Lack of geographic variation in Y-chromosomal introns of red deer (Cervus elaphus)

Intra-specific Y-chromosomal sequence variation is useful for analysing the male contribution to a species’ spatial genetic structure. In red deer (Cervus elaphus) this is especially relevant, because geographic dispersal and game translocations occur mainly through the males. However, Y-chromosomal markers for wild organisms are scarce and frequently non-polymorphic within species. We assessed the intra-specific variation of two Y-chromosomal introns in red deer, one in the DBY (or DDX3Y) gene and the other in the UBE1Y gene. The introns were amplified using previously published exonic primers and directly sequenced in individuals of five red deer subspecies from across Eurasia. However, no nucleotide polymorphism was observed, which rebuts the usefulness of these introns for studies of red deer phylogeography and on illegal transport of red deer within this region. Male-based phylogeographic studies should thus be focused on other Y-chromosomal markers for this species.

Relative effect of food supplementation and natural resources on female red deer distribution in a Mediterranean ecosystem

Supplementary feeding is a widespread game management practice in several red deer (Cervus elaphus) populations, with important potential consequences on the biology of this species. InMediterranean ecosystems food supplementation occurs in the rutting period, when it may change mating system characteristics. We studied the role of food supplementation relative to natural resources in the spatial distribution, aggregation, and mean harem size of females in Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) during the rut. We studied 30 red deer populations of southwestern Spain, 63% of which experienced supplementary feeding. Using multivariate spatial analyses we found that food supplementation affected distribution of females in 95% of the populations in which it occurred. Green meadows present during the mating season acted as an important natural resource influencing female distribution. Additionally, the level of female aggregation and mean harem size were significantly higher in those populations in which food supplementation determined female distribution than in populations in which female distribution did not depend on supplementary feeding. Because female aggregation and mean harem size are key elements in sexual selection, supplementary feeding may constitute an important anthropogenic element with potential evolutionary implications for populations of Iberian red deer.

A new marker for rapid sex identification of red deer (cervus elaphus) | Un nuovo marcatore per l'identificazione rapida del sesso del cervo (cervus elaphus)

Un nuovo marcatore per l'identificazione rapida del sesso del cervo (Cervus elaphus). Il cervo (Cervus elaphus) è una specie cacciabile economicamente importante che risente di alcuni problemi di conservazione. La conoscenza di parametri di popolazione come il rapporto sessi è importante per la sua gestione e conservazione. In questo studio, utilizzando condizioni poco specifiche per l’amplificazione di un frammento del cromosoma Y già descritto in precedenza, descriviamo un metodo che permette una rapida e corretta identificazione del sesso in questa specie, producendo due amplicons diversi nei maschi e uno nelle femmine. I due frammenti, diversi per il peso molecolare, sono facilmente separabili mediante elettroforesi in gel di agarosio, permettendo l'identificazione del sesso con un unico test in campioni biologici come carcasse, embrioni recuperati da femmine abbattute e, forse, peli o escrementi (se la qualità del DNA è accettabile). Questo metodo può essere di aiuto in studi sul rapporto sessi degli embrioni, sulla mortalità associata al sesso o sul rapporto sessi in popolazioni selvatiche o semiselvatiche, con ricadute applicative per le analisi demografiche, la gestione venatoria e la conservazione

O serviço de referência nas bibliotecas públicas em Portugal: modelo de desenvolvimento

O Serviço de Referência (SR), incorporando na sua organização, funcionamento e comunicação com o utilizador um conjunto de potencialidades proporcionadas pela tecnologia, assume um papel fundamental na luta contra a desigualdade e o analfabetismo digital, no fomento da literacia da informação e na criação de conhecimento. A percepção do valor e das fragilidades do SR nas bibliotecas públicas em Portugal levanta a questão sobre como contribuir para o seu desenvolvimento. A presente investigação, visando a construção de alicerces numa perspectiva de evolução, parte da análise de documentos orientadores internacionais da RUSA/ALA (Reference and User Services Association / American Library Association) e da IFLA (International Federation of Library Association) e da observação de características estruturais da Rede Nacional de Biblioteca Públicas (RNBP), para a concepção de soluções de desenvolvimento do SR a aplicar a esta realidade concreta. Seguindo um paradigma compreensivo indutivo, com uma orientação baseada na Grounded Theory, esta pesquisa privilegia o contexto da descoberta e a construção de uma teoria. No plano empírico cumpre uma complementaridade de técnicas qualitativas e quantitativas, com recurso a uma triangulação metodológica. O campo de análise abrange a totalidade das bibliotecas públicas portuguesas integradas na RNBP em Portugal. Visando aspectos funcionais e materiais, são analisados dados preexistentes e aplicadas técnicas de observação directa e inquérito por questionário. Visando aspectos sociais, são efectuadas seis entrevistas semi-estruturadas. Os resultados apontam para uma situação de estagnação das bibliotecas da RNBP e para um funcionamento não estruturado e informal do SR, na maioria dos casos em que se verifica a sua disponibilização. Fundamentada a necessidade de evolução, e do investimento que nele possa ser feito, é construído um modelo, seguindo uma estratégia por níveis, flexíveis e adaptáveis às necessidades e aos recursos de cada biblioteca, que visa o desenvolvimento incremental e congruente daquele serviço; Abstract: The Reference Service in public libraries in Portugal. Development model from international guidelines. Incorporating in its organization, procedures and communication with the users a set of tools brought by technology, Reference Service (RS) plays a key role in the struggle against inequality and digital illiteracy, promoting information literacy and creating knowledge. The perception of the value of RS and the weaknesses in public libraries in Portugal raise the question on how to contribute to its development. In order to build RS foundations on an evolutionary perspective, this research analyzes RUSA / ALA (Reference and User Services Association / American Library Association) and IFLA (International Federation of Library Association) international guidelines and the structural characteristics of the Portuguese National Public Library Network (RNBP), with the objective of creating a solution for the development of that service to be applied to this reality. Following an inductive comprehensive paradigm, with an orientation based on Grounded Theory, this research focuses on the context of discovery and the construction of a theory. Empirically it fulfils complementary qualitative and quantitative techniques, using a methodological triangulation. The field of analysis covers Portuguese public libraries integrating the RNBP. Aiming at functional and material aspects, direct observation techniques and a survey by questionnaire are applied. Targeting social aspects, six semistructured interviews are carried out. The results point to a situation of stagnation in the RNBP as well as the unstructured and informal performance of the SR, which justifies the need for evolution and investment. A model is constructed, following a strategy based on levels, flexible and adaptable to the needs and resources of each library, with the perspective of an incremental and consistent development of this service.

Sequence analysis of bitter taste receptor gene repertoires in different ruminant species

Bitter taste has been extensively studied in mammalian species and is associated with sensitivity to toxins and with food choices that avoid dangerous substances in the diet. At the molecular level, bitter compounds are sensed by bitter taste receptor proteins (T2R) present at the surface of taste receptor cells in the gustatory papillae. Our work aims at exploring the phylogenetic relationships of T2R gene sequences within different ruminant species. To accomplish this goal, we gathered a collection of ruminant species with different feeding behaviors and for which no genome data is available: American bison, chamois, elk, European bison, fallow deer, goat, moose, mouflon, muskox, red deer, reindeer and white tailed deer. The herbivores chosen for this study belong to different taxonomic families and habitats, and hence, exhibit distinct foraging behaviors and diet preferences. We describe the first partial repertoires of T2R gene sequences for these species obtained by direct sequencing. We then consider the homology and evolutionary history of these receptors within this ruminant group, and whether it relates to feeding type classification, using MEGA software. Our results suggest that phylogenetic proximity of T2R genes corresponds more to the traditional taxonomic groups of the species rather than reflecting a categorization by feeding strategy.