Abstract: Cyclic peptides of formula (1): ##STR1## Wherein: AA1 is an L or D amino acid selected from Ile and Leu or amino acid analogue thereof; AA2 is an L amino acid selected from Leu or amino acids analogue thereof; AA3 is an L amino acid selected from Asp or amino acid analogue thereof containing a carboxy group in its side chain; AA4 is an L amino acid selected from Val or amino acid analogue thereof and; LINKER represents a linking moiety for linking N terminus of AA1 to C terminus of AA4 to form a cyclic peptide containing a heterocyclic ring having 17 to 30 members. The cyclic peptides inhibit the interaction of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and fibronectin with integrin very late antigen 4 and have therapeutic applications such as in rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus is provided for energizing an electronic control unit mounted on a vehicle having a battery and a starter switch. The apparatus includes a coil connected to the power supply line, and a switch which operates for selectively enabling a current to flow through the coil and cutting off the current through the coil. A control circuit operates for selectively changing the switch between an ON state and an OFF state when the starter switch assumes an ON position. The ON and OFF states alternate in accordance with predetermined delays.