Molecular and supramolecular adaptation by coupled stimuli.

Adaptation transcends scale in both natural and artificial systems, but delineating the causative factors of this phenomenon requires urgent clarification. Herein, we unravel the molecular requirements for adaptation and establish a link to rationalize adaptive behavior on a self-assembled level. These concepts are established by analyzing a model compound exhibiting both light- and pH-responsive units, which enable the combined or independent application of different stimuli.

Charcoal production in the Mopane woodlands of Mozambique: what are the trade-offs with other ecosystem services?

African woodlands form a major part of the tropical grassy biome and support the livelihoods of millions of rural and urban people. Charcoal production in particular is a major economic activity, but its impact on other ecosystem services is little studied. To address this, our study collected biophysical and social datasets, which were combined in ecological production functions, to assess ecosystem service provision and its change under different charcoal production scenarios in Gaza Province, southern Mozambique.

A biomechanical evaluation of the epidural neurolysis procedure.

Background: The epidural lysis of adhesions (ELOA) procedure supposedly has a biomechanical component in addition to the targeted injection of medications into the epidural space. It is assumed that the catheters used for the ELOA procedure can release epidural scars and adhesions.

Objectives: To evaluate the possible biomechanical effects of the typically used catheters and to put these effects into clinical perspective.

Bacterial community structure in experimental methanogenic bioreactors and search for pathogenic clostridia as community members.

Microbial conversion of organic waste or harvested plant material into biogas has become an attractive technology for energy production. Biogas is produced in reactors under anaerobic conditions by a consortium of microorganisms which commonly include bacteria of the genus Clostridium. Since the genus Clostridium also harbors some highly pathogenic members in its phylogenetic cluster I, there has been some concern that an unintended growth of such pathogens might occur during the fermentation process.

[Motif expressing soft print lenses. Effect on visual function].

Background: Contact lenses which change the structure and color of the iris are used not only for many therapeutic situations but also for cosmetic reasons. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether such lenses cause impairment of visual functions.

Material And Methods: In healthy volunteers with an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/20 a clear soft-fitting lens and a special effect soft contact lens (Crazy lens, Bach Optic, Cologne) were tested in changing sequence.

Tetraedric and sand-glass crystals in the urine.

Sand-glass and tetraedric crystals often occur in cytologic evaluations of urinary sediments as a secondary finding. The analyses show inflammation and an increase in protein casts as accompanying changes. The basic diseases are primarily renal but unspecific.