  Two recent publications [V. Yakhot, Phys. Rev. E {\bf 63}, 026307, (2001) and
R.J. Hill, J. Fluid Mech. {\bf 434}, 379, (2001)] derive, through two different
approaches that have the Navier-Stokes equations as the common starting point,
a set of steady-state dynamic equations for structure functions of arbitrary
order in hydrodynamic turbulence. These equations are not closed. Yakhot
proposed a "mean field theory" to close the equations for locally isotropic
turbulence, and obtained scaling exponents of structure functions and an
expression for the tails of the probability density function of transverse
velocity increments. At high Reynolds numbers, we present some relevant
experimental data on pressure and dissipation terms that are needed to provide
closure, as well as on aspects predicted by the theory. Comparison between the
theory and the data shows varying levels of agreement, and reveals gaps
inherent to the implementation of the theory.
