Virological aspects of Epstein-Barr virus infections.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is usually maintained in an asymptomatic and latent form by the host immune system, and primarily by EBV-specific cytotoxic T cells (CTLs). However, EBV has been linked to several refractory diseases such as EBV-associated hemophagocytic syndrome(EBV-AHS) and chronic active EBV infection (CAEBV). In these ectopic diseases, EBV infects T/NK cells, causing severe immunodeficiency with a very high EBV load. In recent years, the laboratory procedure to assess these types of EBV infections has been improved. In particular, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been used to quantify the EBV load, and the MHC: peptide tetramer assay has been used to quantitate EBV-specific CTLs; these tests have been employed for the management of the illnesses associated with EBV infection. Here, we have reviewed the recent progress in the clinical application of these assays. The pathogenesis of EBV-infected T/NK cells, and the host immune response to infection, including the roles carried out by innate immunity and inflammatory cytokines, are likely to be revealed in the future.</p

TWO DUAL PAIR METHODS IN THE STUDY OF GENERALIZED WHITTAKER MODELS FOR IRREDUCIBLE HIGHEST WEIGHT MODULES

This is the proceedings of the 2nd Japanese-German Symposium on Infinite Dimensional Harmonic Analysis held from September 20th to September 24th 1999 at the Department of Mathematics of Kyoto University.この論文集は, 1999年9月20日から9月24日の日程で京都大学理学研究科数学教室において開催された第2回日独セミナー「無限次元調和解祈」の成果をもとに編集されたものである.編集 : ハーバート・ハイヤー, 平井 武, 尾畑 信明Editors: Herbert Heyer, Takeshi Hirai, Nobuaki Obata #e

Safety of Acupuncture Practice in Japan: Patient Reactions, Therapist Negligence and Error Reduction Strategies

Evidence-based approach on the safety of acupuncture had been lagging behind both in the West and the East, but reliable data based on some prospective surveys were published after the late 1990s. In the present article, we, focusing on ‘Japanese acupuncture’, review relevant case reports and prospective surveys on adverse events in Japan, assess the safety of acupuncture practice in this country, and suggest a strategy for reducing the therapists’ error. Based on the prospective surveys, it seems reasonable to suppose that serious adverse events are rare in standard practice by adequately trained acupuncturists, regardless of countries or modes of practice. Almost all of adverse reactions commonly seen in acupuncture practice—such as fatigue, drowsiness, aggravation, minor bleeding, pain on insertion and subcutaneous hemorrhage—are mild and transient, although we should be cautious of secondary injury following drowsiness and needle fainting. After demonstrating that acupuncture is inherently safe, we have been focusing on how to reduce the risk of negligence in Japan, as well as educating acupuncturists more about safe depth of insertion and infection control. Incident reporting and feedback system is a useful strategy for reducing therapist errors such as forgotten needles. For the benefit of acupuncture patients in Japan, it is important to establish mandatory postgraduate clinical training and continued education system

GIS-based Forecast of Landscape Changes with the Ito Land Readjustment Project

The purpose of the present research is to attempt consolidation of geographic information into the GIS regarding the Ito Land Readjustment Project presently being implemented in northern Kyushu in Japan, and forecast the landscape changes before/after comparison of the project. First, the topographic map, 50-meter mesh digital map (elevation), aerial photograph, land use map, project plan, land use zone plan, district plan, substitute lot plan and other geographic information of the project district were collected from various sources and systematized. Thereafter the data were aggregated using ArcGIS. Next, building and structure data before and after the project were prepared and height data of these buildings and structures were combined with the land elevation data. Then, the major view point fields in the district were selected, to examine the extent of the change of the visibility areas from these view point fields before and after the project. Moreover, focusing on the mountains in the visibility areas, we forecasted how much the visibility area of the mountains would decrease at each view point field after construction of the buildings and structures in the project implementation. Finally, we showed 3-D images of the project district using ArcScene, and investigated the extent of visibility of the mountain range sky line from each view point field as before/after comparison of the project.