Search

Prime Minister Papandreou originally presented this speech as the Keynote Address to the IADC's 2015 Midyear Meeting held in Marco Island, Florida on February 18, 2015. I. Where Greece was [...]

Abstract

A method was developed to assess the durability of drug-polymer coatings, such as those found on drug-eluting stents (DES). The method is based on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and intensity threshold detection for converting qualitative SEM images to quantification of defects on a DES surface. Previously, a method was developed to fatigue stents by subjecting them to pulsatile loading conditions. The particles generated during fatigue testing were captured and evaluated for chemistry, size, and quantity. The amount of particulates observed from a commercially available DES product was low and on the same order of magnitude as the blanks/controls after acute and chronic simulated in vitrofatigue testing. These results are confirmed using the method developed in this work by evaluating the stent surface before and after chronic fatigue cycling. The relative change in surface defect area during the entire pulsatile fatigue testing was insignificant (<3%), indicating the polymer coating maintains remarkable durability even when subjected to deployment, overexpansion, and repetitive fatigue cycling. Further chemical analysis by FTIR microscopy of individual particles supports the claim that the polymer coating does not shed appreciably during the testing.

In order to predict the long term coating durability of drug-eluting stent (DES) products, we developed a new testing methodology using a novel mechanical tester to evaluate the potential of drug–polymer coatings to generate particles over time. The tester simulates the device radial fatigue expected during in vivoconditions due to expansion and contraction of the implanted vessel. Analysis by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) of particulate collected viaan in-line filtration system allows for evaluation of the chronic durability of DES polymer coatings. Data provided within show the durable polymer coating of CYPHER® Stents generates small amounts of particulates upon fatigue indicating coating integrity is maintained even when the DES system is subjected to expansion, deployment, and repetitive cycling modalities.

Greece is committed to embracing all those nations who strive for democracy within their frontiers, and peaceful cooperation beyond them, into the European family. Through the process of the ever past neighbouring war in the Balkans, Greece has managed to inspire in the international community the importance of a consistent, universal and unifying policy towards South-Eastern Europe. What South East Europe needs most is to achieve a climate of security, democracy, and peace. The EU's acceptance of Turkey's candidate status at Helsinki will no doubt move us closer to these goals. Bringing Turkey closer to Europe will bring greater security to the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses news briefs about Canadian government figures. Rona Ambrose, minister for status of women, is a key supporter of the organization Plan International, which champions girls rights in developing countries. Member of Parliament Ted Opitz's workout routine is discussed. Senator Don Meredith seeks to create a permanent memorial in Ottawa, Ontario honoring African-Canadian war veterans.

The article looks at U.S. policy on the European sovereign debt crisis, European integration, and Greece, as of January 2013. The author, a former Greek prime minister, urges U.S. President Barack Obama to address U.S. attention and resources toward the crisis. He offers proposals including U.S. pressure on Germany to support the Greek economy and U.S. leadership and investment in a large-scale Europe-Middle East energy development project.

The article offers excerpts from an interview with Greek prime minister George Papandreou. Topics discussed include a lack of transparency within Greek government, managing financial crisis, the social psychology and fallibility of markets, and the disempowerment that results from increasing economic interdependence and globalization.