The invention provides a method of manufacturing a stent, the method comprising: disposing a polymeric tube into a cylindrical mold, the cylindrical mold having a variable diameter along a portion of the inside surface of the mold; radially expanding the tube by blowing a gas or liquid into the cylindrical mold, the outside surface of the tube conforming to the variable diameter portion of the outside surface of the mold, causing the radially expanded tube to have a variable diameter along the conformed length of the tube; and fabricating a stent from the expanded tube.
This invention relates to a method of fabricating a stent.
This invention relates to radially expandable endoprostheses which are adapted to be implanted in a body lumen. An "endoprosthesis" corresponds to an artificial implantable medical device that is placed inside the body. A "lumen" refers to a cavity of a tubular organ such as a blood vessel. These endoprostheses are commonly referred to as stents. Stents are generally cylindrically shaped devices which function to hold open and sometimes expand a segment of a blood vessel or other anatomical lumen such as urinary tracts and bile ducts. Stents are often used in the treatment of atherosclerotic stenosis in blood vessels. "Stenosis" refers to a narrowing or constriction of the diameter of a bodily passage or orifice. In such treatments, stents reinforce body vessels and prevent restenosis following angioplasty in the vascular system. "Restenosis" refers to the reoccurrence of stenosis in a blood vessel or heart valve after it has been treated (as by balloon angioplasty or valvuloplasty) with apparent success.
The cylindrical structure of stents is typically composed of a scaffolding that includes a pattern or network of interconnecting structural elements or struts. The scaffolding can be formed from wires, tubes, or planar films of material rolled into a cylindrical shape. In addition, a medicated stent may be fabricated by coating the surface of either a metallic or polymeric scaffolding with a polymeric carrier. The polymeric carrier can include an active agent or drug. Furthermore, the pattern that makes up the stent allows the stent to be radially expandable and longitudinally flexible. Longitudinal flexibility facilitates delivery of the stent and radial rigidity is needed to hold open a body lumen. The pattern should be designed to maintain the necessary longitudinal flexibility and radial rigidity of the stent.
A number of techniques have been suggested to fabricate stents from tubes and planar films or sheets. One such technique involves laser cutting or etching a pattern onto a material. Laser cutting may be performed on a planar film of a material which is then rolled into a tube. Alternatively, a desired pattern may be etched directly onto a tube. Fabricating a stent from a tube is preferable due to time and cost considerations. Other techniques involve cutting a desired pattern into a sheet or a tube via chemical etching or electrical discharge machining. Laser cutting of stents has been described in a number of publications including U.S. Pat. No. 5,780,807 to Saunders, U.S. Pat. No. 5,922,005 to Richter and U.S. Pat. No. 5,906,759 to Richter.
It is desirable for a stent to have certain mechanical properties to facilitate delivery and deployment of a stent, especially in the bending portions of the stent that are bent during crimping and expansion of the stent. For example, longitudinal flexibility is important for successful delivery of the stent. In addition, radial rigidity and strength are vital characteristics in deployment and for holding open a body lumen. The pattern that makes up the stent allows the stent to be radially expandable and longitudinally flexible. The pattern should be designed to maintain the necessary longitudinal flexibility and radial rigidity of the stent. One technique for strengthening the bending portions of a stent is to laser cut the stent such as to widen the bending portions of the stent. However, upon crimping a stent that includes wider bending portions, oftentimes the stent flips upwards or "chip" when the strut is bent during crimping and/or expansion.
What is needed in the art is a method of fabricating a stent to mechanically strengthen the stent in selected portions.
The invention provides a method of manufacturing a stent, the method comprising: disposing a polymeric tube into a cylindrical mold, the cylindrical mold having a variable diameter along a portion of the inside surface of the mold; radially expanding the tube by blowing a gas or liquid into the cylindrical mold, the outside surface of the tube conforming to the variable diameter portion of the inside surface of the mold, causing the radially expanded tube to have a variable diameter along the conformed length of the tube; and fabricating a stent from the expanded tube.
The invention also provides a method of manufacturing a stent, the method comprising: disposing a polymeric tube into a cylindrical mold, the cylindrical mold having a protrusion or indentation on the inside surface of the mold; radially expanding the tube by blowing a gas or liquid into the cylindrical mold, the outside surface of the tube conforming to the protrusion or indentation on the inside surface of the mold, the protrusion in the mold causing an indentation on the outside surface of the tube, or the indentation in the mold causing a protrusion on the outside surface of the tube; and fabricating a stent with the expanded tube.
FIG. 1 depicts a tube for use in forming a stent.
FIG. 2 depicts a three-dimensional stent with a pattern.
FIG. 3A depicts an axial cross-section of a polymeric tube inserted in a cylindrical mold having indentations.
FIG. 3B depicts an axial cross-section of a radially expanded tube after blow molding a gas or liquid into the mold.
FIG. 3C depicts an axial cross-section of a radially expanded tube having protrusions.
FIG. 3D depicts another embodiment of an axial cross-section of a radially expanded tube having protrusions.
FIG. 4A depicts an axial cross-section of a polymeric tube inserted in a cylindrical mold having protrusions.
FIG. 4B depicts an axial cross-section of a radially expanded tube after blow molding a gas into the mold.
FIG. 4C depicts an axial cross-section of a radially expanded tube having indentions.
FIG. 5A depicts an axial cross-section of a polymeric tube inserted in a tapered cylindrical mold.
FIG. 5B depicts an axial cross-section of a radially expanded tube after blowing a gas or liquid into the mold.
FIG. 5C depicts an axial cross-section of a tapered radially expanded tube.
FIG. 6A depicts a portion of a strut having a uniform thickness and a relatively wider bending portion.
FIG. 6B depicts a portion of a strut after crimping, where portion of strut has a uniform thickness and the wider bending portion that has flipped upward.
FIG. 7A depicts a portion of a strut before crimping having a relatively thicker bending portion.
FIG. 7B depicts a portion of a strut after crimping having a relatively thicker bending portion.
FIG. 7C depicts a portion of a strut having a relatively thicker bending portion, and, in addition, features on the abluminal or luminal side.
FIG. 8 depicts one embodiment of a machine-controlled system for laser machining a tube, circumventing any features that have been formed on the stent.
FIG. 9( a) depicts a close-up axial view of a region where a laser beam interacts with a tube having features.
FIG. 9( b) depicts a close-up end view of a region where a laser beam interacts with a tube having features.
"Elastic limit" refers to the maximum stress that a material will withstand without permanent deformation.
"Strength" refers to the maximum stress in a direction in testing which a material will withstand prior to fracture. The ultimate strength is calculated from the maximum load applied during the test divided by the original cross-sectional area.
"Strain" refers to the amount of elongation or compression that occurs in a material at a given stress or load. Elongation may be defined as the increase in length which occurs when subjected to stress. It is typically expressed as a percentage of the original length.
The "glass transition temperature," Tg, is the temperature at which the amorphous domains of a polymer change from a brittle vitreous state to a plastic state at atmospheric pressure. In other words, the Tg corresponds to the temperature where the onset of segmental motion in the chains of the polymer occurs. Tg of a given polymer can be dependent on the heating rate and can be influenced by the thermal history of the polymer. Above Tg, molecular orientation may be induced with applied stress since rotation of polymer chains, and hence segmental mobility is possible. Between Tg and the melting temperature of the polymer, Tm, rotational barriers exist, however, the barriers are not great enough to substantially prevent segmental mobility. As the temperature of a polymer is increased above Tg, the energy barriers to rotation decrease and segmental mobility of polymer chains tend to increase. As a result, as the temperature increases, molecular orientation is more easily induced with applied stress.
Embodiments of the method can be used to fabricate devices including, but not limited to, stents, balloon-expandable stents, stent-grafts, and grafts. Various embodiments to manufacture a stent with desirable features are described herein. Some embodiments to manufacture the device include fabricating the stent from a polymer conduit or tube. The tube may be cylindrical or substantially cylindrical in shape. For example, FIG. 1 depicts a tube 100. Tube 100 is a cylinder with an outside diameter 110 and an inside diameter 120. FIG. 1 also depicts an outside surface 130 and a cylindrical axis 140 of tube 100. When referred to below, unless otherwise specified, the "diameter" of the tube refers to the outside diameter of tube.
The polymeric tube may be used to fabricate a stent. Fabrication may include forming a pattern that includes at least one interconnecting element or strut on the elongated tube. The stent may be formed by laser cutting a pattern on the elongated tube. Representative examples of lasers that may be used include an ultra fast laser, excimer, carbon dioxide, and YAG. Chemical etching may also be used to form a pattern on the elongated tube. FIG. 2 depicts a three-dimensional view of a stent 150 which may be formed from tube 100 in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 depicts a pattern or network of struts 160. The pattern is not limited to the depicted stent pattern.
The polymeric tube for use in manufacturing a stent has a desired strength and flexibility in the longitudinal direction, as shown by an arrow 135 in FIG. 1, and in the transverse or radial direction, as shown by an arrow 145 in FIG. 1. The desired strength and flexibility can be induced by radial expansion and/or axial deformation. A tube can be radially deformed by blow molding. The invention provides blow molding a tube to form a tube having a variable diameter and/or features such as indentations. There are many advantages to fabricating tubes with a variable diameter and/or features such as indentions, such as increased stent retention and features such as pockets filled with drugs or radio-opaque substances.
Several embodiments disclosed herein provide applying radial pressure to a polymeric tube by positioning the polymeric tube within a cylindrical mold. The cylindrical mold may include features where, upon conveying a gas or liquid at a selected pressure into a proximal end of the polymeric tube, the cylindrical mold acts to control the diameter of the expanded polymeric tube by limiting the expansion to the inside diameter of the cylindrical mold. The pressure of the conveyed gas may be used to control the expansion of the polymeric tube to a desired diameter, while a distal end of the polymeric tube may be closed. The inside diameter of the cylindrical mold with features corresponds to the desired shape and diameter of the formed polymeric tube. The inside surface of the mold may include features such as protrusions, projections, grooves, indentations, flanges, overhangs, and extensions. Other features are also possible. The embodiments disclosed herein allow formation of a tube with a variable diameter and/or features on the outside surface of the tube. The invention also provides fabricating a stent having portions that are thicker than other portions of the stent.
FIG. 3A depicts an axial cross-section of a polymeric tube 300 with an outside diameter 310 positioned within a cylindrical mold 320 having indentations 330 on the inside surface of the mold 320. Cylindrical mold 320 with indentations 330 acts to limit the expansion of polymeric tube 300 to the inside surface of mold 320. The indentations form a tube 300 with a variable diameter. When the polymeric tube 300 expands from diameter 310 to diameter 340, protrusions 390 are formed on the outside surface of the polymeric tube 300.
Polymeric tube 300 may be closed at a distal end 350 to conform to the outside surface of mold 320. Any gas, such as air, may be conveyed, as indicated by an arrow 360, into an open proximal end 370 of polymeric tube 300. A liquid may also be conveyed into the open proximal end 370 to provide pressure on the inside of the tube. The gas or liquid can be heated to a temperature sufficient to deform the polymeric tube. This temperature can be above the glass transition temperature of the polymer. The pressure of the gas is selected to sufficiently expand the polymeric tube to conform to the inside surface of cylindrical mold 320. Polymeric tube 300 may be heated by the gas or liquid to a temperature above ambient temperature, for example above Tg of the polymer. Alternatively, heat may be applied to the exterior of cylindrical mold 320. The conveyed gas combined with the applied heat may act to radially expand polymeric tube 300, as indicated by an arrow 380.
FIG. 3B depicts an axial cross-section of a polymeric tube 300 having protrusions 390 that are formed after blowing a gas at a selected temperature and pressure into the cylindrical mold 320. As depicted in FIG. 3C, tube 300 includes protrusions 390 that are formed during the blow molding process.
FIG. 4A depicts an axial cross-section of a polymeric tube 400 having an outside diameter 310 positioned within a cylindrical mold 410 having protrusions 420. Cylindrical mold 410 with protrusions 420 acts to limit the expansion of polymeric tube 400 to an expanded diameter 340, which conforms to the surface of the mold. When a polymeric tube 400 expands from diameter 310, indentations 430 are formed in polymeric tube 400. Cylindrical mold 410 includes protrusions 420. FIG. 4B depicts an axial cross-section of a radially expanded tube 400 after blowing a gas or liquid at a selected temperature and pressure into the cylindrical mold 410. As depicted in FIG. 4B, indentations 430 are formed in polymeric tube 400 by blow molding polymeric tube 400 against cylindrical mold 410 having protrusions 420. As depicted in FIG. 4C, tube 400 includes grooves 430 formed during the blow molding process. The indentations in the tube are arranged in the tube as desired. For example, if the indentations are to be used as depots to hold drugs, the indentations may be arranged linearly along the entire length of the tube. Also, the indentations may be arranged such that when the pattern is cut into the tube, the indentations encompass portions of the stent requiring flexibility. The indentations can be of any shape, not just circular. The indentations of the tube are formed to coincide with the specific parts of the stent pattern. For example, FIG. 4D depicts stent strut 440 having indentations 450 and a protrusion 460 on the bending portion 465 of the stent portion. One advantage to forming features on a stent by blow molding rather than by laser cutting is that blow molding avoids deleterious effects on the mechanical portions of the stent caused by heat from lasers that create a heat affected zone.
FIG. 5A depicts an axial cross-section of a polymeric tube 500 with an outside diameter 520 positioned within a cylindrical mold 510, where cylindrical mold 510 is tapered along its length. Cylindrical mold 510 acts to limit the expansion of polymeric tube 500 to an expanded diameter 530 on one end of the polymeric tube 500 and diameter 540 on the other end of the polymeric tube 500. Cylindrical mold 510 has a tapered diameter, such that the diameter 540 on the end of formed tube 500 is expanded more than the other end 530 of tube upon blow molding. FIG. 5B depicts an axial cross-section of a radially expanded tube 500 after blowing a gas at a selected temperature and pressure into the cylindrical mold 510. A tapered polymeric tube 500 is formed by expanding polymeric tube 500 to conform to the inner surface of cylindrical mold 510. As depicted in FIG. 5C, formed tube 500 includes a tapered diameter from diameter 540 to diameter 530. There are many advantages to using a tapered stent. For example, the tapered stent may be adapted to improve the attachment of the stent to the delivery system and facilitate the delivery of the mounted stent into and through a bodily lumen. Although FIG. 5 depict a uniform tapering shape, the invention includes arbitrary axial cross-sections which can be formed by blow molding.
As mentioned previously, selected portions of the stent using blow molding may be formed to have greater or lesser mass relative to other portions of the stent. For example, high strain regions may be made up of more polymeric mass relative to other portions of the stent. Similarly, lower strain regions that require flexibility may be of a lesser mass.
FIG. 6A depicts a portion of a strut 600 having a uniform thickness on the sidewall 635 and a relatively wider bending portion 620, where width is indicated by "W". That is, thickness 610 of bending portion 620 is substantially the same as the thickness of ends 615 of strut 600. Strut 600 includes a luminal or abluminal side and a side wall 625. The bending portion 620 of strut 600 is bent during crimping the stent onto a balloon-catheter assembly and during expansion of the stent when the stent is deployed. If the abluminal or luminal surface 625 of bending portion 620 is made wider, bending portion 620 of strut 600 is caused to flip upwards or "chip" when the strut is bent 600 during crimping and/or expansion as depicted by arrows 630. Chipping can become problematic because stent protrusion and non-uniform apposition on the vessel wall is unwanted in a vessel wall.
FIGS. 7A and 7B depicts a portion of a strut 700 having a variable thickness. That is, thickness 710 of the bending portion 720 is greater than the thickness of the ends 715 of strut 700. Strut 700 includes a bending portion 720 that is bent during crimping the stent onto a balloon-catheter assembly and/or during expanding the stent when the stent is deployed. As depicted in FIG. 7B, the bending portion 720 of strut 700 may have a low or no tendency to flip outward when the strut is bent during crimping, for example. The greater thickness of the sidewall 735 in bending portion 720 of the stent strut 700 provides a greater strength with little or no out of plane bending as shown in FIG. 6B. In addition, strut portions requiring greater flexibility, such as linking struts, may be formed to be thinner than other strut portions. Therefore, with blow molding, parts having various thicknesses can be designed to be at selected portions of a stent.
In one embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 7C, a portion of a strut 700 has a thicker bending portion 720 as well as protrusions 730 located at selected portions of abluminal or luminal surface 725. In one embodiment, a portion of strut is made to be thicker as well as wider relative to other portions of the stent.
In one embodiment, the polymeric tube may be heated such that the temperature of the polymeric tube is greater than or equal to Tg and less than Tm of the polymer. Heating above Tg facilitates expansion, since a polymer becomes more flexible above Tg.
After the polymeric tube is radially expanded by blow molding the tube, it may be desirable to cool the radially expanded tube below the Tg of the polymer to retain induced molecular orientation. Some embodiments may include cooling the deformed tube prior to fabrication of the medical device. The deformed tube may be cooled at a temperature below an ambient temperature to below the Tg of the polymer. Alternatively, cooling the deformed polymer tube may include cooling the deformed polymer tube at a temperature at or near an ambient temperature to below the Tg of the polymer.
After the polymeric tube is radially expanded by blow molding the tube, the tube may be laser cut to form a stent. A stent may be fabricated by use of a laser beam collimated to a 1 to 10 mm beam diameter. The tube is then cut by focusing a beam, such as a 0.5 to 2 mm wide beam, on the polymeric tube. A stent pattern may then be cut into the tube by moving the tube in an axial and rotary direction with respect to the cutting beam or by moving the beam.
FIG. 8 depicts an embodiment of a portion of a machine-controlled system for laser machining a tube. In FIG. 8, a polymeric tube 800 is disposed in a rotatable collet fixture 810 of a machine-controlled apparatus 820 for positioning tube 800 relative to a laser 830. According to machine-encoded instructions, tube 800 is rotated and moved axially relative to laser 830 which may also be machine-controlled. The laser selectively removes the material from the tube resulting in a pattern cut into the tube 800. The tube 800 is therefore cut into the discrete pattern of a finished stent.
The process of cutting a pattern for the stent into the tube is automated except for loading and unloading the length of tube 800. Referring again to FIG. 8, the process may be done, for example, using a CNC-opposing collet fixture 840 for axial rotation of the length of tubing. Collet fixture 840 may act in conjunction with a CNC X/Y table 850 to move the length of tube axially relative to a machine-controlled laser 830 as described. The entire space between collets can be patterned using a laser set-up of the foregoing example. The program for control of the apparatus is dependent on the particular configuration used and the pattern formed. Therefore, a pattern that circumvents any features formed on the tube can be accomplished using the program for control of the apparatus.
Machining a fine structure also requires the ability to manipulate the tube with precision. CNC equipment manufactured and sold by Anorad Corporation in Hauppauge, N.Y. may be used for positioning the tube. In addition, a unique rotary mechanism may be used that allows the computer program to be written as if the pattern were being machined from a flat sheet, allowing utilization of both circular and linear interpolation in programming. Thus, the axial and rotary motion may be controlled by a CNC system. A CNC controlled axis may also control the focus position on the polymeric tube. After indexing the CNC system to a specific position on tube, the system traces the pattern in the x, y, z coordinate system. Since the finished structure of the stent is very small, a precision drive mechanism is required that supports and drives both ends of the tubular structure as it is cut. Since both ends are driven, they are preferably aligned and precisely synchronized. Otherwise, as the stent is being cut, the stent may twist and distort.
The stent produces stents with a fine precision structure cut from a small diameter thin-walled cylindrical tube. Cutting a fine structure around features on a stent surface created by the present invention (e.g., a 0.0035 inch strut width (0.889 mm)) requires precise laser focusing and minimal heat input. To satisfy these requirements, a laser technology adapted to micro-machine the tube may be implemented according to the present embodiments.
Additionally, FIGS. 9( a) and 9(b) show that apparatus 900 incorporates a monocular viewing, focusing, and cutting head 930. A rotary axis 940 and X-Y stages 950 for rotating and translating the work piece are also shown. A CNC controller 960 is also incorporated into apparatus 300.
FIG. 9( a) depicts a close-up axial view of the region where the laser beam interacts with the substrate target material. A laser beam 900 is focused by a focusing lens 910 on a tube 920 is supported by a CNC controlled rotary collet 930 at one end and a tube support pin 940 at another end.
As shown by FIG. 9( a), the laser can incorporate a coaxial gas jet assembly 950 having a coaxial gas jet 960 and a nozzle 970 that helps to remove debris from the kerf and cools the region where the beam interacts with the material as the beam cuts and vaporizes a substrate. Coaxial gas jet nozzle 970 (e.g., 0.018 inch diameter (0.457 mm)) is centered around a focused beam 980 with approximately 0.010 inch (2.54 mm) between a tip 990 of nozzle 970 and a tube 920. In certain embodiments, an optical system for modifying a laser beam according to the embodiments described herein may be positioned between cutting head 930 (depicted in FIGS. 9( a) and 9(b)) and the substrate target material.
It may also be necessary to block laser beam 980 as it cuts through the top surface of the tube to prevent the beam, along with the molten material and debris from the cut, from impinging on the inside opposite surface of tube 990. To this end, a mandrel 992 (e.g., approx. 0.034 inch diameter (0.864 mm)) supported by a mandrel beam block 995 is placed inside the tube and is allowed to roll on the bottom of the tube 985 as the pattern is cut, which acts as a beam/debris block protecting the far wall inner diameter. A close-up end view along mandrel beam block 995 shows laser beam 980 impinging on tube 985 in FIG. 9( b).
Hence, the laser enables the machining of narrow kerf widths to circumvent the features formed on the stent surface, while minimizing the heat input into the material. In this way, smooth, narrow cuts in a tube with very fine geometries are made without damaging the narrow struts that define the stent structure.
The stent can be made partially or completely from a biodegradable, bioabsorbable, or biostable polymer. Biostable refers to polymers that are not biodegradable. The terms biodegradable, bioabsorbable, and bioerodable are used interchangeably and refer to polymers that are capable of being completely degraded and/or eroded when exposed to bodily fluids such as blood and can be gradually resorbed, absorbed and/or eliminated by the body. The processes of breaking down and eventual absorption and elimination of the polymer can be caused by, for example, hydrolysis, metabolic processes, bulk or surface erosion, and the like. For stents made from a biodegradable polymer, the stent is intended to remain in the body for a duration of time until its intended function is accomplished.
Representative examples of polymers that may be used to fabricate a stent using the methods disclosed herein include poly(N-acetylglucosamine) (Chitin), Chitoson, poly(hydroxyvalerate), poly(lactide-co-glycolide), poly(hydroxybutyrate), poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate), polyorthoester, polyanhydride, poly(glycolic acid), poly(D,L-lactic acid), poly(glycolic acid-co-trimethylene carbonate), poly(trimethylene carbonate), co-poly(ether-esters) (e.g. PEO/PLA), polyphosphazenes, biomolecules (such as fibrin, fibrinogen, cellulose, starch, collagen and hyaluronic acid), polyurethanes, silicones, polyesters, polyolefins, polyisobutylene and ethylene-alphaolefin copolymers, acrylic polymers and copolymers other than polyacrylates, vinyl halide polymers and copolymers (such as polyvinyl chloride), polyvinyl ethers (such as polyvinyl methyl ether), polyvinylidene halides (such as polyvinylidene chloride), polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl ketones, polyvinyl aromatics (such as polystyrene), polyvinyl esters (such as polyvinyl acetate), acrylonitrile-styrene copolymers, ABS resins, polyamides (such as Nylon 66 and polycaprolactam), polycarbonates, polyoxymethylenes, polyimides, polyethers, polyurethanes, rayon, rayon-triacetate, cellulose, cellulose acetate, cellulose butyrate, cellulose acetate butyrate, cellophane, cellulose nitrate, cellulose propionate, cellulose ethers, and carboxymethyl cellulose. Additional representative examples of polymers that may be especially well suited for use in fabricating a stent according to the methods disclosed herein include ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (commonly known by the generic name EVOH or by the trade name EVAL), poly(butyl methacrylate), poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluororpropene) (e.g., SOLEF 21508, available from Solvay Solexis PVDF, Thorofare, N.J.), polyvinylidene fluoride (otherwise known as KYNAR, available from ATOFINA Chemicals, Philadelphia, Pa.), poly(L-lactic acid), poly(caprolactone), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, and polyethylene glycol.
fabricating a stent from the expanded tube.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the variable diameter of the formed tube is tapered from a larger diameter to a smaller diameter along the length of the tube.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the variable diameter of the formed tube is tapered from a larger diameter to a smaller diameter from the central portion of the tube to the ends of the tube.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the tube is a biodegradable and/or biostable polymer.
5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising heating the tube with the liquid or gas to a temperature above Tg of the polymer before and/or during expansion.
6. The method according to claim 1, wherein fabricating is laser cutting a pattern in the tube.
7. A stent formed by the method of claim 1.
fabricating a stent with the expanded tube.
9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the thickness at the protrusion on the expanded tube is greater than other portions of the expanded tube.
10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the thickness at the indentation on the expanded tube is less than other portions of the expanded tube.
11. The method according to claim 8, wherein the stent is fabricated so that bending portions are located in the thicker portions.
12. The method according to claim 8, wherein fabricating a stent from the polymeric tube comprises laser cutting a pattern having the indentation or protrusion on the surface of a strut.
13. The method according to claim 8, wherein the indentation comprises a groove.
14. The method according to claim 8, wherein the tube comprises a biodegradable and/or biostable polymer.
15. The method according to claim 8, further comprising heating the tube with the liquid or gas to a temperature above Tg of the polymer before and/or during expansion.
16. A stent formed by the method of claim 8.
18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the feature formed on the outside surface of the tube is an indentation, and the method further comprises filling the indentation with a radio-opaque material.
19. The method according to claim 17, wherein the feature formed on the outside surface of the tube is an indentation, and the method further comprises filling the indentation with a drug.
20. The method according to claim 17, wherein the cylindrical mold has both an indentation and a protrusion on the inside surface, thereby forming both a protrusion and an indentation on the outside surface of the tube.


will lead you to the rest of the game. Good Luck!
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Judge Thokozile Masipa handed down her ruling in the High Court in Pretoria on Wednesday.
Pistorius was sentenced to five years in prison for the Valentine's Day shooting of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.
But the State just can't explain why DA-darling Xhosa King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo has for five years managed to avoid a 15-year jail sentence for culpable homicide, while the State dithers over what to do about him.
SCA sources have confirmed that no appeal papers were filed by either side in the case. As there's no appeal, Dalindyebo should have started serving his 15-year sentence, but he remains free.
"We are still dealing with the matter. We are unable to divulge any details at this point," Nathi Mncube, national spokesman for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), said last week.
The Star had asked again why Dalindyebo wasn't in jail, following the collapse of an appeal in the matter in early August.
He was convicted in 2009 of culpable homicide, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, arson, kidnapping and attempting to defeat the ends of justice, relating to disciplinary actions he ordered against his subjects in 1995 and 1996.
He was sentenced to an effective 15 years in jail.
Dalindyebo never filed appeal papers with the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA), and in early August, the Department of Justice said the appeal had lapsed as he was now out of time.
He was expected to go to jail, but didn't.
At the same time, the NPA explained the lack of action against Dalindyebo by saying it had also appealed against the culpable homicide conviction. But the NPA also never filed any appeal papers.
Dalindyebo openly admits to smoking dagga and has been accused of assaults, including on relatives.
Clearly the prosecutor in the Pistorius case loved the international media attention he was getting by attacking the famous white athlete. Gerrie Nel complained that the mercy shown Oscar Pistorius was "over-exaggerated".
Nel called the sentence "shockingly inappropriate", openly playing to the race-baiters.
"It's like taking someone charged with murder and then convicting him on, say, public violence. It cannot be," Nel ranted, while appealing the acquittal on murder of Pistorius.


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12. "Want To Sit Together?" I am one of those girls who doesn't like to do certain things alone. I can go get coffee alone or sit at the water alone, but I refuse to get dinner alone or go to certain events alone. Definitely something I'm trying to work on!
13. Winter Blues I don't know how Alex does it, but she layers blue on blue on blue and KILLS it. So jealous!
14. Splurge / Spend / Save: 10 Winter Essentials For Every Budget I always splurge on the wrong things, admittedly.
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They take small steps each day over time to get results.
They are certain that their intentions are within their own control.
They set time frames of by when they will achieve their results.
As an organization, I see our future as being the real estate brokerage of choice in Northern Virginia for productive agents and clients. What this means is that our organization partners with you for your success. To achieve the result of being the real estate brokerage of choice we will implement the four steps described above.
Understand why you are doing what you are doing? Is it to help a family member, go on a trip, help other people to succeed, build a house or build a school? When you have a, "Why" that is powerful and strong enough, the, "How" will show up.
Have a Vision for where you want to go. We all have a choice that we can live our life by default or live our life by design. I suggest that you chose to design your life and when you do so, you will have to have clarity on where you are going.
Focus on holding standards; a minimum amount of listing appointments each month in a time frame that is achievable.
Focus on conversion. What good is an appointment if you do not get hired?
Understand how many closings that you will need to achieve your personal and professional goals.
Tie together your appointment goal with your conversion goal to achieve your professional and personal goals.
I HIGHLY encourage that if you are producing less than $3.5M in production each year that you to attend Ignite, and enroll in our Productivity Coaching Program.
I also suggest that all agents attend BOLD. As a 9 time graduate of BOLD, I have had the opportunity to benefit from the guidance of this curriculum. It has taught me the habits of a top performer. I promise you that it will make a positive impact for you.
Hire a coach - all top performers have a coach. Can you name an Olympian, professional athlete, or top businessperson who does not have a coach or mentor?
My mission is to open the doorway for others.
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The Office of Academic Integrity is responsible for upholding the University of Missouri's rules regarding academic honesty governing student work, and for supporting our University's commitment to intellectual pluralism in the classroom.
Intellectual pluralism and academic freedom are central principles of American higher education. . . .
Colleges and universities should welcome intellectual pluralism and the free exchange of ideas. Such a commitment will inevitably encourage debate over complex and difficult issues about which individuals will disagree. Such discussions should be held in an environment characterized by openness, tolerance and civility.
The Office of Academic Integrity's mission is to defend our collective commitment to these two important values, academic honesty and intellectual pluralism.


The Aspen Towel Ring is an elegant and practical bathroom accessory from the Aspen collection. This stylish wall mounted, polished chrome towel ring comes with concealed fastenings for easy installation. Complete the look with matching accessories from the Aspen range.
The Aspen Towel Ring is an elegant and practical bathroom accessory from the Aspen collection.
This stylish wall mounted, polished chrome towel ring comes with concealed fastenings for easy installation.


The Bike Storage Company, based in central London, is a specialist provider of commercial bike storage across the UK.
We designed and built their e-commerce store using the Magento platform, to their specific requirements.
Custom functionality was achieved through the use of various extensions and custom coding.


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Kevin Smith Brings "Red State" to Kansas City with Former and Current Phelps Family Members
by Eric Melin on March 13, 2011
in Print Reviews
Director Kevin Smith brought his new movie "Red State" to Kansas City tonight and the Westboro Baptist Church was there to witness it. Well, for the first 12 minutes at least.
Too bad they didn't stick around to see former (or escaped) family members come onstage to be interviewed by Smith after the screening concluded.
Spewing vile hate speech at funerals across the world is no big deal for Topeka-based Rev. Fred Phelps and his flock (or cult) of followers, but after 12 minutes of Smith's brand of dirty sex talk, his daughter Shirley Phelps and her group of about 20 or so "God Hates Fags" protesters were out the door.
The irony of the situation, of course, is that the movie they were about to see — the one that Smith had roped off an entire balcony for them to do so — was directly inspired by the Westboro Baptist Church (or as we like to call them here in Kansas, our not-so-friendly neighbors).
Before the film began, Smith announced online that he would let in the first 100 protesters for free, so his fans lined the street with signs that said "And On the 6th Day, God Made Unicorns," "God Loves Fags," and "Taste the Rainbow." Sure enough, they were let in. This was as much due to the fact that the event hadn't sold out (tickets were $65-$75 on Ticketmaster) as it was due to Smith showing his loyalists some appreciation.
When I asked Shirley before the film started why she and the family stopped protesting even as Smith supporters stayed outside, and she told me, "Every protest has a beginning, a middle, and ending."
Smith took the stage with great excitement at the promise he got from Shirley's daughter Megan Phelps, whom he referred to as the "Marilyn of the Phelps family," who said she would take the stage and review the movie with him afterwards. But apparently Megan and company found a scene where Oscar winner Melissa Leo (Shirley's doppleganger) lures three teenage boys into a trailer to have sex with them too offensive.
They hadn't even got to the part where Michael Parks (playing a Fred-like religious leader) delivers a sinister speech at the altar while a prisoner is gagged and strapped to a giant cross with saran wrap.
Smith takes great pains in "Red State," which he is self-distributing in October and taking on a 15-city road trip now, to separate the real Phelps clan from the murderers in his fictional Cooper cult. John Goodman — who plays an ATF agent — even mentions the Phelps' in the movie, saying something like "They're suers, not doers."
But in an effort to make "Red State" a straight genre film, he misses out on some great opportunities to pack a more emotional punch. The movie starts out as a teen horror flick (one that looks as if it might veer into torture porn territory but thankfully doesn't), morphs very uncomfortably into a Waco-style disaster, and ends with a "Burn After Reading"-style coda where government bureaucrats blithely discuss the events that caused so much blood.
Smith skirts with several ideas that could have been explored in more detail, like the indoctrination of children who are unluckily born into this hateful family. There's a potent moment where these poor kids (who are already mentally trapped) become literally trapped in their home for fear of death and one family member struggles with that realization. It lasts all of five minutes.
What about exploring the issue of loyalty and pressure within the family? All interaction between the Cooper clan is strictly surface value, and what we learn of their relationships is based on the briefest moments between shooting guns or speechifying. Even in a horror movie, a little more character would have been nice.
Freedom of speech is mentioned too, but again, only briefly. The Phelps family recently won a Supreme Court case that gave them the right to continue protesting funerals and it actually strengthened the all-important First Amendment. Great ruling; horrible example of how to use that freedom! Rather than turning the film into an action movie, I wish Smith would have used the plot to explore how the heart and the mind usually differ on this issue.
Smith joined by ex-members Libby Phelps and Josh Phelps-Roper
"Red State" does offer some very tense moments, and some good, old-fashioned revenge escapism, though. It's certainly Smith's most cinematic film. Director of Photography Dave Klein uses expressive camera angles and handheld cinematography to heighten the tension, and his crisp digital images are definitely not designed to flatter the actors. Everything seems to have a layer of grime on it and the color palette is decidedly brown and gray. It all sets a sober and depressing tone that serves the film well.
Some of the plot twists are truly shocking and help serve up the horror elements of the script, but some of the more major plot developments are poorly handled contrivances. A decision that comes down from the government during a raid on the family compound never makes sense, and as the effects of that decision are carried out, it becomes even more ridiculous. It puts the Goodman character in the uncomfortable position of being the moral center of the film, but not really acting on any of his knowledge.
Shirley Phelps and Co. fled the balcony, saying "Red State" was "filthy."
A blackmail subplot with a local Sheriff (Stephen Root) strikes a sour note too, especially after what transpired directly before it. It moves the script forward, but it just rings false. (I'm trying real hard not to reveal too many specifics about the plot here!)
Parks underplays Pastor Cooper and is quietly menacing and self-righteous — a perfect combination. After the film, when ex-church members Libby Phelps and Josh Phelps-Roper unexpectedly joined Smith onstage, Josh complimented Parks for capturing the essence of Fred's sermons and Libby said that some of the look of the compound was right on.
Their stories about feeling trapped and finding the courage to leave the church, however, were more gripping than anything in the movie. At one point Smith joked that, after meeting them, he should go back and re-shoot some of the movie. Combine that sentiment with Josh's comments about how difficult it has been to trust or embrace any sort of organized religion after his own experiences, and he may be on to something.
Now THIS is something I'd like to see Smith rise to the challenge of. He's such a talented writer when he empathizes with his protagonists. Unfortunately, all of the members of the Cooper cult are one-note crazies.
Sequel?
Protesters got in free.
Tagged as: 2011, god hates fags, kansas city, kevin smith, midland, Movie Review, phelps, red state, red state tour, westboro baptist church
1 Reed March 13, 2011 at 8:36 am
Sounds like the event more than made up for the parts of the film that were lacking. Great report, Eric!
2 Eric Melin March 13, 2011 at 10:07 am
Thanks! As for the legitimacy of the group or the question Kevin had about whether younger members like Megan Phelps really believed what they believed or were putting on an act for attention, Libby and Josh confirmed she is a true believer, describing her as "hardcore."
They also said when Fred dies, Tim Phelps or Steve Drain would most likely be the future leader of the group (I'm assuming that's since women can't lead it).
3 Lindsey March 13, 2011 at 1:08 pm
The impromptu interview of the ex-Phelpses was moving, particularly when Josh expressed how sorry he was for his participation in hate speech against gays. Presumable gay members of the audience yelled to him, "We forgive you!" Have to say that I teared up a bit. The screening and Q&A was an event I won't soon forget.
4 Eric Melin March 13, 2011 at 6:05 pm
Agreed. I can't even imagine what it must have been like to grow up with that sort of indoctrination since as far back as you can remember and then have the courage to go it alone and defect. When Josh said he knew how alienated gay kids felt when he was completely alone after leaving the "church," that was one of the most poignant moments of the night.
5 Katie March 13, 2011 at 6:13 pm
I went to high school with Libby. I'm so glad she finally broke free!
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The objective(s) of this project are as follows. To make and use measurements of light absorption and extinction by particles, in conjunction with other particle measurements, during the CalNex 2010 field campaign to: (1) quantitatively characterize particulate emissions from ocean going vessels in the regulated waters along the California coast; (2) characterize the variability in the mass absorption coefficient for black carbon particles in the atmosphere, and to work towards understanding the origin of this variability; and (3) investigate variability in sources of black carbon in the near-shore marine boundary layer.
(1) Published a manuscript describing the design, operation and calibration of the photoacoustic aerosol absorption photometer (PAS), which is the key instrument utilized in our various analyses (Lack et al., 2012).
(2) Determined black carbon (BC) emission factors (EFs) for 75+ ocean going vessels that were encountered in the regulated waters off the coast of California during the CalNex study period (May/June 2010). BC EFs were determined both from light absorption measurements (using both the UCD PAS instrument and a particle soot absorption photometer, PSAP) and from a single particle soot photometer (SP2). In general, the BC EFs determined that using these different techniques agree within instrumental uncertainties, and we are in the process of a more extensive comparison. BC EFs are being grouped into different ship/engine type categories to facilitate comparison with literature results. This work provides information on black carbon EFs for ocean going vessels operating under new cleaner fuel requirements as well as understanding of differences in EFs derived from different measurement techniques.
(3) Carried out a case study of the influence of vessel speed on particulate matter and gas-phase emission factors from a vessel operating a medium speed diesel engine. We found that, for this vessel, a reduction in speed led to a significant decrease in the EFs for all particulate species measured, when considered in units of g-PM/kg-fuel consumed. In general, the particle size distribution shifted towards much smaller particles as ship speed decreased. For the gas-phase species, the variation in the EFs with vessel speed is species specific, with CO and HCHO tending to decrease, SO2 remaining constant, and NOx increasing as ship speed increased. This work helps to inform whether EF changes with speed reductions are likely to have a significant influence on the absolute emissions of pollutants in near port regions. This work is currently being revised for resubmission to a journal.
(4) Determined the extent to which the presence of "coatings" internally mixed with ambient black carbon particles leads to changes in light absorption by the black carbon. This work has important implications for understanding the magnitude of climate forcing by black carbon in the atmosphere. This work has been submitted for publication.
(5) Determined the extent to which black carbon that (may) exist on the ocean surface is re-emitted due to wave breaking action and the formation of sea spray particles. Our results suggest that some black carbon may be re-emitted, although relative to the amount of sea salt that is emitted the black carbon emissions are very small. This work has implications for understanding the chemical nature of sea spray aerosol far from sources and has been recently published (Bates et al., 2012).
We will continue analysis of particulate matter emission factors from ocean going vessels, specifically expanding our study beyond black carbon to multiple PM species.


I've been asked a few times about my favorite scarf of the SS2014 collection, and with the autumn scarves ready to appear in the stores in a few months, it has taken rather a long time. Some designs come in later than others, and different stores have different selections of designs and CWs. Seeing an entire collection is like piecing together a jigsaw puzzle, and usually takes several visits to several stores.
In this season there are many beautiful designs, but sometimes it isn't that easy to find 'the one', which then also matches the criteria I outlined some time ago (how to choose a scarf-part one and how to choose a scarf- part two). In addition, I already own many beautiful scarves I absolutely adore, and see no point in adding a scarf which is too similar to those I already have, or which I don't love quite as much as the favorite ones in my drawer.
It was as recently as 2011 that this scarf was originally issued, so it was a surprise to see it coming out again so soon. The CWs of the original issue were bold and strong, and as much as I liked the design, I just couldn't wear the colors. This season's CW11 (Vert/Anthrazite/Vanille/Aubergine) is a neutral lovers dream... it consists of ecru, greys, taupes, creams, browns, muted blues and purples, deep teals, and blends in easily with most of my wardrobe.
Love your choice for this season and yea we are twins, I managed to get mine weeks ago when it first apeared in store and as you say a perfect netural and such a wonderfull design I just love it.
Congratulations on a lovely choice, dear MaiTai! We're twins again - this is truly a special scarf and a glorious, timeless design that lifts the outfit to the next level. Its "feel" has reminded me somehow of the La Femme aux Semelles de Vent, in the black/white/neutral issue, yet it is completely different. You wear it beautifully.
Have a nice weekend I hope the weather r over there it's as warm as in Barcelona!!!
What an exquisite scarf! It offers so many possibilities. I can't wait to see the many ways you wear it--all lovely.
first of all, the lovely Birkin organizer is arrived, it fits wonderful to my Garden Party. I am really thrilled, it is sooo nice sewed. It also fits to my LV Neverful, which I like to wear in summer :-). In June we will spend our holidays in Provence and the Cote d' Azur, and I think the organzier will be perfect and very helpful.
Hallo meine liebe Bine, thanks so much the lovely feedback, so happy you are pleased with your organzier! Great to know it fits a LV Neverfull too, I've had a request on this, and now I've got the answer :-) Congrats on finding your favorite pick in the end, sometimes it is not so easy to get what we want! Fingers crossed on the MP, and have a lovely weekend too!
Yes, it's glorious one of my favourites and it works with everything in a neutral wardrobe.
So true, there is hardly a piece in my wardrobe it doesn't go with!
This is a beautiful scarf on you. I love the bright colors of Hermes scarves, it's why I started collecting them, but my favorite 90 (purchased secondhand!) has turned out to be 'Faubourg by Night' in the same neutrals as the scarf you've shown here. It goes with everything and I never get tired of seeing it. Have a great weekend!
Thank you , Jill! So nice to hear about your FbN. My neutral pieces get the most outings too, regardless if they are clothes, scarves or other accessories. Have a great weekend too!
We are scarf twins again! And my favorite of the season as well. It's one of those scarves that is beautiful in images, but stunning in person.Thanks for highlighting it with the video. A second favorite pattern of mine is De La Mer au Ciel. So many great colorways this season.
Woohoo, twins again! Our MP club is growing, what a party! Your are so right about the scarf, images don't do it justice. It's so light and luminous in parts, which does not seem to come through in pictures..
what an amazing scarf, a musthave for me! I called the Hermes shops around me today, and hey, there is one in Hannover. I will buy it next week!
Thanks for sharing and have a nice weekend!
Well done on taking swift action, and congratulations on the successful search! Have fun bringing it home, and a lovely weekend too!
I also love the design of this scarf and the CW really suits you. Sadly, I don't think it would do anything for me. I wish I could try it on and see, but I can't travel.
Never mind, I now have three H scarves - I have recently bought Au Coeur de la Vie and also Del La Mer au Ciel. They are both in bright colours. I love looking at them, even if I am not sure if they suit me!
Congratulations on your new aquisitions! There are so many ways to appreciate them, and there is so much fantastic detail in the beauties you've bought!
Oh my, this is such a beautiful scarf! The neutral colors are just perfect...it will go with so much.
How lovely your birthday scarf looks on you, wear it in good health dear MaiTai.
Thank you for taking us along on your birthday weekend! I really enjoyed the pictures.
This scarf is mystique and mysterious, it perfectly suits to your petrsonality dear May Tai.
I too bought your same colorway and I agree, it is one of the most perfect neutrals. But there was one colorway of Mythiques Phoenix in 2011, a light blue and green. I wanted it so much but had a Fantasie Pittoresque in an almost identical colorway so I passed. One of the few scarf regrets I have.
How lovely to be twins with you! Sorry to hear about the missed 2011 version though. I can only imagine how thrilled you must have been to see it coming out again this season, even if in different colors!
Ah, I was wondering if you'd bite on this one! :) It is very you and truly an outstanding neutral beauty. I would think there's little it doesn't go with. It looks perfect with your pieces.
I bought this gorgeous design in the cotton gauze pareo in blue nuit (very similar to this CW- minus the teals) after seeing it modeled on tpf and AA. Hermes was pushing it more as a shawl than a pareo. It's so hot and humid most of the year here that this will get a lot more mileage than a silk twill would - though I'm tempted to get the silk if only to frame it.
I too love this design. Can I ask what AA means?
I went into Hermes with a completely different scarf in mind but once I tried this it was love at first sight. It is so elegant and subtle. You did a wonderful job capturing the design in your photos...it isn't an easy one to capture.
Well guessed, dear Maria! I can only imagine how beautiful your Pareo must be...now you are tempting me in turn!
Anonymous, I have no idea what AA means!
NestGirl, twins with you too, how wonderful! Enjoy yours in health and happiness!
I'm laughing so hard right now.. Sorry ladies, I should have been clearer.
Mythiques Phoenix never looked so good--thank you for sharing your styling w/ us. I love how it picks-up light/dark w/out drawing too much attention to itself, and highlights the lovely wearer: you!!!
Also, love how you accented the blk/wht w/ etoupe accessories. Just pure perfection, as usual.
Congratulations on your beautiful new birthday scarf. It is sooo perfect for you. The feather and palm details are stunning. Totally agree with Julian F on the "feel" of the colors and La Femme aux Semelles de Vent. Earlier in the season, I played around with Mythiques Phoenix in the teal colorway. This darker one definitely has an edgy, mysterious air. Wear it in the best of health!
I agree with you -- this is my favorite scarf of the season in this CW! I love it so much that I also bought the top. The details are exquisite and neutral CWs just work better on me too. I love it so much that I bought my Mother the light blue version.
So nice to be twins with you too, dear Lauren! The MP RTW pieces are absolutely stunning, congratulations on your beautiful top. Summer can come! Hope your Birkin insert will be with you soon.
So stupid - I posted this comment on the wrong thread!
I had misgivings about this design, but after seeing how fabulous it looks on you, I ran right over to the boutique today and brought the big bird home.
It is absolutely beautiful. I will put the bill in the mail to you on Monday, my dearest!
Woohoo, so happy to hear!! I can imagine how fabulous it looks on you. Twin hugs, my Dear!
For my birthday a few months back, my dear husband purchased Mythiques Phoenix for me as my very first Hermes scarf. I was delighted to see it on you, as well. Happy birthday!
Beautiful scarf, I was so tempted by this one also! I saw a very similar one Vancouver in a black and white colourway, with various shades of grey. The sales assistance said it was a bit unusual as only the two colours were used. It was very graphic and I was so close to buying it but fell in love the De la Mer Au Ciel. Congratulations!
Thank you, happy you like it! Many congratulations on your De la mer au ciel, it is such a beautiful design!
Après avoir longuement admiré le beau Phoenix en plusieurs boutiques depuis des semaines, sinon déjà en 2011, puis rentrée à la maison sans car je ne porte plus de twill depuis très longtemps. Cette fois-ci grâce à vous, je n'ai plus hésité à ramener mon bel Phoenix à la maison ce samedi, quitte à le laisser dormir dans sa boîte comme tant d'autres, mais il est bien chez moi. Effrayant mais si majestueux!
Glad you like it, thanks so much!


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As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Randa - May 26, 8: an 8x8 or 9x9 pan. When I don't meal plan together make a Larabar copycat usually end up ordering take. Hi Jayne, This is a greased jelly roll pan half bar and outside area lovely. Close Missing Input Please enter very similar recipe: Very nice. This recipe can be cut the web.
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Coconut Bars | Tasty Kitchen: A Happy Recipe Community!
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Hubby is IN love with powdered sugar. I cut six across and.
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Home Entertainment John Cena In Talks To Star In A Suicide Squad Spin-Off Series...
John Cena In Talks To Star In A Suicide Squad Spin-Off Series At HBO Max
The Suicide Squad Peacemaker character, starring John Cena, has landed his own spinoff series with James Gun as writer and director on HBO Max. Know more
John Cena plays Christopher Smith / Peacemaker in The Suicide Squad, written and directed by James Gun.
He will join the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) with the film. But even before the release of the trailer, the fighter-turned-actor landed a spin-off from his character "Peacemaker."
HBO Max series PeaceMaker starring John Cena
John Cena's character in The Suicide Squad, ShantiMaker, has come up with his own spinoff series. This leads Cena to the role of the Titanic, as he will repeat the character.
Director James Gunn will stream all of the episodes below, including some people's addresses. It's called an action-packed series.
The Peacemaker, the spin-off series of The Suicide Squad, is funded by HBO Max and will feature eight episodes based on the DC Comics character.
The details of the plot are worked out, but the show is said to trace the origins of Christopher Smith's incarnation of the peacemaker.
It is said to have eight episodes and will begin production starting next year when Gun will begin work on the Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy volume. 3.
The developers of the Peacemaker series spoke to WarnerMedia about the show.
HBO and HBO Max content director Casey Blois stated that James Gun has the unique ability to create a vast universe while bringing the soul and intelligence of each character to life. They said they hope to dive deep into the world of Peacekeepers.
He mentioned that he's excited to expand The Suicide Squad and bring the series to the full width of the DC cinematic universe. The filmmaker mentioned that working with John Cena, Peter Safran, and their friends at Warner Bros. is the icing on the cake.
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The Best Hiking Trails in Thunder Bay
From the famous Sleeping Giant to the Flett railway tunnel, Thunder Bay's trails offer a range of hiking opportunities for every skill level.
Hikers at the top of Mink Mountain near Thunder Bay • Credit: Bonnie Schiedel
Bonnie Schiedel is an award-winning freelance writer and editor for print and web.
Want to hike to a waterfall? How about a stunning view over Lake Superior, a quiet cobblestone beach or serene walk through the boreal forest? Thunder Bay has a fantastic variety of hiking trails in and around the city. Here are some excellent ones to check out. All are accessible year-round, although snowshoes may be required in the winter months. Here are some great places to hike in Thunder Bay.
A Summer Road Trip to Thunder Bay
1. Mink Mountain
Mink Mountain trail signs. // Photo credit: Bonnie Schiedel
Located about 45 km south of the city off Highway 61 (go east on Sturgeon Bay Road), Mink Mountain overlooks Lake Superior and has seven beautiful hiking trails that are open to the public. The Picnic Point trail is only 450 m long but has rugged terrain and very steep ascent/descent part way along. You emerge onto an unfenced rocky point with crashing Lake Superior waves (use common sense in wet or icy weather) and stunning views of Sturgeon Bay. It is definitely a wonderful place for a picnic. The Mink Mountain Trail winds up through the boreal forest to the top of the mountain, 183 m above the lake, where you can take in jaw-dropping views of Isle Royale, Pie Island and the wild blue yonder of Superior. It's perhaps a kilometre long, one way, but you can continue on the Valley Trail loop that's about 3.9 km in total. These trails are accessed at the Island Avenue trailheads.
Views from Picnic Point Trail // Photo credit: Bonnie Schiedel
More info at Mink Mountain Resort and trail map.
2. Trowbridge Falls
This popular area is found in city limits at the north end of Thunder Bay, with Cascades Conservation Area on one side and Centennial Park on the other. There are lots of trails to choose from, but one moderate option is the 2-km loop trail. Start at the Kinsman Park parking lot and take the northern part of the trail through mixed boreal forest with some beautiful white pines, the municipal campground (said to be haunted, if you're in a spooky mood) and a couple of arched bridges, which may just have padlocks on the railings, put there by other hikers to symbolize true love. Along the way you'll be able to check out the Current River rapids and rocky natural steps. The loop finishes at the playground near the parking lot.
3. The Flett Tunnel
This is not a difficult hike but it is definitely a memorable one—how often do you see a tunnel blasted through solid rock? This trail, located northwest of the town of Kakabeka Falls, follows an old railroad bed, which now has the tracks removed. It was used to transport iron ore and you can still see the pellets spilled here and there on the ground. The main attraction is the old train tunnel that goes directly through a rock face, with plenty of cool echoes and photo ops. From Kakabeka Falls, go west for about 15 minutes on the TransCanada Highway, and turn north on Finmark Road. When it forks, take the right fork onto Flett Road (about another 15-minute drive on slightly rough roads), and park when the road ends. The trail is on the west side and it's about 1 km to the tunnel, on a flat trail with a rock face on one side and steep slope on the other. This property has recently come under private ownership and you'll need a day-use permit. Make sure to stop in Kakabeka Falls for ice cream (seasonally at several locations) or butter tarts at The Eddy!
4. James Duncan Nature Trail
Hiking the James Duncan Trail. Photo credit: Bonnie Schiedel
One of the newest trails in the Thunder Bay area is found in a new Nature Conservancy of Canada nature reserve, Big Trout Bay, about 50 km south of the city and accessed by Highway 61. The James Duncan is a 9.9-km through trail. One trailhead is at Little Trout Bay Conservation Area (which begins with a somewhat steep rocky climb with numerous lookout points over Lake Superior) and the other trailhead, with a more moderate beginning, is at Memory Road. One shorter option is to start at Memory Road and do a 3.3-km hike, one way, starting at the rehabilitated wetlands with plenty of wildlife to observe, like red-winged blackbirds, chubby tadpoles and jewel-like dragonflies, and hike through the winding boreal forest. You come out on a Lake Superior cobblestone beach, a lovely place to have a snack, search for a bit of beach glass and contemplate the big lake.
Photo credit: Bonnie Schiedel
5. Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is located about 80 km east of Thunder Bay, on Sibley Peninsula that hooks down into Lake Superior. With over 100 km of hiking trails, it's a fantastic place to explore. Experienced hikers put the challenging Top of the Giant trail (nearly 22 km, ascending the tallest cliffs in Ontario) on their must-do list, because it's a chance to experience the Sleeping Giant, Thunder Bay's most famous landform, in a whole different way. Less demanding but still beautiful hikes include Middlebrun Bay (4.6 km round trip through the boreal forest and Lake Superior shoreline to a long secluded sandy beach) and Piney Wood Hills (3 km round trip, winding through huge cedar, white pine and red pine up to 200 years old, then a steeper section overlooking Joeboy Lake).
6. Pigeon River Provincial Park
The spectacular High Falls with views of the U.S.! Photo credit: Bonnie Schiedel
Found just before the Canada-US border on Highway 61, about 60 km south of Thunder Bay, this day-use park has several great trails. If you have small kids or are using a wheelchair or mobility scooter, there's the Boardwalk trail, a 350-m accessible trail through the shoreline trees, marked with information plaques, with striking metal artwork and benches at the final platform on a Lake Superior beach. High Falls trail is a 2-km loop along an old logging route to the impressive High Falls waterfall roaring through a steep gorge. You can wave to visitors on the American side of the falls just a short distance away! You can retrace your steps and go back the same way you came, or descend a steep staircase to walk along the Pigeon River, with lots of opportunities to see birds and investigate the foundation of an old homestead.
Be sure to check out the locally created WAYfinder app, which is a great resource for trail information.
Hiking in Thunder Bay is always fun and rewarding. Get out there and explore everything Thunder Bay's hiking trails have to offer.
Discover More About Thunder Bay
Bonnie Schiedel is the founder of www.tbaywithkids.ca, which covers fun family-friendly attractions, events and restaurants in Thunder Bay. She enjoys canoeing, hiking, snowshoeing and travel, and you can read more of her award-winning work at www.northstarwriting.ca.


09.2016 - ALPA's credo was and is to offer their users the outmost modularity, flexibility and protection of their investment. ALPA is pleased to announce in its anniversary year a number of future-oriented products for existing and new customers. ALPA aims to provide highly tailor-made photographic equipment. With 18 new products for this Photokina ALPA is underpinning this claim.
This compact control module ALPA SILEX (reminiscent of the once universal biface tool made from flint stone/silex) offers all the functionality you have seen with the proven ALPA 12 FPS – without a built in focal plane shutter. SILEX enables every existing conventional ALPA 12 camera with new functionality and operates all lenses equipped with eShutter 250 or 125 in combination with the ALPA eShutter Control.
But that there is much more: Add the all new ALPA Electronic Lens Adapter and use any ALPA 12 FPS lens adapter on any existing ALPA 12 body. This will offer completely new choices for ALPA's users. The cooperation with Hasselblad will open the ALPA to an even better integration of the complete palette of Hasselblad HC/HCD lenses. Together with video capable digital backs Canon, Contax 645, Nikon PC-E, Rollei can be used as well. And there will be more choices in the future.
Together with the eShutter control and the electronical lens adapter ALPA SILEX reaches way beyond what was possible in the past in medium format photography.


Together with Covestro, one of the largest polymer manufacturer in the world, lighting and electronics specialist HELLA has developed a new design for vehicle signal lighting using holographic technology. Since 2012, both companies have been pooling their expertise in the areas of plastics technology, as well as design and lighting technology, in order to use signal lighting as a style element. For this reason, the companies have been developing innovative designs for the front and rear lighting of electric cars in collaboration since 2015. The result is holographic lighting with 3D effects, as well as a seamless and aerodynamic design. A show car demonstrating this will be presented in Düsseldorf from October 19 to 26, 2016, as part of Covestro's presence at the K Trade Fair, the leading trade fair for the plastics and rubber industry (Hall 6, Stand A75).
The rear of the vehicle is comprised of a lamp with three parts, each equipped with holographic technology. With this, the two companies are presenting a world premiere. Designers at HELLA developed the holograms before Covestro then incorporated these into a transparent holographic film, which retains the design and is laminated onto a 3 mm glass plate. For series applications in the future, plastic will be used instead of glass. "Holographic films are perfectly suited for integrating different lighting functions into the body in a space-saving and unobtrusive way. The installation depth can be reduced and automotive manufacturers have the possibility to install more compact lamps," explains Dr. Michael Kleinkes, Head of Development Lighting Technology at HELLA. The holographic film is illuminated from behind using LED light sources and reflectors. This results in a 3D effect – as if the elements are floating freely in space. In both of the outer elements of the rear lamp, a hologram was inserted with numerous illuminating areas ("flakes"). Integrated into the tailgate is the middle lamp, on which the HELLA and Covestro company logos appear to be floating.
Above all, it is the design of the stop lamp that stands out at the rear of the vehicle. Instead of a separate center high-mounted stop lamp, HELLA has created a joint signature for the stop lamp and center high-mounted stop lamp. "As the statutory regulations have been fulfilled, it would be possible to implement this approach in series applications immediately," says Dr. Michael Kleinkes. The tail light is also visually combined with the direction indicator. For this, a diffuser film with diffractive optics developed by Covestro is used. This forms and distributes light beams with minimal loss of light, thus ensuring uniform light distribution. The LEDs located behind this in the two outer parts are designed two-colored so that both the direction indicator and the tail light functions can be generated. The functions are also animated, meaning that the effect of a sequential turn signal can be realized, for example.
HELLA and Covestro have not only re-designed the rear of the vehicle, but also the front. The companies have created a seamless, uniform surface. The signal functions have been realized with a three-part EdgeLight light guide. This spans the entire front of the vehicle as a continuous lighting strip. The two outer parts of the light guide create the direction indicator lights as well as daytime running lights, which can be dimmed to position lighting. The middle light guide is responsible for the continuous daytime running light and position light signature. These functions can also be animated. The area in front of the vehicle is illuminated using four so-called ComLED modules. The two main lighting functions of low beam and high beam lighting are executed by the matrix HD84 module developed by HELLA.
LED displays are integrated in both the front and rear of the vehicle in order to enable additional animations, such as the welcome light function. In the future, this could not only be possible when stationary but also during driving, in combination with other light functions, for example. When braking, for example, it would be possible to illuminate not only the stop lamp, but also show the additional indicator "STOP".
Visitors at the K Trade Fair in Düsseldorf will be able to gain deeper insight into the new design and experience the direction of future vehicle lighting live.


The 83 year old Pope didn't name his network of choice be it Xbox Live, PSN, or even social networks such as Facebook, Myspace or Twitter while delivering a new address entitled "Truth, Proclamation and Authenticity of Life in the Digital Age." However his statement may have been about them all.
Don't worry about being popular and be yourself online, says the Pope. Which we guess means, in this context for Catholics, don't worry about how many Facebook friends, Twitter followers, PSN friends, Xbox Live friends, etc. you have.
The task of witnessing to the Gospel in the digital era calls for everyone to be particularly attentive to the aspects of that message which can challenge some of the ways of thinking typical of the web. First of all, we must be aware that the truth which we long to share does not derive its worth from its "popularity" or from the amount of attention it receives. We must make it known in its integrity, instead of seeking to make it acceptable or diluting it. It must become daily nourishment and not a fleeting attraction.
The Pope seems happy and all for the opportunities for learning and interaction online, but he's against the exact kind of false online personas that might be responsible for otherwise nice or 'weak' people becoming monstrous jerks and tough guys online.
I wonder if the pope's played Assassin's Creed 2.
He looks more like a Star Wars fan to me.