Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered that compounds which modulate the ?-secretase enzyme to make more of the shorter, less toxic and less aggregation-prone A? peptides (such as A?37 and A?38), while making less of the longer and more toxic and aggregation-prone AB peptides (such as AB40 and AB42) are useful as gamma-secretase modulators. In addition, these GSM compounds have further been discovered to have the selective property of modulating the formation of various AB peptides, while not inhibiting the overall activity of the ?-secretase enzyme. Thus, such compounds do not impede other critical functions of the ?-secretase enzyme, such as generating fragments from Notch that appear to control gene expression and cell differentiation. Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, there are provided screening assays useful for determining whether test compounds have GSM activity; accordingly, invention assays facilitate the identification of new gamma-secretase modulators.

Abstract: A supplemental power supply system for supplying power to an electric engine. The system includes a generator for generating power, a charger coupled to the generator, wherein the charger provides charging power to a battery; and a drive module coupled to the generator, wherein the drive module provides power to an electric drive motor and wherein the battery simultaneously provides power to the electric drive motor.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered that compounds which modulate the ?-secretase enzyme to make more of the shorter, less toxic and less aggregation-prone A? peptides (such as A?37 and A?38), while making less of the longer and more toxic and aggregation-prone AB peptides (such as AB40 and AB42) are useful as gamma-secretase modulators. In addition, these GSM compounds have further been discovered to have the selective property of modulating the formation of various AB peptides, while not inhibiting the overall activity of the ?-secretase enzyme. Thus, such compounds do not impede other critical functions of the ?-secretase enzyme, such as generating fragments from Notch that appear to control gene expression and cell differentiation. Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, there are provided screening assays useful for determining whether test compounds have GSM activity; accordingly, invention assays facilitate the identification of new gamma-secretase modulators.

Abstract: The occupant of a vehicle seat is characterized by computing a power spectrum function of data obtained from a seat sensor such as a pressure sensor in a fluid-filled seat bladder or a frame-mounted vertical accelerometer. The spectrum function is integrated over a specified frequency range, and compared to a threshold value that is calibrated to compensate for vehicle speed related variability. The presence of a cinched child seat is indicated when the threshold is exceeded, and the presence of a normally seated adult is indicated otherwise.

Abstract: Respiration and heart rate are monitored using a fluid-filled bladder, where the bladder pressure is measured and processed to identify minute pressure variations corresponding to the respiration and heart rate of a subject that is directly or indirectly exerting a load on the bladder. The respiration rate is identified by band-pass filtering the measured pressure to isolate or extract a pressure component in range of 0.15-0.5 Hz, and the heart rate is identified by band-pass filtering the measured pressure to isolate or extract a pressure component in the range of 2-7 Hz. The extracted pressure components are preferably converted to a digital format and tabulated for comparison with specified thresholds to identify abnormalities and/or anomalies.

Abstract: Goalie pants provided with a space within the pants in which the upper protective pad of the goalie can be received. This space enables the goalie to freely move without causing any bunching of the upper pad or the pants that may lead to a lack of comfort. A second innovative feature of the improved goalie pants resides in the provision of overlapping thigh and knee padding elements that can move between a retracted and an extended position. In the extended position, the thigh and the knee padding elements are arranged such that they provide a continuous protection of the thigh and the knee. The overlapping relationship between the knee and the thigh padding elements allow them to retract when the goalie is in a position such that other protective equipment (such as the pads covering the legs) interferes with the goalie pants. A third innovative feature resides in the provision of a groin padding element that is mounted on the outside of the pants and forms a flap that overlaps the thigh padding element.