Abstract: A method is provided for treating an individual for the symptoms of panic disorder and related maladies including agoraphobia, social phobia and claustrophobia. The method includes the step of reducing the levels of carbon dioxide being inspired by the individual.

Abstract: Dikegulac, its salts and related derivatives are prepared by reacting 2-Keto-L-gulonic acid with 2,2 dimethoxypropane at an elevated temperature in the presence of a catalytic amount of a strong acid. This produces a reaction intermediate which is then reacted with a base to complete hydrolysis and produce an acid salt of dikegulac. Simple concentration and phase separation techniques are used to provide a more efficient, environmentally friendly and cost effective process.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing dikegulac and its salts and derivatives from 2-keto-L-gulonic acid starting material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for conducting meso-scale rainfall simulations and runoff collections. The apparatus includes a system for continuously applying to a test plot simulated rainfall having a droplet size spectrum, an impact velocity, a spatial uniformity and an intensity simulating natural rainfall. Additionally, the apparatus includes a collector assembly for collecting runoff from the test plot for analysis. In accordance with the present method, natural rainfall for a geographic area including the test plot is studied in order to determine the drop size spectrum, drop impact velocity, spatial uniformity and intensity of the rainfall. A sprayer or irrigation head is then selected providing a droplet size spectrum closely resembling that of the natural rainfall to be simulated. Next, the spacing between and relative height of the irrigation heads is adjusted to ensure that the spatial uniformity, intensity and drop impact velocity resemble that of the natural rainfall to be simulated.