Thesis (M.M.)--University of North Texas, 2007. / System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Includes bibliographical references (p. 67-70).

University, Diss., 2005--Kiel.

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There are many iterative techniques to find a root or zero of a given function. For any iterative technique, it is often of interest to know which initial seeds lead to which roots. When the iterative technique used is Newton’s Method, this is known as Cayley’s Problem. In this thesis, I investigate two extensions of Cayley’s Problem. In particular, I study generalizations of Newton’s Method, in both C and R2, and the associated fractal structures that arise from using more sophisticated numerical approximation techniques.

[Abstract]: The Julia Creek dunnart (Sminthopsis douglasi) is an endangered carnivorous marsupial. A recovery plan for the species has been initiated by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, which includes captive breeding.An important factor in breeding S. douglasi is the identification of oestrus. The current method to identify oestrus consists of examining urine samplesfor presence of cornified cells. To collect urine, the animals have to be removed from their cages and restrained. This method is stressful for theanimals, as well as time consuming. The aim of this study was to identify specific behaviour of S. douglasi associated with oestrus, which could be readily observed without the need for handling the animal. This wouldprovide a non-invasive way of identifying oestrus, which would facilitate breeding the species in captivity and planning conservation programs.Behaviour of S. douglasi was observed throughout the night by video recording. The most striking result was the increase in activity of the female when she was in oestrus compared to non-oestrus. The most informativebehaviour to observe was entry by the female into the nest box and the frequency with which she entered the area closest to the wall of the enclosure. A discriminant function analysis generated an equation with anover-all predictive power (OPP, the probability of making an accurate identification of reproductive state) of 89%. This result was obtained by watching two random five-minute periods of activity. The equation was tested and verified with new individuals and attained a similar level of OPP. However, the equation was less accurate when the observed female’s social context was changed from being housed adjacent to a male, to being accompanied by another female or housed singularly. Consistent with thesensitivity of activity levels as an indicator, the distance run in an exercise wheel was also a good predictor of oestrous state. Females ran a significantly longer distance in their exercise wheel when in oestruscompared to non-oestrus (p<0.001).

Methylene-butyrolactones are readily accessed by two methodologies based on a particular ene reaction. Both methodologies have been applied to the synthesis of the northern fragment of Polycavernoside. A reverse Julia reaction was used as the key step of a new methodology towards triene frameworks ; a mechanistic study revealed the unexpected role of triflic acid in the field of metal triflates catalysed acylation of alcohols, and a new tandem Brook rearrangement-allylation sequence was developed in the viewpoint of an improved total synthesis of Polycavernoside A.

Thesis (M.F.A.) -- Montana State University -- Bozeman, 2006. / Typescript. Chairperson, Graduate Committee: N. Rick Pope.

Methylene-butyrolactones are readily accessed by two methodologies based on a particular ene reaction. Both methodologies have been applied to the synthesis of the northern fragment of Polycavernoside. A reverse Julia reaction was used as the key step of a new methodology towards triene frameworks ; a mechanistic study revealed the unexpected role of triflic acid in the field of metal triflates catalysed acylation of alcohols, and a new tandem Brook rearrangement-allylation sequence was developed in the viewpoint of an improved total synthesis of Polycavernoside A.

This essay offers an analysis of Paul Auster's novel Invisible. The main focus of the essay is on the incestuous love affair between Adam Walker and his sister Gwyn. It is argued that the novel via this incestuous affair is addressing the issue of the unrepresentable, what Lacan termed the “real” that lies beyond the symbolic order. It is shown that the concept of the unrepresentable has been a central theme in Auster's work throughout his career. The main theoretical foundation of the essay is Julia Kristeva's theories regarding the “abject.” A summary of Kristeva's theories is therefore offered, as well as a summary of research into the incest taboo.