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The article presents a review of scientific publications on the ethology of farm sables from 1970 to 2023. In the studies, the authors used different testing methods and rating scales to determine the behavioral response of animals of different ages. In this regard, the unification of the test results is proposed. The article presents the behavioral repertoire of farm sables that exhibit different reactions to humans during the test. Based on testing of more than 13 000 animals, a conclusion was made about the variability of the behavioral response of sables at the species level. Most mature sables have a neutral (contact avoidance, cowardly) reaction to humans (40 to 60% in different studies). In the second place in terms of the frequency of cases, a calm (exploratory) reaction towards a person was recorded (from 26 to 49%). An aggressive (vicious) reaction to contact was relatively rare (from 5 to 25%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sable (Martes zibellina L.) range extends from the western slopes of the Ural Mountains to the Far East. Sable has a complex intraspecific structure; geographic populations differ in a number of morphological traits. Unregulated sable hunting for several centuries, forest fires and industrialization of Siberia led to a sharp decline in the species' population size and the fragmentation of its habitat by the beginning of the twentieth century. In some regions of Siberia, the species was almost completely exterminated. To restore the sable population, along with a complete ban on hunting, large-scale sable reintroductions were made in the middle of the twentieth century. About 11.7–11.8 thousand animals were brought from the Baikal-Patom region of the Baikal Mountain Country to Western and Eastern Siberia. Reintroduced sables survived in the new territories and formed naturalized populations. We studied the allele frequency distribution of 15 microsatellite loci of 474 sable specimens from 14 native and six naturalized sable populations in the Central Siberian Plateau and adjacent territories. The results of the analysis of genetic diversity, differentiation and population structure indicate the presence of five clusters in the study area, four of which are formed by native populations and one that includes a native population from the Patom donor area and all six naturalized populations. Both large-scale reintroductions and a complete ban on hunting have contributed to the restoration of sable populations in Siberia, which have become a continuous sable range. An analysis of genetic structure in historical and geographic context can be useful in studying the effects of introduction or reintroduction when considering the stages of introduction-naturalization-invasion continuum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coat color phenotype 'sable' occurs in the English Cocker Spaniel dog breed. It closely resembles other canine color patterns known as domino/grizzle/pied (eA allele) and grizzle/domino (eG allele) determined by variants in the melanocortin 1 receptor gene (MC1R; 'extension' or E locus), a key multi‐allele regulator of coat color. We examined genetic variation in MC1R, and found one new non‐synonymous variant, c.250G>A (p.(Asp84Asn)), consistently associated with the English Cocker Spaniel 'sable' phenotype. We propose calling this newly identified allele eH and further show that the eA, eH and eG (previously known as EG) alleles associate with similar phenotypes in dogs impacting genotypes regulated by beta‐defensin 103 gene (CBD103; K locus) and agouti signaling protein gene (ASIP; A locus) in the absence of the EM and E alleles. This suggests that all three alleles are putative reduced‐function variants of the MC1R gene. We propose the revised and updated E locus dominance hierarchy to be EM > E > eA/eH/eG > e1–3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various zoonotic microorganisms cause reproductive problems such as abortions and stillbirths, leading to economic losses on farms, particularly within livestock. In South Africa, bovine brucellosis is endemic in cattle, and from 2013–2018, outbreaks of Brucella melitensis occurred in sable. Coxiella burnetii, the agent responsible for the zoonotic disease known as Q-fever and/or coxiellosis, also causes reproductive problems and infects multiple domestic animal species worldwide, including humans. However, little is known of this disease in wildlife. With the expansion of the wildlife industry in South Africa, diseases like brucellosis and coxiellosis can significantly impact herd breeding success because of challenges in identifying, managing and treating diseases in wildlife populations. This study investigated samples obtained from aborted sable and roan antelope, initially suspected to be brucellosis, from game farms in South Africa using serology tests and ruminant VetMAX™ polymerase chain reaction (PCR) abortion kit. The presence of C. burnetii was confirmed with PCR in a sable abortion case, while samples from both sable and roan were seropositive for C. burnetii indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). This study represents the initial report of C. burnetii infection in sable and roan antelope in South Africa. Epidemiological investigations are crucial to assess the risk of C. burnetii in sable and roan populations, as well as wildlife and livestock in general, across South Africa. This is important in intensive farming practices, particularly as Q-fever, being a zoonotic disease, poses a particular threat to the health of veterinarians and farm workers as well as domestic animals. Contribution: A report of clinical C. burnetii infection in the wildlife industry contributes towards the limited knowledge of this zoonotic disease in South Africa.

Forty-five-year-long observations of variations in the musk deer abundance in the Ussurisky Nature Reserve are summarized. An analysis of winter route censuses (WRC) has made it possible to assume that these variations are related to the emergence of a new predator, the sable. The decrease in the musk deer abundance in the reserve occurred simultaneously with an increase in the sable abundance and a decrease in abundance of alternative food supplies for medium-sized and small predators. From the early 2000s to the present, the musk deer abundance in the reserve has remained at a level of only "presence" of the species in the fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is a revision of the original description of the karyotype of the sable Martes zibellina. It presents data on the mitotic metaphase chromosomes of the female and male of this species and a comparison of their sets with those of closely allied species in the genus Martes. Additionally, a description of the synaptonemal complex (SC) is provided in the early to middle prophase of meiosis in the sable spermatocytes. Comparative analysis confirmed the stability and similarity of the main cytogenetic parameters of sables and martens (2n = 38, NFa = 64–68, X is the average submetacentric and Y is the smallest meta-, submeta-, or acrocentrics). A slight polymorphism associated with the representation of one- or two-armed small elements of the diploid set of chromosomes is revealed. These characteristics are of little use for the development of the intraspecific taxonomy of the sable, but can be useful in determining phylogenetic relationships at the species and generic levels, as well as to identify the consequences of natural hybridization of allied species in the genus Martes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the analysis of microsatellite loci Ma3 and Mer041, the genetic structure of the sable population of the Middle Amur region was monitored. Materials obtained by hunters in winter seasons from 2011 to 2021 were studied. Three geographic subpopulations of sable from the Bureya Highlands and one from the eastern slopes of the Sikhote-Alin Ridge are considered. It was shown that the group of specific alleles characterizing the differences between the sable populations of the Bureya Highlands and the Sikhote-Alin Ridge is represented by four alleles. The monitoring of two microsatellite loci in the subpopulations of the Bureya Highlands showed a higher allelic diversity in the northern autochthonous population compared to the more southern ones, which arose as a result of dispersal of the northern subpopulation in the first half of the 20th century. The relative homogeneity of the population structure of the sable of the Bureya Highlands is shown, which does not lead to a statistically significant level of differentiation of subpopulations either in space or in time. A different character of the dynamics of allelic diversity in the subpopulations of the left bank (Bureya Highlands) and right bank (Sikhote-Alin Ridge) of the Amur River was found. It was hypothesized that temporal heterogeneity in the Sikhote-Alin subpopulation may indicate the existence of a spatially heterogeneous population structure on the eastern slopes of the Sikhote-Alin Ridge that formed from descendants and possible hybrids of autochthonous and introduced forms. The influence of the anthropogenic factor on the genetic structure dynamics is considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comparative study of lungworm Filaroides martis invasion rates in sable and pine marten populations in the Cis-Urals region and Central Siberia was performed on the basis of samples totaling more than 3000 animals. In different sable population groups, the invasion extensiveness (prevalence) varies from 2 to 57%; in pine marten population groups, from 0 to 54%. In the Urals transgression zone, the invasion rate is statistically significantly higher in martens compared to sables. The studied groups form three clusters. Low prevalence values (less than 2%) were noted in two eastern populations: the upper Ob River (martens) and the Vakh River (sables); the highest values (over 50%), in martens in the Urals and in both species in the Uvat district, Tyumen oblast. The rest of the groups with moderate prevalence values (20–38%) form the third cluster. The invasion intensity varies from 2.5 to 3.6 helminth cysts per infected individual in sables, and from 0 to 4.6 cysts in martens; for most pairwise comparisons performed based on these two parameters, differences between samples are statistically significant. In western groups of both species, the invasion intensity is higher compared to eastern groups. In sables, invasion prevalence and intensity correlate in a statistically significant (r = 0.95; p = 0.01) way. One geographical trend was identified: in pine martens, invasion prevalence increases in a northerly direction. Cases with prevalence levels less than 5% can be explained by the absence of formed filaroidosis foci. At the beginning of the 2010s, a twofold increase in prevalence over the previous 20 years was recorded; this phenomenon has no adequate explanation yet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constitutive-heterochromatin placement in the genome affects chromosome structure by occupying centromeric areas and forming large blocks. To investigate the basis for heterochromatin variation in the genome, we chose a group of species with a conserved euchromatin part: the genus Martes [stone marten (M. foina, 2n = 38), sable (M. zibellina, 2n = 38), pine marten (M. martes, 2n = 38), and yellow-throated marten (M. flavigula, 2n = 40)]. We mined the stone marten genome for the most abundant tandem repeats and selected the top 11 macrosatellite repetitive sequences. Fluorescent in situ hybridization revealed distributions of the tandemly repeated sequences (macrosatellites, telomeric repeats, and ribosomal DNA). We next characterized the AT/GC content of constitutive heterochromatin by CDAG (Chromomycin A3-DAPI-after G-banding). The euchromatin conservatism was shown by comparative chromosome painting with stone marten probes in newly built maps of the sable and pine marten. Thus, for the four Martes species, we mapped three different types of tandemly repeated sequences critical for chromosome structure. Most macrosatellites are shared by the four species with individual patterns of amplification. Some macrosatellites are specific to a species, autosomes, or the X chromosome. The variation of core macrosatellites and their prevalence in a genome are responsible for the species-specific variation of the heterochromatic blocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract—The results of sorting 247 922 sable skins harvested in Yakutia in 1994–2005 are analyzed. According to the published and our own data, changes in the color of the hairline in 1930–1948, 1964–1976, and 1980–1990 are considered in recent decades. The distribution of different color forms of sable in the ecological and geographical regions of Yakutia in the 17th century is characterized. A steady tendency for sable fur to become lighter after the restoration of numbers and range has been established. The synchronism of color changes in native and introduced groups of the species is shown. A certain sequence in the change in the color of sable caused by a polygenic inheritance was revealed. There was an increase in the average color variants at the first stage and a progressive lightening of a significant part of the individuals at the subsequent stage. At the same time, introduced sables of valuable ranges retained a darker fur color in comparison with the autochthonous Yenisei subspecies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El ataque constituye un elemento primordial en el proceso de preparación en aras de obtener los toches en la esgrima a sables dada la convención del combate y la jerarquía de las acciones técnico-tácticas. Sin embargo, se desconoce el comportamiento de los esgrimistas que conforman la matrícula de la EIDE de Camagüey. Es por ello que resulta necesario conocer el perfil de los ataques de los esgrimistas de la modalidad sable. Para ello se utiliza la población de atletas que se especializan en el arma mencionada. Durante el de cursar de la investigación se utilizan los métodos del nivel teórico análisis y síntesis, inducción y deducción, del nivel empírico se pondera la observación; así como la estadística descriptiva, determinado las distribuciones empíricas de frecuencia, representada mediante el cálculo porcentual. El estudio permitió determinar que el ataque repetido es el que obtuve el perfil predominante, sinónimo de ser el que emplean con mayor frecuencia los sablistas.

Insect body color is an easily assessed and visually engaging trait that is informative on a broad range of topics including speciation, biomaterial science, and ecdysis. Mutants of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster have been an integral part of body color research for more than a century. As a result of this long tenure, backlogs of body color mutations have remained unmapped to their genes, all while their strains have been dutifully maintained, used for recombination mapping, and part of genetics education. Stemming from a lesson plan in our undergraduate genetics class, we have mapped sable1, a dark body mutation originally described by Morgan and Bridges, to Yippee, a gene encoding a predicted member of the E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. Deficiency/duplication mapping, genetic rescue, DNA and cDNA sequencing, RT-qPCR, and 2 new CRISPR alleles indicated that sable1 is a hypomorphic Yippee mutation due to an mdg4 element insertion in the Yippee 50-UTR. Further analysis revealed additional Yippee mutant phenotypes including curved wings, ectopic/missing bristles, delayed development, and failed adult emergence. RNAi of Yippee in the ectoderm phenocopied sable body color and most other Yippee phenotypes. Although Yippee remains functionally uncharacterized, the results presented here suggest possible connections between melanin biosynthesis, copper homeostasis, and Notch/Delta signaling; in addition, they provide insight into past studies of sable cell nonautonomy and of the genetic modifier suppressor of sable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comparative analysis of three craniometric traits that characterize the length-to-width ratios in the frontal surface of the skull in the sable and the pine marten was performed. The character Δ (delta) was proposed for the first time as the distance from the postorbital narrowing to the line drawn between the postorbital processes in the sagittal plane. When analyzing tutorial (n = 431) and test samplings (n = 154), the high discriminating capacity of this trait was revealed for species identification based on craniological material. A joint analysis of variations in this "Δ" trait with the breadth of the postorbital constriction revealed for the first time their species-specific interrelations, i.e., the presence of opposite trends in the ontogeny of both model species. Discriminant analysis showed a high level (more than 97%) of correct species identifications based on the newly proposed trait. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various zoonotic microorganisms cause reproductive problems such as abortions and stillbirths, leading to economic losses on farms, particularly within livestock. In South Africa, bovine brucellosis is endemic in cattle, and from 2013-2018, outbreaks of Brucella melitensis occurred in sable. Coxiella burnetii, the agent responsible for the zoonotic disease known as Q-fever and/or coxiellosis, also causes reproductive problems and infects multiple domestic animal species worldwide, including humans. However, little is known of this disease in wildlife. With the expansion of the wildlife industry in South Africa, diseases like brucellosis and coxiellosis can significantly impact herd breeding success because of challenges in identifying, managing and treating diseases in wildlife populations. This study investigated samples obtained from aborted sable and roan antelope, initially suspected to be brucellosis, from game farms in South Africa using serology tests and ruminant VetMAX™ polymerase chain reaction (PCR) abortion kit. The presence of C. burnetii was confirmed with PCR in a sable abortion case, while samples from both sable and roan were seropositive for C. burnetii indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). This study represents the initial report of C. burnetii infection in sable and roan antelope in South Africa. Epidemiological investigations are crucial to assess the risk of C. burnetii in sable and roan populations, as well as wildlife and livestock in general, across South Africa. This is important in intensive farming practices, particularly as Q-fever, being a zoonotic disease, poses a particular threat to the health of veterinarians and farm workers as well as domestic animals.Contribution: A report of clinical C. burnetii infection in the wildlife industry contributes towards the limited knowledge of this zoonotic disease in South Africa.

Morphological variation and active migration of sables (Martes zibellina Linnaeus, 1758) cause confusion in this species' intraspecific taxonomy. Four to 17 subspecies have been described thus far. In this study, we clarified sable population structure using 11 microsatellite loci in 665 specimens from 33 sable populations. According to subspecies taxonomy, we expect to find four genetic groups. Our results confirmed the presence of two genetic groups in the territories of Western Siberia (subspecies Martes zibellina zibellina Linnaeus, 1758) and the Western Altai Mountains (subspecies Martes zibellina averini Bashanov, 1943). Another genetic group is formed by the populations of the Central Siberian Plateau and presumably represents the subspecies Martes zibellina yeniseensis Ognev, 1925. Previous descriptions of the area occupied by this subspecies include the mountain regions of Southern Siberia. We found a few genetic groups in the Baikal region, whereas only one subspecies Martes zibellina princeps Birula, 1918 had been described previously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective of research: The study of helminth fauna in sables of Yakutia. Materials and methods: Sables caught in 2016-2017 were investigated for helminthic infection. We used the methods of complete and incomplete helminthological dissection, and the method of trichinelloscopy of muscle tissue. The sable’s intestine was dissected and examined along the whole length by the method of sequential washing, the contents of the intestine - by Fulleborn and Bermann methods. 462 sables were examined. Taxonomic examinations were conducted according to the Key to invertebrates of Kozlov M.A. and the Atlas of the most common helminths of the agricultural animals of Kapustin V.F. Results and discussion: It was found that sables inhabiting the territory of Yakutia are infected with 27 helminth species belonging to three classes: Cestoda, Nematoda, and Acanthocephala. 6 species of cestodes were detected: Mesocestoides lineatus in 12 sables (Intensity of Infection 1-3 ind.); Taenia hydatigenа in 15 sables (3,24 %), II 1-7; T. Sibirica in 23 (4,98 %), II 1-6; T skrjabini in 14 (3,03 %), II 3-5; T martis in 41 (8,87 %), II 2-7; T mustelae in 25 (5,41 %), II 1-3 ind. The average intestinal infection rate with Taenia spp. did not exceed 7 ind. Three acanthocephalan species were found in the intestine of sables: Macrocanthorynchus catulinus, Moniliformis clarki, Corynosoma strumosum sp. Intensity of infection was on average 2-5 ind. 18 trematode species were detected in sables: Ascaris columnaris, Mastophorus muris, Molineus patens, Filaroides martis, Sobolevingylus petrovi, Soboliphyme baturini, Capillaria putorii, Skrjabingulus nasola, Physaloptera sibirica, Uncinaria stenocephala, Mustelivingylus skrjabini, Thominx asadovi, Trichocephalus vulpis, Crenosoma petrowi, Syphacia obvelata, Physaloptera sibirica, Trichinella spiralis (in muscle tissue). So, 240 (51,94 %), of 462 examined sable carcasses were infected; 96 sables were infected with two, and 38 sables with three helminth species. Seven species discovered in Yakutia for the first time were added to the helminth fauna of sable. Sables of both sexes were equally infected.

The genetic and phenotypic structure (according to the fur color) of 14 sable samples from the Baikal mountain land (BML) has been studied by analyzing 257 animals for 11 microsatellite loci and evaluating over 12 000 pelts with respect to seven standard color categories. It has been found that the population structure of sable in the region is heterogeneous both phenotypically and genetically. An isolated population group of sable with dark fur inhabits Zabaikalsky krai (Uletovsky, Petrovsk-Zabaikalsky, and Krasnochikoysky districts). The Khamar-Daban Ridge in the south of Lake Baikal is inhabited by a sable population with a high genetic diversity and the lightest fur color in the study region, which is most likely due to its contacts with the East Sayan population. The other BML samples have a relatively high genetic diversity and intermediate parameters of fur color, which may result from their large-scale intraregional translocations and migrations. The results of comparative tests suggest an indirect correlation between the phenotypic and genetic structures in samples from at least seven sable populations inhabiting the study region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work evaluates the resistance to chemical attack and thermal shock of refractory bricks made from local clays and natural sand from Burkina Faso for their validation in industrial use. The clay was extruded and then sintered at 1300 ° C with a 1 hour hold to produce chamotte. Bricks were made by pressing a mixture of raw clays and chamotte, or raw clays and sand, then sintered at different temperatures ranging from 1250 to 1400 ° with steps of 50 ° C and a level of 2 time. The results of the thermal shock test show that these two types of bricks have average strength. The test with the concentrated solutions of sulfuric acid and soda showed that these bricks are also resistant to acid and basic attacks. The results obtained qualify the bricks for industrial use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Observatorio Medioambiental is the property of Universidad Complutense de Madrid and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

It is important to search for new highly effective multicomponent compounds that are able to influence several of animals’ homeostasis systems simultaneously to improve the physiological adaptation of fur animals to different conditions of nutrition. This is the function of the feed additive Floravit® – a natural bioregulator. The compound is a combination of biologically active ingredients produced by the mycelial fungus Fusarium sambucinum. Studied was the effect of Floravit® on the structure of the skin and hair in adult female sable (Martes zibellina). The scientific and economic experiment was conducted at the JSC “Plemzavod Pushkinskyi” in the Moscow Region during the period of winter fur formation in October-November. The study of the morphological structure of the hair and skin cover was carried out in the chine, side and rump topographical areas. The structure of the guard hairs in the main topographical areas was examined on a scanning electron microscope. The experiment showed that administration of Floravit® per os to adult female sable at a dose of 1.0 ml per head per day throughout the period of winter pelt formation in October-November has an influence on the morphological structure of all the categories of hair on all topographic pelt areas. Animals in the test group exposed to Floravit® exhibited an increase in guide hair length on the chine and side, when compared to controls, by 4.1 mm (p < 0.001) and by 2.8 mm (p < 0.01), respectively. The length of guard hair on the chine, side and rump increased by 8.1, 7.8 and 7.8 mm (p < 0.001), respectively. An increase in down hair length was recorded in all areas of the pelt, when compared to controls, by 13.0, 4.5 and 6.3 mm (p < 0.001). An increase in dermal thickness was recorded in the chine area by 0.7 mm (p < 0.001). The specified changed in the skin and hair structure in sable adult females after using Floravit® have shown a positive influence on the quality of hair cover. As a result, bioregulator Floravit® takes part in the adaptation process of the sable organism to external factors.

Phenotypic parallelism has been established with similar aberrations of coat color in sables and northern fur seals with known fur color mutations in American mink. On the basis of the similarities in the phenotypic variability of the coat color in these species of distant origin, we can imply the presence of specific coloring markers of the gene component, which ensures adaptation to extreme environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Body temperature and locomotor activity were recorded over a month using intraperitoneal sensors in the following six mammalian species: naked mole rats (Heterocephalus glaber, 2♂, 2♀), C57Bl/6j mice (6♂), outbred white rats (4♂), Mongolian hamsters (Allocricetulus curtatus, 3♂), sables (Martes zibellina, 2♂, 2♀), forest ferrets (Mustela putorius, 2♂, 2♀). During experiments, the naked mole rats stayed in their colony under special laboratory conditions: 2 weeks in constant darkness (dim red light), 2 weeks under an alternating light–dark regime (12L/12D). Mice and rats were kept in individual chambers under standard laboratory conditions and a 12L/12D regime; sables and ferrets were kept in their outdoor enclosures under natural light conditions in autumn. All the rodents used in the experiments, except for mole rats, are nocturnal animals. Accordingly, all of them showed a clear circadian rest–activity rhythm: a high level of locomotor activity in the daytime and low at night. The body temperature rhythm showed a synphase correlation with the rest–activity rhythm: temperature rose at night and fell in the daytime (0.9 < r < 1). At the same time, in hamsters, an increase in locomotor activity at night, when the ambient temperature went down, was accompanied by a corresponding increase in the amplitude of body temperature elevations. Small predators, sables and ferrets, demonstrated a more smoothed circadian rhythm. In contrast to all these species, body temperature of mole rats dropped sharply by 3–5°С (down to 28°С) upon activation of their locomotor activity (usually in the morning and evening hours) and jumped (up to 36°С) at rest (in the night hours) both under constant darkness and 12L/12D regime (–0.7 < r < –0.9). Overall, these animals showed an original thermoregulatory system with a possible "set point" at about 33.5°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analysis of hunting samples of the Kamchatka sable population for 2001–2013 has revealed changes in the reproductive parameters of females over the period from 1967 to 1979. Intensive hunting has led to a simplification of the age structure of the population and a rejuvenation of its reproductive core. The proportion of 1–2-year-old individuals among the adult females is 62.3%. These individuals have also begun to perform the main function of the population reproduction: 44% of the potential population growth is provided by 1- and 2-year-old females and 41.7% by 3–5-year-old females. The proportion of females of all other ages (from 6 to 14 years) is less than 15% of the population growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective of research: to study the nematode infestation of the sable and pine marten inWestern Siberia.Materials and methods: Altogether 169 individuals of the sable and 18 – of the pine marten were investigated using the method of partial dissection of the gastrointestinal tract and lungs. Animals were caught according to the hunting license in 2009-2011 and 2014-2015, in 8 areas ofWestern Siberia from the south taiga to the northern forest-steppe.Results and discussion: We have found four species of parasitic nematodes, two of which (Crenosoma petrovi, Filaroides martis) were localized in lungs and two species (Capillaria putorii, Strongyloides martis) – in the intestine of the sable and the pine marten. Prevalence of lung nematodes was 80 %, intestine nematodes – 40 %. Intensity of infestation ranged from 26 to 358 nematodes per animal. F. martis is the most pathogenic and most common helminth in martens inWestern Siberia. 53,3 % of pine martens and 26,5 % of sables were infected with this nematode species. Nematode S. martis is the most abundant in the intestine. In pine martens the extensity of invasion was 42,8 %, the abundance index– 8.29 helminths per animal; in sables - 9,1 % and 1.18, respectively. Pine martens were infected by F. martes and S. martis more than sables (p ˂ 0,05). Prevalence increases in the direction from the North East (taiga) to the South West (sub-taiga), which determines the intensity of the helminthiases focus in biocenoses ofWestern Siberia. Infection of pine martens in the forest-steppe was not detected. In 2014–2015 compared with the previous study period (2009–2011) the extensity of invasion with intestinal nematodes increased by 1,5–2 times, and with highly pathogenic lung parasites – by 3 times. The increase in the helminth infestation may be explained by the growth of animal population density.

Excluded from the university, women authors in early modern France acquired their philosophical culture from other venues. The tutorial, the salon, and the convent school are three of the era's most prominent institutions involved in the development of this philosophical culture for women. The writings of the poet Madame Deshoulières, the salonnière Madame de Sablé, and the abbess Angélique de Saint-Jean Arnauld d'Andilly illustrate how these institutions shaped their respective philosophical interests and imparted a particular style and set of thematic concerns to their philosophical works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Eleven sables were captured in Sverdlovsk oblast, at distances of 133 to 203 km from the southwestern boundary of the species range, in 2014-2016. The capture sites were located within the species range of the pine marten. A brief description of the animals, photographs, morphometric data, and a map of capture sites are provided. Violation of the species range boundaries is enabled by local predominance of one species over another with regard to population size. An example of a female tagged in the Pechoro-Ilychskii Nature Reserve and caught a year later near the town of Karpinsk, 233 km from the tagging site, is given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, Brucella melitensis infection in sable antelope (Hippotragus niger) was investigated on two wildlife ranches in South Africa over a 12-year period in order to determine the origin of the outbreaks and the role of livestock in maintaining the disease. Retrospective data were obtained from farm records and interviews as well as samples tested from different disease scenarios and clinical settings. On one ranch, 10 of 74 sable tested seropositive for B. melitensis in 2004 but were certified clear of infection after no further brucellosis cases were detected following repeated serological tests and culling over a five-year period. Recrudescence occurred in 2013 (7 of 187 brucellosis positives) and in 2014 (one positive), with persistent, latent infection being the most reasonable explanation. In a second case study, linked to the first one through a common vendor, 15 of 80 sable tested positive in 2016, some five years after the acquisition of the animals from a putative source. Brucella melitensis biovar 1 and/or 3 were isolated from each outbreak on both ranches. Both outbreaks resulted in substantial losses for the owners, arising from testing and culling and significant resource expenditure by the state. The study identified the diagnostic challenges for identifying and resolving disease outbreaks in wildlife, the persistence of B. melitensis in sable, the risks associated with animal movements, and the need for a wildlife-sensitive disease control scheme. Although the actual source of infection could not be identified, the investigation points away from local livestock as a source of ongoing infection while the persistent infection is consistent with the disease circulating within small, ranched populations and being spread through the keeping and trading of high-value animals. The implications of the study findings to disease control in wildlife are discussed.

The formation of behavior type in the postnatal development of sables is studied insufficiently. Studies of this hot topic showed that the anthropogenic factor has a great influence on behavior formation in sables. Identification of other components that can influence the formation of sable behavior of sables in relation to a human is of obvious interest. The objectives of our work were: (1) variation of behavior type in pups with age and (2) correlation of behavior with pup sex and coloration, litter size, and origin of parents. A total of 262 pups were tested. Part of their parents belonged to animals, thoroughbred for coloration («black sable» breed), whose selection had been conducted in farms for 40 years. Other parents originated from sables caught in 1990s in Kamchatka and the Urals (mongrels). The type of behavior was determined by the standard hand test. Animals avoiding contact were scored zero. Animals communicating with the experimenter and demonstrating calm behavior (friendly response) were scored +1 to +5. Animals that demonstrated aggressive behavior (fearful response) were scored –1 to –4. Tests of the same animals were repeated at ages of 4, 5, and 6 months. In the final test at 6 months, 78,6 % of pups of both sexes showed the avoidance response, 20,2 % were attributed to the calm type, and 1,2 % to aggressive. The experi- ment proved that the formation of behavioral reactions in young sables was influenced by the sex of animals. The calm response was more frequently demonstrated by males than by females (p > 0,99–0,999). Behavior type in young sables showed no association with age, but the proportion of calm animals increased in each successive test (differences statistically insignificant, p < 0,90). No statistically significant correlation could be found between coloration and tame behavior of pups because of small numbers of such animals. Litter size or parent breed did not affect the formation of behavior type in pups.

This work concerns sable domestication at Russian fur farms. There are two ecotypes of sables: (1) dark with small body size and poorly fertile and (2) diluted with large body size and more fertile. The former lives in Siberian pine forests with a stable food potential, and the latter prefers larch forests and margins of the range.

The structure of commercial sable samples from the Cis-Ural region was studied taking into account hunting method (shooting or trapping). The proportion of adult animals was found to be significantly lower in samples taken during the first half of the hunting season, compared to the second half, indicating predominant harvesting of young animals. To estimate the degree of hunting selectivity (I), the ratios of demographic groups among shot and trapped animals were calculated. The results confirmed the fact of selective hunting for underyearlings both by shooting (I = 1.49-1.60 for the Cis-Ural region and I = 2.46-3.37 for the Western Sayan Mountains) and by trapping (I = 2.80-4.37), especially during the first half of winter. Samples taken during the second half of the season were characterized by prevalence of adult animals making up the reproductive core of the population (I = 1.43-2.07). It is considered that the process of reproduction in Cis-Ural sable populations in the 1960s to 1980s was stimulated by intensive commercial hunting. To maintain reproduction of sable populations at a safe level, it is necessary to reduce the period of hunting in the first quarter of the year. It is proposed to use the phenomenon of hunting selectivity for managing sable populations, regulating their exploitation, and improving the economic productivity of habitats. Commercial hunting in terms of its impact on the population can act as a factor of conscious or unconscious artificial selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic individualization based on non-invasive sampling is crucial for estimating the numbers of individuals in endangered mammalian populations. In sable (Martes zibellina)-poaching cases, identifying the number of animals involved is critical for determining the penalty. In addition, investigating animal numbers for wild sable populations requires genetic individualization when collecting several samples in neighboring regions. Microsatellites have been demonstrated to be reliable markers for individual identification. Thirty-three microsatellite loci derived from Mustelidae were selected to develop a genetic individualization method for sable. Three reference populations containing 54 unrelated sables were used to calculate allele number, allelic frequencies, and the polymorphic information content of each locus. The data were subsequently used to assess the validity of a combination of twelve loci for sable individualization. We defined twelve polymorphic loci that were easy to be amplified and genotyped. Four significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were observed among the 12 loci in the three populations. The match probability of an individual from the reference populations with a random individual based on the 12 loci was 1.37 × 10−13. Using the combination of the twelve loci provides sufficient power to individualize sables considering the levels of microsatellite polymorphism observed. These loci were successfully applied to a case of sable poaching and provided valid evidence to determine the penalty. The genetic individualization of sable based on these loci might also be useful to investigate the numbers of animals in wild populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In the middle of the 20th century, massive introductions of sables were performed to recover the area of this valuable fur species. In this work, genetic variation of a naturalized sable population from the Vakh River basin (Nizhnevartovskiy district, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug) was investigated. This population developed as a result of sable introduction from Cisbaikalia in 1952‒1957. The naturalized sable population of the Vakh basin occupies an intermediate position between two autochthonous sable populations from the Ob River area and Cisbaikalia, as assessed by variation of five microsatellite loci. Apparently, the genetic structure of the modern sable population from the Vakh basin was formed by mixing the gene pools of the original Cisbaikalian population and the neighboring autochthonous populations from the Ob River area which recovered their numbers in a natural way. Data on genetic variation in the naturalized sable population agree with the results of previous morphological studies and can be employed for long-term monitoring of the outcome of sable introduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sable and the pine marten dwelling sympatrically in Western Siberia have similar helminth fauna. Four species of parasitic nematodes Crenosoma petrovi, Filaroides martis, Capillaria putorii, and Strongyloides martis were found in martens of Western Siberia. The pine marten is more infected with nematodes Filaroides martis and Strongyloides martis than sable. The hybrids of the sable and the pine marten have intermediate infestation rates. Using the restriction analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, nine complex haplotypes of mustelids were identified. Animals from different mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) lines statistically differed in terms of the total helminth infestation. The differences in the nematode infestation of animals with various mtDNA haplotypes indicate that different phyletic lines of the sable, the pine marten, and their hybrids have varying degrees of susceptibility to nematode infestations. Animals with haplotype Z31, typical for the eastern subspecies of sable, were infected with helminths twice as much as the animals from the Z5 and Z30 lines, typical for the local populations of sable and pine marten, respectively. Animals with haplotype AK23, common for hybrids, had the lowest rate of infections by helminths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding historical context can help clarify the ecological and biogeographic characteristics of species population changes. The sable ( Martes zibellina) population has decreased dramatically in Northeast China since the l950s, and understanding the changes in its distribution over time is necessary to support conservation efforts. To achieve this goal, we integrated ecological niche modeling and historical records of sables to estimate the magnitude of change in their distribution over time. Our results revealed a 51.71% reduction in their distribution in 2000-2016 compared with the potential distribution in the 1950s. This reduction was related to climate change (Pearson's correlation: Bio1, −.962, p < .01; Bio2, −.962, p < .01; Bio5, .817, p < .05; Bio6, .847, p < .05) and human population size (−.956, p < .01). The sable population tended to migrate in different directions and elevations over time in different areas due to climate change: In the Greater Khingan Mountains, they moved northward and to lower elevations; in the Lesser Khingan Mountains, they moved northward; and in the Changbai Mountains, they move southward and to higher elevations. Active conservation strategies should be considered in locations where sable populations have migrated or may migrate to. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Geotechnical Journal is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Canadian Geotechnical Journal is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper studies the craniological variability of closely related species-the pine marten Martes martes, the American marten M. americana, and the sable M. zibellina. The study included the data on 22 nonmetric characters of skulls in 2344 individuals. The studied Martes species were revealed to have an evident species-specific manifestation of the investigated craniological characters. Sables stand apart most of all in the interspecific comparison of populations. The degree of epigenetic variability is somewhat higher in the sable than in the pine marten. The American marten significantly differs from Eurasian species in the manifestation of the nonmetric skull characters, which is noted when analyzing even a small number of samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cette contribution porte sur les principaux résultats des fouilles menées entre 2003 et 2009 à Histria, dans le périmètre du Secteur sud. Une première partie est dédiée à la présentation des découvertes sur le terrain à proximité de la Tour K extra muros du Secteur sud. L’information la plus significative qui se dégage suite à la recherche archéologique de cette zone spécifique de la cité grecque d’Histria est l’identification d’une plateforme réalisée en pierre roulée, le schiste vert, ayant une déclivité modérée vers le Sud. L’auteur reconnaît cet agencement anthropique tel qu’installation portuaire ou bien comme une infrastructure d’accotement dont la pleine période d’utilisation semble correspondre à la dernière étape de fonctionnement de la zone portuaire d’Histria (VI– VII apr. J.-C.). La seconde partie de cette contribution traite la problématique de l’enceinte romaine du Haut-Empire. La reprise des fouilles dans ce secteur de la ville romaine d’Histria a eu comme but l’exploration archéologique systématique de l’aire située à l’extrémité sud de ce système défensif. L’objectif majeur des recherches de terrain était d’abord de déterminer le trajet exact de la muraille dans le périmètre sud de la ville, ainsi que la relation entre ce monument emblématique de la cité et la zone portuaire susceptible d’être située au sud de l’habitat urbain d’Histria.

El presente artículo ofrece al lector un acercamiento hacia los conceptos básicos de esgrima y electrónica que serán fundamentales para el entendimiento del prototipo a construir; los temas relacionados a la esgrima como indumentaria, reglamento, movimientos y armas, son usados para contextualizar al lector y que pueda evaluar de manera efectiva los beneficios que traería la fabricación del sistema. Además son comprendidos temas de electrónica de vital importancia para el planteamiento y la planificación de la manufacturación del modelo. Por último, se plantean conclusiones que serán base para la construcción del sistema señalizador.

Population structure, fecundity and participation in breeding of females of different age, feeding trends and fat condition of sable were studied under the conditions of the cold climate in the spurs of the Verkhoyansk mountain ridge. A relatively simple age structure and rapid alternation of generations in the population, increased mortality of mature age females and abundance of junior age cohorts in the sable stock, larger mean value fecundity were determined. Sables with low fat reserves made up over two thirds of the population. A change in their fat condition depended on the consumption level of the animal food items. In some years seeds of the mountain pine were more important as a feed-stuff. Females of the reproductive age had the least fat reserves that may be regarded as one of the reasons of their increased death-rate.