Preferential Localization Research Articles

Medical treatment of primary sclerosing cholangitis: What have we learned and where are we going?

It has proven difficult to establish robust evidence for significant clinical benefits of medical treatment in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). For ursodeoxycholic acid, clinical practice guidelines only offer vague recommendations, leading to a situation of variable prescription rates depending on local reimbursement policies and physician preference. The difficulty in drug development in PSC is partly related to poor understanding of critical disease processes with failure to identify relevant mechanisms of action of putative drugs. The variable disease course, both intra-individually and between individuals, and lack of robust definitions of what success looks like for clinical trials in PSC have also contributed to the negative outcomes of trials performed. In this review article we will discuss these uncertainties and challenges, building on key previous and ongoing clinical trials. Despite the lack of consensus for an ideal phase II and phase III study design, several trials for diverse compounds are currently ongoing, indicating a shift from therapeutic nihilism towards hope for people with PSC. While waiting for robust efficacy data for drugs currently being tested, the current lack of effective interventions should not motivate prescription of compounds to people with PSC based on low-quality evidence.

The Quran Manuscripts in Indonesia: A Historical Review

Codicology, the study of written manuscripts, plays a vital role in understanding the history of human civilization, particularly in the context of the development and preservation of Quranic manuscripts. The Nusantara region, which includes Indonesia and parts of Malaysia, boasts a rich tradition of Quranic manuscript production and copying. This research seeks to explore the codicological history of Quranic manuscripts in the Nusantara, focusing on their origins, evolution, regional differences, and significance in the religious and cultural lives of Muslim communities in the area. The research methodology includes analyzing various historical sources, such as existing Quranic manuscripts, historical records, academic studies, and other primary materials. The data collected is examined to identify patterns, trends, and regional distinctions. The findings reveal that the codicological history of Quranic manuscripts in the Nusantara mirrors the region's cultural diversity and the deep-rooted Islamic traditions. These manuscripts originate from various regions and showcase a wide range of writing styles, decorative elements, and materials, shaped by influences such as cultural interactions, technological progress, and local preferences. Understanding this history better can contribute to preserving the cultural and religious heritage of the Nusantara and enhance knowledge of Islamic civilization in the region.

Functional characterization of OR51B5 and OR1G1 in human lung epithelial cells as potential drug targets for non-type 2 lung diseases

BackgroundHypersensitivity to odorants like perfumes can induce or promote asthma with non-type 2 inflammation for which therapeutic options are limited. Cell death of primary bronchial epithelial cells (PBECs) and the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 are key in the pathogenesis. Extra-nasal olfactory receptors (ORs) can influence cellular processes involved in asthma. This study investigated the utility of ORs in epithelial cells as potential drug targets in this context.MethodsWe used the A549 cell line and primary bronchial epithelial cells using air–liquid interface culture system (ALI-PBECs). OR expression was investigated by RT-PCR, Western blot, and Immunofluorescence. Effects of OR activation by specific ligands on intracellular calcium concentration, cAMP, Phospholipase C (PLC), cell viability, and IL-6 and IL-8 secretion were analyzed by calcium imaging, enzyme immunoassays, Annexin V/ propidium iodide -based fluorescence-activated cell staining or by ELISA, respectively.ResultsBy screening A549 cells, the OR51B5 agonists Farnesol and Isononyl Alcohol and the OR1G1 agonist Nonanal increased intracellular Ca2 + . OR51B5 and OR1G1 mRNAs and proteins were detected. Both receptors showed a preferential intracellular localization. OR51B5- but not OR1G1-induced Ca2 + dependent on both cAMP and PLC signaling. Farnesol, Isononyl Alcohol, and Nonanal, all reduced cell viability and induced IL-8 and IL-6 release. The data were verified in ALI-PBECs.ConclusionORs in the lung epithelium might be involved in airway-sensitivity to odorants. Their antagonism could represent a promising strategy in treatment of odorant-induced asthma with non-type 2 inflammation.Graphical

Abstract 4136511: Targeting ATP Citrate Lyase: A Novel Therapeutic Strategy for Vascular Remodeling in Pulmonary Hypertension

Introduction: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a vascular remodeling disease characterized by a progressive obliteration of distal pulmonary arteries (PA), which is driven by a cancer-like pro-proliferative phenotype of smooth muscle cells (SMCs). A metabolic shift towards glycolysis and changes in the epigenetic landscape contribute to this abnormal phenotype. ATP Citrate Lyase (ACLY) is an enzyme that plays a role in promoting the Warburg effect, lipid synthesis, and chromatin remodeling in cancer. However, its role in PAH remains unknown. We hypothesized that ACLY is upregulated in PAH and supports the abnormal phenotype of PAH-PASMCs . Methods/Results: To investigate this hypothesis, we measured ACLY expression in human distal pulmonary arteries and isolated PASMCs from PAH patients (immunoblot/Immunofluorescence). We found increased expression and activation of ACLY in PAH-PASMCs, with preferential localization in the nucleus. Inhibition of ACLY using BMS-303141 or siACLY decreased PAH-PASMCs proliferation (Ki67/MCM2, PLK1, PCNA) and survival (Annexin V/SURVIVIN). ACLY inhibition also reduced glycolysis markers and increased mitochondrial respiration. Additionally, the inhibition of ACLY lowered cholesterol levels and lipid droplet accumulation in PAH-PASMCs. Further analysis showed that ACLY promotes nuclear acetyl-CoA production, leading to acetylation of specific histone proteins and GCN5-mediated transcriptional activation of genes involved in cell cycle progression. The transcription factor FOXM1 appeared to mediate this genetic signature. In vivo , pharmacological inhibition of ACLY using BMS-303141 significantly improved pulmonary vascular remodeling (Elastica Van Gieson staining, EVG) and right ventricular function (RVSP, mPAP, TAPSE, S-Wave, SV by echocardiography and right heart catheterization) in Su/Hx-challenged rats with established PAH. SMC-specific Acly K.O mice were protected against Su/Hx-induced PAH. Consistently, tamoxifen-induced SMC-specific Acly deletion improved hemodynamics parameters in Su/Hx mice. These therapeutic effects were associated with a reduced acetylation of H3K27 and H3K9 (IF). Ex vivo , inhibition of ACLY attenuated vascular remodeling (EVG) in human precision cut lung slices exposed to a growth factor cocktail. Conclusion: Our study reveals that ACLY plays a critical role in vascular remodeling in PAH and its pharmacological inhibition may represent a novel and attractive avenue as therapeutic treatment.

Drivers of Interspecific Spatial Segregation in Two Closely‐Related Seabird Species at a Pan‐Atlantic Scale

ABSTRACTAimEcologically similar species living in sympatry are expected to segregate to reduce the effects of competition where resources are limiting. Segregation from heterospecifics commonly occurs in space, but it is often unknown whether such segregation has underlying environmental causes. Indeed, species could segregate because of different fundamental environmental requirements (i.e., ‘niche divergence’), because competitive exclusion at sympatric sites can force species to either change the habitat use they would have at allopatric sites (i.e., ‘niche displacement’) or to avoid certain areas, independently of habitat (i.e., ‘spatial avoidance’). Testing these hypotheses requires the comparison between sympatric and allopatric sites. Understanding the competitive mechanisms that underlie patterns of spatial segregation could improve predictions of species responses to environmental change, as competition might exacerbate the effects of environmental change.LocationNorth Atlantic and Arctic.TaxaCommon guillemots Uria aalge and Brünnich's guillemots Uria lomvia.MethodsHere, we examine support for these explanations for spatial segregation in two closely‐related seabird species, common guillemots (Uria aalge) and Brünnich's guillemots (U. lomvia). For this, we collated a pan‐Atlantic data set of breeding season foraging tracks from 1046 individuals, collected from 20 colonies (8 sympatric and 12 allopatric). These were analysed with habitat models in a spatially transferable framework to compare habitat preferences between species at sympatric and allopatric sites.ResultsWe found no effect of the distribution of heterospecifics on local habitat preferences of the focal species. We found differences in habitat preferences between species, but these were not sufficient to explain the observed levels of spatial segregation at sympatric sites.Main ConclusionsAssuming we did not omit any relevant environmental variables, these results suggest a mix of niche divergence and spatial avoidance produces the observed patterns of spatial segregation.

How to monitor local objectives for urban climate change adaptation? Insights from quantitative content analysis of selected participatory budgets in the upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis

Subsequent analyses of participatory budgeting in Poland emphasise the popularity of environmental issues such as greenery, air quality, and sustainable transport, which should also support objectives in urban climate change adaptation (UCCA). An increasing number of adaptation projects within local standards or ‘green’ civic budgets are often listed among the indicators in urban adaptation plans for Polish cities. However, available research studies and urban evaluation reports show that monitoring participatory budgets poses a methodological challenge. Therefore, the aim of the article is twofold. First, it proposes a method of identifying overlaps of urban climate change adaptation objectives with descriptions of projects submitted to local participatory budgets of the Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis. For this purpose, a dictionary-based text analysis of project descriptions was performed and critically examined. The second aim was to identify trends in urban climate change adaptation objectives. Thus, the quantitative distribution of coded descriptions was evaluated to investigate how subsequent types of participatory budgets (editions, green vs. standard, implemented vs. non-implemented) differed. The results demonstrate that the available database of participatory budget projects is a rich source of information on local preferences towards issues related to UCCA. To strengthen the objectives of urban climate change adaptation, city administrations can consider additional tools, such as UCCA-related tips/inspiration and targeted calls for projects, as well as supplementing participatory budgets with other deliberative methods. However, collecting precise and calculable data on this topic based on participatory budget databases requires both methodological adjustments and careful validation.

An analytical hierarchical process approach to assessing local food preferences among foreign tourists

An analytical hierarchical process approach to assessing local food preferences among foreign tourists

Germline Variants in DNA Interstrand-Cross Link Repair Genes May Contribute to Increased Susceptibility for Serrated Polyposis Syndrome.

Serrated polyposis syndrome (SPS) is characterized by the development of multiple colorectal serrated polyps and increased predisposition to colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the molecular basis of SPS, especially in cases presenting family history of SPS and/or polyps and/or CRC in first-degree relatives (SPS-FHP/CRC), is still poorly understood. In a previous study, we proposed the existence of two molecular entities amongst SPS-FHP/CRC families, proximal/whole-colon and distal SPS-FHP/CRC, according to the preferential location of lesions and somatic events involved in tumor initiation. In the present study, we aimed to investigate these distinct subgroups of SPS patients in a larger cohort at the germline level and to identify the genetic defects underlying an inherited susceptibility for these two entities. Next-generation sequencing was performed using multigene analysis with a custom-designed panel in a Miseq platform in 60 SPS patients (with and without/unknown FHP/CRC). We found germline pathogenic variants in 6/60 patients (ATM, FANCM, MITF, RAD50, RAD51C, and RNF43). We also found variants of unknown significance (VUS), with prediction of probable damaging effect in 23/60 patients (ATM, BLM, BRCA1, FAN1, ERCC2, ERCC3, FANCA, FANCD2, FANCL, MSH2, MSH6, NTHL1, PALB2, PDGFRA, PMS2, PTCH1, RAD51C, RAD51D, RECQL4, TSC2, WRN, and XRCC5 genes). Most variants were detected in gene coding for proteins of the Fanconi Anemia (FA) pathway involved in the DNA Interstrand-Cross Link repair (ICLR). Notably, variants in ICLR genes were significantly more frequent in the proximal/whole-colon than in the distal subgroup [15/44 (34%) vs 1/16 (6%), p = 0.025], as opposed to the non-ICLR genes that were slightly more frequent in the distal group [8/44 (18%) vs. 5/16 (31%), p > 0.05]. Germline defects in the DNA-ICLR genes may contribute to increased serrated colorectal polyps/carcinoma risk in SPS patients, particularly in proximal/whole-colon SPS. The inclusion of DNA-ICLR genes in the genetic diagnosis of SPS patients, mainly in those with proximal/whole-colon lesions, should be considered and validated by other studies. In addition, patients with germline defects in the DNA-ICLR genes may be more sensitive to treatment with platinum-based therapeutics, which can have implications in the clinical management of these patients.

Gambling preference, information risk, and the pricing of bank loans

Our study explores the effect of local gambling preferences (LGP) on bank loan pricing, revealing that lenders impose significantly higher interest rates on firms situated in areas characterized by stronger gambling tendencies. Our results remain robust after conducting a series of sensitivity tests that account for firm-, county-, and loan-specific attributes, as well as several identification robustness checks. Specifically, our relocation analysis shows that firms moving to areas with higher (lower) gambling preferences experience higher (lower) costs of bank loans compared to control groups. Our channel analysis further reveals that local gambling preferences exacerbate a firm's information risk environment, as captured by poorer earnings quality, heightened earnings risk, and greater managerial concealment of bad news, resulting in higher borrowing costs. Finally, we observe that firms in areas with higher LGP encounter more stringent non-price loan terms. However, institutional ownership and the threat of takeovers significantly mitigate the adverse effect of LGP on bank loan pricing.

Chronic active lesions preferentially localize in watershed territories in multiple sclerosis.

Paramagnetic rim lesions (PRLs) are a biomarker of chronic active lesions (CALs), and an important driver of neurological disability in multiple sclerosis (MS). The reason subtending some acute lesions evolvement into CALs is not known. Here we ask whether a relatively lower oxygen content is linked to CALs. In this prospective cross-sectional study, 64 people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS), clinically isolated syndrome and radiologically isolated syndrome underwent a 7.0 Tesla (7 T) brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The scanning protocol included a T2-w fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), and a single echo gradient echo from which susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) was derived. WM lesions were identified on the T2-w-FLAIR whilst PRLs were identified on the SWI sequence. T2-lesions were classified as PRLs and rimless lesions (PRLs-). We registered a universal vascular atlas to each subject's T2-w-FLAIR and classified each T2-lesions according to its location into watershed- (ws), non-watershed- (nws), and mixed-lesion (m). Ws-lesions were defined as lesions that were fully located in a region between the territories of two major arteries. Out of 1,975 T2-lesions, 88 (4.5%) were PRLs. Ws-regions had a higher number (p = 0.005) and proportion (p < 0.001) of PRLs- compared to nws-regions. Ws-PRL- were larger compared to nws-ones (p = 0.009). The number (p = 0.043) and proportion (p < 0.001) of PRLs was higher in ws-regions compared to nws-ones. Ws-PRLs were not significantlylarger than nws-ones (p = 0.195). We propose the novel concept of a link between arterial vascularization and chronic activity in MS by demonstrating a preferential localization of CALs in ws-territories.

Computational Analysis of Sarin, Soman, and Their Water Mixtures in NU-1000: Interaction Mechanisms, Distribution Patterns, and Pairing Effects.

Due to their extraordinary structural stability under humid conditions, zirconium-based metal-organic frameworks (Zr-MOFs) have been widely investigated for the hydrolytic degradation of nerve agents. That said, mechanisms of hydrolysis in the solid state and the participation of environmental water are not well understood. This work utilizes computational techniques to evaluate the behavior of water and two organophosphorus nerve agents (sarin and soman) in NU-1000, a Zr-MOF with the characteristic attributes for hydrolytic efficiency under humid conditions. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that soman binds more favorably to NU-1000 active sites than sarin, resulting in different preferential locations of each nerve agent within the framework. The strength of nerve agent binding is also found to vary depending on the site environment, with more favorable binding of both nerve agents occurring in the c-pores of NU-1000 than in the mesopores. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation results further illustrate that free water molecules in NU-1000 prioritize interactions with nerve agents. Given the variation in their affinity for active site interactions, the introduction of different nerve agents to the framework results in substantial differences in water distribution and behavior. The results give insight into potential variances in the functionality of NU-1000 toward the hydrolysis of each nerve agent. More importantly, they emphasize the significance of considering the role of environmental water in hydrolysis and the possibility of diverse reaction variables based on the type of nerve agent and the properties of the MOF.

A Study on Work Environment and its Impact on Employees Performance at Boston Business Solutions

This research presents a thorough examination of the supermarket's sales data, focusing on customer behaviour, regional performance, and payment preferences. The supermarket has successfully cultivated a diverse customer base, with a nearly equal split between normal customers and members. This balanced customer distribution suggests a stable foundation for growth, particularly through strategic initiatives aimed at increasing membership and enhancing customer loyalty. The supermarket's regional presence is well-balanced across major cities, including Mandalay, Naypyitaw, and Yangon. Sales are dispersed equally among these regions, indicating that the supermarket has established a strong foothold in each market. This balanced distribution provides an opportunity to tailor strategies to the specific characteristics and preferences of each city, potentially driving increased market share and customer satisfaction through localized approaches. Analysing supermarket sales data is necessary for selecting wisely in business situations and ensuring long-term success. Sales data can also uncover issues in the supply chain, helping supermarkets run more smoothly and efficiently. By examining sales in different regions, supermarkets can adjust their products and promotions to better fit local preferences, improving sales in specific areas. Financially, analysing sales data helps with accurate budgeting and pricing strategies, leading to higher profits. Additionally, it allows supermarkets to evaluate their performance in relation to rivals and quickly adapt to changes in the market, helping them stay ahead. Analysing sales data helps supermarkets understand their customers, operate more efficiently, tailor strategies to different regions, and make better financial decisions, all of which contribute to their growth and success

Tracing of low-energy protons implanted in different Si crystal orientations by keV recoil detection in transmission geometry

The potential of recoil detection in transmission geometry in examining a possible preferential lattice site location of H atoms implanted into thin single crystalline silicon membranes is explored. Low-energy protons were directed onto the membranes along the 〈001〉 Si crystal axis, as well as in random orientation. Position-sensitive and time-resolved detection of recoiling hydrogen species from a pulsed beam of 280 keV 22Ne+ primary ions was performed in a time-of-flight medium energy ion scattering system. From the primary beam incidence along different crystal axes, a preferential detection of recoiled hydrogen along the 〈011〉 axis can be revealed, as compared to the 〈001〉 axis. The present approach and possible future developments potentially enabling real-space location of interstitial hydrogen are discussed.

How reliable is the Real Adsorbed Solution Theory (RAST) for estimating ternary mixture equilibrium in microporous host materials?

Microporous crystalline adsorbents such as zeolites, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have potential use in a wide variety of separations applications. In applications such as CO2 capture, the Ideal Adsorbed Solution Theory (IAST) often fails to provide a quantitative description of mixture adsorption equilibrium especially in cation-exchanged zeolites. The failure of the IAST is ascribable to non-compliance with one or more tenets mandated by the IAST such as (a) homogeneous distribution of adsorbates within the pore landscape, (b) no preferential location of guest species, and (c) absence of molecular clustering due to say hydrogen bonding. The focus of this article is on the reliability of the Real Adsorbed Solution Theory (RAST) models for quantitative estimation of adsorption equilibrium. Configurational-Bias Monte Carlo (CBMC) simulations are undertaken to determine the adsorption equilibrium for ternary CO2/CH4/N2, CO2/CH4/C3H8, CO2/CH4/H2, and water/methanol/ethanol mixtures in NaX, LTA-4A, CHA, DDR, and MFI zeolites. Additionally, CBMC simulations of the constituent binary pairs are used to determine the Wilson or NRTL parameters, taking due account of the dependence of the activity coefficients on the spreading pressure. Use of the binary pair Wilson or NRTL parameters allows the estimation of ternary mixture adsorption equilibrium, that is tested against the CBMC data on component loadings. In all investigated guest/host combinations, the RAST provides a good estimation of ternary mixture adsorption equilibrium.

Do citizens’ perspectives matter? A comparison of formal planning and local preferences for the deployment of renewable energies

ABSTRACT The aim of the study is to analyse the extent to which the spatial planning guidelines for renewable energies address the local people’s perception of a sustainable energy transition. Using the example of the municipality of Tettnang in southern Germany, the study focuses on GIS-based visualisations to investigate the spatial intensity to which the overarching formal specifications on land use have been imprinted on the local contexts and what options for alternative spatial concepts are left for the local population to promote the expansion of wind turbines and photovoltaics. In a further step, the methods of participatory mapping and supplementary interviews are used to analyse which spatial perceptions of a spatially balanced energy transition prevail at the local level. The study sample indicates that the specifications of higher-level spatial planning for renewable energies are not so far away from the spatial ideas of the local population as theoretical concepts assume. Rather, a high degree of criterial congruence was found between the interviewees informal and the overarching formal spatial concepts.

Management of a labial pleomorphic adenoma in the odontostomatology department of the Idrissa Pouye general hospital in Dakar

Pleomorphic adenoma of the salivary glands (formerly called mixed tumor) represents 60% of oral salivary tumors. The accessory salivary glands have their preferential location at the palate, the lips of the cheek and the oropharynx. At the level of the lips, this tumor most often affects the right upper lip.We report a case of pleomorphic adenoma of the right upper lip evolving for more than 4 years in a 70-year-old melanoderm patient who was referred to the odontostomatology department of the Idrissa Pouye General Hospital (HOGIP).The swelling was large, slightly exceeding the midline of the upper lip. The swelling measured approximately 20 cm from its long axis. It was firm, painless and did not bleed on contact and covered with a healthy-looking mucosa. The management was surgical under local anesthesia and the postoperative course was simple.Histological analysis specified that it was a well-limited nodular lesion, corresponding to a mixed epithelial and mesenchymal proliferation with a thin capsule in favor of a pleomorphic adenoma. No recurrence was observed 4 months after the operation.

Fair allocation of small-scale finfish mariculture zones in multi-use MPAs using multi criteria evaluation with stakeholder preferences

Mariculture zones in MPAs are primarily determined based on cost-effective/environmental criteria and rarely incorporate local community preferences. This study proposed a GIS-based site selection model to solve the conflicting issues in designing mariculture zones to support small-scale finfish farmers in MPAs. The work was undertaken in the Anambas Archipelago MPA to represent a commonly populated small-island MPA in Indonesia and other developing countries. A three-stage site selection model (constraint, site suitability, and stakeholder preference) with various criteria was employed using a modified parameter-specific suitability function (PSSF) with a non-weighted geometric mean. The stakeholder preference was used to counterbalance the dominance of environmental sub-models. The first stage analysis using the constraint sub-model determined that only 10.16% (1199.70 km2) of the total extent of the study area (11,811.77 km2) was categorized as feasible for finfish mariculture. The subsequent site suitability sub-model determined that only 32.3% (387 km2) and 30.1% (361.6 km2) of the feasible areas were classed best for finfish mariculture in dry and wet seasons, respectively. Areas classified as good covered 41.25% (494.9 km2) and 40.1% (481.65 km2) of the total feasible areas in the dry and wet seasons, respectively. The stakeholder preference sub-model had classified 33.21 km2 (2.77%) of the feasible area as the best sites that could be allocated as mariculture zones for the local community. The site selection model successfully incorporates multiple site selection parameters, addresses poor data availability and improves fair allocation of mariculture zone in the MPA via two specific approaches. The nature of the geometric mean prevents the allocation of suitable areas in the MPA-specific zones, such as core zones. Second, the stakeholder preference improves the fairness of the mariculture zone allocation due to the incorporation of local fish farmers' preferences. The proposed site selection model could be used to designate mariculture zones in a data-poor MPA environment and facilitate local communities in developing sustainable small-scale finfish mariculture in MPAs.

Epigaeic spiders (Araneae) from three habitats at Stryn, Nordfjord, Western Norway

One year of pitfall sampling in (A) a narrow strip of vegetation (junipers, Rosa sp., small pines) close to a river bank, (B) a cultivated medium humid meadow and (C) a humid deciduous forest (Alnus) with some grass on the ground collected a total of 25, 48 and 32 species, respectively (in total 67 species). Shannon indices of general diversity (ln e) were 1.8, 2.1 and 3.1, respectively. The three sites shared only 9 species, 57% of all species were found in only one locality. Similarity indices were low, especially between loc. A and C. Linyphiidae and Lycosidae were dominant. The latter were scarce in loc. B and C but common at loc. A (Pardosa palustris and P. amentata together comprising 43.5% of total) and net building species more scarce. The local distribution, co-existence, ecological and habitat preferences, seasonal activity and body size of some common species are briefly discussed. For some species, aspects of geographical distribution are discussed.

Selection of wines for wine lists in restaurants of Bosnia-Herzegovina: A comparative study

This study examines the wine list strategy preferences among restaurateurs in Bosnia and Herzegovina, focusing on identifying which criteria are deemed most and least important. A structured analysis categorizes strategies based on their frequency of selection as “Most Important” and “Least Important,” establishing a clear hierarchy of value among various criteria. The findings highlight two predominant strategies: “Preference for local wine” and “High reputation brand,” which is significant in the decision-making process. Restaurateurs consistently prioritize these strategies, with a dual emphasis on promoting local wine traditions and responding to market demands for reputable brands. The study underscores a pragmatic approach among Bosnian-Herzegovinian restaurateurs, who prioritize familiarity and perceived market security in their wine selections, potentially at the expense of enhancing gastronomic experiences and customer education. Further analysis using Z-scores confirmed the statistical significance of these findings, identifying Strategy Choices 4 and 6 with notably high Z-scores, indicating their distinct importance compared to other criteria. This quantitative approach enhances the understanding of how these strategies stand out within the surveyed context, emphasizing their relevance in shaping wine list strategies. The study contributes insights into the strategic decision-making processes of Bosnian-Herzegovinian restaurateurs regarding wine selection, highlighting the dominance of local wine preference and brand reputation considerations. It underscores potential areas for improvement in integrating gastronomic expertise and enhancing customer experiences, suggesting avenues for future research and strategic refinement in the local restaurant industry.

Single fluorogen imaging reveals distinct environmental and structural features of biomolecular condensates.

Biomolecular condensates are viscoelastic materials. Simulations predict that fluid-like condensations are defined by spatially inhomogeneous organization of the underlying molecules. Here, we test these predictions using single-fluorogen tracking and super-resolution imaging. Specifically, we leverage the localization and orientational preferences of freely diffusing fluorogens and the solvatochromic effect whereby specific fluorogens are turned on in response to condensate microenvironments. We deployed three different fluorogens to probe the microenvironments and molecular organization of different protein-based condensates. The spatiotemporal resolution and environmental sensitivity afforded by single-fluorogen imaging shows that the internal environments of condensates are more hydrophobic than coexisting dilute phases. Molecules within condensates are organized in a spatially inhomogeneous manner, and this gives rise to slow-moving nanoscale molecular clusters that coexist with fast-moving molecules. Fluorogens that localize preferentially to the interface help us map their distinct features. Our findings provide a structural and dynamical basis for the viscoelasticity of condensates.