Abstract: Disclosed is a set of genetic polymorphisms linked to optic neuropathy including glaucoma and Leber's disease. Those polymorphisms are useful for diagnosing and predicting susceptibility to optic neuropathy.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automobile equipped with an engine having an electronically-controlled throttle valve adapted to have an opening angle which is controlled according to an accelerator-pedal depression amount. The engine further includes an accelerator pedal sensor, an actuator adapted to selectively open and close the throttle valve, and a controller. The controller is adapted to calculate a target throttle opening angle corresponding to the accelerator-pedal depression amount, and output a continuous control signal corresponding to the target throttle opening angle, to the actuator. The controller is operable, in a traveling environment of the automobile or an operating condition of the engine where a required engine power is less than an engine power corresponding to the target throttle opening angle, to convert the continuous control signal into a pulsed control signal, and output the pulsed control signal to the actuator.

Abstract: In an electric vehicle, a power unit is installed in an internal space region of a tire of each of front and rear wheels. The unit has a plurality of power elements arranged on an inner peripheral surface of a ground contact portion of the tire. Each of the elements includes a core made of a permalloy, and a power coil wound around the core. When a periodically-changing magnetic field is generated in a region above a road by an electric supply arrangement installed in the road, each of the elements generates electric power. This electric power is supplied to a motor of the vehicle through a power distribution system. The motor drives front wheels. The electric vehicle can continuously run over long distances without charging a battery at a buttery station.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automobile equipped with an engine having an electronically-controlled throttle valve adapted to have an opening angle which is controlled according to an accelerator-pedal depression amount. The engine further includes an accelerator pedal sensor, an actuator adapted to selectively open and close the throttle valve, and a controller. The controller is adapted to calculate a target throttle opening angle corresponding to the accelerator-pedal depression amount, and output a continuous control signal corresponding to the target throttle opening angle, to the actuator. The controller is operable, in a traveling environment of the automobile or an operating condition of the engine where a required engine power is less than an engine power corresponding to the target throttle opening angle, to convert the continuous control signal into a pulsed control signal, and output the pulsed control signal to the actuator.

Abstract: The invention achieves certain advantages in pharmaceutical development over large multinational companies by forming a multilateral alliance of independent entities, each with their own geographical focus. In accordance with the invention, a method is provided whereby multiple entities, within the coverage of a common patent portfolio, undertake their own research and development in their own territory. Under a second feature of the invention, the entities may each utilize the information obtained by the others in order to advance their own development program.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for diagnosing or predicting susceptibility to a psychiatric disorder in an individual, which comprises confirming molecular diversity and/or subcellular distribution of DISC 1 in the cell from the individual. In addition, a novel risk haplotype of DISC1 for psychiatric disorder is also provided.