This research is a systematic study exploring a new fabrication methodology for long-fiber-reinforced metal matrix composites (MMCs) using a novel additive manufacturing technology. The research is devoted to the manufacture of long-fiber-reinforced MMC structures using the Ultrasonic Consolidation (UC) process. The main objectives of this research are to investigate the bond formation mechanisms and fiber embedment mechanisms during UC, and further to study the effects of processing parameters on bond formation and fiber embedment, and the resultant macroscopic mechanical properties of UC-made MMC structures. From a fundamental research point of view, bond formation mechanisms and fiber embedment mechanisms have been clarified by the current research based on various experimental observations. It has been found that atomic bonding across nascent metal is the dominant bond formation mechanism during the UC process, whereas the embedded fiber are mechanically entrapped within matrix materials due to significant plastic deformation of the matrix material during embedment. From a manufacturing process point of view, the effects of processing parameters on bond formation and fiber embedment during the UC process have been studied and optimum levels of parameters have been identified for manufacture of MMC structures. An energy-based model has been developed as a first step toward analytically understanding the effects of processing parameters on the quality of ultrasonically consolidated structures. From a material applications point of view, the mechanical properties of ultrasonically consolidated structures with and without the presence of fibers have been characterized. The effects on mechanical properties of UC-made structures due to the presence of embedded fibers have been discussed.

Under the mandator consolidation act of 1915, the county-unit school district in Utah had its beginning (10). Although, through this consolidation movement, many small school districts were combined into larger ones, the elimination of the small districts did not, necessarily, provide for the elimination of the small schools. Due to several factors including distance, poor communication and transportation facilities, and a strong desire on the part of the people who lived in small communities for a voice in school matters, the consolidation of school attendance areas did not keep pace with school district reorganization. With the improvement of highways and communication facilities and the rapid rise of the motor vehicle as a means of fast, dependable travel, school boards have considered consolidation of attendance areas as one of the possibilities open to them to improve the quality of education in their districts.

Thesis (Civ.E)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Civil Engineering, 1982 / MICROFICHE COPY AVAILABLE IN ARCHIVES AND ENGINEERING. / Bibliography: leaves 585-594. / by Imad Botros Ghantous. / Civ.E

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Fear is an evolutionarily conserved response that can facilitate avoidance learning and promote survival, but excessive and persistent fear responses lead to development of phobias, generalized fear, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The primary goal of experiments in this dissertation is to determine the molecular mechanisms underlying formation of fear memories. The acquisition and consolidation of fear is dependent upon activation of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptors (NMDARs). Stimulation of NMDARs recruits neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) to the synaptic scaffolding protein, postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95), to produce nitric oxide (NO). Our laboratory has previously shown that disruption of the PSD95-nNOS interaction attenuates fear consolidation and impairs long-term potentiation of basolateral amygdala (BLA) neurons in a rodent model of auditory fear conditioning. However, the molecular mechanisms by which disrupting the PSD95-nNOS interaction attenuates fear consolidation are not well understood. Here, we used pharmacological and genetic approaches to study the effects underlying nNOS activity in the BLA during fear consolidation. During the early stage of fear memory consolidation (4-6 hours after fear acquisition), we observed increased α- Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR)-mediated current and synaptosomal AMPAR GluR1 subunit trafficking in the BLA; while during the late stage (24h after fear acquisition), we detected a combination of enhanced AMPAR- and NMDAR-mediated currents, increased synaptosomal NMDAR NR2B subunit expression, and phosphorylation of synaptosomal AMPAR GluR1 and NMDAR NR2B subunits in the BLA. Importantly, we showed that pharmacological and genetic blockade of nNOS activity inhibits all of these glutamatergic synaptic plasticity changes in the BLA. Additionally, we discovered whole transcriptome changes in the BLA following fear consolidation. In the group with pharmacological inhibition of nNOS activity, however, gene expression levels resembled control-like levels. We also observed altered expression of multiple genes and identified the insulin-like growth factor system, D3/D4 dopamine receptor binding, and cGMP effects as key pathways underlying nNOSmediated consolidation of fear. Our results reveal nNOS-mediated, sequentially orchestrated synaptic plasticity changes facilitated by AMPA and NMDA receptors in the BLA during early and late stages of fear memory consolidation. We also report novel genetic targets and pathways in the BLA underlying NMDAR-PSD95-nNOS axis-mediated formation of fear memories.

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MASTER OF MANAGEMENT IN FINANCE & INVESTMENT (MMFI) 2015 RESEARCH REPORT / This paper assesses shareholder wealth creation in target and acquiring companies as a result of an acquisition, in particular, a hostile takeover. The paper reviews existing mergers and acquisitions literature and also considers a case study in order to review some practical results. The case study of the Bidvest Group hostile takeover of Adcock Ingram Pharmaceuticals that took place in January 2014 in South Africa is reviewed. A detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis is conducted to ascertain and quantify shareholder wealth creation after the takeover. The analysis conducted included a financial assessment using relevant financial indicators, an analysis of existing literature and interviews with key board directors of Adcock Ingram Pharmaceuticals. To ascertain whether the results of the target company, Adcock Ingram Pharmaceuticals, are either in line, below or above industry performance after the takeover, Adcock Ingram Pharmaceuticals’ results are benchmarked against Aspen Pharmacare Holding’s results. Majority of the findings literature reviewed are that target company shareholder gains exceed acquiring company shareholder gains post an acquisition. The findings of this research are that target company (Adcock Ingram Pharmaceuticals) shareholders are worse off whilst acquiring company (Bidvest Group) shareholders continue to increase their wealth after the takeover. Possible reasons for these results, which contradict majority of the existing literature on wealth gains post a merger or acquisition, are given.

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Charles University, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradci Králové Department of: Supervisor: Pharmaceutical Technology doc. PharmDr. Zdeňka Šklubalová, Ph.D. Consultant: Mgr. Jana Brokešová Student: Daniela Ferechová Title of Thesis: Study of the influence of tablet mixture composition on the flow and consolidation properties Good flow properties of a tabletting mixture play an important role in the manufacturing of tablets. Flow behaviour of the commercial (original) tabletting mixture with poor flowability was evaluated in this thesis. The main aim was to find alternative fillers that may improve its flow. The granulometric characteristics and flowability of eight types of lactose and microcrystalline cellulose and their binary mixtures were studied. In comparison to the original tabletting mixture, the proposed modified one with both original fillers were replaced with new ones showed significantly better flow properties with steady state flow through the hopper orifice having a diameter of 10 mm. The results were confirmed using powder rheometer. The lower shear stress necessary to achieve flow under different normal loads as well as approximately 72 times lower cohesion value were detected for the modified tabletting mixture.