The American journal of physiology
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Comparative Study
Systemic filling pressure in intact circulation determined on basis of aortic vs. central venous pressure relationships.
In the intact circulation, mean systemic filling pressure (Psf) is determined by applying a series of inspiratory pause procedures (IPPs) and using Guyton's equation of venous return (Qv) and central venous pressure (Pcv): Qv = a - b x Pcv. During an IPP series, different tidal volumes are applied to set Pcv at different values. From the linear regression between Qv and Pcv, Psf can be calculated as Psf = a/b. ⋯ The mean difference between the two methods was 0.03 +/- 1.16 mmHg. With the use of Pao measurements, the Psf can be estimated as accurately as in using flow determinations. The advantage of the new method is that estimation of cardiac output is not required.
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Most physiological scientists have restricted understanding of probability as relative frequency in a large collection (for example, of atoms). Most appropriate for the relatively circumscribed problems of the physical sciences, this understanding of probability as a physical property has conveyed the widespread impression that the "proper" statistical "method" can eliminate uncertainty by determining the "correct" frequency or frequency distribution. However, many relatively recent developments in the theory of probability and decision making deny such exalted statistical ability. ⋯ In the subjectivist view, probability and statistics are means of expressing a consistent opinion (a probability) to handle uncertainty but never means to eliminate it. In the physiological sciences the contrast between the two views is critical, because problems dealt with are generally more complex than those of physics, requiring judgments and decisions. We illustrate this in testing the efficacy of penicillin by showing how the physical probability method of "hypothesis testing" may contribute to the erroneous idea that science consists of "verified truths" or "conclusive evidence" and how this impression is avoided in subjectivist probability analysis.