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Abstract This paper presents a simple and transparent framework for the monetary transmission mechanism of the South African economy based on the model by Rudebusch and Svensson (1999). This model is extended to consider the long rate and the credit channel in the transmission mechanism. Firstly, we find that the credit channel plays a significant role in the transmission mechanism. Secondly, despite the backward looking nature of the model, impulse responses reveal that the term spread predicts output and inflation in the South African economy.

Large conductance voltage and Ca2+ activated K+ (BK) channels control electrical excitability in many cell types. BK channels have the largest conductance (~250 pS) of all K+ selective channels. To explore whether a large entrance to the inner cavity of BK channels is required for their large conductance, I examined if changing the size of the entrance alters the single-channel current amplitude. Previous studies suggest that residues E321/E324 in BK channels are located at the entrance to the inner cavity. To test if positions 321/324 are accessible to intracellular ions, I compared single-channel outward current before and after attaching thiol reagents at E321C/E324C. Attachment of MBB and MTSET altered single-channel currents, indicating that positions 321/324 are accessible to the conduction pathway. Decreasing the size of the entrance to the inner cavity by substituting residues with larger side chains, such as tyrosine and tryptophan, at positions 321/324 decreased the conductance, whereas increasing the size of the entrance had little effect on conductance. Increasing [K+]i from 0.15 to 2.5 M negated differences in single-channel outward current associated with side chain volume. Substitutions had less effect on inward currents. Plots of conductance vs. substituted side chain volume could be approximated with a simple model for the conduction pathway described by two resistors in series, R1 and R2. R2 is a variable resistor, with the resistance proportional to the inverse of the volume of the entrance to the inner cavity not occupied by the side chains. R1 is a fixed resistor arising from the other parts of the conduction pathway including the selectivity filter. Fitting the experimental observations indicated that R1+R2 ~5.4 GΩ for glycine substitution, with an R1/R2 ratio of ~17, and an effective radius and length of the entrance to the inner cavity of ~9.0 and 5.4 Å, respectively. The volume of K+ and water were not taken into account. Taken together, the above observations suggest that a large entrance to the inner cavity is needed for the large conductance of BK channels, as my study shows that the entrance is large and that decreasing the entrance size decreases the currents.

This work proposes a distributed dynamic channel assignment of multi-channel MAC protocol in Ad-Hoc networks. Major characteristics of the proposed protocol are: (a) each mobile node is equipped with two network interfaces, (b) no time synchronization is needed, (c) distribution channel assignment. The proposed protocol reduces the cost of channel negotiation by considering the property that a connection generates multiple frames for transmitting and can assign channel information faster. Compared with other multi-channel MAC protocols, the proposed algorithm allows the whole network channel allotment be stable quickly. The performance evaluation is conducted on NS-2. Simulation results show that the proposed protocol can reduce the cost of channel negotiation significantly, increase the network throughput.

Adult movie channel business is always a very controversial subject in the society. However, there is not so much serious research on it. The main reason is adult channels¡¦ sensitivity. On the one hand, people are curious, because they provide the basic natural desire of the human beings. On the other hand, due to that same reason, people tend to take aversive attitude toward the existence of these channels in the society. Based on this phenomenon, the focus of the research is about how these adult channels operate under the pressure of the society. This research can be divided into two parts: the structure of the theory and the analysis of the case. Through relevant theories, we can verify whether these theories are suitable for this particular industry. Meanwhile, we can present the overview and background of adult movie channel market through a lot of related secondary data. We regard these materials as the foundation of analyzing the case company. About the case analysis part, with the combination of theories and case description, we try to sketch the contours of the actual operations of adult movie channel. Because the operation of adult movie channels is based on cable TV, this research will talk about adult movie channel market in terms of cable TV and probe into the market of adult movie channel. From the case study, it can be found that the greatest hindrance of adult movie channel is the law. Under the legal regulations, there is not so much freedom for managers to run the business. In order to overcome these predicaments, they need to adopt cooperations in the industry or develop diversification to keep growing. Besides, they will face other invisible pressure such as moral pressure, the negative impression from the society and conflicts in employees' mind. Through this research, we can come out the true appearance of this special industry, and understand the way of their operation on the ecology of adult movie channel.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Texas at Austin, 2000. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 167-178). Available also in a digital version from Dissertation Abstracts.

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Downstream adjustment in stream channel morphology is examined in the context of stream channel confluences. Stream channel confluences represent areas of point specific increases in discharge, flow energy and potential erosion in a river system which will in turn affect the post-confluence downstream morphology. Analysis of 12 confluence junctions from southern Ontario streams, constituting 36 channel reaches in total, show an internally consistent hydraulic geometry relationship but with specific controls on channel morphology related to boundary conditions. Predictions of mainstem morphologies is possible using tributary attributes but reach specific channel confinement and material type add significant influence.

Downstream adjustment in stream channel morphology is examined in the context of stream channel confluences. Stream channel confluences represent areas of point specific increases in discharge, flow energy and potential erosion in a river system which will in turn affect the post-confluence downstream morphology. Analysis of 12 confluence junctions from southern Ontario streams, constituting 36 channel reaches in total, show an internally consistent hydraulic geometry relationship but with specific controls on channel morphology related to boundary conditions. Predictions of mainstem morphologies is possible using tributary attributes but reach specific channel confinement and material type add significant influence.