Downy mildew of lettuce caused by Bremia lactucae is a serious disease resulting in yield loss. The population structure of the pathogen in the UK is poorly understood. This PhD project concentrated on developing molecular markers to differentiate the genotypic variation of B. lactucae populations, with the aim of improving methods to investigate lettuce - Bremia interactions. Thirty-seven B. lactucae isolates (including single-spore and new field isolates) were collected and characterized for virulence using the conventional International Bremia Evaluation Board (IBEB) differential set. Microsatellite markers (SSR, ISSR) were investigated for Bremia race specific marker development. Three isolates of B. lactucae were characterized by ISSR (inter simple sequence repeat) primers, although the polymorphic DNA could not be cloned in this project due to the highly variable results of the ISSR process. Some microsatellite repeats were found in B. lactucae isolates sequences that amplified by Plasmopara viticola (grape downy mildew) SSR markers. The development of Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers from Bremia genomic DNA was not successful, which might result from the primers used being unsuitable for Bremia microsatellite enrichment. Bremia specific ITS primers were used for quantitative PCR. RxLR primers obtained from UC Davis (USA) were tested using the collection of B. lactucae isolates. RxLR1 primers distinguished between isolates BL801 and BL806. Eight SNPs were identified in three isolates amplified by RxLR5. No polymorphism was observed on the gel for the remaining RxLR primers on single spore races. Unrefined field isolates showed more polymorphisms on the gel than single spore isolates. The phenotypic differences between these two isolates have been identified by the IBEB differential set. Microscopy and qPCR quantification were used to investigate the compatible and incompatible interactions. The results suggest that BL801 is more virulent than BL806, as more infection structures were observed in IBEB resistant cultivars. Results of qPCR and spore count/unit weight of cotyledons showed that BL801 and BL806 were significantly different. The qPCR quantification results from 4 and 5 dpi were correlated with the spore count/unit weight of cotyledons. Although further work is required to develop race specific markers, the methods used in this project demonstrate the potential use of molecular markers to investigate lettuce - Bremia interactions.

The scientific case made by the AUTHOR’S comparative Brassica oleracea genomics work is presented through 5 peer reviewed research papers. In order to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of B. oleracea the identification of unique genome characteristics, established using comparative genomics, is required. The genome characteristics established within these papers deliver significant contributions to original knowledge. These include a detailed illustration of how macro scale synteny varies markedly between the B. oleracea and A. thaliana genomes; unambiguous integration of the B. oleracea cytogenetic and genetic linkage maps; a cross species characterisation of a large collinear inverted segmental duplication on a single B. oleracea chromosome establishing that the relative physical distances have stayed approximately the same; retrotransposon copy number estimations and characterisation of their genomic organisation and isolation, characterisation and cross species analysis of a C genome specific repeat. For each paper the AUTHOR’S individual scientific contribution to each aspect of the work is described in detail. Both individually and as a body of work these publications substantially advance the fields of comparative, Brassica and genomic research.

Four longitudinal studies were conducted. The first study investigated the longitudinal pattern of udder half somatic cell count (HSCC) and intramammary infection (IMI) in 48 UK suckler ewes over the first 10 weeks of lactation. This was the first study to demonstrate that HSCC of suckler ewes followed a quadratic and cubic relationship with days in lactation over the first 10 weeks of lactation. Udder half somatic cell count was also explained by presence of bacteria. Ewes older than 6 years of age had significantly higher HSCC than younger ewes. The second study investigated the relationships between udder conformation, SCC and lamb weight. Whilst accounting for lamb age and birth weight, significantly lower lamb weight was associated with a ewe SCC of >400,000 cells/ml (-1.7 kg), a traumatic teat lesion (bite, tear or chapping) 2 weeks previously (-1.1 kg), and a ewe body condition score (BCS) of <2.5 before lambing (-1.3kg). Higher HSCCs were observed in ewes with a lower suspended udder, and older ewes in poorer body condition. The findings from this study make an important contribution to the knowledge of the impact of udder health of suckler ewes by demonstrating that udder conformation is associated with IMI and that IMI and teat damage are negatively associated with lamb weight. The third study investigated the effect of dry cow therapy (DCT) on subclinical mastitis in a lowland flock with a low incidence of clinical mastitis by recording HSCC and lamb weights in the following lactation. To the author’s knowledge, there are no published reports of the effect of broad spectrum DCT on subclinical mastitis in suckler ewes in the literature. No significant effect was found between the use of DCT and HSCC or lamb weight in the subsequent lactation. The fourth study was a randomised controlled trial to assess the effect of DCT on clinical mastitis in a suckler flock with a high level of clinical mastitis. Dry cow treatment significantly reduced the incidence of clinical mastitis over one year, with a 70% reduction of clinical mastitis in ewes that received treatment from 6.2% to 1.8%. This was the first field trial to investigate and demonstrate the clinical benefit of the use of a broad spectrum DCT in suckler ewes. These studies have enhanced our knowledge of longitudinal patterns of infection and demonstrated the importance of udder health for optimising production of suckler ewes. Factors to control for when using SCC as a tool to measure intramammary infection were described.

There is a consensus that the development of successful Integrated Pest Management strategies requires a detailed understanding of pest biology. In the case of the currant lettuce aphid (Nasonovia ribisnigri), an economically important pest aphid of lettuce, sources of such information are limited. This study considers key aspects of N. ribisnigri biology which influence its control. In particular, it makes comparisons between biotypes which succumb to (wild-type) or overcome (resistance-breaking), the host plant resistance (Nr-gene) in commercial lettuce cultivars. Experiments on the effects of temperature and photoperiod on the development of N. ribisnigri showed no differences between wild-type and resistance-breaking biotypes. At low temperatures (5, 10 and 15ºC), wild-type biotypes developed to adulthood on resistant cultivars, indicating that the Nr-gene is temperature sensitive. A linear regression between development rate and temperature estimated a lower developmental threshold of around 4.7ºC. Nasonovia ribisnigri usually overwinters as a diapausing egg but overwintering nymphs/adults have been observed. In the laboratory eggs were obtained at 12ºC 13L:11D. Sequential sampling of eggs from the field suggested that diapause ended between late January and early February. Post-diapause development was estimated to take <50 day-degrees using a LDT of 4.7°C. Nasonovia ribisnigri survived the winter as nymphs/adults on Veronica arvensis in the Midlands. Other weed species were suitable hosts in the labratory: Chichorium intybus, Crepis capillaris, Lapsana communis, Hieracium aurantiacum, Hieracium pilosella, Veronica spicata and Veronica officinalis. Field trials, using sequentially planted plots of lettuce, and applying 'exclusion' and pesticidal treatments indicated that natural enemies and emigration regulate aphid populations in the summer and contribute to the mid-summer crash. A large-scale screen of 96 cultivars and wild relatives of lettuce identified new sources of resistance against wild-type and resistance-breaking biotypes. Results from this study can be used to inform further development of an Integrated Pest Management strategy for this pest.

Amaranthus tuberculatus (Common Waterhemp) is a prevalent, problematic weed in Midwestern USA, where genetically-modified crops are widely grown, resulting in multiple annual applications of glyphosate. Such practices provide the selection pressure for the evolution of glyphosate resistance. Evolutionary theory predicts that adaptation to novel stresses, such as herbicide application, will incur a cost in the original (herbicide-free) environment. This project aims to identify whether glyphosate resistance in a population of Amaranthus tuberculatus was associated with a fitness cost in the absence of glyphosate. Initial dose response experiments on the study population determined a resistance index of 3.2 compared to a standard sensitive population. To generate appropriate material for comparisons between phenotypes, individual plants were cloned and their resistance status determined by glyphosate application. Parent plants were designated as resistant or susceptible and appropriate crosses were performed to generate seed lines. The incomplete segregation of resistant and susceptible seed lines indicated that resistance was controlled by a quantitative trait. EPSPS gene amplification was elucidated as the primary mechanism of glyphosate resistance. There was a strong positive relationship between half-sibling seed family LD50 and relative EPSPS gene copy number indicating that resistance was primarily caused by target-site gene amplification. Subsequent fitness experiments used seed families to determine that no fitness trade-off was associated with resistance (or gene copy number) when plants are grown without competition, in glasshouse and polytunnel growth environments. However, a small growth penalty was associated with elevated gene copy number in plants grown in a polytunnel, without competition (10% biomass reduction at +20 EPSPS copies), this led to competition experiments. A fitness cost was associated with resistance under intra-phenotypic competition; however, the cost was mitigated under inter-specific competition with maize. A cost was associated with glyphosate resistance and this cost was influenced by interactions with biotic and abiotic factors.

Plant tissue culture regeneration is chiefly regulated by exogenous phytohormones. To stop regeneration and induce undifferentiated callus growth auxins are used. Unfortunately auxins influence many plant responses, most unrelated to development. Using the thymidine analogue 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) a phytohormone independent means for differentiation inhibition has been developed. Studies were focused on the target site and mechanism of BrdU action. The BrdU inhibited step in development is indicative of a plant response necessary for normal differentiation. BrdU (5-30 uM) interrupts callus growth in all tested plants. Exogenous cytokinin does not restore growth while thymidine and deoxycytidine rescue plant growth and differentiation in the presence of BrdU. Endogenous cytokinin levels are not greatly affected by subtoxic BrdU levels and indicate that cytokinin and BrdU act upon independent sites. Domestic carrot cells were used in further studies. Normally carrot cells are undifferentiated in medium with the auxin 2,4D. When 2,4D is removed, somatic embryogenesis takes place. By including 5 uM BrdU in the hormoneless medium, the cells fail to differentiate. The growth of carrots in 2,4D is not affected by 5 uM BrdU. Thus, BrdU influences growth during differentiation to a greater extent than the growth of callus cells. BrdU is effective in halting development when applied 0-24 hours after differentiation induction. An event required for differentiation (the first and second replications) must take place at this time. BrdU action begins with DNA incorporation. The consequent cellular replication becomes slowed and DNA repair results. At the same time RNA and protein levels are similar in BrdU treated and untreated cultures. BrdU thymidine substitution into DNA increases from 28% (2 days) to 68% (3 days) after embryogenic induction. A second BrdU effect follows DNA incorporation. Factors (MIFs) in the medium of BrdU treated cells arrest differentiation. After BrdU is repaired from the DNA, the cells are only able to differentiate after a medium change. Understanding MIF production could explain why some plants differentiate more readily than others. BrdU provides the means for further study of MIF's in the auxin-free inhibition of development.

Uncovered in the course of a 2011 study looking at partnerships between academic and public libraries in Canada was a unique series of partnerships among a college library, public library, regional library system, and school district library system in Medicine Hat, Alberta. With little or no additional funding, these libraries have partnered to deliver library services beneficial to both their primary clients and the broader community. Through a case study of the libraries, it is possible to determine the value and the challenges of partnerships and the elements of organizational culture necessary for successful partnerships.

The effects of temperature, irradiance, supplementary UV-B and RlFR ratios on volatile oil compounds and plant growth parameters in basil plants have been determined. The base temperature for plant growth, the variation in chemical composition between leaves, the variation in chemical composition during the day and the effect of storage at 4°C for 24 h were also determined. Basil is a warm climate plant and its base temperature for growth is 10.9°C. The optimum temperature for plant growth is 25°C and this temperature also enhances the volatile oil content in leaves. Plants grown at 25°C for two weeks were taller and possessed more dry matter and larger leaves than plants grown at other temperatures. The total volatile oil content in fresh leaves was three times the level compared with plants at lSoC. Temperature also affected the composition of volatile oils. Warm conditions resulted in the accumulation of eugenol and cis-ocimene. whereas cool temperatures resulted in more camphor and trans-p-farnesene. There was no effect, however, on the relative contents of 1,8-cineole and linalool. Treatments with alternating temperature that supplied the same accumulated day degrees (ADD), but with a different sequence of temperatures, did not affect most of the plant growth parameters, however, volatile oil content and composition were strongly affected by the temperature regime of the final two weeks. The higher the temperature before harvesting, the higher the volatile oil content and the relative content of eugenol produced. Basil plants grow well in full sun, however they can tolerate light shade. Heavy shade (75% and 50% shade) resulted in small plants with reduced dry matter, and the volatile oil content in fresh leaves was five times lower than in control plants. Heavy shade significantly increased the content of methyl eugenol, but strongly decreased the contents of eugenol and Iinalool. Two weeks treatment with supplementary UV-B (ultraviolet - B) light resulted in short plants with higher dry matter and thicker leaves. It also stimulated the synthesis of volatile oil compounds, i.e. phenyl-propanoids (eugenol) and terpenoids (notably 1,8-cineole and linalool). There was no effect, however, on volatile oil composition. Use of supplementary light to produce a high RlFR (red / far-red light) ratio resulted in shorter plants with less dry matter and smaller leaves. But the volatile oil content of the leaves was greatly increased. The content of eugenol was decreased whereas the content of ~-myrcene was increased. There were no effects on the relative contents of 1,8-cineole, linalool and other compounds. There were no differences in the volatile oil content and composition of fresh basil leaves harvested during the daytime, i.e. between morning (9.00am) and late afternoon (5.00pm). After storage for 24 h at 4°C in dark conditions, there were no differences in volatile oil content and composition in fresh leaves. There was a great difference, however, in the content and composition of volatile oils between young and mature leaves. The sensory analysis showed that trained panellists could perceive different intensities of volatile oils and consumers preferred the stronger intensity of volatile oils in fresh basil leaves.

My thesis takes the notion of the sublime out of its usual Romantic context to look at what it can reveal about post-Romantic France. This is a period of rapid capitalist and urban development, often described as the age of the prosaic - an age of cliche, platitude and banality. It is also, however, a period in which Romantic aspirations survive: this is often accepted by critics in terms of literary projects, but less so in terms of broader social developments. I will use the notion of the sublime to trace the presence of these aspirations in post-Romantic discourses - across the supposed divide between literature and society. The first section of the thesis is a theoretical introduction to the notion of the sublime in Western philosophy, with a particular focus on its appropriation in France. It includes three chapters, the first of which looks at Longinus and Boileau, the second, Kant and Hegel, and the third, modem and postmodern theoretical perspectives. The aim of this section is both to frame the problems and questions that the sublime poses for French culture and literature, and present the critical concepts that I will bring to bear on readings of specific texts in the second part of the thesis. The second section contains chapters 4 to 7 of the thesis. In chapter 4, I look at how Flaubert parodies rhetorical over-inflation in Madame Bovary and strips it away in 'Un Coeur simple'. Chapter 5 focuses on the sublime in Zola's Au Bonheur des dames, a text that shows how capitalist discourse makes use of the imagery of the Romantic sublime. In chapter 6, I move on to the sublime in working-class discourses, especially revolutionary oratory and performance, before bringing the thesis to a close in chapter 7 with an examination of the metaphysical underpinnings of some of the major artistic developments in the period.

The thesis presents a critical analysis of the physical, social and cultural determinants of the traditional Chinese courtyard house. A number of factors which contributed to the stability of the form and spatial arrangement of the courtyard house in traditional China are identified. Early chapters examine the physical and broad social influences upon the form of the courtyard house and explain the different forms of spatial organisation. The discussion then centres on the importance of the Chinese family system and how it was reflected in the spatial arrangement within the house form. The symbol system related to Chinese houses is then considered, paying particular attention to its development from prehistoric China to the Han Dynasty and thereafter, including the concept of Ch'i and the cosmic framework of the Chinese people, which laid the basis for Yang Chai Theory. Ideal residential environments according to the two main Schools of Yang Chai Theory are then described. An example of how the various physical and socio-cultural factors are embodied in an actual courtyard house from the traditional period, taking into account the various elements of Yang Chai Theory, is then illustrated and analysed. The courtyard house reached its demise with the transformation of Chinese societies from agricultural to industrial, as social values and family structure were adjusted to suit the new life-styles. Nevertheless, Yang Chai Theory remains strongly embedded in Chinese culture. The thesis concludes with a discussion of how its components are taken into consideration even nowadays in the forming of residential environments.