Abstract: Devices and methods for enhanced hearing protection for animals are disclosed. Passive noise reduction components provide reduction of at least 20 dB to 30 dB in dogs using flexible soft muffs that are housed in a hearing protection sleeve. Active noise cancellation (ANC) features may also be used to increase noise reduction to about 40 dB over a large frequency range. The devices may employ passive noise reduction electronic bypass to measure and playback sounds at safe levels bypassing at least one of ANC and passive noise reduction. Communication components may be employed to provide for communication between the handler and the animal. The systems and methods may be used to protect the hearing and utility of military working dogs and hunting dogs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to use of interferon beta-like polypeptides for treatment of stroke or transient ischemic attach in a primate, preferably in a human. More particularly, the interferon beta-like polypeptides differs from the amino acid sequence of wild-type human IFNB (SEQ ID NO:2) in that at least one glycosylation site, preferably at least one in vivo N-glycosyltaion site has been introduced. Optionally the interferon beta-like polypeptides are PEGylated.

Abstract: The present inventions is directed to a method of polishing a workpiece. The method comprises providing an abrasive article, the abrasive article comprising superabrasive particles within agglomerates. The method then comprises contacting the abrasive article with a workpiece outer surface, the workpiece outer surface comprising a thermal spray hard phase, and relatively moving the abrasive article and the workpiece. The workpiece outer surface may further comprises a bonding phase. The abrasive article may be a continuous belt, an abrasive tape or a resin bonded disk.

Abstract: The present invention is directed methods for identifying compounds that have a tissue protective activity using a heteromultimer receptor complex that mediates the tissue protective activities. The complex consists of at least one EPO-R in complex with at least one &bgr;c Receptor. These compounds used in the assays to identify tissue protective compounds include, but are not limited to, small molecules and biologics. The compounds identified using these assays can be used to treat various conditions of the central and peripheral nervous systems as well as those of other erythropoietin-responsive or excitable cells, tissues, and organs.

Abstract: The present inventions is directed to a method of polishing a workpiece. The method comprises providing an abrasive article, the abrasive article comprising superabrasive particles within agglomerates. The method then comprises contacting the abrasive article with a workpiece outer surface, the workpiece outer surface comprising a thermal spray hard phase, and relatively moving the abrasive article and the workpiece. The workpiece outer surface may further comprises a bonding phase. The abrasive article may be a continuous belt, an abrasive tape or a resin bonded disk.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for protecting or enhancing a responsive cell, tissue, organ or body part function or viability in vivo, in situ or ex vivo in mammals, including human beings, by systemic or local administration of an erythropoietin receptor activity modulator, such as an recombinant tissue protective cytokine.