Observation of the decay mode K_L -> pi^+ pi^- e^+ e^-

We report on results of an experimental search for the K_L -> pi^+ pi^- e^+ e^- decay mode. We found 13.5 +- 4.0 events and determined its branching ratio to be (4.4 +- 1.3(stat) +- 0.5(syst))*10^{-7}. The result agrees well with the theoretical prediction.Comment: 9 pages, 6 eps-figures, LaTeX2e, graphicx package, submitted to Physics Letters

Experimental search for the decay mode K_L -> pi^0 gamma e^+ e^-

We report on results of a search for the decay mode K_L -> pi^0 gamma e^+ e^- conducted by the E162 experiment at KEK. We observed no events and set a 90% confidence level upper limit of Br(K_L -> pi^0 gamma e^+ e^-)< 7.1x10^{-7} for its branching ratio. This is the first published experimental result on this decay mode.Comment: 10 pages, 4 figures, submitted to Physics Letters

The european water framework directive facing current challenges: recommendations for a more efficient biological assessment of inland surface waters

High quality water is vital for human life, and ensuring its availability is a basic requirement and a major societal aim. The Water Framework Directive (WFD; 2000/60/EC) is a key piece of legislation for the protection and sustainable use of water in the European Union. In this work we briefly review the WFD directive and the current status of European inland surface waters. Additionally, we summarize major challenges and threats for the biological assessment of inland surface waters under climate change effects and invasion by alien species, and highlight the emerging tools and approaches that might help improve biological assessments, including molecular indices based on environmental DNA (eDNA), to new data from the Earth Observation programmes, and data-sharing platforms. Finally, we present recommendations to improve monitoring systems and assessments in the context of the WFD. Developments in this field may increase the likelihood of assuring high quality water for societyFRESHING Project funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) and COMPETE (PTDC/AAG-MAA/ 2261/2014 – POCI-01-0145-FEDER-356 016824). AFF, AGR, and JPR were supported by FRESHING. FMSM was supported by FCT grant SFRH/BD/104703/2014. MJF was supported by the strategic project UID/MAR/04292/2013 granted to MAR

Patterns of habitat use of the endangered fish species Saramugo, Anaecypris hispanica, and the invasive Bleak, Alburnus alburnus: implications for native fish fauna conservation.

The Bleak (Alburnus alburnus) is an invasive fish occurring in high density in many streams and rivers of the Iberian Peninsula, namely in the Guadiana basin. Considering its invasive success, the coexistence with native species can led to negative impacts. Although this species has been considering a biological threat, there is still a lack of knowledge on many aspects of its bio-ecology in Mediterranean climate streams. This study was developed under the Life Project for the Conservation of Saramugo (Anaecypris hispanica) in the Guadiana River Basin and aimed to evaluate the potential impact of the Bleak on the Saramugo populations, considering the patterns of habitat use and distribution. Data were collected in the Guadiana river basin during the spring of 2015 and 2016. The patterns of habitat use, habitat preferences and overlap were quantified. The spatio-temporal variability of the Bleak captures was also evaluated. Saramugo exhibited habitat preferences for deep pools, medium/deep runs and fast riffles and the Bleak showed preference for medium /deep pools and medium/deep runs, resulting in a high habitat overlap between both species. Substrate type and vegetation elements were important for both species, though with distinct preferences. The Bleak performed seasonal movements in the river network that seems related to a dispersal strategy to assure the occupation of new stream areas. The obtained results contribute to support decision-making on the implementation of effective measures that selectively benefit the native fish fauna conservation

Efficacy of the MMP inhibitor MMI270 against lung metastasis following removal of orthotopically transplanted human colon cancer in rat.

We have investigated the antitumor effects of synthetic MMP inhibitor MMI270 against postoperative lung metastasis from colon cancer in nude rat. The KM12SM human colon cancer cells were injected into the cecal wall, and at 5 weeks after the injection, the cecum was removed including the tumor. Then, 30 mg/kg of MMI270 was administered perorally twice per day for 2 or 4 weeks, either immediately after removal or after week 2 after the removal. At week 7 after the removal, lung metastasis was significantly inhibited by the early administration of MMI270 immediately after the tumor removal but not by the late administration. The survival rates were significantly higher in the rats treated by early administration of MMI270 compared to the survival rate in untreated rats. Moreover, no lung metastasis was detected in some rats with 24-weeks' survival treated by early administration. Lower microvessel density, lower PCNA Index and higher Apoptotic Index in the lung metastases of the rats treated with MMI270 were found compared to those in untreated rats. A beneficial effect of by early administration of MMI270 against postoperative lung metastases may be expected through inhibiting neovascularization of metastases in nude rat