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On-line chemical composition analyzer development
The energy consumed in distillation processes in the United States represents nearly three percent of the total national energy consumption. If effective control of distillation columns can be accomplished, it has been estimated that it would result in a reduction in the national energy consumption of 0.3%. Real-time control based on mixture composition could achieve these savings. However, the major distillation processes represent diverse applications and at present there does not exist a proven on-line chemical composition sensor technology which can be used to control these diverse processes in real-time. This report presents a summary of the findings of the second phase of a three phase effort undertaken to develop an on-line real-time measurement and control system utilizing Raman spectroscopy. A prototype instrument system has been constructed utilizing a Perkin Elmer 1700 Spectrometer, a diode pumped YAG laser, two three axis positioning systems, a process sample cell land a personal computer. This system has been successfully tested using industrially supplied process samples to establish its performance. Also, continued application development was undertaken during this Phase of the program using both the spontaneous Raman and Surface-enhanced Raman modes of operation. The study was performed for the US Department of Energy, Office of Industrial Technologies, whose mission is to conduct cost-shared R D for new high-risk, high-payoff industrial energy conservation technologies. Although this document contains references to individual manufacturers and their products, the opinions expressed on the products reported do not necessarily reflect the position of the Department of Energy
Dopaminergic signals in primary motor cortex
Brainstem monoamine areas such as the ventral tegmental area (VTA) send dopaminergic projections to the cerebral cortex that are widely distributed across different cortical regions. Whereas the projection to prefrontal areas (PFC) has been studied in detail, little is known about dopaminergic projections to primary motor cortex (M1). These projections have been anatomically characterized in rat and primate M1. Primates have even denser dopaminergic projections to M1 than rats. The physiological role, the effects of dopaminergic input on the activity of M1 circuits, and the behavioral function of this projection are unknown. This review explores the existing anatomical, electrophysiological and behavioral evidence on dopaminergic projections to M1 and speculates about its functional role. The projection may explain basic features of motor learning and memory phenomena. It is of clinical interest because of its potential for augmenting motor recovery after a brain lesion as well as for understanding the symptomatology of patients with Parkinson's disease. Therefore, targeted investigations are necessary