Interkulturelle Kommunikation : Kosten und Nutzen einer Lingua franca

Die Arbeit setzt sich mit der Bedeutung der Lingua franca in schriftlicher, online geführter Kommunikation multikultureller Teams auseinander. Dabei wird untersucht, ob sich L2-Sprecher in einer online geführten Lingua-franca-Kommunikation weniger – sowie syntaktisch und inhaltlich vereinfacht – äußern. Im Blickfeld stehen auch die Fragen, ob L1-Sprecher in einer online geführten Lingua-franca-Kommunikation vermehrt kommunikative Führungsrollen übernehmen und ihre Ideen dadurch eher durchsetzen können und ob diskursive Kommunikationskompetenzen den L2-Sprechern ebenfalls Leitungsfunktionen in einer Lingua-franca-Kommunikation ermöglichen. Nach einem einführenden historischen Rückblick auf die Entwicklung des Forschungsbereichs der Interkulturellen Kommunikation wird mithilfe des methodenintegrierenden Ansatzes der Triangulation zunächst das Kommunikationsverhalten multikultureller online kommunizierender Mitarbeiter der pharmazeutischen Firma Interkult analysiert. Im Anschluss daran werden die Ergebnisse in einem kontrollierbaren Rahmen am Seminar für Deutsch als Fremdsprachenphilologie der Universität Heidelberg anhand einer empirischen Untersuchung erweitert und überprüft: 40 Studierende der Sprachgruppen Deutsch, Englisch, Französisch und Polnisch haben sich an einer Aufgabenstellung orientiert, für die sie auf einem Onlineforum über einen Zeitraum von vier Wochen sowohl in ihrer jeweiligen L1 als auch in der Lingua franca Deutsch Lösungsmöglichkeiten diskutieren sollten. Anhand der Ergebnisse werden die anfangs genannten Fragen hinsichtlich der Rolle der Lingua franca in schriftlicher, online geführter Kommunikation multikultureller Teams bearbeitet

High-spectral-resolution terahertz imaging with a quantum-cascade laser

We report on a high-spectral-resolution terahertz imaging system operating with a multi-mode quantum-cascade laser (QCL), a fast scanning mirror, and a sensitive Ge:Ga detector. By tuning the frequency of the QCL, several spectra can be recorded in 1.5 s during the scan through a gas cell filled with methanol (CH3OH). These experiments yield information about the local absorption and the linewidth. Measurements with a faster frame rate of up to 3 Hz allow for the dynamic observation of CH3OH gas leaking from a terahertz-transparent tube into the evacuated cell. In addition to the relative absorption, the local pressure is mapped by exploiting the effect of pressure broadening

Electromagnetic actuator of a gentle pump mechanism for blood transport

The maximum operation time in blood pump applications is limited by blood damage caused by mechanical stress within the pump. To overcome this limitation, a new pumping principle is introduced. It is based on wave propagation inside a flexible tube in combination with positive displacement. The tube stimulation is generated by an electromagnetic actuator. In contrast to common roller pumps, it is possible to achieve a pumping operation without a complete tube occlusion. This ensures gentle pumping without damaging the blood cells. Our measurement of the pump curve and the trajectory of the shock head confirms the pumping operation without complete tube occlusion

A Critical Analysis of Complications, Recurrence Rates, and Outcome in View of Tow Spinal Surgeons'Learning Curves

peer reviewedBackground and Study Objective Interlaminar full-endoscopic diskectomy is a minimally invasive surgical alternative to microdiskectomy for the treatment of lumbar disk herniation. The authors analyze their surgical results and learning curves during and after the introductory phase of this surgical technique. Patients and Methods We present a case review of 76 patients operated on using interlaminar full-endoscopic diskectomy. We retrospectively analyzed two spinal surgeons’ learning curves in terms of operation time with respect to intraoperative blood loss, conversion rates, complications, infections, length of hospitalization, need for rehabilitation, recurrence rates, pain intensity, and opioid use. Patients’ functional status and Health-related Quality of Life were assessed by follow-up questionnaires for 47 patients, using the North American Spine Society Score and the Short Form 12 in addition to long-term pain intensity, work capacity, and patient satisfaction with the operation. Results A steady state of the learning curve (operation time) of an experienced spinal surgeon was reached after 40 cases. Supervision by a more experienced surgeon can shorten the learning curve. The rate of conversions (10%), complications (5%), and recurrent lumbar disk herniations (28%) did not negatively affect the long-term outcome in patients operated on before and after the learning phase. Patient satisfaction was high. Conclusions The rate of conversions, complications, and recurrent lumbar disk herniations compared with microdiskectomy combined with the challenging learning curve should be considered before surgeons adopt this procedure. Supervision by an endoscopically experienced spinal surgeon during the introductory phase is highly advisable. received Apri

A 3.5-THz, x6-Harmonic, Single-Ended Schottky Diode Mixer for Frequency Stabilization of Quantum-Cascade Lasers

Efficient and compact frequency converters are essential for frequency stabilization of terahertz sources. In this paper, we present a 3.5-THz, x6-harmonic, integrated Schottky diode mixer operating at room temperature. The designed frequency converter is based on a single-ended, planar Schottky diode with a sub-micron anode contact area defined on a suspended 2-$\mu$m ultra-thin GaAs substrate. The dc-grounded anode pad was combined with the radio frequency E-plane probe, which resulted in an electrically compact circuit. At 200 MHz intermediate frequency, a mixer conversion loss of about 59 dB is measured and resulting in a 40 dB signal-to-noise ratio for phase locking 3.5-THz quantum-cascade laser. Using a quasi-static diode model combined with electromagnetic simulations, good agreement with the measured results was obtained. Harmonic frequency converters without the need of cryogenic cooling will help in the realization of highly sensitive space and air-borne heterodyne receivers.Comment: Submitted to IEEE-TS

Observation of Atomic Oxygen in the Mesosphere and Thermosphere of Earth with the THz Heterodyne Spectrometer GREAT

Atomic oxygen governs photochemistry and energy balance of the mesosphere and lower thermosphere of the Earth. Its concentration is extremely difficult to measure with remote sensing techniques since it has only few optically active transitions. Current indirect measurements involve photochemical models and the results are not always in agreement, particularly when obtained with different instruments. In addition, altitudes above 100 km are not covered by these methods. We report on direct measurements of the 4.7-THz fine-structure transition of atomic oxygen at 4.7448 THz using the German Receiver for Astronomy at Terahertz Frequencies on board the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy. Our measurements agree well with atmospheric models and satellite observations below 100 km

Growth factor-mediated augmentation of long bones: evaluation of a BMP-7 loaded thermoresponsive hydrogel in a murine femoral intramedullary injection model

Background Due to our aging population, an increase in proximal femur fractures can be expected, which is associated with impaired activities of daily living and a high risk of mortality. These patients are also at a high risk to suffer a secondary osteoporosis-related fracture on the contralateral hip. In this context, growth factors could open the field for regenerative approaches, as it is known that, i.e., the growth factor BMP-7 (bone morphogenetic protein 7) is a potent stimulator of osteogenesis. Local prophylactic augmentation of the proximal femur with a BMP-7 loaded thermoresponsive hydrogel during index surgery of an osteoporotic fracture could be suitable to reduce the risk of further osteoporosis-associated secondary fractures. The present study therefore aims to test the hypothesis if a BMP-7 augmented hydrogel is an applicable carrier for the augmentation of non-fractured proximal femurs. Furthermore, it needs to be shown that the minimally invasive injection of a hydrogel into the mouse femur is technically feasible. Methods In this study, male C57BL/6 mice (n = 36) received a unilateral femoral intramedullary injection of either 100 μl saline, 100 μl 1,4 Butan-Diisocyanat (BDI)-hydrogel, or 100 μl hydrogel loaded with 1 μg of bone morphogenetic protein 7. Mice were sacrificed 4 and 12 weeks later. The femora were submitted to high-resolution X-ray tomography and subsequent histological examination. Results Analysis of normalized CtBMD (Cortical bone mineral density) as obtained by X-ray micro-computed tomography analysis revealed significant differences depending on the duration of treatment (4 vs 12 weeks; p < 0.05). Furthermore, within different anatomically defined regions of interest, significant associations between normalized TbN (trabecular number) and BV/TV (percent bone volume) were noted. Histology indicated no signs of inflammation and no signs of necrosis and there were no cartilage damages, no new bone formations, or new cartilage tissues, while BMP-7 was readily detectable in all of the samples. Conclusions In conclusion, the murine femoral intramedullary injection model appears to be feasible and worth to be used in subsequent studies that are directed to examine the therapeutic potential of BMP-7 loaded BDI-hydrogel. Although we were unable to detect any significant osseous effects arising from the mode or duration of treatment in the present trial, the effect of different concentrations and duration of treatment in an osteoporotic model appears of interest for further experiments to reach translation into clinic and open new strategies of growth factor-mediated augmentation