Abstract: A magnetic element includes a first wire, a second wire, a third wire, a fourth wire and a first single-strand wire. The first wire is disposed at a first side of the magnetic element, and has a first end and a second end. The second wire is disposed at the first side of the magnetic element, and has a third end and a fourth end. The third wire is disposed at a second side of the magnetic element, and has a fifth end and a sixth end. The fourth wire is disposed at the second side of the magnetic element, and has a seventh end an eighth end. The first single-strand wire has one terminal simultaneously connected to the second end and the fourth end.

Abstract: There are provided poly(vinyl alcohol) polymers and copolymers containing vinyl alcohol or vinyl acetate and derivatives thereof such as poly(ethylene glycol)-grafted poly(vinyl alcohol) polymers or polyether-grafted poly(vinyl alcohol) polymers. These polymers can contain various functional groups. Such polymers can be use as polymer matrix or solid support for various chemical substrates such as organic substrates and reagents. Cross-linked poly(vinyl alcohol) polymers and copolymers are also provided. Methods for preparing such polymers as well as several of their uses are also included.

Abstract: A polymer having a number average molecular weight (Mn) of about 10 000 g/mol comprising a monomeric rigid moiety R and a monomeric flexible moiety F, wherein R comprises a main-chain polycyclic core and F has a main chain comprising a number of atoms sufficient for the transition temperature of the polymer to be lower than the degradation temperature of the polymer is provided. A method of manufacturing of same is also provided. Biomedical devices, scaffolds and supports for tissue engineering, delivery devices, textiles, moulds, vehicle parts, tubes, active disassembly devices, microactuators, toys and inflatable membranes comprising same are also described.

Abstract: An edible product, such as a hard candy or pressed tablet, is provided with two distinct and discrete regions having different heats of solution, so that a warming and cooling mouthfeel are produced simultaneously on the tongue or in the oral cavity when the product is consumed.

Abstract: New biodegradable polyanhydrides are disclosed, which are prepared by homopolymerization of dimer of bile acid, especially lithocholic acid, or bycopolymerization with linear dicarboxylic acid, especially sebacic acid. These biodegradable polyanhydrides have degradation kinetics and a release rate that make them particularly useful for controlled drug release. More specifically, the degradation kinetics of such anhydrides and the release rate of molecules embedded therein make them useful as matrices for controlled drug release systems. The rates of degradation and release can be adjusted by the copolymer composition. The near zero-order kinetrics of release of the drug embedded in the matrices made of such anhydrides, make the same particularly useful since they can deliver an active ingredient at a constant rate for long period of time, avoiding the inauspicious saw-tooth pattern of conventional systemic administration.