Leoni (Germany)

ABSTRACT Three waves of a national probability-based panel survey of U.S. adults are used to assess citizens’ perceptions of the 2024 debates. A new measure of debate-generated consonance–dissonance, consisting of a combination of predebate candidate support and candidate performance perceptions, is introduced. Experiential and instrumental attitudes toward the Harris–Trump debate, along with perceptions of debate exposure affecting vote likelihood, are the study’s dependent variables. Results show the dissonance generated by Biden’s June 27th debate performance having a sizable impact on perceptions of the importance of the Harris–Trump debate, and attitudes toward the Harris–Trump debate predict vote likelihood perceptions.

In the European Union's electricity wholesale markets, energy is traded across large bidding zones, which, in most cases coincide with national borders: the so-called zonal markets. Within each market zone, energy flows are supposed to be free of transmission constraints. However, in some cases transmission constraints exist, implying an inefficient mismatch between demand and supply in different areas where the zonal market holds. Does transition to a more homogeneous multi-zonal market change equilibrium prices by facilitating a better balance between demand and supply when transmission constraints hold? We answer this question, by testing if the market re-configuration from one bidding zone to four zones, together with the commitment to not limit export with the neighboring countries, which took place in Sweden in November 2011, implied a change in prices. We perform a Regression Discontinuity in Time (RDiT) to compare change in prices in the four zones of Sweden. We find that, after November 2011, electricity prices increase across all zones with a stronger effect in SE3 and SE4 (southern Sweden).

Summary This study presents a comprehensive spatiotemporal assessment of aerosol air pollution in Kyiv during 2024, integrating data from ground-based public monitoring stations and Sentinel-5P satellite observations. The focus was on PM2.5 and PM10 particle concentrations and their relationship with the Absorbing Aerosol Index (AAI), particularly in the context of both typical urban emissions and additional pollution episodes caused by wartime activities such as missile strikes, explosions, and fires. Aerosol air pollution data were collected from seven SaveEcoBot stations in Kyiv. Hourly measurements were aggregated into daily and monthly averages. The annual mean concentrations were 14.64 ± 9.05 μg/m3 for PM2.5 and 23.06 ± 14.85 μg/m3 for PM10, generally remaining within EU air quality limits. Nevertheless, several peak exceedances were observed, particularly in spring (March) and autumn (September). Satellite-derived AAI values over Kyiv in 2024 averaged −0.44 ± 0.51. Seasonal dynamics revealed the lowest (most negative) AAI values during summer, while higher (less negative) values occurred in late autumn and winter-indicating increased loads of UV-absorbing aerosols likely associated with combustion products. Statistically significant correlations were found between monthly AAI and ground-based concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10, supporting the complementary use of satellite data for assessing air pollution trends. Despite daily-scale discrepancies due to differences in measurement altitude and emission origin, the combined data revealed spatial pollution hotspots in densely built-up areas with high traffic and limited greenery. The findings emphasize the importance of integrating remote sensing and ground-based approaches for monitoring urban air quality under conditions of environmental and military stress.

Summary The Ionian Zone (IZ) of Albania and north-western Greece forms part of the Albanides–Hellenides fold-and-thrust belt (FTB), one of the main mountain systems of the eastern Mediterranean. Its structure is strongly influenced by Upper Triassic evaporites, which acted both as detachments for thrusting and as mobile layers that developed into pillows, diapirs, and salt walls with small minibasins. Above a thick succession of Triassic to Eocene carbonates lies an Oligocene–Miocene flysch, all repeated by west-verging thrust sheets. Alpine deformation began in the late Oligocene and continues today in the external IZ. This study integrates field observations, borehole data, seismic profiles, and physical modelling to investigate how evaporites controlled deformation. Seismic interpretation provides the most novel results, based on newly acquired profiles migrated to depth using velocities derived from borehole data and laboratory measurements. These sections offer the first image of the deep structure of the IZ by directly linking surface geology with subsurface architecture. They reveal salt detachments, welds, and deep-rooted diapirs incorporated into thrust stacks. The analysis shows how Triassic evaporites influenced both shallow and crustal-scale deformation. Borehole information further indicates systematic lateral variations in evaporite lithology, with halite-rich successions in the west and gypsum–anhydrite units to the east. Experimental models of salt structures shortened under contraction closely reproduce the geometries observed in the seismic data and in the IZ. The agreement between analogue models and natural examples confirms that precursor diapirs were present and fundamental in localising later Alpine shortening. These results emphasise the central role of Triassic salt in the deformation of the Ionian Zone and provide new insights into salt tectonics in fold-and-thrust belts, with implications for hydrocarbon exploration and potential geological storage.

Every state exists to protect the freedoms and rights of children. This universally recognized norm has gained worldwide recognition. The protection of children's rights in international law deserves special attention. The article highlights the problematic issues of child rights protection at the global level. These issues are essential in international law, as they extend to the entire world. International law on the protection of children's rights and freedoms makes it possible to address urgent problems of implementation and improvement of the organizational and legal framework for preventing violations of children's rights. This includes the study of legal reform in the world and Ukraine and the harmonization of national legislation with international law. Nowadays, the protection of children's rights and freedoms is critical since children in Ukraine are forced to make significant efforts to get even an education. However, according to international law, every child should grow up in peaceful and safe conditions. The research was conducted using the historical method, the method of comparison, analysis, and the systematic method. The analysis of the theory and practice of child rights violations as an urgent and global problem in Ukraine and worldwide will improve legal consciousness and awareness. This will make it possible to avoid offenses and draw attention to the mandatory consideration of international norms. It is worth noting that the problems that arise in our country today need to be addressed at the global level, as children are our future, and they need to grow and develop in a safe, peaceful, and harmonious environment. Children need support and care for their growth and the formation of the ideology of the rule of law and legal awareness. The freedoms and rights of children should be in the first place, both at the national and international levels.

Background: Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) improves long-term outcome in patients presenting with large ischemic core but is associated with early neurological worsening (ENW), potentially related to cerebral edema post-reperfusion. We investigated whether EVT increases edema development, and the relationship between edema and ENW in a secondary analysis of the SELECT2 trial. Methods: SELECT 2 tested the efficacy and safety of EVT versus medical therapy in patients with large ischemic core (ASPECTS 3-5 or core volume ≥50ml on CT Perfusion[CTP]/MR diffusion). Core volume was defined as the larger of the CTP-CBF relative cerebral blood flow <30% or the visible hypodensity on non-contrast CT. Cerebral edema was measured as the maximum midline shift (MLS) on 24h follow-up MRI or CT. ENW was defined as >=4 point worsening in NIHSS at 24h compared to baseline. Probabilistic index model was used in multivariable analyses to assess ≥1 point improvement on modified Rankin Scale at 90-days. Results: After exclusion of 10 patients with hemicraniectomy, the median MLS in 327 patients was 2.75mm (IQR 0-5.85) in EVT and 0mm (IQR 0-4.02) in control patients (p=0.005). EVT was independently associated with greater MLS (adjusted odds ratio, aOR 1.50, 95%CI 1.17-1.92, p=0.0012) after adjusting for age and core volume. There was no interaction between EVT and core volume on the association with MLS (p>0.79). Patient with ENW had greater MLS (5.05mm [IQR2.06-10.2] vs 0mm [IQR0-3.94, p<0.001]) MLS was associated with development of ENW (aOR 1.22, 95%CI 1.13-1.32, p<0.001), and lower likelihood of long-term functional improvement (adjusted generalized OR 0.96, 95%CI 0.92-0.97, p<0.001, adjusted for core volume, EVT, age and baseline NIHSS). Sensitivity analysis testing alternative definitions of core volume (CTP core volume only and Hypodensity on non-contrast only) showed concordant results. Conclusion: In patients presenting with large ischemic core, EVT was associated with increased cerebral edema at 24h which, in turn, was associated with ENW. Despite overall benefit of EVT, EVT-related edema is independently associated with neurological deterioration and long-term disability and is therefore a potential treatment target to improve EVT outcomes.

Rationale: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterised by vasoconstriction and remodelling of pulmonary vessels, leading to elevated pulmonary arterial pressure and right ventricular (RV) hypertrophy. PI 3-kinase γ (PI3Kγ) is expressed in leukocytes, cardiomyocytes, and endothelial cells (EC) which are all involved in the pathogenesis of PH. The catalytic function of PI3Kγ is involved in leukocyte recruitment and EC proliferation which are important for vascular remodelling and maladaptive cardiac hypertrophy whereas its non-catalytic function affects cardiac contractility via cAMP signaling. Furthermore, inactivation of PI3Kγ impairs nitric oxide production by eNOS, which may lead to increased vascular resistance. Therefore, we investigated the role of both catalytic and non-catalytic functions of PI3Kγ in the pathogenesis of PH. Methods: PI3Kγ knockout mice (PI3Kγ -/- ), as well as mice with a catalytically inactive form of PI3Kγ (PI3Kγ KD/KD ) were exposed to hypoxia-induced PH (21 days at 10% O 2 hypoxia (HOX)). Systolic right ventricular pressure (RVSP) was measured using a Millar pressure catheter inserted via the jugular vein. RV hypertrophy was determined by Fulton's index. Results: PI3Kγ -/- mice showed significantly increased RVSP after hypoxia compared to WT controls (HOX WT 34.16±3.21 mmHg vs HOX PI3Kγ -/- 37.04±2.31 mmHg; p=0.0049). Already under normoxia (NOX), an increased RVSP was measured in PI3Kγ -/- mice (NOX WT 26.13±1.2mmHg vs. NOX PI3Kγ -/- 28.07±0.88 mmHg, p=0.0157). A significant increase in RVSP was also detected in PI3Kγ KD/KD (HOX WT 34.67±2.02 mmHg vs. HOX PI3Kγ KD/KD 37.95±1.39 mmHg; p=0.0228). Here, a significant increase in RV hypertrophy was evident for PI3Kγ KD/KD mice (HOX WT 0.38±0.06 vs. HOX PI3Kγ KD/KD 0.46±0.09; p=0.0037) which was not detected in PI3Kγ -/- compared to WT controls after hypoxia. Conclusion: The results show that both catalytic and non-catalytic inactivation of PI3Kγ in vivo do not counteract the pathogenesis of PH, but conversely enhance it. In this context, reduced phosphorylation of eNOS may play a crucial role, leading to increased vasoconstriction, whereas increased cAMP levels in PI3Kγ -/- may help the RV to adapt to the increased pressure. The exact mechanisms will be analysed in the future.

BackgroundThe early life origins of chronic pulmonary diseases are thought to arise in peripheral small airways. Predictors of ventilation inhomogeneity, a proxy of peripheral airway function, are understudied in schoolchildren.Research QuestionIs the double-tracer gas single-breath washout (DTG-SBW) measurement feasible in a pediatric field study setting? What are the predictors of the DTG-SBW-derived ventilation inhomogeneity estimate in unselected schoolchildren?Study Design and MethodsIn this prospective cross-sectional field study, a mobile lung function testing unit visited participating schools in Switzerland. We applied DTG-SBW, fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (Feno), and spirometry measurements. The DTG-SBW is based on tidal inhalation of helium and sulfur-hexafluoride, and the phase III slope (SIIIHe-SF6) is derived. We assessed feasibility, repeatability, and associations of SIIIHe-SF6 with the potential predictors of anthropometrics, presence of wheeze (ie, parental report of one or more episode of wheeze in the prior year), Feno, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC.ResultsIn 1,782 children, 5,223 DTG-SBW trials were obtained. The DTG-SBW was acceptable in 1,449 children (81.3%); the coefficient of variation was 39.8%. SIIIHe-SF6 was independently but weakly positively associated with age and BMI. In 276 children (21.2%), wheeze was reported. SIIIHe-SF6 was higher by 0.049 g.mol.L−1 in children with wheeze compared with those without and remained associated with wheeze after adjusting for age and BMI in a multivariable linear regression model. SIIIHe-SF6 was not associated with Feno, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC.InterpretationThe DTG-SBW is feasible in a pediatric field study setting. On the population level, age, body composition, and wheeze are independent predictors of peripheral airway function in unselected schoolchildren. The variation of the DTG-SBW possibly constrains its current applicability on the individual level.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT03659838; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov

Apesar de incentivos a partir de políticas públicas, expressas em dispositivos constitucionais e metas globais, direcionadas a garantir a equidade de acesso entre homens e mulheres, a desigualdade de gênero é uma realidade em quase todos os países, especialmente entre aqueles com maior desigualdade social. Há um longo caminho a percorrer diante de uma condição sócio histórica de desigualdades. Pesquisas sobre questões de gênero no ensino superior, buscam compreender e revelar impasses, que poderão nortear ações efetivas e novos caminhos. Todavia, poucos são os estudos que buscam identificar as lacunas que também compõem este cenário de disputa, avanços e retrocessos, desde a educação básica.O presente trabalho objetivou iniciar uma investigação através de pesquisa quantitativa sobre o tema com duas turmas da educação básica. Os resultados iniciais mostraram dados preocupantes relacionados à invisibilidade de mulheres cientistas e à descrença sobre as descobertas científicas, mas também revelaram que a escola é o principal e talvez o único canal de divulgação e comunicação científica para os jovens, que estão cada vez menos interessados no tema. A pesquisa quantitativa, se mostrou como importante ferramenta para uma investigação inicial e permitiu observar aspectos ainda não percebidos pela comunidades escolar, o que norteará ações mais efetivas junto aos estudantes e novas possibilidades de pesquisas. Ao comparar as respostas das turmas de dois segmentos distintos 801-EF2 e 2001-EM, observou-se que os maisjovens demonstram mais interesse pela ciência. Este resultado sugere que ações relativas ao tema devam ocorrer cada vez mais cedo nos diferentes segmentos da educação básica.