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We consider a Bayesian multi‐model fault slip estimation (BMMFSE), which incorporates many candidates of the underground structure (Earth structure and plate boundary geometry) model characterized by a prior probability density function (PDF). The technique is used to study long‐term slow slip events (L‐SSEs) that occurred beneath the Bungo Channel, southwest Japan, in around 2010 and 2018. We here focus on the two advantages of BMMFSE: First, it allows for estimating slip distribution without introducing relatively strong prior information such as smoothing constraints, by combining a fully Bayesian inference and better consideration of model uncertainty to avoid overfitting. Second, the posterior PDF for the underground structure is also obtained during the fault slip estimation, which can be used as priors for the estimation of slip distribution for recurring events. The estimated slip distribution obtained using BMMFSE agreed better with the distribution of deep tectonic tremors at the down‐dip side of the main rupture area than those based on stronger prior constraints when the corresponding Coulomb failure stress changes are compared. This finding suggests a mechanical relationship between the L‐SSE and the synchronized tremors. The use of the posterior PDF of the underground structure estimated for the 2010 L‐SSE as prior PDF for the 2018 event resulted in more consistent estimation with the data, indicated by a smaller value of an information criterion. Plain Language Summary: This study attempts to accurately estimate the slow motion between two plates, which does not produce seismic waves and is known as slow slip events (SSEs), targeting those occurred in southwest Japan. This was accomplished by analyzing satellite data of ground movement during the SSEs using a novel approach called the Bayesian multi‐model fault slip estimation (BMMFSE) framework, which considers multiple candidates of assumptions for Earth structures. BMMFSE stabilizes the analysis and removes artifacts from the estimation results which are otherwise introduced because of the choice of a wrong Earth model. These advantages were validated by comparing the estimation results obtained based on previous approaches that do not consider multiple Earth models. The result of BMMFSE exhibited spatial distributions of motion between plates that are more consistent with other slow earthquakes which occurred synchronously in the nearby fault. In addition, BMMFSE improved the consistency of the estimates with the data by taking over the model uncertainty in the sequential analysis of repeated SSEs. Key Points: Fault slip distributions for slow slip events (SSE) at southwest Japan were estimated considering the uncertainty of underground structureThe mechanical relationship between the SSEs and synchronized tectonic tremors are better justified than in previous studiesInformation criterion indicates that estimates for recurring SSEs taking over model uncertainty result in better consistency with the data [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose The differences in the characteristics of thymus histology, coexisting autoimmune diseases and related autoantibodies between anti-muscle-specific receptor tyrosine kinase ( Mu SK)-antibody ( Ab)-positive myasthenia gravis ( MG) patients, and anti-acetylcholine receptor ( ACh R)- Ab-positive MG patients are not clearly defined. Methods The types of thymus histology, coexisting autoimmune diseases and associated Abs in 83 Mu SK- Ab-positive patients nationwide were investigated and were compared with those in ACh R- Ab-positive patients followed at our institute ( n = 83). As for the autoantibodies associated with thymoma, titin Abs were measured. Results Thymoma was not present in any of the Mu SK- Ab-positive patients but presented in 21 patients (25.3%) amongst the ACh R- Ab-positive patients. Titin Abs were absent in Mu SK- Ab-positive patients but positive in 25 (30.1%) of the ACh R- Ab-positive patients. Concomitant autoimmune diseases were present in eight Mu SK- Ab-positive patients (9.6%) amongst whom Hashimoto's thyroiditis and rheumatoid arthritis predominated, whereas 22 ACh R- Ab-positive patients (26.5%) had one or more concomitant autoimmune diseases of which Graves' disease predominated. Conclusions Differences in frequency of thymoma and thymic hyperplasia, coexisting autoimmune diseases and autoantibody positivity between Mu SK- Ab-positive and ACh R- Ab-positive MG were indicated, suggesting that, in contrast with ACh R- Ab-positive MG, thymus does not seem to be involved in the pathogenic mechanisms of Mu SK- Ab-positive MG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a well established treatment for severe obesity and type 2 diabetes. Although the gut microbiota is linked to the efficacy of LSG, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. The effect of LSG for morbid obesity on the gut microbiota and bile acids was assessed here. Methods: Severely obese subjects who were candidates for LSG were included and followed until 6 months after surgery. The composition and abundance of the microbiota and bile acids in faeces were assessed by 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing, quantitative PCR and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Results: In total, 28 patients with a mean(s.d.) BMI of 44·2(6·6) kg/m2 were enrolled. These patients had achieved excess weight loss of 53·2(19·0) per cent and showed improvement in metabolic diseases by 6 months after LSG, accompanied by an alteration in the faecal microbial community. The increase in α‐diversity and abundance of specific taxa, such as Rikenellaceae and Christensenellaceae, was strongly associated with reduced faecal bile acid levels. These changes had a significant positive association with excess weight loss and metabolic alterations. However, the total number of faecal bacteria was lower in patients before (mean(s.d.) 10·26(0·36) log10 cells per g faeces) and after (10·39(0·29) log10 cells per g faeces) operation than in healthy subjects (10·83(0·27) log10 cells per g faeces). Conclusion: LSG is associated with a reduction in faecal bile acids and greater abundance of specific bacterial taxa and α‐diversity that may contribute to the metabolic changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We observed three γ -ray bursts related to thunderclouds in winter using the prototype of anti-neutrino detector PANDA made of 360-kg plastic scintillator deployed at Ohi Power Station at the coastal area of the Japan Sea. The maximum rate of the events which deposited the energy higher than 3 MeV was ( 5.5 ± 0.1 ) × 10 2 /s . Monte Carlo simulation showed that electrons with approximately monochromatic energy falling downwards from altitudes of order 100 m roughly produced the observed total energy spectra of the bursts. It is supposed that secondary cosmic-ray electrons, which act as seed, were accelerated in electric field of thunderclouds and multiplied by relativistic runaway electron avalanche. We actually found that the γ -rays of the bursts entered into the detector from the direction close to the zenith. The direction stayed constant during the burst within the detector resolution. In addition, taking advantage of the delayed coincidence detection of the detector, we found neutron events in one of the bursts at the maximum rate of ∼ 14 ± 5 /s . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We developed a segmented reactor-antineutrino detector made of plastic scintillators for application as a tool in nuclear safeguards inspection and performed mostly unmanned field operations at a commercial power plant reactor. At a position outside the reactor building, we measured the difference in reactor antineutrino flux above the ground when the reactor was active and inactive. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We propose a new type segmented antineutrino detector made of plastic scintillators for the nuclear safeguard application. A small prototype was built and tested to measure background events. A satisfactory unmanned field operation of the detector system was demonstrated. Besides, a detailed Monte Carlo simulation code was developed to estimate the antineutrino detection efficiency of the detector. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The efficacy of rabeprazole sodium 20 mg/d for the treatment of reflux esophagitis has been demonstrated in several studies in Japan. However, studies of rabeprazole sodium 10 mg/d are lacking.Objective: This study was conducted to assess the efficacy and tolerability of rabeprazole 10 mg/d for the treatment of reflux esophagitis.Methods: Patients diagnosed with reflux esophagitis in routine clinical practice were enrolled in this single-center, open-label, practice-based, post-marketing surveillance investigation. Patients were to receive 10 mg of rabeprazole once daily for 8 weeks. The efficacy of rabeprazole was assessed on the basis of symptoms and endoscopic findings in accordance with the modified Los Angeles classification. Tolerability was assessed using subjective symptoms recorded before, during, and after treatment.Results: Of a total of 61 patients enrolled in this study, 47 (77%; 29 men, 18 women; mean age, 63 years) were included in the efficacy and tolerability analyses. Fourteen (23%) patients, including 5 (8.2%) patients who were treated with rabeprazole 20 mg/d, were excluded from the analyses. Endoscopic examinations were performed before and after treatment in 32 of 47 (68.1%) patients; mucosal lesions were healed in 20 of 32 (62.5%) patients after rabeprazole treatment. In patients with mild mucosal lesions prior to treatment, complete remission was achieved in 17 of 24 (70.8%) patients after treatment. Rates of improvement of symptoms were as follows: epigastralgia, 76%; heartburn, 76.7%; dull pain in the esophagus, 86.7%; and belching, 72.2%. Rabeprazole was well tolerated throughout the study; no serious symptomatic adverse events were reported. Although 1 case each of elevated alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase levels were reported, these changes were mild and improved after continuous treatment with rabeprazole.Conclusion: In this study, rabeprazole 10 mg/d was well tolerated and was shown to have satisfactory efficacy in the healing of esophagitis and the relief of the symptoms of esophagitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]