Energy efficient engine sector combustor rig test program

Under the NASA-sponsored Energy Efficient Engine program, Pratt & Whitney Aircraft has successfully completed a comprehensive combustor rig test using a 90-degree sector of an advanced two-stage combustor with a segmented liner. Initial testing utilized a combustor with a conventional louvered liner and demonstrated that the Energy Efficient Engine two-stage combustor configuration is a viable system for controlling exhaust emissions, with the capability to meet all aerothermal performance goals. Goals for both carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons were surpassed and the goal for oxides of nitrogen was closely approached. In another series of tests, an advanced segmented liner configuration with a unique counter-parallel FINWALL cooling system was evaluated at engine sea level takeoff pressure and temperature levels. These tests verified the structural integrity of this liner design. Overall, the results from the program have provided a high level of confidence to proceed with the scheduled Combustor Component Rig Test Program

DNA cleavage protecting activity and in vitro antioxidant potential of aqueous extract from fresh stems of Rheum ribes

Rheum ribes L. (Polygonaceae) is a common species of rhubarb in Turkey, which is also found in Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Russia. The antioxidant potency of stems was investigated employing various in vitro systems, such as lipid peroxidation in rat brain homogenate, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide anion radical scavenging, ferric reducing power, metal chelation activity. R. ribes stem parts showed strong inhibitory activity toward lipid peroxidation of rat brain homogenate induced by the FeCl3-ascorbic acid system. R. ribes extract was able to reduce the stable free radical DPPH 83.9±1.90% at 150 μg ml−1. The reducing power of the extract was 0.46±0.074 at 250 μg ml−1. The effect of extract of R. ribes on DNA cleavage induced by UV-photolysis of H2O2 using pBluescript M13+ plasmid DNA was also investigated. This extract significantly inhibited DNA damage induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS). These findings demonstrate that aqueous extract from fresh stems of R. ribes has antioxidant activity and thus have great potential as a source for natural health products