Quantification of NO A-X (0, 2) laser-induced fluorescence: investigation of calibration and collisional influences in high-pressure flames.

Laser-induced-fluorescence techniques have been used successfully for quantitative two-dimensional measurements of nitric oxide. NO A-X(0, 2) excitation at 248 nm recently found applications in internal-combustion engines. We assess the collisional processes that influence quantification of signal intensities in terms of saturation, rotational energy transfer, and line broadening, using laminar high-pressure methane/air and n-heptane/air flames at pressures as high as 80 bars (8 x 10(6) Pa).

Quantitative Raman imaging investigations of mixing phenomena in high-pressure cryogenic jets.

A two-dimensional Raman technique was used to investigate mixing phenomena of cryogenic jets under both supercritical and transcritical conditions. The aim of this study was to enlarge the experimental data basis for modeling purposes and to provide quantitative information to help to improve the design of injectors for high-pressure rocket engine combustion chambers. Cryogenic nitrogen, which served as substitute for liquid O(2), was injected into N(2) at room temperature at pressures up to 6.

A comparison of methods for assessing hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity in asthma patients treated with inhaled corticosteroids.

Suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is an accepted indicator of potential side effects from inhaled corticosteroids. Although cortisol monitoring is frequently used to detect changes in HPA axis activity, the optimal method for identifying the subset of asthma patients on inhaled steroids who experience severe cortisol suppression of potential clinical significance has not been established. The objective of this study was to compare several methods for assessing HPA axis activity in asthma patients taking inhaled corticosteroids.

Suppression of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity with inhaled flunisolide and fluticasone propionate in adult asthma patients.

Background: Suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a potential systemic effect of inhaled corticosteroid therapy, can be quantified by monitoring serum, urinary, and salivary cortisol levels.

Objectives: 1) Compare the effects on HPA axis of the inhaled corticosteroids flunisolide and fluticasone propionate versus placebo and oral prednisone. 2) Estimate dose-potency ratio for HPA-axis suppression.

Comparison of the effects of intravenous and oral montelukast on airway function: a double blind, placebo controlled, three period, crossover study in asthmatic patients.

Background: Montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, improves parameters of asthma control including forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)) when given orally to patients aged six years or older. This study was undertaken to compare the effect on FEV(1) of intravenous and oral montelukast and placebo during the 24 hour period following administration.

Methods: Fifty one asthmatic patients (FEV(1) 40-80% predicted and > or =15% improvement after inhaled beta agonist) were enrolled in a double blind, single dose, three period, crossover study to receive intravenous montelukast (7 mg), oral montelukast (10 mg), or placebo in a randomised fashion.