An on-board train positioning and train integrity system combining inertial sensors and tachometer generators has been developed to detect train position and presence in a section using a radio train control system. In this system, curves and slopes which are registered as distinctive points on the track in an on-board database are used to detect train position and calculate train length. Additionally, train splitting can also be detected by the difference in acceleration between the head vehicle and the tail vehicle. Running tests using fail-safe processors equipped with these functions have demonstrated the feasibility of this system.
A 68-year-old woman developed systemic blisters while receiving treatment for nephrotic syndrome. As she also developed marked liver dysfunction and disseminated intravascular coagulation, she was admitted to our hospital. She was diagnosed with varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection. Treatment was administered in the intensive-care unit, but the patient died on day 24 post-admission after severe VZV infection. A post-mortem examination showed micro-abscesses and necrosis caused by varicella zoster infection in multiple organs, including the liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract. Because VZV infection can become severe in immunocompromised patients, careful consideration is needed for the prevention and treatment of the viral infection.