Abstract: A gas turbine combustor is presented, which includes a combustion chamber that is positioned downstream of a premixing chamber. The premixing chamber includes at least one opening for ingesting air. At least one primary fuel nozzle is disposed to discharge fuel into the premixing chamber. The fuel discharged from the primary fuel nozzle mixes with the ingested air in the premixing chamber to provide a fuel air mix. A secondary fuel nozzle is disposed proximate the combustion chamber to discharge fuel at the combustion chamber. A stabilizer is disposed at the secondary fuel nozzle so as to be positioned in close proximity to a flame when fuel at the secondary fuel nozzle is ignited. The stabilizer is composed of a material having the ability to absorb heat from a heat flux generated within the combustor and maintaining a temperature sufficient to sustain ignition of the flame. A method of stabilizing a flame in a gas turbine combustor is also presented.

Abstract: This invention relates to assays for determining whether lactoferrin-mediated leukocyte activation occurs and measuring the strength of any reaction. Generally, lactoferrin, in soluble or immobilized form, is contacted with a cell population containing leukocytes and the level of leukocyte activation is determined typically through superoxide production. The assays can also be carried out in the presence of one or more potential regulators of lactoferrin-mediated leukocyte activation to determine any effect on activation.