Jos{\´e} and Polklas, Thomas and Kuschel, Marcus and Herrmann, Ulf}, title = {Retrofitting of existing parabolic trough collector power plants with molten salt tower systems}, series = {AIP Conference Proceedings}, volume = {2033}, booktitle = {AIP Conference Proceedings}, number = {1}, doi = {10.1063/1.5067030}, pages = {030014-1 -- 030014-8}, year = {2018}, language = {en} } @article{MichauxMatternKallweit2018, author = {Michaux, F. and Mattern, P. and Kallweit, Stephan}, title = {RoboPIV: how robotics enable PIV on a large industrial scale}, series = {Measurement Science and Technology}, volume = {29}, journal = {Measurement Science and Technology}, number = {7}, publisher = {IOP}, address = {Bristol}, issn = {1361-6501}, doi = {10.1088/1361-6501/aab5c1}, pages = {074009}, year = {2018}, abstract = {This work demonstrates how the interaction between particle image velocimetry (PIV) and robotics can massively increase measurement efficiency. The interdisciplinary approach is shown using the complex example of an automated, large scale, industrial environment: a typical automotive wind tunnel application. Both the high degree of flexibility in choosing the measurement region and the complete automation of stereo PIV measurements are presented. The setup consists of a combination of three robots, individually used as a 6D traversing unit for the laser illumination system as well as for each of the two cameras. Synchronised movements in the same reference frame are realised through a master-slave setup with a single interface to the user. By integrating the interface into the standard wind tunnel management system, a single measurement plane or a predefined sequence of several planes can be requested through a single trigger event, providing the resulting vector fields within minutes. In this paper, a brief overview on the demands of large scale industrial PIV and the existing solutions is given. Afterwards, the concept of RoboPIV is introduced as a new approach. In a first step, the usability of a selection of commercially available robot arms is analysed. The challenges of pose uncertainty and importance of absolute accuracy are demonstrated through comparative measurements, explaining the individual pros and cons of the analysed systems. Subsequently, the advantage of integrating RoboPIV directly into the existing wind tunnel management system is shown on basis of a typical measurement sequence. In a final step, a practical measurement procedure, including post-processing, is given by using real data and results. Ultimately, the benefits of high automation are demonstrated, leading to a drastic reduction in necessary measurement time compared to non-automated systems, thus massively increasing the efficiency of PIV measurements.}, language = {en} } @article{RittwegerAlbrachtFluecketal.2018, author = {Rittweger, J{\"o}rn and Albracht, Kirsten and Fl{\"u}ck, Martin and Ruoss, Severin and Brocca, Lorenza and Longa, Emanuela and Moriggi, Manuela and Seynnes, Olivier and Di Giulio, Irene and Tenori, Leonardo and Vignoli, Alessia and Capri, Miriam and Gelfi, Cecilia and Luchinat, Claudio and Franceschi, Claudio and Bottinelli, Roberto and Cerretelli, Paolo and Narici, Marco}, title = {Sarcolab pilot study into skeletal muscle's adaptation to longterm spaceflight}, series = {npj Microgravity}, volume = {4}, journal = {npj Microgravity}, number = {1}, publisher = {Nature Portfolio}, issn = {2373-8065}, doi = {10.1038/s41526-018-0052-1}, pages = {1 -- 9}, year = {2018}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{WaldmannVeraDachwaldetal.2018, author = {Waldmann, Christoph and Vera, Jean-Pierre de and Dachwald, Bernd and Strasdeit, Henry and Sohl, Frank and Hanff, Hendrik and Kowalski, Julia and Heinen, Dirk and Macht, Sabine and Bestmann, Ulf and Meckel, Sebastian and Hildebrandt, Marc and Funke, Oliver and Gehrt, Jan-J{\"o}ran}, title = {Search for life in ice-covered oceans and lakes beyond Earth}, series = {2018 IEEE/OES Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Workshop, Proceedings November 2018, Article number 8729761}, booktitle = {2018 IEEE/OES Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Workshop, Proceedings November 2018, Article number 8729761}, doi = {10.1109/AUV.2018.8729761}, year = {2018}, abstract = {The quest for life on other planets is closely connected with the search for water in liquid state. Recent discoveries of deep oceans on icy moons like Europa and Enceladus have spurred an intensive discussion about how these waters can be accessed. The challenge of this endeavor lies in the unforeseeable requirements on instrumental characteristics both with respect to the scientific and technical methods. The TRIPLE/nanoAUV initiative is aiming at developing a mission concept for exploring exo-oceans and demonstrating the achievements in an earth-analogue context, exploring the ocean under the ice shield of Antarctica and lakes like Dome-C on the Antarctic continent.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{SchmittRosinButenweg2018, author = {Schmitt, Timo and Rosin, Julia and Butenweg, Christoph}, title = {Seismic Impact And Design Of Buried Pipelines}, series = {16th European Conference on Earthquake Engineering, Thessaloniki, 18-21 June, 2018}, booktitle = {16th European Conference on Earthquake Engineering, Thessaloniki, 18-21 June, 2018}, pages = {1 -- 12}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Seismic design of buried pipeline systems for energy and water supply is not only important for plant and operational safety but also for the maintenance of the supply infrastructure after an earthquake. The present paper shows special issues of the seismic wave impacts on buried pipelines, describes calculation methods, proposes approaches and gives calculation examples. This paper regards the effects of transient displacement differences and resulting tensions within the pipeline due to the wave propagation of the earthquake. However, the presented model can also be used to calculate fault rupture induced displacements. Based on a three-dimensional Finite Element Model parameter studies are performed to show the influence of several parameters such as incoming wave angle, wave velocity, backfill height and synthetic displacement time histories. The interaction between the pipeline and the surrounding soil is modeled with non-linear soil springs and the propagating wave is simulated affecting the pipeline punctually, independently in time and space. Special attention is given to long-distance heat pipeline systems. Here, in regular distances expansion bends are arranged to ensure movements of the pipeline due to high temperature. Such expansion bends are usually designed with small bending radii, which during the earthquake lead to high bending stresses in the cross-section of the pipeline. Finally, an interpretation of the results and recommendations are given for the most critical parameters.}, language = {en} } @article{deBloisdeZangerPaulssenetal.2018, author = {de Blois, Eric and de Zanger, Rory M. S. and Paulßen, Elisabeth and Sze Chan, Ho and Breeman, Wouter A. P.}, title = {Semi-automated system for concentrating 68Ga-eluate to obtain high molar and volume concentration of 68Ga-Radiopharmaca for preclinical applications}, series = {Nuclear Medicine and Biology}, volume = {64-65}, journal = {Nuclear Medicine and Biology}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, doi = {10.1016/j.nucmedbio.2018.06.006}, pages = {16 -- 21}, year = {2018}, abstract = {68Ga-radiopharmaceuticals are common in the field of Nuclear Medicine to visualize receptor-mediated processes. In contrast to straightforward labeling procedures for clinical applications, preclinical in vitro and in vivo applications are hampered for reasons like e.g. volume restriction, activity concentration, molar activity and osmolality. Therefore, we developed a semiautomatic system specifically to overcome these problems. A difficulty appeared unexpectedly, as intrinsic trace metals derived from eluate (Zn, Fe and Cu) are concentrated as well in amounts that influence radiochemical yield and thus lower molar activity.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{BueckingPfaffDirksmeier2018, author = {B{\"u}cking, Henrik and Pfaff, Raphael and Dirksmeier, Roger}, title = {Sensor positioning and thermal model for condition monitoring of pressure gas reservoirs in vehicles}, series = {Proceedings of the Fourth European Conference of the Prognostics and Health Management Society, Utrecht, Netherlands, 2018}, booktitle = {Proceedings of the Fourth European Conference of the Prognostics and Health Management Society, Utrecht, Netherlands, 2018}, pages = {5 Seiten}, year = {2018}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{LudowicyRingsFingeretal.2018, author = {Ludowicy, Jonas and Rings, Ren{\´e} and Finger, Felix and Braun, Carsten}, title = {Sizing Studies of Light Aircraft with Parallel Hybrid Propulsion Systems}, series = {Deutscher Luft- und Raumfahrtkongress 2018}, booktitle = {Deutscher Luft- und Raumfahrtkongress 2018}, doi = {10.25967/480227}, pages = {15 S.}, year = {2018}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{LudowicyRingsFingeretal.2018, author = {Ludowicy, Jonas and Rings, Ren{\´e} and Finger, Felix and Braun, Carsten}, title = {Sizing Studies of Light Aircraft with Serial Hybrid Propulsion Systems}, series = {Luft- und Raumfahrt - Digitalisierung und Vernetzung : Deutscher Luft- und Raumfahrtkongress 2018. 4. - 6. September 2018 - Friedrichshafen}, booktitle = {Luft- und Raumfahrt - Digitalisierung und Vernetzung : Deutscher Luft- und Raumfahrtkongress 2018. 4. - 6. September 2018 - Friedrichshafen}, pages = {11 S.}, year = {2018}, language = {en} } @article{RauppSchmittWalzetal.2018, author = {Raupp, Sebastian M. and Schmitt, Marcel and Walz, Anna-Lena and Diehm, Ralf and Hummel, Helga and Scharfer, Philip and Schabel, Wilhelm}, title = {Slot die stripe coating of low viscous fluids}, series = {Journal of Coatings Technology and Research}, volume = {15}, journal = {Journal of Coatings Technology and Research}, number = {5}, publisher = {Springer}, issn = {1935-3804}, doi = {10.1007/s11998-017-0039-y}, pages = {899 -- 911}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Slot die coating is applied to deposit thin and homogenous films in roll-to-roll and sheet-to-sheet applications. The critical step in operation is to choose suitable process parameters within the process window. In this work, we investigate an upper limit for stripe coatings. This maximum film thickness is characterized by stripe merging which needs to be avoided in a stable process. It is shown that the upper limit reduces the process window for stripe coatings to a major extent. As a result, stripe coatings at large coating gaps and low viscosities are only possible for relatively thick films. Explaining the upper limit, a theory of balancing the side pressure in the gap region in the cross-web direction has been developed.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{GrundmannBauerBieleetal.2018, author = {Grundmann, Jan Thimo and Bauer, Waldemar and Biele, Jens and Boden, Ralf and Ceriotti, Matteo and Cordero, Federico and Dachwald, Bernd and Dumont, Etienne and Grimm, Christian D. and Herč{\´i}k, David and Ho, Tra-Mi and Jahnke, Rico and Koch, Aaron D and Koncz, Alexander and Krause, Christian and Lange, Caroline and Lichtenheldt, Roy and Maiwald, Volker and Mikschl, Tobias and Mikulz, Eugen and Montenegro, Sergio and Pelivan, Ivanka and Peloni, Alessandro and Quantius, Dominik and Reershemius, Siebo and Renger, Thomas and Riemann, Johannes and Ruffer, Michael and Sasaki, Kaname and Schmitz, Nicole and Seboldt, Wolfgang and Seefeldt, Patric and Spietz, Peter and Spr{\"o}witz, Tom and Sznajder, Maciej and Tardivel, Simon and T{\´o}th, Norbert and Wejmo, Elisabet and Wolff, Friederike and Ziach, Christian}, title = {Small spacecraft based multiple near-earth asteroid rendezvous and landing with near-term solar sails and 'Now-Term 'technologies}, series = {69 th International Astronautical Congress (IAC)}, booktitle = {69 th International Astronautical Congress (IAC)}, pages = {1 -- 18}, year = {2018}, abstract = {Physical interaction with small solar system bodies (SSSB) is the next step in planetary science, planetary in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), and planetary defense (PD). It requires a broader understanding of the surface properties of the target objects, with particular interest focused on those near Earth. Knowledge of composition, multi-scale surface structure, thermal response, and interior structure is required to design, validate and operate missions addressing these three fields. The current level of understanding is occasionally simplified into the phrase, "If you've seen one asteroid, you've seen one asteroid", meaning that the in-situ characterization of SSSBs has yet to cross the threshold towards a robust and stable scheme of classification. This would enable generic features in spacecraft design, particularly for ISRU and science missions. Currently, it is necessary to characterize any potential target object sufficiently by a dedicated pre-cursor mission to design the mission which then interacts with the object in a complex fashion. To open up strategic approaches, much broader in-depth characterization of potential target objects would be highly desirable. In SSSB science missions, MASCOT-like nano-landers and instrument carriers which integrate at the instrument level to their mothership have met interest. By its size, MASCOT is compatible with small interplanetary missions. The DLR-ESTEC Gossamer Roadmap Science Working Groups' studies identified Multiple Near-Earth asteroid (NEA) Rendezvous (MNR) as one of the space science missions only feasible with solar sail propulsion. The Solar Polar Orbiter (SPO) study showed the ability to access any inclination, theDisplaced-L1 (DL1) mission operates close to Earth, where objects of interest to PD and for ISRU reside. Other studies outline the unique capability of solar sails to provide access to all SSSB, at least within the orbit of Jupiter, and significant progress has been made to explore the performance envelope of near-term solar sails for MNR. However, it is difficult for sailcraft to interact physically with a SSSB. We expand and extend the philosophy of the recently qualified DLR Gossamer solar sail deployment technology using efficient multiple sub-spacecraft integration to also include landers for one-way in-situ investigations and sample-return missions by synergetic integration and operation of sail and lander. The MASCOT design concept and its characteristic features have created an ideal counterpart for thisand has already been adapted to the needs of the AIM spacecraft, former part of the NASA-ESA AIDA missionDesigning the 69th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), Bremen, Germany, 1-5 October 2018. IAC-18-F1.2.3 Page 2 of 17 combined spacecraft for piggy-back launch accommodation enables low-cost massively parallel access to the NEA population.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{GrundmannBauerBorchersetal.2018, author = {Grundmann, Jan Thimo and Bauer, Waldemar and Borchers, Kai and Dumont, Etienne and Grimm, Christian D. and Ho, Tra-Mi and Jahnke, Rico and Lange, Caroline and Maiwald, Volker and Mikulz, Eugen and Quantius, Dominik and Reershemius, Siebo and Renger, Thomas and Riemann, Johannes and Sasaki, Kaname and Seefeldt, Patric and Spietz, Peter and Spr{\"o}witz, Tom and Toth, Norbert and Wejmo, Elisabet and Biele, Jens and Krause, Christian and Cerotti, Matteo and Peloni, Alessandro and Dachwald, Bernd}, title = {Small Spacecraft Solar Sailing for Small Solar System Body Multiple Rendezvous and Landing}, series = {2018 IEEE Aerospace Conference : 3-10 March 2018}, booktitle = {2018 IEEE Aerospace Conference : 3-10 March 2018}, isbn = {978-1-5386-2014-4}, pages = {20 Seiten}, year = {2018}, language = {en} } @article{OberlaenderMayerGreeffetal.2018, author = {Oberl{\"a}nder, Jan and Mayer, Marlena and Greeff, Anton and Keusgen, Michael and Sch{\"o}ning, Michael Josef}, title = {Spore-based biosensor to monitor the microbicidal efficacy of gaseous hydrogen peroxide sterilization processes}, series = {Biosensors and Bioelectronics}, volume = {104}, journal = {Biosensors and Bioelectronics}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0956-5663}, doi = {10.1016/j.bios.2017.12.045}, pages = {87 -- 94}, year = {2018}, abstract = {In this work, a spore-based biosensor is evaluated to monitor the microbicidal efficacy of sterilization processes applying gaseous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The sensor is based on interdigitated electrode structures (IDEs) that have been fabricated by means of thin-film technologies. Impedimetric measurements are applied to study the effect of sterilization process on spores of Bacillus atrophaeus. This resilient microorganism is commonly used in industry to proof the sterilization efficiency. The sensor measurements are accompanied by conventional microbiological challenge tests, as well as morphological characterizations with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The sensor measurements are correlated with the microbiological test routines. In both methods, namely the sensor-based and microbiological one, a tailing effect has been observed. The results are evaluated and discussed in a three-dimensional calibration plot demonstrating the sensor's suitability to enable a rapid process decision in terms of a successfully performed sterilization.}, language = {en} } @article{KunkelGebhardtMpofuetal.2018, author = {Kunkel, Maximilian Hugo and Gebhardt, Andreas and Mpofu, Khumbaulani and Kallweit, Stephan}, title = {Statistical assessment of mechanical properties of selective laser melted specimens of stainless steel}, series = {The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology}, volume = {98}, journal = {The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology}, number = {5-8}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {London}, issn = {0268-3768}, doi = {10.1007/s00170-018-2040-8}, pages = {1409 -- 1431}, year = {2018}, abstract = {The rail business is challenged by long product life cycles and a broad spectrum of assembly groups and single parts. When spare part obsolescence occurs, quick solutions are needed. A reproduction of obsolete parts is often connected to long waiting times and minimum lot quantities that need to be purchased and stored. Spare part storage is therefore challenged by growing stocks, bound capital and issues of part ageing. A possible solution could be a virtual storage of spare parts which will be 3D printed through additive manufacturing technologies in case of sudden demand. As mechanical properties of additive manufactured parts are neither guaranteed by machine manufacturers nor by service providers, the utilization of this relatively young technology is impeded and research is required to address these issues. This paper presents an examination of mechanical properties of specimens manufactured from stainless steel through the selective laser melting (SLM) process. The specimens were produced in multiple batches. This paper interrogates the question if the test results follow a normal distribution pattern and if mechanical property predictions can be made. The results will be put opposite existing threshold values provided as the industrial standard. Furthermore, probability predictions will be made in order to examine the potential of the SLM process to maintain state-of-the-art mechanical property requirements.}, language = {en} } @article{BaringhausGaigallThiele2018, author = {Baringhaus, Ludwig and Gaigall, Daniel and Thiele, Jan Philipp}, title = {Statistical inference for L²-distances to uniformity}, series = {Computational Statistics}, volume = {2018}, journal = {Computational Statistics}, number = {33}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Berlin}, issn = {1613-9658}, doi = {10.1007/s00180-018-0820-0}, pages = {1863 -- 1896}, year = {2018}, abstract = {The paper deals with the asymptotic behaviour of estimators, statistical tests and confidence intervals for L²-distances to uniformity based on the empirical distribution function, the integrated empirical distribution function and the integrated empirical survival function. Approximations of power functions, confidence intervals for the L²-distances and statistical neighbourhood-of-uniformity validation tests are obtained as main applications. The finite sample behaviour of the procedures is illustrated by a simulation study.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{ThurnGebhardt2018, author = {Thurn, Laura and Gebhardt, Andreas}, title = {Strategy of Education on Materials for Students}, series = {Conference Proceedings: „New Perspectives in Science Education"}, booktitle = {Conference Proceedings: „New Perspectives in Science Education"}, address = {Florence, Italy}, isbn = {978-88-6292-976-9}, pages = {156 -- 161}, year = {2018}, language = {en} } @article{BalakirskiKotliarPaulyetal.2018, author = {Balakirski, Galina and Kotliar, Konstantin and Pauly, Karolin J. and Krings, Laura K. and R{\"u}bben, Albert and Baron, Jens M. and Schmitt, Laurenz}, title = {Surgical Site Infections After Dermatologic Surgery in Immunocompromised Patients: A Single-Center Experience}, series = {Dermatologic Surgery}, journal = {Dermatologic Surgery}, number = {44 (12)}, publisher = {Wolters Kluwer}, doi = {10.1097/DSS.0000000000001615}, pages = {1525 -- 1536}, year = {2018}, abstract = {BACKGROUND Immunosuppression is often considered as an indication for antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent surgical site infections (SSI) while performing skin surgery. However, the data on the risk of developing SSI after dermatologic surgery in immunosuppressed patients are limited. PATIENTS AND METHODS All patients of the Department of Dermatology and Allergology at the University Hospital of RWTH Aachen in Aachen, Germany, who underwent hospitalization for a dermatologic surgery between June 2016 and January 2017 (6 months), were followed up after surgery until completion of the wound healing process. The follow-up addressed the occurrence of SSI and the need for systemic antibiotics after the operative procedure. Immunocompromised patients were compared with immunocompetent patients. The investigation was conducted as a retrospective analysis of patient records. RESULTS The authors performed 284 dermatologic surgeries in 177 patients. Nineteen percent (54/284) of the skin surgery was performed on immunocompromised patients. The most common indications for surgical treatment were nonmelanoma skin cancer and malignant melanomas. Surgical site infections occurred in 6.7\% (19/284) of the cases. In 95\% (18/19), systemic antibiotic treatment was needed. Twenty-one percent of all SSI (4/19) were seen in immunosuppressed patients. CONCLUSION According to the authors' data, immunosuppression does not represent a significant risk factor for SSI after dermatologic surgery. However, larger prospective studies are needed to make specific recommendations on the use of antibiotic prophylaxis while performing skin surgery in these patients. The available data on complications after dermatologic surgery have improved over the past years. Particularly, additional risk factors have been identified for surgical site infections (SSI). Purulent surgical sites, older age, involvement of head, neck, and acral regions, and also the involvement of less experienced surgeons have been reported to increase the risk of the SSI after dermatologic surgeries.1 In general, the incidence of SSI after skin surgery is considered to be low.1,2 However, antibiotics in dermatologic surgeries, especially in the perioperative setting, seem to be overused,3,4 particularly regarding developing antibiotic resistances and side effects. Immunosuppression has been recommended to be taken into consideration as an additional indication for antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent SSI after skin surgery in special cases.5,6 However, these recommendations do not specify the exact dermatologic surgeries, and were not specifically developed for dermatologic surgery patients and treatments, but adopted from other surgical fields.6 According to the survey conducted on American College of Mohs Surgery members in 2012, 13\% to 29\% of the surgeons administered antibiotic prophylaxis to immunocompromised patients to prevent SSI while performing dermatologic surgery on noninfected skin,3 although this was not recommended by Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology Advisory Statement. Indeed, the data on the risk of developing SSI after dermatologic surgery in immunosuppressed patients are limited. However, it is possible that due to the insufficient evidence on the risk of SSI occurrence in this patient group, dermatologic surgeons tend to overuse perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis. To make specific recommendations on the use of antibiotic prophylaxis in immunosuppressed patients in the field of skin surgery, more information about the incidence of SSI after dermatologic surgery in these patients is needed. The aim of this study was to fill this data gap by investigating whether there is an increased risk of SSI after skin surgery in immunocompromised patients compared with immunocompetent patients.}, language = {en} }