Abstract: In certain aspects, the disclosure relates to a nucleic acid molecule encoding one or more different thanotransmission polypeptides. Vectors (e.g., engineered viruses, plasmids and transposons), cells and pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more nucleic acid molecules encoding one or more thanotransmission polypeptides are also disclosed. Methods of promoting thanotransmission by a target cell, methods of promoting an immune response in a subject, and methods of treating cancer in a subject are further disclosed.

Abstract: Features are described for a pellet dispenser. The pellet dispenser be implemented as a complex molded unit to fit within the home cage of laboratory animals (e.g., hanging from a wall of the cage or inside a food hopper of the cage). The pellet dispenser may be contained within the cage or otherwise attached to the cage so as not to take up additional floor space in the cage which should be allocated for the small laboratory animal. The pellets may be gravity or screw drive fed towards an ejector port. At prescribed times during the day, a prescribed number of pellets may be ejected into the animal cage. Additional components of the pellet dispenser include an ejector (e.g., a linear actuator) and pellet hopper.

Abstract: Features are described for a pellet dispenser. The pellet dispenser be implemented as a complex molded unit to fit within the home cage of laboratory animals (e.g., hanging from a wall of the cage or inside a food hopper of the cage). The pellet dispenser may be contained within the cage or otherwise attached to the cage so as not to take up additional floor space in the cage which should be allocated for the small laboratory animal The pellets may be gravity or screw drive fed towards an ejector port. At prescribed times during the day, a prescribed number of pellets may be ejected into the animal cage. Additional components of the pellet dispenser include an ejector (e.g., a linear actuator) and pellet hopper.

Abstract: The invention features pet feeder apparatus configured to reduce the stress on feline whiskers when the pet feeds on its food. The invention contemplates a first potion that may be spherically or concave indented and configured to supply and/or provide pet food access for a pet. In some aspects, the invention may also include a lower portion which is releasably engaged with the base of the first portion.

Abstract: A shear for cutting sheet material which functions by pivoting a specially constructed pointed blade about an axis by means of an arm so that the blade pierces into and then cuts the sheet is described as well as the method for its use. The blade is constructed such that it has double cutting edges forming a point wherein the cutting edge towards the pivot axis for the arm is concave and forms the point with the other cutting edge in a shape which approximates a shark's tooth. The blade pierces the sheet when the arm is pivoted towards the sheet and then cuts outward along a square edged surface on a frame supporting the arm away from the place where the sheet was pierced by the point. The shear is particularly adapted for the hand cutting of U shaped building channel to a predetermined length.