Abstract: A start threshold value for rollover prevention control is changed based upon a ratio between an actual lateral G and a reference lateral G. Accordingly, the ratio between the actual lateral G and the reference lateral G is a parameter that indicates a vehicle condition, i.e., the potential for vehicle rollover that includes both the vehicle weight and the center of gravity height. It is therefore possible to set a start threshold value that considers the vehicle weight, center of gravity height and the like.

Abstract: According to the invention, techniques for automatically adjusting for astigmatism in a charged particle beam apparatus. Embodiments according to the present invention can provide a charged particle beam apparatus and an automatic astigmatism adjustment methods capable of automatically correcting astigmatism and a focal point in a relatively short period of time by finding a plurality of astigmatism correction quantities and a focal point correction quantity in a single operation from a relatively small number of 2 dimensional images. Specific embodiments can perform such automatic focusing while minimizing damages inflicted on subject samples. Embodiments include, among others, a charged particle optical system for carrying out an inspection, a measurement and a fabrication with a relatively high degree of accuracy by using a charged particle beam.

Abstract: Charged-particle beam arrangements (e.g., apparatus and methods) for automatically correcting astigmatism and for height detection.

Abstract: Disclosing a promoter of the protease MDTS9, which is induced by TGF-?, which is involved in the metabolism of extracellular matrix, and in which the expression of the gene thereof is elevated in renal failure model animals, which promoter is useful as a tool for screening an agent for treating and/or preventing chronic renal failure, as well as a method for screening an agent for treating and/or preventing chronic renal failure by selecting an inhibitor of the promoter.

Abstract: According to the invention, techniques for automatically adjusting for astigmatism in a charged particle beam apparatus. Embodiments according to the present invention can provide a charged particle beam apparatus and an automatic astigmatism adjustment methods capable of automatically correcting astigmatism and a focal point in a relatively short period of time by finding a plurality of astigmatism correction quantities and a focal point correction quantity in a single operation from a relatively small number of 2 dimensional images. Specific embodiments can perform such automatic focusing while minimizing damages inflicted on subject samples. Embodiments include, among others, a charged particle optical system for carrying out an inspection, a measurement and a fabrication with a relatively high degree of accuracy by using a charged particle beam.

Abstract: A screening tool and a screening method for a therapeutic agent for type II diabetes, particularly an agent for alleviating insulin resistance are disclosed. A novel polypeptide, a polynucleotide, a vector, a promoter, and a transformant which are useful in the screening tool and the screening method, are also disclosed.

Abstract: According to the invention, techniques for automatically adjusting for astigmatism in a charged particle beam apparatus. Embodiments according to the present invention can provide a charged particle beam apparatus and an automatic astigmatism adjustment methods capable of automatically correcting astigmatism and a focal point in a relatively short period of time by finding a plurality of astigmatism correction quantities and a focal point correction quantity in a single operation from a relatively small number of 2 dimensional images. Specific embodiments can perform such automatic focusing while minimizing damages inflicted on subject samples. Embodiments include, among others, a charged particle optical system for carrying out an inspection, a measurement and a fabrication with a relatively high degree of accuracy by using a charged particle beam.

Abstract: In order to provide a charged-particle beam apparatus and an automatic astigmatism adjustment method that are capable of adjusting astigmatism and a focus in a short period of time and with a high degree of precision, the present invention implements fast, precise and automatic astigmatism and focus adjustment by detection of an astigmatic difference's direction and magnitude as well as a focal offset in processing to process a small number of 2-dimensional pictures obtained by varying a focus in two different scanning directions, and by transformation of the direction and magnitude into two kinds of astigmatism correction quantity to be used for correction of the astigmatism as well as transformation of the focal offset into a focus correction quantity to be used for correction of the focus.

Abstract: A driving torque control apparatus has a first differential restraining device which restrains a rotational speed differential between front-left and front-right wheels by adjusting driving torque to be transmitted from a power source mounted on a four-wheel drive vehicle to each of the front-left and front-right wheels, and a second differential restraining device which restrains a rotational speed differential between rear-left and rear-right wheels by adjusting driving torque to be transmitted from the power source to each of the rear-left and rear-right wheels. An adjustment of driving torque by the second differential restraining device is executed in preference to an adjustment of driving torque by the first differential restraining device.

Abstract: A wheel speed differential with another wheel of each of several wheels is determined as a parameter for brake-adjustment use, and driving torque conveyed respectively from an engine to the several wheels is adjusted by braking torque determined on a basis of the parameter for brake-adjustment use so as to restrain the wheel-speed differential. In such a driving torque control, the engine output is reduced if the braking torque is excessive. Therefore, load to the brake apparatus and drivetrain caused by engine output can be reduced. Thus, deterioration of the durability of the brake apparatus and drivetrain can be prevented.

Abstract: Self-suction pumps are driven to take in brake fluid from a master-cylinder side before performing brake TRC control when at a low temperature and moreover when a vehicle is stopped. During driving of these self-suction pumps, pressure-increasing control valves and pressure-reducing control valves are both opened and brake fluid is accumulated in reservoirs. Because of this, an amount of pump discharge employed in brake TRC control when at a low temperature is assured, and responsiveness of brake TRC control is enhanced.

Abstract: A shock absorber is connected between a vehicle body and a vehicle wheel. The shock absorber provides a variable damping force. A control apparatus for the shock absorber includes an actuator for adjusting the damping force provided by the shock absorber. A vibration detecting device serves to detect a relative vibration between a spring upper member and a spring lower member. A damping-factor estimating device serves to estimate a damping factor of the shock absorber. A speed estimating device serves to estimate an absolute speed of the spring upper member on the basis of the relative vibration detected by the vibration detecting device and the damping force estimated by the damping-force estimating device. A signal setting device serves to set a drive signal of the actuator on the basis of the absolute spring upper member speed estimated by the speed estimating device.

Abstract: A suspension control system for an automotive vehicle is provided which is operable to control transmission of vibratory energy from a road surface to a vehicle body. This suspension control system includes a variable damping force shock absorber, a vertical speed sensor which detects vertical speed of the vehicle body, a relative displacement speed sensor which detects the relative displacement between the vehicle body and a road wheel, and a damping force control unit which is operable to modify a damping force of the variable damping force shock absorber over a range from preselected maximum to minimum values based on the vertical speed and the relative displacement speed.

Abstract: A shock absorber damping force control system for a vehicle employs at least a high-frequency component included in sprung mass vibration as a factor to control a damping force of a shock absorber. The system provides a lower damping force of the shock absorber with a larger magnitude of the high-frequency component when signs of a sprung mass velocity and a relative velocity between a sprung mass and an unsprung mass coincide with each other. A low-frequency component may also be employed as a factor to control the damping force of the shock absorber. The system provides a lower damping force with a larger ratio of the high-frequency component relative to the low-frequency component when signs of the sprung mass velocity and the relative velocity coincide with each other.