Thousands of Caspian seals (Phoca caspica) died in the Caspian Sea from April to August 2000. Lesions characteristic of morbillivirus infection were found in tissue specimens from dead seals. Canine distemper virus infection was identified by serologic examination, reverse transcriptase- polymerase chain reaction, and sequencing of selected P gene fragments. These results implicate canine diste...

The Caspian tiger (Panthera tigris virgata) flourished in Central Asian riverine forest systems in a range disjunct from that of other tigers, but was driven to extinction in 1970 prior to a modern molecular evaluation. For over a century naturalists puzzled over the taxonomic validity, placement, and biogeographic origin of this enigmatic animal. Using ancient-DNA (aDNA) methodology, we genera...

The Caspian seal (Pusa caspica) has declined by more than 90% since 1900 and is listed as endangered by IUCN. We made the first quantitative assessment of Caspian seal by-catch mortality in fisheries in the north Caspian Sea by conducting semi-structured interviews in fishing communities along the coasts of Russia (Kalmykia, Dagestan), Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. We recorded a documented minim...

The objective of this study was to evaluate the varicella zoster virus (VZV) immunity in Iranian adolescents. It was conducted as a primary study for vaccine implementation, and to investigate the association of climatic and socioeconomic factors with the epidemiology of this infection. In this cross- sectional study, anti VZV antibodies were measured in serum samples obtained in a national sch...

In regional studies, reanalysis datasets can extend precipitation time series with insufficient observations. the present study, ERA5 dataset was compared to observational from meteorological stations in nine different zones of Iran (0.125° × 0.125° grid box) for period 2000–2018, and measurement criteria skill detection were applied analyze datasets. The results daily analysis revealed that co...

Remote measurements of different environmental parameters received during last 30 years are used for the synthesis of a Complex Simulation Model (CSM) describing the combined water regimes of the Aral-Caspian System (ACS) including the consideration of aquatic and climatic natural processes. The problem of stabilizing the sea levels of these two water bodies is modelled and a solution obtained ...

This memo addresses the general prospects for Russia's policy in the Caspian Sea, particularly in light of the ongoing financial crisis and domestic political turmoil. After touching on uncertainties regarding the Caspian's significance as a source of hydrocarbon reserves, I will consider Russia's evolving policy preferences and diplomatic relations, environmental issues, and the broader politi...

The Caspian Sea is the world’s largest inland sea. Physiographically it is unique. It is the most productive body of water in the world1 and the only one that preserves the geno-fund of the sturgeon, the source of almost all the black caviar produced. About 10 million people live around the Caspian Sea and the occupations of many of them are connected with the sea, and first of all with fishing...

â â â  this paper attempts to investigate the relationship between 500hpa circulation patterns and weather types (coldest, warmest and raining) over 16 synoptic stations of mountainous region of iran. the mountainous region of iran covers about 670000 square kilometer (41 percent) of iran. in this paper have been investigated the relationship between circulation patterns in 500hpa level with we...