text: Posted April 9, 2013 · Report post Thank you I will get pics uploaded asap. Day 26: The other day in work some horrible old man decided to give me a "tip" about my skin, he told me to use lemon juice to help clear it but i mean, what the heck?! As if i wasn't already conscious enough about it he has to go and point out the bloody obvious. YES i know its bad and i'm dealing it! Apart from that there is nothing new to report, accutane seems to be taking forever to work but i suppose my acne is persistent so what else can i expect really. One thing i have noticed though is that the skin above my problem areas (forehead and tops of cheeks) has become super smooth so that's quite nice. Got my first check-up with my derm on Thursday so hopefully my blood work is ok so i can continue Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


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Reviews for ANIMATED BEARY WINTER
2 reviews for this add-on
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Verrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry Cute!
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
This is so precious, but I can't choose between this one an your animated very beary Christmas. I'll use this one and then switch and use the other one. Merry Christmas! ^__^
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Read the May 2011 e-discovery feature, "Keeping Up With Evolving E-Discovery."
Many companies opt for a blended approach to e-discovery. Why is this popular? How can corporate legal teams "sell" this approach to executives?
This is a popular approach mostly out of necessity. Trying to handle all aspects of e-discovery in-house can be daunting, complicated and expensive. The balance a particular in-house group achieves is based on case/investigative demands, the nature of internal systems and data types, size and type of in-house legal staff and cross-functional teams, as well as the company's working relationship with outside counsel and vendors.
The benefits of a split approach can be many–assuming it is set up in an efficient manner based on specific needs and metrics supporting such a structure (the key to getting executive buy-in). If done right, in-house groups not only realize significant cost savings and time efficiency, but a split structure can also allow for better transparency between in-house and outside counsel and provide an avenue to stronger matter knowledge management over the long term.
Once an in-house group masters processes in one area, there are often opportunities to bring additional aspects of e-discovery inside–here again, providing metrics in support of the benefit versus expense/hardship will help drive decisions for executives. For instance, many in-house groups make the decision to leverage internal expertise about systems and data by controlling data management and reuse at the front end of the process in order to reduce the overall corpus and gain critical transparency into the documents prior to exporting to e-discovery vendors for additional processing, review or production. Even in instances where the work may not be conducted in-house–such as attorney review–in-house groups can still influence the cost and efficiency of the process.
As always, in-house teams must work with outside counsel to ensure all aspects of the in-house strategy are reasonable and legally defensible. Early and ongoing collaboration with outside counsel, and vendors to the extent necessary, will help in-house teams at the outset, during cases and also as they continue to assess additional ways to reduce cost and increase efficiency in this area.
Why are metrics such a vital aspect of initiating and maintaining in-house e-discovery?
Whether an in-house group prefers a split approach or some other, including up to a complete vendor-managed service via a law firm or e-discovery vendor, providing the specific metrics in support of an approach remains the most important thing to securing requisite executive buy-in.
Tracking metrics in this space can be daunting. For example, in instances where numerous outside counsel control e-discovery with varying processes and vendors, cost tends to skyrocket, and metrics, if kept, are rarely kept consistently by the different firms. That said, even small in-house teams can get useful metrics necessary by using representative case examples or gathering a specific set of basic metrics from outside counsel and vendors over a certain time period.
The important thing is to begin somewhere and take a reasonable approach to solving a particular e-discovery problem in-house, conduct a cost-benefit analysis against that process and have outside counsel weigh in on defensibility. Even if slow, progress will be made.
What challenges might a company face when first bringing e-discovery in-house?
The most critical challenges are having executive sponsorship of the internal e-discovery initiatives and finding the right team to both envision and lead the effort.
The discovery counsel role has three main components: great legal judgment, technical acumen and a process/workflow mindset. Specialized e-discovery project managers are essential in managing the data and other "in the weeds" processes both internally and with vendors. Developing the right cross-functional teams from legal, IT and other essential business units is vital to think through all aspects of challenges, communicate technical and/or difficult processes effectively and make appropriate recommendations.


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Universal Background Checks....
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January 31, 2013, 07:13 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: November 13, 2006
Posts: 5,318
Where are the examples you offer clearly and specifically enumerated in the Bill of Rights?
Would you support a universal background check to vote?
Surely our benevo;lent,trustworthy government would never corrupt and abuse that law,and it would certainly protect the integrity of our elections,and,after all,if it would prevent just one fraudulant vote....
Now,please,a direct answer,no sidestep
Describe a workable method for the government to monitor and enforce universal background check for face to face sales.
The ONLY way I can see that would be effective is 1)Require everyone to submit a complete inventory of all the firearms they have custody of2)Require everyone to submit to audits3)If you have,or do not have,any firearm on the list,it is evidence of a non-background check transaction,and a crime.
Remember,we live in a country where Supreme Court Justice Roberts suupports the idea it is a crime to not buy health insurance.
I fail to understand why,if murder is a capital crime,we need more laws to prevent murder.
Every crime a person could possible commit with a firearm is also a very serious crime,often with extra mandatory sentencing.
What we DO NOT NEED is more laws that make people into criminals or give government the means to abuse us for doing nothing more than being in non compliance with some arbitrary stupid ineffective emotional response to "do something"
Sensationalizing these crimes in the media is contributing to copy catting.Perhaps we should severely restrict media coverage.After all,if it only saves one life,it will be worth it.
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Archer: Season 3 Blu-ray
Starring H. Jon Benjamin, Judy Greer, Chris Parnell, Amber Nash, Aisha Tyler, Jessica Walter, Adam Reed, George Coe, Lucky Yates, Peter Newman, Patrick Warburton, Burt Reynolds
All 13 episodes from the third season of the animated, adult-themed series following the adventures of smooth-talking master spy Sterling Archer (voice of H.
Jon Benjamin). In this season, Archer is tracked down by adventurer Rip Riley (Patrick Warburton) after he is kidnapped by pirates; discovers that his mother Malory (Jessica Walter) is dating his hero, Burt Reynolds; and journeys into space to face down a crisis on the space station 'Horizon'.
The episodes are: 'Heart of Archness: Part I', 'Heart of Archness: Part II', 'Heart of Archness: Part III', 'The Man from Jupiter', 'El Contador', 'The Limited', 'Drift Problem', 'Lo Scandalo', 'Bloody Ferlin', 'Crossing Over', 'Skin Game', 'Space Race: Part I' and 'Space Race: Part II'.
- Format: Blu-ray
- Region: B
- Certification: (15)
- Catalogue number: 5510907000
- Studio: 20th Century Fox Home Ent.
- Release date: 01/07/2013
- Genre: Comedy
- Colour: Colour
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Ugly Betty: The Complete Collection
Release Date: 28 March 2011 | Certificate: Suitable for 15 years and over
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The complete four seasons of the kooky American TV comedy series about life in the fashion publishing industry. Betty Suarez (America Ferrera) has always wanted to be a success in the world of fashion publishing, but although she's smart, efficient and hard working, her looks (dental braces, spectacles and bizarre dress sense) have always counted against her. Gaining a position at fashion bible 'Mode Magazine' through sheer determination, Betty now has to prove her worth to colleagues that will stop at nothing to undermine her confidence and position. Episodes from the first season comprise: 'Pilot', 'The Box and the Bunny', 'Queens for a Day', 'Fey's Sleigh Ride', 'The Lyin', the Watch and the Wardrobe', 'Trust, Lust and Must', 'After Hours', 'Four Thanksgivings and a Funeral', 'Lose the Boss?', 'Fake Plastic Snow', 'Swag', 'Sophia's Choice', 'In Or Out', 'I'm Coming Out', 'Brothers', 'Derailed', 'Icing On the Cake', 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell', 'Punch Out', 'Petra-Gate', 'Secretaries Day', 'A Tree Grows in Guadalajara' and 'East Side Story'. Episodes from the second season comprise: 'How Betty Got Her Grieve Back', 'Family/Affair', 'Betty's Wait Problem', 'Grin and Bear It', 'A League of Their Own', 'Something Wicked This Way Comes', 'A Nice Day for a Posh Wedding', 'I See Me, I.C.U.', 'Giving Up the Ghost', 'Bananas for Betty', 'Zero Worship', 'Odor in the Court', 'A Thousand Words By Friday', 'Twenty-Four Candles', 'Burning Questions', 'Betty's Baby Bump', 'The Kids Are Alright' and 'Jump'. Episodes from the third season comprise: 'The Manhattan Project', 'Filing for the Enemy', 'Crimes of Fashion', 'Betty Suarez Land', 'Granny Pants', 'Ugly Betty', 'Crush'd', 'Tornado Girl', 'When Betty Met YETI', 'Bad Amanda', 'Dress for Success', 'Sisters On the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown', 'Kissed Off', 'The Courtship of Betty's Father', 'There's No Place Like Mode', 'Things Fall Apart', 'Sugar Daddy', 'A Mother of a Problem', 'The Sex Issue', 'Rabbit Test', 'The Born Identity', 'In the Stars', 'Curveball' and 'The Fall Issue'. Finally, episodes from the fourth season comprise: 'The Butterfly Effect: Part 1', 'The Butterfly Effect: Part 2', 'Blue On Blue', 'The Wiener, the Bun and the Boob', 'Plus None', 'Backseat Betty', 'Level (7) With Me', 'The Bahamas Triangle', 'Be-Shure', 'The Passion of the Betty', 'Back in Her Place', 'Blackout!', 'Chica and the Man', 'Smokin' Hot', 'Fire and Nice', 'All the World's a Stage', 'Million Dollar Smile', 'London Calling', 'The Past Presents the Future' and 'Hello Goodbye'.
Audio commentaries, Gag reel and bloopers, Deleted scenes, Behind the scenes featurettes, 'Betty Goes Bahamas'
Release Date: 28 March 2011
Certificate: 15 - Suitable for Persons Aged 15 or Over
Region 2
Sound: Dolby Digital
Running Time: 3422 minutes
Main Language: English
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The Bagnall Company announced that Lisa Moore has joined the company as senior analyst-benefit and contracts.
Moore, an Arizona native, brings 30 years of previous work experience in human resource management, benefits management, and health and welfare consulting to the company. She has bachelor's degrees in accounting and human resources and holds an Arizona Life and Health Insurance License.


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I have been voice acting for 3 years and have worked in several large animation projects, from Dragonball Absalon to Hellsing Abridged. I seek to improve my skills by helping talented animators create awesome content.
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Services for Flora Chiarappa Silini, 75, Lawrence, will be at 2 p.m. August 27 at First Southern Baptist Church. Burial will be held at a later date in Walnut Grove Cemetery, Meriden, Conn.
Ms. Silini died Monday, July 27, 1998, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
She was born in Meriden, Conn., the daughter of Emilio and Grace Chiarappa. She earned a degree in piano performance from the Eastman School of Music of the University of Rochester, and a master's degree in music from Ball State in 1967.
She presented workshops describing her method of teaching piano to the mentally and physically challenged, and her book, ``Experiencing Music with the Piano,'' has been used as a text for piano courses throughout the United States.
She was presented the Mortar Board Teaching Award for outstanding educator by the Torch Chapter, Kansas University. In 1981, she was the recipient of a grant from the National Committee of Arts for the handicapped, an educational affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
She was a member of Altrusa International, the American Italian Historical Society, Music Teachers National Assn., Sigma Alpha Iota International music fraternity and Pi Kappa Lambda, KU Retirees Club, and National Honorary Music Society. She was active in the Kansas Music Teacher's Assn., the Douglas County Association for the Retarded Citizens and the American Diabetes Assn.
Survivors include a son, Robert Silipigni, of the home; and a brother, Elmer Chiarappa, Middlefield, Conn.
The family suggests memorials to the American Diabetes Assn., sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.
Copyright 2017 The Lawrence Journal-World. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. We strive to uphold our values for every story published.


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Willow Tree Praying Angel
Susan Lordi
Speak directly to someone special's heart with this charming angel. Exquisitely crafted, the figurine is hand-painted and includes a card that reads "May you find strength, beauty and peace each day."


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Get DVD Talk Feeds
The Plot:
To ex-medical student Walter Hopps, art was everything. It was the air he breathed. It was the sustenance that nurtured him. It was the philosophy he lived by. And when he met radical sculptor Ed Kienholz and saw the surreal "found object" works he created, he knew it would be his life's work. Creating the Ferus Gallery out of a small commercial space off the beaten path, he gathered together many of California's most radical and exciting artisans. Soon, the stable of talent included Allen Lynch, Ed Moses, Billy Al Bengston, Robert Irwin, Craig Kauffman, John Altoon, and Wallace Berman (among others). Even with all this outsized imagination and invention, the gallery struggled for an image and identity. Then the slick, suave - and somewhat shady - Irving Blum came along. Partnering with Hopps, he turned the floundering enterprise into a celebrated haute happening. Of course, celebrity came at a cost, and soon the principles upon which Ferus was founded were being undermined. After a little less than a decade after it began - 1957 to 1966 - Hopps was out and Blum took the name to New York, where it slowly faded away. Until now.
The DVD:
One of the best facets of the documentary form is that it can introduce a viewer to individuals and ideas that you normally would never know about. Take Walter Hopps, Irving Blum, and LA's Ferus Gallery. Without this amazing film by Morgan Neville, few would have known about this influential enterprise, the stellar talent who fueled it, and the two men who made marketing and maintaining it their life's work. Thanks to some incredible archival footage, intimate access to those still living who were part of the studio's sensibility, and an inherently intriguing premise, Neville warps us back in time. It's a trip through ego and enlightenment, snobbery and an almost slapstick disrespect for all things non-New York. One of the best sequences in Cool School deals with this 'us vs. them' clash, a prominent Manhattan dealer stating unequivocally that, if it's outside the East's sphere of influence, it's junk. He is particularly harsh on Kienholz. A goateed giant with a matching appetite for life, this dumpster diving genius used garbage and other discarded materials to make the kind of social comments that the radicalized '60s would incorporate as their own. Here, he is often the source of spite or outright ridicule.
Blum is also an intriguing character, the quasi-villain to all the heroes honing their craft. Though he is around to speak for himself, Cool School tends to paint him as an opportunist and fame whore. He takes up where Hopps left off, pushing Ferus more into the direction of commerciality, trying to make the gallery as viable financially as it was aesthetically. He even ends up stealing his partner's wife (something that even in light of the era comes across as rather crass). It's Blum's incorporation of the New York scene (Ferus featured the first West Coast shows for Warhol, Rauschenberg, and Lichtenstein) that many inside see as the ultimate betrayal. Instead of letting his own artists stand for themselves, such a strategy suggested that LA needed New York to seem viable. In fact, the mainstreaming of the abstract expressionists along with the growing disdain/acceptance of pop flew directly in the face of the more original Ferus vision. From fascinating glass cubes to works based in words, the group collected by Hopps was more than revolutionary. They were literally redefining expression (and its reception) for the rest of the 20th century.
As a film, Cool School is the liveliest of history lessons. It's fun to watch devotees like Dennis Hopper and Dean Stockwell show off their abject admiration, and with the exception of Kienholz (who died in 1994), most everyone else is available for added substance. Neville doesn't try to dress up his narrative. We don't get the standard hippy dippy montages meant to showcase the coming of the peaceniks. Instead, we follow the insular landscapes created by the Ferus gang - canvases crying out for acknowledgment as aging faces remember the difficulties that drove such ideas. The archival footage is very bohemian, monochrome memories of a time when people smoked pipes, played bongos, and walked around like street people - shirtless and unencumbered. In fact, one could argue that the "Cool School" itself marked the moment when art finally went wholly for profit, when ability could be matched to marketing to get everyday Joes to pay attention. Aside from all the amazing artworks on display, the recognition of this important business model moment may just be this film's lasting impact and import. It adds a layer of wonder that supports Cool School's ultimate resonance.
The Video:
Offered up by Arthouse Films and Curiously Bright Entertainment, the technical aspects of The Cool School are rock solid. This is a polished DVD, the 1.33:1 full screen image loaded with sharp whites and deep blacks. The transfer does revert to color toward the end, and it is a little disconcerting. After all, we find ourselves lost in the dramatic flair of the old look visuals. Once the blue of the sky and the gray of the beards become apparent, the film looses some of its edge.
The Audio:
Employing a mock rock soundtrack meant to mimic the particular eras without resulting in sizable rights issues, the Dolby Digital Stereo mix is quite good. The dialogue is easily discernible, the ambient elements expertly placed in the proper background position. While it would have been nice to hear the actual Byrds vs. their generic, public domain substitute, the aural aspects of this release are perfectly acceptable.
The Extras:
There are three main bonus features here, each one adding necessary context to the decidedly dense story being told. Walter Hopps on "Walter Hopps Hopps Hopps" by Ed Kienholz offers the Ferus founder defending an artwork based on himself. The World of Ed Kienholz shows the agent provocateur working on a sculpture of a TV host while being interviewed, and the Ferus Artists Reunion is an extended look at the moment in the movie when most of the living members of the gallery return to participate in a little rarified reminiscence. All three extras provide an additional half hour of insight into how these men turned the tide of West Coast aesthetics from afterthought to forerunner.
Final Thoughts:
Though some might find fault with the lack of narrative clarification (we do get quite a few names and acknowledgements thrown at us in rapid succession) and others may wince at the notion of Blum's veiled vilification, The Cool School is still a wonderful and informative documentary. Though far from perfect, it definitely deserves a Highly Recommended rating. It seems strangely apropos for the Ferus storyline to end the way it does here. Without spoiling a last act twist, the individuals least instrumental in forming the creative collective are the ones left legitimizing its legacy. And as with any myth, the line between fact and fantasy is also blurred beyond recognition. One thing is true, however. Without the foresight of men like Hopps, Kienholz, and Blum, California artists may have never battled bravely alongside their East Coast brethren. As this fine film suggests, it remains an uneasy but necessary truce at best.
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The individual processes involved in interstitial fluid volume and protein regulation (microvascular filtration, lymphatic return, and interstitial storage) are relatively simple, yet their interaction is exceedingly complex. There is a notable lack of a first-order, algebraic formula that relates interstitial fluid pressure and protein to critical parameters commonly used to characterize the movement of interstitial fluid and protein. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to develop a simple, transparent, and general algebraic approach that predicts interstitial fluid pressure (Pi) and protein concentrations (Ci) that takes into consideration all three processes. Eight standard equations characterizing fluid and protein flux were solved simultaneously to yield algebraic equations for Pi and Ci as functions of parameters characterizing microvascular, interstitial, and lymphatic function. Equilibrium values of Pi and Ci arise as balance points from the graphical intersection of transmicrovascular and lymph flows (analogous to Guyton's classical cardiac output-venous return curves). This approach goes beyond describing interstitial fluid balance in terms of conservation of mass by introducing the concept of inflow and outflow resistances. Algebraic solutions demonstrate that Pi and Ci result from a ratio of the microvascular filtration coefficient (1/inflow resistance) and effective lymphatic resistance (outflow resistance), and Pi is unaffected by interstitial compliance. These simple algebraic solutions predict Pi and Ci that are consistent with reported measurements. The present work therefore presents a simple, transparent, and general balance point characterization of interstitial fluid balance resulting from the interaction of microvascular, interstitial, and lymphatic function.
- edemagenic gain
- mathematical modeling
- edema
Interstitial inflow: interstitial fluid pressure and protein concentration determine flow of microvascular fluid and proteins into the interstitium.
The fluid filtration rate across a microvascular membrane, originally described by the Starling Hypothesis (53), is a result of an imbalance between two competing forces: hydrostatic and colloid osmotic pressures (41, 47). A decrease in interstitial fluid pressure increases the hydrostatic pressure gradient, driving fluid into the interstitium. A decrease in interstitial protein concentration, however, increases the colloid osmotic pressure gradient, maintaining fluid in the microvasculature. The two structural parameters that modulate the effects of these forces are the microvascular filtration coefficient (Kf), characterizing the permeability to water, and the reflection coefficient (σ), characterizing the relative permeability to proteins. The protein transfer rate across a microvascular membrane, on the other hand, is a result of convection driven by fluid filtration and diffusion driven by a protein concentration gradient. A decrease in interstitial fluid pressure increases the fluid filtration rate, driving proteins into the interstitium via convection. A decrease in interstitial protein concentration increases the protein concentration gradient, driving proteins into the interstitium via diffusion. The two structural parameters that modulate the effects of these processes are the reflection coefficient (σ) and the product of microvascular protein permeability and the surface area (PS) (56). Interstitial fluid pressure and protein concentration thus play significant roles in transfer of both fluid and proteins. Perhaps the complexity of interstitial fluid and protein dynamics has made it too difficult to identify the separate effects of interstitial inflow and outflow on interstitial fluid pressure (Pi) and protein concentration (Ci) (2, 31). Typically, the values of Pi and Ci are assumed constant, i.e., unaffected by changes in interstitial inflow (14).
Interstitial outflow: interstitial fluid pressure determines flow of fluid and proteins out of the interstitium.
The lymphatic system drains fluid and proteins from the interstitium. Characterizing the behavior of a single lymphatic vessel is complicated by the interplay of its axial pressure gradient, transmural pressure, and endothelial shear stress (3, 23, 24, 34, 45). Characterizing the function of an entire lymphatic system, however, is relatively simple, since the lymphatic system pressure-flow relationship can be linear over a large range of pressures (5, 22, 23). As interstitial fluid pressure increases, the resulting increase in axial pressure gradients and transmural pressures act in concert to increase lymph flow (34). In a series of articles, Drake and Laine (12, 13, 15, 17, 38, 39) successfully characterized the lymphatic pressure-flow relationship with two empirically derived parameters: the effective lymphatic resistance (RL) and the lymphatic pump pressure (Pp). A recent study related the values of RL and Pp to the mechanical properties of lymphatic vessels, including vessel contractility and contraction frequency (50). Although investigators have used Drake and Laine's formulation to predict the interaction of one part of a lymphatic system with another (55), this simple description has not yet been used to address lymphatic-microvascular interaction. In fact, a significant number of studies neglect the effect of lymphatic function on interstitial fluid balance (14).
Conservation of mass: edema is conventionally characterized as an imbalance of interstitial inflow and outflow.
The process of interstitial fluid volume regulation is typically characterized by invoking the principle of conservation of mass. The difference between interstitial inflow and outflow rates determines the rate of change in interstitial fluid volume. That is, when the inflow rate is greater than the outflow rate, the interstitial fluid volume increases. Conversely, when the outflow rate is greater than the inflow rate, the interstitial fluid volume decreases. The principle of conservation of mass, however, is limited. For instance, if only microvascular filtration is elevated experimentally, then gravimetric approaches can be used to ascribe changes in interstitial fluid volume to changes in microvascular permeability (14). However, measurement of interstitial fluid volume alone does not reveal whether microvascular filtration has increased or lymphatic function has decreased. In fact, once edema is established, inflow is equal to outflow, and no information is available to determine whether microvascular or lymphatic function has been compromised. Furthermore, the amount of microvascular filtration and lymph flow in the steady state is not directly related to interstitial fluid volume; edema can be associated with both high and low flows (10). Finally, because both conservation of mass and balance of forces are necessary to characterize mechanical systems from fundamental principles (21), characterization of edema as a mismatch of inflow and outflow is theoretically incomplete. Taken together, conservation of mass is necessary, but not sufficient, to characterize interstitial fluid balance.
Interstitial storage: interstitial compliance is conventionally believed to determine interstitial fluid pressure.
The capacity of the interstitium to store fluid is a fundamental mechanical property characterized by the "interstitial compliance," the slope of the interstitial fluid volume-pressure relationship (28, 51). Interstitial compliance is believed to play a fundamental role in interstitial fluid balance: it determines how much interstitial fluid volume rises with an increase in interstitial fluid pressure. Three related concepts follow. First, the extraordinarily high interstitial compliance reported for the lung may prevent complications arising from edema (28, 54). In this case, interstitial fluid volume can significantly increase without a concomitant increase in interstitial fluid pressure, thus preventing alveolar flooding (28, 54). Second, decreasing the effective interstitial compliance with compressive sleeves may reduce peripheral edema by raising interstitial fluid pressure (6, 9). In this case, reduction of interstitial fluid volume follows from diminished microvascular filtration and enhanced lymphatic drainage. Finally, increasing interstitial compliance with pharmacological agents or focal injury may induce edema by decreasing interstitial fluid pressure (52). In this case, the lower interstitial fluid pressure draws fluid into the interstitium from the microvascular space. Inherent in all three concepts, a change in interstitial compliance is believed to alter the equilibrium interstitial fluid pressure.
Limitations of conventional mathematical models of fluid balance.
The individual processes involved in interstitial fluid volume regulation (inflow, outflow, and storage) are relatively simple and can be expressed in terms of general algebraic formulas. Integrating them to predict interstitial fluid pressure and volume, however, has been problematic. The interaction is complicated by the presence of negative feedback; an increase in interstitial fluid volume limits microvascular filtration and enhances lymphatic drainage. Furthermore, the effect of lymphatic function has not been explicitly introduced into fluid-balance models, limiting the generality of the results. Furthermore, the accumulation of interstitial fluid volume and proteins introduces integrals that have required numerical solution. Taken together, there is a notable lack of a first-order, algebraic formula that relates interstitial volume to critical parameters commonly used to characterize the movement of interstitial fluid. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to develop a simple, general, algebraic approach that predicts interstitial fluid pressure, volume, and protein concentration resulting from the interaction of microvascular, interstitial, and lymphatic function.
Interstitial inflow of fluid.
The Starling-Landis Equation (Eq. 1) characterizes the fluid filtration rate (JV) across microvascular membrane into the interstitium (41, 47). The transmicrovascular fluid flow rate is determined by the microvascular filtration coefficient (Kf) in response to effective microvascular driving pressure resulting from hydrostatic and colloid osmotic pressure gradients. The difference between microvascular (Pc) and interstitial (Pi) hydrostatic pressures tends to force fluid into the interstitium. The value of Kf depends on microvascular surface area and permeability to water. The difference between microvascular (Πc) and interstitial (Πi) colloid osmotic pressures tends to draw fluid in the opposite direction, from the interstitium into the microvessels. The reflection coefficient (σ) characterizes the relative permeability of the microvasculature to plasma proteins (having a value between 0 and 1) and thus modulates the contribution of colloid osmotic pressure to effective microvascular driving pressure. (1) To be consistent with the rest of the analysis, the Starling-Landis Equation is formulated in terms of plasma (Cc) and interstitial protein (Ci) concentration given by Eq. 2, which will be used henceforth. (2) When concentration is expressed in moles per kilogram, α can be estimated by R·T, where R is the ideal gas constant and T is absolute temperature (57). When concentration is expressed in milligrams per milliliter, an experimentally derived value for α is used (31, 32). Consistent with previous work (10), Pc, Pi, Cc, and Ci are considered variables, and Kf and σ are considered structural parameters.
Interstitial inflow of proteins.
The microvascular protein extravasation rate (JsV) (i.e., the interstitial inflow of proteins) is characterized by using the linear Taylor-Granger Equation (Eq. 3) (2, 56). In this formulation, protein flux across microvascular membrane is determined by convective as well as diffusive processes. The microvascular fluid filtration rate (JV) drives the convective transfer of proteins and is modified by Cc and σ. The protein concentration gradient across microvascular membrane (Cc − Ci) drives protein diffusion and is modified by the microvascular protein permeability-surface area product (PS). (3) Although this formulation is based on an approximation proposed by Kedem and Katchalsky (37) that treats diffusion and convection as independent processes, comparison with other formulations suggested that the Taylor-Granger formulation better approximates the well-accepted nonlinear Patlak-Hoffman (49) formulation (Eq. A2) than other reported formulas (see Appendix).
Interstitial outflow of fluid.
The Drake-Laine Equation (Eq. 4) characterizes lymphatic function by relating lymph flow rate (JL) to an effective lymphatic driving pressure (12). This equation is based on the common assumption that there is no protein concentration gradient across the terminal lymphatic membrane, and only the hydrostatic pressure gradient across lymphatic vessels drives the lymph flow (2). Since lymphatic outlet pressure (Pout) is typically greater than interstitial fluid pressure (Pi), the difference in Pi and Pout tends to retard lymph flow. The value of (Pi + Pp) represents the lymphatic driving pressure and is composed of interstitial hydrostatic pressure and lymphatic pumping pressure (Pp). The effective lymphatic resistance (RL) is the slope of the relationship between effective lymphatic driving pressure (Pi + Pp − Pout) and the resulting lymph flow. (4) In this formulation Pp and RL are empirically derived parameters used to describe the lymphatic pressure-flow relationship (12) and are not necessarily equivalent to pressure developed by lymphatic vessel contraction or resistance to lymph flow. Recently, Pp and RL were related to lymphatic contractility and contraction frequency (50). Since transserosal flow is ultimately collected by lymphatics and returned to systemic circulation, transserosal flow is accommodated by the Drake-Laine model (Eq. 4).
Interstitial outflow of proteins.
Without a protein concentration gradient across the terminal lymphatic membrane, lymph protein concentration would be equal to interstitial protein concentration. Furthermore, the interstitial outflow rate of proteins is determined by a convective process only. Using the Drake-Laine Equation (Eq. 4) to characterize the lymphatic fluid drainage rate (JL) driving convection, the rate of lymphatic drainage of interstitial proteins (JsL) can be described. (5)
Conservation of mass.
Based on the principle of conservation of mass, the rate of change in interstitial fluid volume (V) is determined by the difference between interstitial inflow (JV) and outflow (JL) rates of fluid. Similarly, the rate of change in interstitial protein content (Q) is determined by the difference between interstitial inflow (JsV) and outflow (JsL) rates of proteins (Eq. 6). (6a) (6b) In steady state, interstitial fluid volume and protein concentration cease to change, and thus dV/dt and dQ/dt both equal zero. Therefore, inflow is balanced with outflow, and JV = JL and JsV = JsL.
Characterizing interstitial storage.
The capacity of the interstitium to store fluid volume (V) is a fundamental mechanical property characterized by the "interstitial compliance" (ΔV/ΔPi), the slope of the interstitial fluid volume-pressure relationship (28, 51). The relationship between interstitial fluid pressure and volume depends on tissue hydration level and can be highly nonlinear (28, 51). However, the interstitial fluid volume-pressure relationship has been approximated to be "piecewise linear," a commonly used technique to deal with the effect of hydration on interstitial compliance (5, 8, 31). Typically, under normal conditions in the negative (subatmospheric) interstitial pressure range, interstitial fluid pressure is sensitive to changes in interstitial fluid volume (i.e., interstitial compliance is small) and the interstitial fluid volume-pressure relationship is represented by a linear relationship. With overhydration, however, interstitial pressure can become positive, and the interstitial compliance can become much larger. Thus, with significant edema, the sensitivity of interstitial fluid volume to interstitial fluid pressure is lost (28). To capture this behavior, the interstitial fluid volume-pressure relationship in this range can be represented by another linear relationship, with a higher slope representing higher interstitial compliance. While within a particular linear range, the rate of interstitial fluid volume accumulation is related to interstitial compliance and the rate change in interstitial fluid pressure, dPi/dt (Eq. 7a). (7a) (7b) Interstitial storage of proteins is characterized by the ratio of total interstitial protein (Q) and interstitial fluid volume (Eq. 7b).
Approaches to solving equations.
The individual subsystems that govern interstitial fluid volume and protein are relatively simple (Eqs. 2–7). However, their interaction can be complex, given that there is inherent feedback in the system. Equations 2–7 were nonetheless solved two ways. First, it was assumed that the system is in steady state (i.e., JV = JL and JsV = JsL), and Pi and Ci were found analytically by simultaneously solving Eqs. 2–7 in terms of the structural parameters (Kf, RL, α, σ, Pp) using standard algebraic methods. Second, it was assumed that the system is not in steady state. In this case, the system of equations must be solved numerically, and all parameter values must be defined explicitly. Values of parameters (Kf, σ, RL, Pp) were collected from various publications (dog lung, Table 1). To illustrate the role of interstitial compliance, the response to a change in capillary pressure (Pc) was simulated for low and high initial values of interstitial compliance. Equations 2–7 were solved simultaneously using a standard Runge-Kutta method implemented in MatLab R2007a (MathWorks, 2007), and the resulting transient changes in interstitial fluid pressure and volume were plotted as a function of time.
Validation of model at steady state.
The resulting algebraic formulas representing steady state were used to predict steady-state values of Pi and Ci in different organs. The resulting estimates of Pi and Ci were then compared with previously reported values of Pi and Ci derived experimentally (18, 33, 36, 40, 42, 58). Values of parameters (Kf, σ, RL, Pp) were collected from various publications that used similar experimental models and conditions (Table 1).
Sensitivity analysis.
To determine the sensitivity of predicted values to parameters, the effect of 10% variation in each parameter was determined on the estimation of Pi and JL for the illustrative case of the dog lung (Table 2). While one parameter was varied by 10%, the remaining parameters were assumed constant and equal to those listed in Table 1.
Comparison of model predictions to reported changes in interstitial fluid pressure.
To illustrate the ability of the model equations to capture transient behavior reported in the literature, data were digitized from Lund et al. (43). Briefly, data were obtained from interstitial fluid pressure measurements in skin subjected to burn injuries. To simulate this experiment, Eqs. 2–7 were solved numerically, assuming that interstitial compliance increased linearly for 15 min to a plateau, using the same numerical methods described above for a stepwise increase in Pc. A set of parameters were chosen to reproduce the steady-state interstitial fluid pressure (before injury) and the peak negative interstitial fluid pressure (after injury). The resulting interstitial fluid pressure was plotted as a function of time.
Graphical representation of steady state.
The steady-state values of Pi and Ci can be represented graphically using a standard balance-point approach (27, 29). For illustration purposes, Fig. 1 represents the interstitial fluid flow balance point. To construct it, first the relationship of Pi and JV (Eq. 2) is plotted. Assuming that interstitial protein concentration is in equilibrium, this relationship is linear, with a slope of −Kf. The x-intercept represents the total effective microvascular driving pressure forcing fluid into the interstitium, Pc − σσ(Cc − Ci), and is equal to the value of Pi at which Jv = 0. Then the relationship of Pi and JL (Eq. 4) is plotted. This relationship is also linear, and has a slope of 1/RL. The x-intercept represents the total effective pressure hindering flow from the interstitium, Pout − Pp, and is equal to the value of Pi at which JL = 0. The intersection represents graphically the balance point where equilibrium interstitial inflow is equal to equilibrium interstitial outflow (i.e., JV = JL). The intersection is equivalent to setting JV = JL and solving Eqs. 2 and 4 simultaneously (resulting in Eq. 8a). A similar process can be used to construct a graph illustrating the interstitial protein flow balance point from Eqs. 3 and 5. The graphical representation of steady state provides a means to comprehend the individual contributions to interstitial fluid balance, where intercepts represent effective driving pressures and slopes represent effective resistances to flow.
Algebraic solutions characterizing equilibriums.
As steady state is reached, interstitial inflow rates are balanced with outflow rates, leading to constant interstitial fluid volume and protein content. The solutions for Pi (Eq. 8a) and Ci (Eq. 8b) were obtained by solving the relationships, JV = JL and JsV = JsL, respectively. Equation 8 characterizes interstitial fluid pressure and protein concentration as a function of structural parameters (Kf, RL, α, σ, Pp) and inlet and outlet variables (Pc, Cc, Pout). Equation 8a provides solutions corresponding to the intersections illustrated graphically in Fig. 1. (8a) (8b) Notably, interstitial compliance, does not appear in Eq. 8a, indicating that interstitial compliance has no effect on interstitial fluid pressure. If Ci were to be measured, Eq. 8a immediately yields a value of Pi. Conversely, if Pi were to be measured, Eq. 8b immediately yields a value of Ci. However, numerical approaches can be used to solve Eq. 8a and 8b simultaneously to yield values of Pi and Ci without these measurements. Substituting Eqs. 8a and 8b into Eqs. 4 and 5 yield equilibrium lymphatic flows of fluid and protein. (9a) (9b)
Validation of model in steady state.
Table 1 illustrates the comparison between interstitial fluid pressure and protein concentration estimates with experimental measurements. The predicted steady-state values of interstitial fluid pressure and protein concentration compared favorably to measured values across all animal models. The average errors in predicted interstitial fluid pressure and protein concentration for all animal models in Table 1 were 0.3 ± 0.3 mmHg and 2.0 ± 1.6 mg/ml (means ± SD), respectively.
Sensitivity analysis.
As each parameter was varied by 10%, estimated Pi and JL also varied considerably (Table 2). However, it is evident that 10% increase in σ produced the largest change in estimated Pi and JL. Notably, changes in the microvascular filtration (Kf) and the surface area-protein permeability product (PS) had relatively small effects on Pi and JL. Also notable is that changes in capillary pressure (Pc) had a much greater effect than changes in lymphatic outlet pressure (Pout).
Role of interstitial compliance in interstitial fluid pressure and fluid volume regulation.
Figure 2 illustrates changes in interstitial fluid pressure and fluid volume as a function of interstitial compliance resulting from a step change in capillary pressure. Figure 2 presents three critical aspects. First, interstitial compliance has a major effect on steady-state interstitial fluid volume. A 10-fold increase in interstitial compliance from 0.06 to 0.6 ml/100 g·mmHg increases interstitial fluid volume ∼1.5-fold. Second, the value of interstitial compliance will determine how quickly the system will return to steady state after a perturbation. A 10-fold increase in interstitial compliance from 0.06 to 0.6 ml/100 g·mmHg prolongs the time required to reach the steady state from ∼50 to ∼300 min. Third, the steady-state pressure is unaffected by interstitial compliance. Figure 3 further illustrates the role of interstitial compliance on transient and steady-state interstitial fluid pressures. With an increase in interstitial compliance believed to occur with burn injuries (43), interstitial fluid pressure immediately falls and recovers exponentially. When only interstitial compliance changes, the steady-state interstitial fluid pressure returns to the initial value. Model results are qualitatively similar to the data derived experimentally from a 40% burn injury (Fig. 3), in which interstitial fluid pressure falls abruptly, recovers exponentially (time constant, ≈ 45 min), and returns to near initial values (43).
Reconceptualizing interstitial fluid balance with inflow and outflow resistances.
The present work derived a series of simple algebraic formulas characterizing interstitial fluid pressure and protein regulation by integrating simple equations (Eqs. 2–7) using the classical concepts of linearity and time invariance (10, 19). A singular benefit of expressing interstitial fluid pressure with an algebraic function is that it leads to a new framework to understand interstitial fluid balance. Figure 4 depicts interstitial fluid pressure (Pi) regulation in terms of fluid compartments under transient (Fig. 4A) and steady-state conditions (Fig. 4B). Under transient conditions, a greater interstitial inflow than outflow leads to an increase in interstitial fluid volume. In steady state, however, interstitial volume comes to a constant value, and inflow is equal to outflow. The present work reformulated the equations describing microvascular filtration as a ratio (10, 19) relating a microvascular driving pressure {[(Pc−Pi)−ασ (Cc−Ci)]} to an inlet flow (JV). This ratio results in an effective resistance to microvascular filtration equal to 1/Kf. Similarly, Drake et al. (12) characterized lymphatic drainage as a ratio relating a lymphatic driving pressure (Pi + Pp − Pout) to an outlet flow (JL), resulting in an effective lymphatic resistance (RL) (Eq. 4). Interstitial compliance, relating interstitial fluid pressure to interstitial fluid volume, determines the interstitial capacitance (Eq. 7a). When combined, these three components suggest an electrical circuit analogy consisting of two resistances in series and a capacitor in parallel (Fig. 4A). The resulting RL(ΔV/ΔPi) time constant provides a cutoff frequency that is much lower (<<1 Hz) than either capillary or lymphatic pressure oscillations, explaining in part why interstitial pressures typically lack pulsations. Under steady-state conditions, the electrical circuit analogy degenerates into a circuit consisting only of two resistances in series (Fig. 4B). Based on this electrical analogy, three insights become evident. First, the ratio of RL and 1/Kf determines interstitial fluid pressure (Fig. 4B). In fact, the relative values of RL and 1/Kf determine whether Pi approaches the microvascular driving pressure (when RL>1/Kf) or effective lymphatic pumping pressure (when RL<1/Kf) under steady state. Second, the sum of RL and 1/Kf determines the total resistance and thus lymph flow. It thus becomes clear that interstitial fluid pressure can be regulated independently from transmicrovascular and lymph flow. Finally, there is a natural analogy to the classical description of capillary pressure regulation. Notably, capillary pressure also results from the ratio of inflow (arteriolar, Ra) and outflow (venular, Rv) resistances and is unaffected by (capillary) compliance (47).
Steady-state interstitial fluid pressure is not affected by interstitial compliance.
The belief that interstitial compliance affects interstitial fluid pressure can be traced to the original work of Guyton (28). Clearly, interstitial compliance by definition relates a change in interstitial fluid volume to a change in interstitial fluid pressure. Therefore, transient changes in interstitial fluid pressure and volume are sensitive to interstitial compliance (Fig. 2). However, the present work demonstrates that the absolute value of interstitial fluid pressure in steady state is not affected by interstitial compliance (Eq. 8a). Steady-state interstitial fluid pressure is only a function of the resistances to interstitial inflow and outflow of fluid (1/Kf and RL) and driving pressures {[Pc−ασ (Cc−Ci)] and [Pout−Pp]} (Fig. 4B). Once interstitial fluid pressure is determined by the ratio of inflow and outflow resistances, interstitial storage capacity, characterized by the interstitial fluid volume-pressure relationship, determines the corresponding interstitial fluid volume. Although interstitial compliance does not affect steady-state interstitial fluid pressure, it nonetheless determines the time required to reach steady state and the ultimate interstitial volume (Fig. 2). In the case of pulmonary edema, for instance, a relatively high interstitial compliance can prolong the time before an edemagenic challenge increases interstitial pressure and causes alveolar flooding. Although higher interstitial compliance increases the lung's edemagenic gain (10), it may provide the system enough time to resolve the primary cause of increased microvascular flux.
Validity of assumptions.
To arrive at the simple algebraic solutions in the present work (Eq. 8), a number of assumptions were required. The first set included assumptions that are commonly made when modeling microvascular filtration. Focusing on whole organ fluid balance, the common assumption was made that the interstitial space within an organ behaves as a well-mixed compartment; there is no protein concentration gradient across the interstitial space (56). This assumption may result in an overestimation of the flow of fluid and proteins across microvascular membranes when microvascular filtration is low (56). Although several equations are reported that describe microvascular protein extravasation, the Taylor-Granger Equation (Eq. 3) (56) was selected, because it is relatively simple and has been experimentally validated. This equation tends to overestimate microvascular protein extravasation when microvascular filtration is low, but approaches the well-accepted nonlinear Patlak-Hoffman formulation (49) with increasing microvascular filtration (see appendix). A less common set of assumptions is required specifically for the present work. Although all variables characterizing microvascular, interstitial, and lymphatic function have nonlinear relationships, for conceptual clarity we elected to represent them with linear relationships (Eqs. 2–7). Linearization incurs minimal error if either of the variables vary within a small range or the relationships are treated as piecewise linear (5, 8, 31). The interstitial fluid volume-pressure relationship is particularly nonlinear, since the slope increases dramatically at higher hydration levels (28). This particular nonlinearity has minimal impact on Eq. 8, since interstitial compliance has no effect on steady-state interstitial fluid pressure. It may affect the predicted transient changes in interstitial fluid pressures illustrated in Fig. 3, however, since the range of interstitial fluid pressures is so large. Another critical assumption of linearity is embodied by the description of lymphatic function, appropriated from Drake et al. (12). Two critical parameters, RL and Pp, were derived empirically, and represent the slope and intercept of the lymphatic outflow-pressure relationship. As has been argued previously (2), RL and Pp do not represent the physical resistance to lymph flow or the pressure developed by lymphatic contractions. Recently, RL and Pp have been revealed to be related to both lymphatic vessel contractility and contraction frequency (50). Furthermore, it is possible that the three parameters, the microvascular filtration coefficient, effective lymphatic resistance, and interstitial compliance, interact with each other, resulting in nonlinear behavior. For instance, changes in interstitial compliance may affect RL by altering interstitial-lymphatic tethering. However, for the current linear analysis, these three parameters are assumed to be independent of each other. Also, parameters characterizing microvascular filtration are typically reported in units per weight. Because lymphatic parameters characterize whole-organ behavior, they must be normalized to make their units consistent. Perhaps the best indication that the assumptions made in the present work are reasonable is the comparison of model results with reported data.
Comparison of model results with reported data.
Both steady-state and transient model results were compared with reported data. To illustrate the ability of the resulting algebraic equations (Eq. 8) to predict interstitial fluid pressure and protein concentration, specific parameter values had to be assumed (Table 1). Because the parameter values reported from the literature resulted from different animal models, organ systems, and experimental interventions, their ranges were relatively large. The fact that predicted steady-state values of interstitial fluid pressure compared favorably to measured values (Table 1) provides the greatest argument for the validity of the assumptions used in the present work. Furthermore, the transient solution, solved for the case of change in interstitial compliance, mimics what has been reported for burn injuries (Fig. 3). In particular, the interstitial fluid pressures fell abruptly, rose exponentially (time constant, ≈ 45 min), and returned to baseline values. Small persistent deviations from baseline values may have been the result of confounding alterations in microvascular permeability (1, 46, 52). We can predict that as small as a 25% increase in the microvascular filtration coefficient or 50% increase in the effective lymphatic resistance after burn injury will result in this small deviation in steady-state interstitial fluid pressure.
Graphical balance point approach provides a tool to conceptualize complex problems.
The algebraic solutions developed in the present work (Eq. 8) are manifestations of a balance-point characterization of interstitial fluid volume and protein regulation. Like Guyton, who used a balance point approach to characterize venous return-cardiac output interaction (27, 29), we characterized microvascular-lymphatic interaction as equilibrium between the inflow and outflow of fluid and proteins (Figs. 1 and 5). Whereas numerical approaches to solve the interstitial fluid flow equations are powerful, the graphical balance point approach derived from Eqs. 2–4 is simple enough to reveal fundamental behaviors resulting from changes in slope or intercepts. Figure 5A illustrates that increasing Kf shifts the balance point (from A to B), yielding higher interstitial fluid pressure and lymph flow. Figure 5B illustrates that increasing RL shifts the balance point, yielding higher interstitial fluid pressure and lower lymph flow. For instance, in the case of dog lung, a 10% increase in Kf increases Pi by 0.22 mmHg, whereas a 10% increase in RL increases Pi by 0.33 mmHg (Table 2). Figure 5C illustrates that increasing capillary pressure (Pc) increases microvascular driving pressure that shifts the balance point, yielding higher interstitial fluid pressure and lymph flow. By increasing the microvascular driving pressure, a 10% increase in Pc increases Pi by 0.55 mmHg in dog lung. Figure 5D illustrates that increasing lymphatic outlet pressure (Pout) increases lymphatic effective pumping pressure that shifts the balance point, yielding higher interstitial fluid pressure and lower lymph flow. Perhaps more importantly, this graphical approach can reveal surprising behavior resulting from the interaction of parameters. For instance, although simultaneous increase in Kf and RL (shifting the balance point from A to B in Fig. 5E) will yield higher interstitial fluid pressure, and thus volume, microvascular filtration and lymph flow can remain unchanged. In case of dog lung, 10% increase in Kf and 2% increase in RL increases Pi by 0.28 mmHg, but leaves JL unchanged. The common practice of using lymph flow to estimate Kf (14) may therefore fail, because the data simply does not contain enough information to make such a determination. Conversely, an increase in Kf, if accompanied by a decrease in RL, (shifting the balance point from A to B in Fig. 5F) will yield increased microvascular and lymphatic flow without a corresponding change in interstitial fluid pressure. In fact, interstitial fluid volume would remain unchanged if interstitial compliance remained constant. In case of dog lung, 10% increase in Kf and 6% decrease in RL increases JL by 0.013 ml/min·100 g, but leaves Pi unchanged. Use of gravimetric approaches to infer changes in Kf (14) from steady-state interstitial fluid pressures and volumes would therefore fail, because the data does not contain enough information to make such a determination.
Perspectives and Significance
The present work provides a predictive characterization of interstitial fluid balance resulting from the interaction of microvascular, interstitial, and lymphatic function. This approach has made advances to conventional fluid balance models because it 1) does not neglect lymphatic function and its effect on interstitial fluid pressure, 2) does not assume that interstitial fluid pressure or protein concentration is constant, 3) characterizes fluid balance in terms of resistances to fluid transport, 4) provides a general algebraic solution in terms of microvascular and lymphatic parameters, and 5) provides a relatively simple analytical tool that may make the physics more accessible to physiologists and concepts of interstitial fluid balance accessible to students already familiar with the balance point concept. The resulting approach reveals that 1) steady-state interstitial fluid pressure depends on a simple multiplication of effective lymphatic resistance and the microvascular filtration coefficient, 2) interstitial compliance has no effect on steady-state interstitial fluid pressure, 3) interstitial pressure is more sensitive to changes in capillary pressure than lymphatic outlet pressure, 4) interstitial pressure is at least as sensitive (or possibly more sensitive) to changes in effective lymphatic resistance than the more commonly studied microvascular filtration coefficient, and 5) the practice of using lymph flow to estimate the microvascular filtration coefficient (14) may fail, because the data simply does not contain enough information to make such a determination. The present work, however, presents notable limitations that must be addressed in future work. First, all parameters used to validate the current model did not originate from the same study, which constrains the ability to identify model limitations. Second, the time course of edema formation is clinically relevant, and the balance point approach only characterizes the steady-state condition. Third, the common practice of using measured lymph protein concentration to estimate interstitial protein concentration can lead the model to overestimate the predicted value of interstitial fluid pressure. Fourth, the model has not yet been interrogated to explore how different species exhibit different adaptive strategies to achieve optimal fluid balance. Finally, the mathematical model of the present approach has not yet been applied to re-evaluate the conclusions drawn by numerous previous studies that use mathematical models of fluid balance to interpret their experimental results that are less comprehensive and make much more problematic assumptions.
Nonlinear forms of the protein extravasation equation.
Based on the principles of irreversible thermodynamics, Kedem and Katchalsky (37) characterized solute transport across homoporous, sieving membranes (Eq. A1). In this formulation, the convective and diffusive processes responsible for protein extravasation are considered independent of each other. On the other hand, the Patlak-Hoffman formulation (Eq. A2) (49) considers simultaneous convection and diffusion of proteins through the same pathway. In fact, their formulation generalizes the Hertzian formulation for sieving membranes, recognized as the gold standard for nonsieving membranes (7). The Manning formulation (Eq. A3) (44) is a linear approximation of Patlak-Hoffman formulation, assuming small JV. The Taylor-Granger formulation (Eq. 3) (56) is the linear empirical approximation of Kedem-Katchalsky formulation. Except for the Kedem-Katchalsky formulation, the two-well accepted formulations (Eqs. A2 and A3), along with Taylor-Granger formulation, suggest that CL/Cc approaches (1−σ) with increasing JV, i.e., lymph protein concentration (CL), approaches a constant value at high JV. (A1) (A2) (A3)
Comparison of numerical solutions for protein extravasation.
Various comparative studies have reported the accuracy of different microvascular protein extravasation characterizations. One such study by Bresler and Groome (7) compared the Kedem-Katchlasky (37) and Manning (44) formulations to the Patlak-Hoffman formulation (49). The Taylor-Granger formulation (56) has not been included in such studies. In the present work, an approach similar to that of Bresler and Groome was used to compare the accuracy of the JsV estimation by the Taylor-Granger formulation (Eq. 3) with those of Kedem-Katchlasky (Eq. A1), Patlak-Hoffman (Eq. A2), and Manning (Eq. A3). As reported by Bresler and Groome, the Patlak-Hoffman formulation is considered the gold standard for comparison purposes. The ratio of errors in JsV estimation is determined with Eqs. A4a and A4b. Equation A4a compares the Taylor-Granger formulation with the Kedem-Katchlasky formulation, and Eq. A4b compares the Taylor-Granger formulation with the Manning formulation. (A4a) (A4b)
Figure 6 illustrates R1 (Fig. 6A) and R2 (Fig. 6B) as a function of JV with Ci/Cc = 0.1, 0.5 and 0.9 (σ = 0.6, PS = 0.118). R1 is reduced as Ci approaches Cc. However, it can be shown by algebraically reducing Eq. A4b that R2 is independent of Cc or Ci and is therefore not affected by changes in Ci/Cc. The Taylor-Granger formulation (56) better approximates the Patlak-Hoffman formulation (49) with increasing JV than the others.
Portions of this work were supported by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Grants K25-HL-070608 (to C. M. Quick), American Heart Association Grants 0565116Y (to C. M. Quick), and 0365127Y (to R. H. Stewart), and Center for Disease Control Grant 623086 (to G. A. Laine).
- Copyright © 2009 the American Physiological Society


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LOS ANGELES, July 28, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- UC Hub, Inc. (OTCBB:UCHB), a publicly traded company currently on the Over the Counter, announces Global TV Network has acquired 100% of DCL Environmental Systems from UC Hub, Inc. and plans to implement procedures and filings to spin out an OTC company. Global TV Network acquired media content and partnered with Rapid Fitness (Pink Sheets:RPDI). DCL Environmental Systems Inc. will change its name to Global TV Network, Inc. Global TV Network, Inc. plans to allocate some equity for the UC Hub creditors as part of managements restructuring of UC Hub Group Inc. and has plans to provide warrants for existing shareholders in UC Hub Group at a discount as of this date.
Global TV Network has a full SANS 1735 Terabyte Array for Movie and Data Storage. It has both Beta SP and High Definition (HD) capability with Sony, Avid Pro and Sun System Servers completing the backbone infrastructure. The Sony and Ikegami cameras will be used for productions along with their JVC HD 100 to produce HD programming products that will be mandated this year. Global TV Network will focus on the international broadcast of niche content throughout the world with terabyte storage, ISP and portal broadcasting capability for the WEB that Global TV Network shall introduce and brand their new webcasting model (IPTV) and MOBI applications.
As management continues for the past nine months to fund UC Hub, it has increased revenue and decreased overhead. Management is very familiar with this entertainment and digital medium and excited about the opportunity Global TV Network provides to present shareholders and creditors. The value add here is a revenue growing and sanitized UC Hub while providing discounted warrants in a new company, Global TV Network.
Global TV Network has set up several hundred domestic and international TV stations broadcasts as of this date and has the capability to become a premier digital broadcast facility for the web and mobile opportunities. The future frontier of digital broadcast will mean that everyone will have an opportunity to broadcast their personal channel through the Global TV Network portal.
About UC Hub Group Inc.:
UC Hub Group Inc. operates as a software development, marketing and digital distribution company for transaction based operations on the web and mobile phone.
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The Global TV Network is an ISP Portal broadcasting in all languages around the world. Their portal has been designed to open in 156 languages in all the top countries. They also stream TV programming in all languages any where in the world for the first worldwide TV broadcasting network. Global TV Network broadcasting portal can be seen at:
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The parent company of Minnesota Public Radio and American Public Media on Wednesday appointed its chief operating officer to succeed chief executive officer Bill Kling, who will step down this summer from the organization he started 44 years ago.
Jon McTaggart, a longtime MPR executive, was named by American Public Media Group's board to oversee MPR's 42-station public radio network and a diverse portfolio of national programs that includes the business program Marketplace and Performance Today, a daily hour of classical music.
Starting July 1, he will guide the company into what many see as the next era for public radio, one that's rife with political controversy, financial uncertainty and technological tumult.
In a news release, McTaggart said he's looking forward to it.
"We have within our walls the ability to do great things that impact the world far beyond our organization. That's a challenge that any executive would welcome," he said.
Inside the company McTaggart is seen as an affable, yet intense leader, who has loyally carried out the founder's vision while carefully keeping the complex, ambitious operation focused.
American Public Media Group began searching for Kling's replacement last year, and McTaggart was picked from a "deep pool of interested and highly qualified candidates," said Ian Friendly, U.S. retail chief operating officer at General Mills and the board member who led the succession committee.
Bill KlingBesides MPR and American Public Media, APMG also controls Southern California Public Radio, Classical South Florida, the Fitzgerald Theater and Greenspring Company, which publishes Minnesota Monthly. APMG has 609 full and part-time employees, including 475 at MPR, American Public Media and the Fitzgerald Theater.
McTaggart, 50, was first hired in 1983 to help MPR expand its reach in northern Minnesota. He has worked for the company for most of the years since then and has been chief operating officer since 2003. He left the company for two separate three-year stints, one at a hospital foundation and the other at a university.
During the time McTaggart was chief operating officer, the company launched the Public Insight Network -- a nationwide system that connects audiences to news organizations -- and started two new music stations: The Current in the Twin Cities and Classical South Florida in Miami.
About 900,000 listeners tune in to MPR stations each week, and the organization claims 110,000 members, people who have contributed money. American Public Media programs reach about 16 million listeners on nearly 800 stations nationwide. It is the second-largest distributor of national programs behind NPR, and is the largest producer and distributor of classical music programming.
American Public Media Group reported revenue of $97.2 million as of June 2010, up slightly from $96.3 million a year earlier, according to company officials. AMPG's operating budget for this year is $103 million. The value of the APMG earned endowment is $124.3 million. Three other smaller endowments bring the total value of endowments to $147.2 million.
The organization grew from a single classical music station that Kling started in Collegeville, Minn., in 1967. Over the years it has flourished, and been held up as a model nationwide.
But APMG's radio stations and programs face the challenge of reaching new, younger audiences at a time when a growing segment of the population gets most of its news and music from the Internet. For instance, the median age of its news audience is 49 and the median age of its classical music service is 55.
Like many media organizations, APMG is still developing its digital products and defining the role online content will play in its efforts to grow its audiences.
Certain technological advancements could also threaten the organization's business model. Audio feeds available on mobile devices could make regional radio stations less necessary. And subscriber-based radio alternatives like Pandora are popping up in more places, including in people's cars, where many current public radio listeners tune in.
Those will be key questions for McTaggart as he assumes his new position. In an extended bio released by the company, he acknowledged the media business is changing, comparing it to the 1990s when the Internet became a new factor. He said APMG will handle it well.
"We have just the right strengths for the times we live in," McTaggart said. "In some ways, it's like the '90s in that there's a great willingness to experiment and innovate. This time it's at a fundamental level of new audience experiences, business models, technologies and structures."
Randy Hogan, chairman of the APMG board and CEO of Pentair, Inc., said the CEO transition will begin immediately.
(MPR reporter Annie Baxter contributed to this report.)


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All-Purpose AnimationMixing broadcast and Web media: then and now
To achieve this effect many Web designers would turn to Flash, but the Flash format restricts Animators in their use of certain types of graphics and effects. Flash features are limited in controlling and manipulating motion over time and achieving certain looks and textures due to bitmap versus vector issues, and simplified keyframe and time controls restrict subtle or last minute changes. Instead, I used several products to achieve the visual results and flexible workflow I wanted. I created the art in Adobe Photoshop, animated in Adobe After Effects and delivered the final product using Apple Quicktime. Unfortunately, I didn't prepare for Fox.com asking me to post the animations as low bandwidth files on the show's real Web site.
How it was
At the beginning of the 2000/2001 television season there were limited tools for creating character animation for both television and the Web. In the 2001/2002 season, things are looking a lot better. Following is the process used to make the original animations for the show and repurpose those animations for the Web. I have also outlined how I would go about this differently today given the advances in current software.
I created five human characters, a horse and a gorilla based on the script for the first episode. The clothing on the human bodies was to look like simple line art. The character heads, horse and gorilla would be photographic.
Bob Self: The man and his gorilla.
Each body part was created on its own layer in Photoshop making the character setup in After Effects a breeze. A typical forward-facing character would consist of one layer each for torso, upper right arm, lower right arm, right hand, upper right leg, lower right leg, right sock, right shoe, with the same parts on the left side. The head would be several head layers with different expressions such as a smile or a frown and opened and closed eyes.
The horse's beginnings in Adobe Photoshop
I saved a flattened copy of my layered setup files as a jpeg and e-mailed it from my workstation to the show's producers. When the producers wanted changes such as "make the vice principal's coat a different color" or "change the shape of the English teacher's torso," I made alterations to the corresponding layers and sent out a new .jpeg within minutes. Photoshop's adjustment layers feature makes nondestructive changes to the hue and saturation of body parts, so I could always return to previous versions. The characters' photographic heads were to be black and white, but I had the actors photographed in color and used adjustment layers to desaturate and adjust levels in case the producers decided to use color heads later.
Related Keywords:Bob Self, Adobe, Photoshop, Live Motion, GoLive, After Effects, Web Graphics, Animation, Boston Publich
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CentOS 6.2 installation on non-PAE x86 processor
I am trying to install CentOS 6.2 on processor without PAE support.
Installation halts at the very beginning with the message
I wonder if there is any workaround? Maybe some boot parameters to disable PAE check? Or install 5.x and then upgrade to 6.2? Did anyone have such an experience?
You will need to compile a non-PAE version of the CentOS 6.2 kernel (processor family "Pentium Classic" or below). Upgrading from 5.x won't help, you'll get the same error message.
What kind of CPU are we talking about here? Intel introduced PAE with the Pentium Pro in 1995.
I have Compaq nc6000 laptop with Pentium M inside.
I suppose it is earlier version of Pentium M without PAE.
How do you suggest to compile own kernel version without having the system installed in the first place?
Would it be better than to install CentOS 5.x instead? Or look into direction of another distribution, like Debian?
Obviously, you would need to compile the kernel on another system. You would then need to create a custom CentOS installation DVD with the modified kernel.
Your other option is to choose a distribution that supports non-PAE systems.
I would not recommend using an older distribution of any kind, as you'd run the risk of installing components with known bugs and vulnerabilities.
I have a similar problem, well pretty much exactly the same problem
How can I create an installation DVD with a modified kernel?
I installed Debian instead.
If you want CentOS-style stability on an early Pentium M, then look at AntiX or CrunchBang: both have a non-pae kernel and both are based on Debian Stable (I know that's not what Distrowatch says of AntiX, but they're wrong).
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MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — At a mid-town Wells Fargo bank a large group of Minnesota Somalis gathered Friday to remove their money from the bank and protest.
The group says Wells Fargo has been unwilling to work with them to get money to Somalia.
Last December more than a dozen Twin Cities businesses known as Hawalas stopped offering money transfers to the east African Country. They stopped because of provisions aimed at keeping funds out of the hands of terrorists.
"This is a humanitarian crisis," said Abdirahman Muse, a former Wells Fargo customer. "Hawalas are the only way we can send money to our brothers and sisters. Many people rely on us to put food on the table."
Wells Fargo stopped working with Hawalas in 2008. Protesters say the big bank now has an opportunity to be a leader and begin providing assistance.
"They are letting our families die," said Shukri Hassan, a former Wells Fargo customer. "By not letting us work with them our families… brothers and sisters are dying of hunger."
A spokeswoman for Wells Fargo says they hate to see customers leave. A regional leadership team from Minnesota plans to meet with members of the Somali community next week.


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Reliability considerations in simple paralleling applications
Service and support
One of the first questions that should be considered when choosing a supplier of a paralleling system is how the system will be supported in the future. Properly supporting all the system's equipment requires a diverse skill set. Working with a supplier that has a proven track record of designing, installing, and maintaining complete paralleling systems is the best way to ensure reliable operation over the life of the system. Questions to ask include:
- Have the service technicians been trained and certified by the manufacturer on all components of the paralleling system? Claims that an engine dealer technician can service a paralleling system should be viewed with skepticism.
- Have the service technicians been certified with the make and model of engines being used in the application? Suppliers that use engines from different manufacturers may require different service organizations to support systems within the same geographical region.
- Does the service organization offer comprehensive maintenance programs for the entire system?
- Does the service organization have a demonstrated history of supporting paralleling systems in many different types of applications?
- What is the availability of replacement parts? Power transfer devices will often need to be replaced after faults. Replacing a proprietary contactor rather than a paralleling circuit breaker can result in a system being down for a significant period of time. Replacing a proprietary component with a standard one may not be acceptable if the new device isn't listed for use with the existing overcurrent protection.
- If a control needs to be replaced, is custom programming required for the replacement control and who is authorized to do the programming? What is the time frame for replacing the control?
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Annual Salary Survey
Before the calendar turned, 2016 already had the makings of a pivotal year for manufacturing, and for the world.
There were the big events for the year, including the United States as Partner Country at Hannover Messe in April and the 2016 International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago in September. There's also the matter of the U.S. presidential elections in November, which promise to shape policy in manufacturing for years to come.
But the year started with global economic turmoil, as a slowdown in Chinese manufacturing triggered a worldwide stock hiccup that sent values plummeting. The continued plunge in world oil prices has resulted in a slowdown in exploration and, by extension, the manufacture of exploration equipment.
Read more: 2015 Salary Survey


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(7) Silver Super Slam North American Coins-1 oz .999
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Seven Great Coins!This auction consists of Seven (7) Silver coins of the North American Big Game, Super Slam Series. All coins are minted as One Troy Ounce, .999 Fine Silver each. The set includes one each of the following coins: Woodland Caribou, Sitka Black-tailed Deer, Barren Ground Caribou, Whitetail deer (plastic cover scratched), Muskox, Quebec Labrador Caribou and the Rocky Mountain Goat. All 7 coins are in perfect, uncirculated condition. I do not have any of the COAs or all of the original packaging that came with these coins. These Coins should be a part of every SILVER collection . I HAVE TRIED TO DESCRIBE CONDITION OF ITEM AS DETAILED AND ACCURATE AS POSSIBLE. SOMETIMES HUMAN ERRORS OCCUR AND I ENCOURAGE YOU TO CONTACT ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS YOU MIGHT HAVE. I WILL APPRECIATE PAYMENT TO BE SENT NO LATER THAN 3 BUSINESS DAYS AFTER THE END OF AN AUCTION; OTHERWISE IT WILL BE MY PREROGATIVE TO RE-LIST ITEM OR DISPOSE OF IT TO THE BEST OF MY INTEREST. (I WILL REFUND YOUR MONEY IN THOSE CASES IF AN ITEM HAS UNWILLINGLY BEEN MISREPRESENTED AND PROVIDED THE ITEM IS SENT BACK TO ME IN THE SAME CONDITION, NO LATER THAN 7 BUSINESS DAYS FROM THE DATE OF RECEIPT. THANK YOU.


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After watching the Seattle Sounders get run off the field by Real Salt Lake on Saturday night, Sporting Kansas City head coach Peter Vermes resolved that, if nothing else, his team wouldn't suffer the same fate.
It was no surprise then that discipline was the theme of the evening for SKC as the visitors walked away on Sunday with a 2-0 victory against the Colorado Rapids in the first leg of the Eastern Conference semifinals at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.
WATCH: Bunbury brace nets Sporting 2-0 win in Colorado
"If you watch the game last night between Real Salt Lake and Seattle, that wound up being just a shooting match," Vermes said in a phone interview after the victory. "It was wide open. I did not want us to get into that. I didn't want us to go willy-nilly and fly all over the place."
For the most part, Kansas City reined in the high pressure that has made them so successful this season. Instead, they chose their moments successfully and got two second-half goals from the red-hot Teal Bunbury to build a commanding 2-0 aggregate lead heading into Wednesday's decisive leg at Livestrong Sporting Park.
Despite being widely labeled the series favorites — especially with Gary Smith missing the services of Pablo Mastroeni, Jamie Smith and Conor Casey — Kansas City approached the first 45 minutes of Sunday night's match pragmatically.
They kept the pace manageable, stayed compact and could only be satisfied when the game limped into halftime reeking of a 0-0 result.
"It wasn't that we were trying to play conservative," Vermes said. "There was just no reason for us to open up the game."
And with just 45 minutes to earn some sort of cushion at home, Smith took the more aggressive stance that Kansas City was anticipating, opening up the space they needed to take advantage of their speed and explosiveness in transition. They grabbed the lead in the 49th minute when Júlio César intercepted an errant pass and played a perfectly weighted through ball to Bunbury.
"That was a world-class finish from Teal," Vermes said. "The first touch got him where he wanted to be, and I've seen him do the rest a million times in practice. It was a tremendous finish. He's been on fire."
Bunbury didn't stop there either, converting a penalty in the 59th to spot Sporting the two-goal advantage they'll bring back to Livestrong Sporting Park when he sent Pickens the wrong way after Tyrone Marshall brought him down in the box.
The brace, in his first postseason appearance no less, was Bunbury's fourth goal in Kansas City's last four games and gave him eight goals in his last 12 appearances. Still, even he acknowledged that the result and sound tactics ruled the day.
"Like I always say, it's my job to score goals," Bunbury said. "My teammates put me in great position to do that tonight. It was a great win for us, but we're not going to get complacent. We know we have a big game on Wednesday. We know Colorado is going to be fired up."
What the Rapids won't have, however, is the kind of stranglehold that RSL will bring to Seattle.
Instead, it's Kansas City who are in control, sitting in perfect position to advance by virtue of a professional performance and a few moments of brilliance from Bunbury.
"I'm happy that we got the result," Vermes said, "but right now I'm over it. We're back at 0-0. We're going home, and we have to get a result. We can't leave anything up to chance."


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49 Famous Actors in Music Videos
Musicians often employ actors to grace their music videos, and we're happy they do!
49 Famous Actors in Music Videos
Musicians often employ actors to grace their music videos, and we're happy they do!
Jesse Eisenberg cast as Lex Luthor got us thinking about what other casting choices have shocked moviegoers over the past few years.
Now Casting 'Batman vs. Superman' and Other Upcoming Auditions
Warner Bros. is currently seeking talent for the upcoming feature film, "Batman vs. Superman," starring Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, and others.
16 Actors You Didn't Know Started Young
Some of today's most well-known actors started working before all their adult teeth came in!
Scoot McNairy Goes From Acting in a Commercial with Ben Affleck to a Role in His Film 'Argo'
Actor Scoot McNairy has a big year ahead of him, with roles in three highly anticipated films including Ben Affleck's "Argo," Gus Van Sant's "Promised Land," and opposite Brad Pitt in "Killing Them Softly."
10 Actors Who Write and Direct Their Own Films
Aside from their (obvious) chops, many great actors fill in more than one puzzle piece on set. Here are 10 famous actors who stretch their wings in front of and behind the camera, directing, writing, and even producing their own material.
How Ben Affleck and Lora Kennedy Cast 'Argo'
Though director-star Ben Affleck reached out to the likes of Alan Arkin and John Goodman for roles, there were still many smaller parts for casting director Lora Kennedy to fill.
Supporting 2014: Carrie Coon Makes Her Film Debut in 'Gone Girl'
The Tony nominee found herself on a film set for the first time playing Ben Affleck's sister in David Fincher's adaptation of the best-selling novel—after she rushed to make her audition in L.A. so quickly she left her jeans in a hotel.
'Argo' Cast to be Honored at Hollywood Film Awards
Ben Affleck, Alan Arkin, Bryan Cranston, and John Goodman, of Iranian hostage drama "Argo," to be honored at the 16th annual Hollywood Film Awards.
Ben Affleck on the 'Psychological Mud' of 'Gone Girl'
The Academy Award winner talks about the risks of being an unlikable protagonist, the range he got to play as Nick Dunne, and the collaborative aspect of working with director David Fincher.


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U.S. Rep. John Barrow likes to say he's taking flak from both the right and the left.
Indeed the Savannah Democrat is, especially concerning the health care reform issue on which he's taken a high profile.
Liberals consider his misgivings about the pending Democratic bill in the House a betrayal of progressive ideals.
There are rumblings about a challenge in next year's Democratic primary.
Then-state Sen. Regina Thomas tried it last year - and got thumped. Apparently undaunted, she's mulling a rematch.
Considering she only managed 24 percent of the vote in 2008, 2010 looks like the longest of long shots for her.
Moreover, Barrow's growing seniority makes him ever more able to shower constituents and others with favors. And that makes him an even stronger magnet for campaign cash. As it was, he raked in $2.2 million during the last election cycle.
The alternative scenario from the left: Legions of folks disgusted with Barrow stay home in the general election and let a Republican win.
Fat chance.
Meanwhile, conservatives say Barrow is too squishy on the health care bill and other issues and eventually will yield to arm-twisting by party leaders.
Or they make the opposite claim: Liberal House bosses sometimes let him throw the locals a bone when they don't need his vote to win.
Still, Barrow's complaint he's getting hit from both sides is unconvincing, at least if it's meant as a lament deserving sympathy.
The overall voting pattern in his 12th Congressional District is only slightly Democratic. So the crossfire he cites really means he's positioned himself just about right.
And even though the district has some folks on the left and some on the right, most voters there seem to be somewhere in the middle.
That - both in tone and substance - is where you can find Barrow most of the time.
Bottom line: It's tough to oust an incumbent who's done little to miff anyone except people who won't vote for him anyway.
Barrow has voted conservatively on high-profile measures just often enough to muffle mutterings he leans to the left.
He supported - among other things - the war in Iraq, banning gay marriage and some of former President George W. Bush's tax cuts.
In 2007, the nonpartisan Congressional Quarterly found, he voted against his party more often than any House Democrat.
GOP foes have tried to quibble over Barrow's votes on various bills and amendments. But few have paid much attention, and at least some who did were not persuaded.
Take last year's election campaign, for example. He drew support from groups representing gun owners, immigration-control backers, veterans and businesses both large and small.
But he also placated at least some liberals with his early endorsement of President Barack Obama, who in turn endorsed him.
As you watch Barrow's zigs and zags, it's hard not to think of the "triangulation" strategy consultant Dick Morris devised for President Bill Clinton.
You adopt some of your opponent's ideas and earn credit for doing so. Along the way, you transcend the two parties by becoming a third force. Or so the theory goes.
Of course, Barrow espouses a different view.
"I made a promise when people sent me to Washington that I would vote for the best interests of the district," he said last year. "I said I would listen to both sides ... and vote for the one I thought was right. ... I've kept that promise."
In a sense, though, his motivation doesn't matter.
The flak he takes from both sides suggests that, for whatever reason, he's acting out an analogy Morris made to tacking by sailboats.
You veer to the left and then to the right, he said, but in the end you wind up where you want to be.


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Major changes in how the Free Church of Scotland conducts its services have been approved by the ruling inner sanctum.
Like other mainstream religions in the U.K. the Free Church has been suffering from rapidly declining membership over recent years.
Currently unaccompanied psalm singing is the only music permitted in public services, but henceforth the singing of hymns and the use of instruments will be permissable.
Its understood that even more revolutionary measures are being proposed - including allowing worshippers to smile up to 5 times within a 90 minute timescale, cross their legs during prayers and finally (and perhaps most controversially) to wear an extra pair of socks when the central heating under the pews breaks down again.


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Tysons, ListHub Training – Kristin Maynard
On 19, Nov 2013 | No Comments | In | By admin
Drop by our Tysons office for a great learning event when Kristin Maynard, Avery-Hess Director of Marketing, visits the office on Tuesday, November 19th at 10AM for a List Hub training session. She will be going over how to access agent accounts, how to create and send seller reports to sellers and how to view and use the data in their personal marketing reports to help them as they set up their 2014 marketing plans.
Everyone is welcome to attend. Click here to send Kristin an email for more information on this event.