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Clua EE, Meyer CG. The ‘Mistaken Identity Hypothesis’ for shark bites on humans is an anthropomorphic fallacy. BEHAVIOUR 2023. [DOI: 10.1163/1568539x-bja10196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
The Mistaken Identity Hypothesis (MIH) interprets shark bites on surfers, swimmers and snorkelers as ‘mistakes’ stemming primarily from similarities in the visual appearance of ocean users and the sharks typical prey. MIH is now widely accepted as fact by the general public and some sections of the scientific community despite remaining unproven. This hypothesis assumes that ‘mistaken’ shark bites on humans result primarily from confusing visual cues and ignores the important role of other senses (e.g. hearing) in discriminating potential prey. A far simpler ‘natural exploration’ hypothesis can reasonably explain not only shark bites that have been characterized as ‘mistaken identity’ events but also those that cannot be reasonably explained by MIH (e.g. shark bites that occur in very clear water). Simply stated, sharks don’t make ‘mistakes’ but instead continually explore their environments and routinely investigate novel objects as potential prey by biting them.
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Clua EEG, Bègue M, Jam O, Lambillon R, Meyer CG. First tiger shark Galeocerdo cuvier bite in 75 years in French Polynesia (Eastern Central Pacific). Clin Case Rep 2023; 11:e6830. [PMID: 36694655 PMCID: PMC9843076 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.6830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
We analyzed a tiger shark (estimated 2.8 m total length) bite on a snorkeler. The removal of the terminal part of the leg suggests a predatory motivation for the bite. This is the first documented bite by a tiger shark in French Polynesia waters for the past 75 years.
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Iosilevskii G, Kong JD, Meyer CG, Watanabe YY, Papastamatiou YP, Royer MA, Nakamura I, Sato K, Doyle TK, Harman L, Houghton JDR, Barnett A, Semmens JM, Maoiléidigh NÓ, Drumm A, O'Neill R, Coffey DM, Payne NL. A general swimming response in exhausted obligate swimming fish. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022. [PMID: 36147936 DOI: 10.5061/dryad.7pvmcvdv4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Marine organisms normally swim at elevated speeds relative to cruising speeds only during strenuous activity, such as predation or escape. We measured swimming speeds of 29 ram ventilating sharks from 10 species and of three Atlantic bluefin tunas immediately after exhaustive exercise (fighting a capture by hook-and-line) and unexpectedly found all individuals exhibited a uniform mechanical response, with swimming speed initially two times higher than the cruising speeds reached approximately 6 h later. We hypothesized that elevated swimming behaviour is a means to increase energetic demand and drive the removal of lactate accumulated during capture via oxidation. To explore this hypothesis, we estimated the mechanical work that must have been spent by an animal to elevate its swim speed and then showed that the amount of lactate that could have been oxidized to fuel it comprises a significant portion of the amount of lactate normally observed in fishes after exhaustive exercise. An estimate for the full energetic cost of the catch-and-release event ensued.
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Andrzejaczek S, Lucas TC, Goodman MC, Hussey NE, Armstrong AJ, Carlisle A, Coffey DM, Gleiss AC, Huveneers C, Jacoby DMP, Meekan MG, Mourier J, Peel LR, Abrantes K, Afonso AS, Ajemian MJ, Anderson BN, Anderson SD, Araujo G, Armstrong AO, Bach P, Barnett A, Bennett MB, Bezerra NA, Bonfil R, Boustany AM, Bowlby HD, Branco I, Braun CD, Brooks EJ, Brown J, Burke PJ, Butcher P, Castleton M, Chapple TK, Chateau O, Clarke M, Coelho R, Cortes E, Couturier LIE, Cowley PD, Croll DA, Cuevas JM, Curtis TH, Dagorn L, Dale JJ, Daly R, Dewar H, Doherty PD, Domingo A, Dove ADM, Drew M, Dudgeon CL, Duffy CAJ, Elliott RG, Ellis JR, Erdmann MV, Farrugia TJ, Ferreira LC, Ferretti F, Filmalter JD, Finucci B, Fischer C, Fitzpatrick R, Forget F, Forsberg K, Francis MP, Franks BR, Gallagher AJ, Galvan-Magana F, García ML, Gaston TF, Gillanders BM, Gollock MJ, Green JR, Green S, Griffiths CA, Hammerschlag N, Hasan A, Hawkes LA, Hazin F, Heard M, Hearn A, Hedges KJ, Henderson SM, Holdsworth J, Holland KN, Howey LA, Hueter RE, Humphries NE, Hutchinson M, Jaine FRA, Jorgensen SJ, Kanive PE, Labaja J, Lana FO, Lassauce H, Lipscombe RS, Llewellyn F, Macena BCL, Mambrasar R, McAllister JD, McCully Phillips SR, McGregor F, McMillan MN, McNaughton LM, Mendonça SA, Meyer CG, Meyers M, Mohan JA, Montgomery JC, Mucientes G, Musyl MK, Nasby-Lucas N, Natanson LJ, O’Sullivan JB, Oliveira P, Papastamtiou YP, Patterson TA, Pierce SJ, Queiroz N, Radford CA, Richardson AJ, Richardson AJ, Righton D, Rohner CA, Royer MA, Saunders RA, Schaber M, Schallert RJ, Scholl MC, Seitz AC, Semmens JM, Setyawan E, Shea BD, Shidqi RA, Shillinger GL, Shipley ON, Shivji MS, Sianipar AB, Silva JF, Sims DW, Skomal GB, Sousa LL, Southall EJ, Spaet JLY, Stehfest KM, Stevens G, Stewart JD, Sulikowski JA, Syakurachman I, Thorrold SR, Thums M, Tickler D, Tolloti MT, Townsend KA, Travassos P, Tyminski JP, Vaudo JJ, Veras D, Wantiez L, Weber SB, Wells RD, Weng KC, Wetherbee BM, Williamson JE, Witt MJ, Wright S, Zilliacus K, Block BA, Curnick DJ. Diving into the vertical dimension of elasmobranch movement ecology. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabo1754. [PMID: 35984887 PMCID: PMC9390984 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo1754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge of the three-dimensional movement patterns of elasmobranchs is vital to understand their ecological roles and exposure to anthropogenic pressures. To date, comparative studies among species at global scales have mostly focused on horizontal movements. Our study addresses the knowledge gap of vertical movements by compiling the first global synthesis of vertical habitat use by elasmobranchs from data obtained by deployment of 989 biotelemetry tags on 38 elasmobranch species. Elasmobranchs displayed high intra- and interspecific variability in vertical movement patterns. Substantial vertical overlap was observed for many epipelagic elasmobranchs, indicating an increased likelihood to display spatial overlap, biologically interact, and share similar risk to anthropogenic threats that vary on a vertical gradient. We highlight the critical next steps toward incorporating vertical movement into global management and monitoring strategies for elasmobranchs, emphasizing the need to address geographic and taxonomic biases in deployments and to concurrently consider both horizontal and vertical movements.
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Clua EEG, Demarchi S, Meyer CG. Suspected predatory bites on a snorkeler by an oceanic whitetip shark Carcharhinus longimanus off Moorea island (French Polynesia). J Forensic Sci 2021; 66:2493-2498. [PMID: 34418091 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Understanding why sharks bite humans is essential for developing strategies to prevent these incidents. Here, we use bite wound characteristics and eye witness descriptions of shark behavior to determine the likely motivation for several bites perpetrated by an oceanic whitetip (OWT) shark Carcharhinus longimanus on an adult female snorkeler off Moorea island (French Polynesia) in October 2019. The victim was snorkeling with others in pelagic waters as part of an organized whale-watching tour when the shark-without any warning behavior-bit her at least three times resulting in severe injuries with substantial loss of soft tissue from the chest and both forearms. The victim survived these injuries thanks to rapid and effective first aid provided by her companions. The sudden, unprovoked and repeated bites with substantial tissue removal are consistent with predatory behavior although the dominance hypothesis cannot be fully ruled out. This would be the first case of a predatory shark bite ever documented in French Polynesia in over 70 years of data collection. Given the routine association of OWT sharks with cetaceans, in-water whale watching activities should adopt appropriate risk management strategies in regions hosting this species of shark.
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Coffey DM, Royer MA, Meyer CG, Holland KN. Diel patterns in swimming behavior of a vertically migrating deepwater shark, the bluntnose sixgill (Hexanchus griseus). PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228253. [PMID: 31978204 PMCID: PMC6980647 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Diel vertical migration is a widespread behavioral phenomenon where organisms migrate through the water column and may modify behavior relative to changing environmental conditions based on physiological tolerances. Here, we combined a novel suite of biologging technologies to examine the thermal physiology (intramuscular temperature), fine-scale swimming behavior and activity (overall dynamic body acceleration as a proxy for energy expenditure) of bluntnose sixgill sharks (Hexanchus griseus) in response to environmental changes (depth, water temperature, dissolved oxygen) experienced during diel vertical migrations. In the subtropical waters off Hawai‘i, sixgill sharks undertook pronounced diel vertical migrations and spent considerable amounts of time in cold (5–7°C), low oxygen conditions (10–25% saturation) during their deeper daytime distribution. Further, sixgill sharks spent the majority of their deeper daytime distribution with intramuscular temperatures warmer than ambient water temperatures, thereby providing them with a significant thermal advantage over non-vertically migrating and smaller-sized prey. Sixgill sharks exhibited relatively high rates of activity during both shallow (night) and deep (day) phases and contrary to our predictions, did not reduce activity levels during their deeper daytime distribution while experiencing low temperature and dissolved oxygen levels. This demonstrates an ability to tolerate the low oxygen conditions occurring within the local oxygen minimum zone. The novel combination of biologging technologies used here enabled innovative in situ deep-sea natural experiments and provided significant insight into the behavioral and physiological ecology of an ecologically important deepwater species.
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Payne NL, Meyer CG, Smith JA, Houghton JDR, Barnett A, Holmes BJ, Nakamura I, Papastamatiou YP, Royer MA, Coffey DM, Anderson JM, Hutchinson MR, Sato K, Halsey LG. Combining abundance and performance data reveals how temperature regulates coastal occurrences and activity of a roaming apex predator. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2018. [PMID: 29516588 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.14088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The redistribution of species has emerged as one of the most pervasive impacts of anthropogenic climate warming, and presents many societal challenges. Understanding how temperature regulates species distributions is particularly important for mobile marine fauna such as sharks given their seemingly rapid responses to warming, and the socio-political implications of human encounters with some dangerous species. The predictability of species distributions can potentially be improved by accounting for temperature's influence on performance, an elusive relationship for most large animals. We combined multi-decadal catch data and bio-logging to show that coastal abundance and swimming performance of tiger sharks Galeocerdo cuvier are both highest at ~22°C, suggesting thermal constraints on performance may regulate this species' distribution. Tiger sharks are responsible for a large proportion of shark bites on humans, and a focus of controversial control measures in several countries. The combination of distribution and performance data moves towards a mechanistic understanding of tiger shark's thermal niche, and delivers a simple yet powerful indicator for predicting the location and timing of their occurrences throughout coastlines. For example, tiger sharks are mostly caught at Australia's popular New South Wales beaches (i.e. near Sydney) in the warmest months, but our data suggest similar abundances will occur in winter and summer if annual sea surface temperatures increase by a further 1-2°C.
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Pazmiño DA, Maes GE, Green ME, Simpfendorfer CA, Hoyos-Padilla EM, Duffy CJA, Meyer CG, Kerwath SE, Salinas-de-León P, van Herwerden L. Strong trans-Pacific break and local conservation units in the Galapagos shark (Carcharhinus galapagensis) revealed by genome-wide cytonuclear markers. Heredity (Edinb) 2018; 120:407-421. [PMID: 29321624 PMCID: PMC5889387 DOI: 10.1038/s41437-017-0025-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Revised: 10/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The application of genome-wide cytonuclear molecular data to identify management and adaptive units at various spatio-temporal levels is particularly important for overharvested large predatory organisms, often characterized by smaller, localized populations. Despite being "near threatened", current understanding of habitat use and population structure of Carcharhinus galapagensis is limited to specific areas within its distribution. We evaluated population structure and connectivity across the Pacific Ocean using genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms (~7200 SNPs) and mitochondrial control region sequences (945 bp) for 229 individuals. Neutral SNPs defined at least two genetically discrete geographic groups: an East Tropical Pacific (Mexico, east and west Galapagos Islands), and another central-west Pacific (Lord Howe Island, Middleton Reef, Norfolk Island, Elizabeth Reef, Kermadec, Hawaii and Southern Africa). More fine-grade population structure was suggested using outlier SNPs: west Pacific, Hawaii, Mexico, and Galapagos. Consistently, mtDNA pairwise ΦST defined three regional stocks: east, central and west Pacific. Compared to neutral SNPs (FST = 0.023-0.035), mtDNA exhibited more divergence (ΦST = 0.258-0.539) and high overall genetic diversity (h = 0.794 ± 0.014; π = 0.004 ± 0.000), consistent with the longstanding eastern Pacific barrier between the east and central-west Pacific. Hawaiian and Southern African populations group within the west Pacific cluster. Effective population sizes were moderate/high for east/west populations (738 and 3421, respectively). Insights into the biology, connectivity, genetic diversity, and population demographics informs for improved conservation of this species, by delineating three to four conservation units across their Pacific distribution. Implementing such conservation management may be challenging, but is necessary to achieve long-term population resilience at basin and regional scales.
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Meyer CG, Anderson JM, Coffey DM, Hutchinson MR, Royer MA, Holland KN. Habitat geography around Hawaii's oceanic islands influences tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) spatial behaviour and shark bite risk at ocean recreation sites. Sci Rep 2018; 8:4945. [PMID: 29563552 PMCID: PMC5862960 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23006-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
We compared tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) spatial behaviour among 4 Hawaiian Islands to evaluate whether local patterns of movement could explain higher numbers of shark bites seen around Maui than other islands. Our sample consisted of 96 electronically-tagged (satellite and acoustic transmitters) tiger sharks, individually tracked for up to 6 years. Most individuals showed fidelity to a specific ‘home’ island, but also swam between islands and sometimes ranged far (up to 1,400 km) offshore. Movements were primarily oriented to insular shelf habitat (0–200 m depth) in coastal waters, and individual sharks utilized core-structured home ranges within this habitat. Core utilization areas of large tiger sharks were closer to high-use ocean recreation sites around Maui, than around Oahu. Tiger sharks routinely visited shallow ocean recreation sites around Maui and were detected on more days overall at ocean recreation sites around Maui (62–80%) than Oahu (<6%). Overall, our results suggest the extensive insular shelf surrounding Maui supports a fairly resident population of tiger sharks and also attracts visiting tiger sharks from elsewhere in Hawaii. Collectively these natural, habitat-driven spatial patterns may in-part explain why Maui has historically had more shark bites than other Hawaiian Islands.
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Stamoulis KA, Friedlander AM, Meyer CG, Fernandez-Silva I, Toonen RJ. Coral reef grazer-benthos dynamics complicated by invasive algae in a small marine reserve. Sci Rep 2017; 7:43819. [PMID: 28276458 PMCID: PMC5343440 DOI: 10.1038/srep43819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Blooms of alien invasive marine algae have become common, greatly altering the health and stability of nearshore marine ecosystems. Concurrently, herbivorous fishes have been severely overfished in many locations worldwide, contributing to increases in macroalgal cover. We used a multi-pronged, interdisciplinary approach to test if higher biomass of herbivorous fishes inside a no-take marine reserve makes this area more resistant to invasive algal overgrowth. Over a two year time period, we (1) compared fish biomass and algal cover between two fished and one unfished patch reef in Hawai'i, (2) used acoustic telemetry to determine fidelity of herbivorous fishes to the unfished reef, and (3) used metabarcoding and next-generation sequencing to determine diet composition of herbivorous fishes. Herbivore fish biomass was significantly higher in the marine reserve compared to adjacent fished reefs, whereas invasive algal cover differed by species. Herbivorous fish movements were largely confined to the unfished patch reef where they were captured. Diet analysis indicated that the consumption of invasive algae varied among fish species, with a high prevalence of comparatively rare native algal species. Together these findings demonstrate that the contribution of herbivores to coral reef resilience, via resistance to invasive algae invasion, is complex and species-specific.
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Hu CY, Zhang XA, Meyer CG, Thye T, Liu W, Cao WC. Polymorphism of X-linked CD40 ligand gene associated with pulmonary tuberculosis in the Han Chinese population. Genes Immun 2015; 16:399-404. [DOI: 10.1038/gene.2015.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2015] [Revised: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Meyer CG, O'Malley JM, Papastamatiou YP, Dale JJ, Hutchinson MR, Anderson JM, Royer MA, Holland KN. Growth and maximum size of tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) in Hawaii. PLoS One 2014; 9:e84799. [PMID: 24416287 PMCID: PMC3885620 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0084799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2013] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Tiger sharks (Galecerdo cuvier) are apex predators characterized by their broad diet, large size and rapid growth. Tiger shark maximum size is typically between 380 & 450 cm Total Length (TL), with a few individuals reaching 550 cm TL, but the maximum size of tiger sharks in Hawaii waters remains uncertain. A previous study suggested tiger sharks grow rather slowly in Hawaii compared to other regions, but this may have been an artifact of the method used to estimate growth (unvalidated vertebral ring counts) compounded by small sample size and narrow size range. Since 1993, the University of Hawaii has conducted a research program aimed at elucidating tiger shark biology, and to date 420 tiger sharks have been tagged and 50 recaptured. All recaptures were from Hawaii except a single shark recaptured off Isla Jacques Cousteau (24°13′17″N 109°52′14″W), in the southern Gulf of California (minimum distance between tag and recapture sites = approximately 5,000 km), after 366 days at liberty (DAL). We used these empirical mark-recapture data to estimate growth rates and maximum size for tiger sharks in Hawaii. We found that tiger sharks in Hawaii grow twice as fast as previously thought, on average reaching 340 cm TL by age 5, and attaining a maximum size of 403 cm TL. Our model indicates the fastest growing individuals attain 400 cm TL by age 5, and the largest reach a maximum size of 444 cm TL. The largest shark captured during our study was 464 cm TL but individuals >450 cm TL were extremely rare (0.005% of sharks captured). We conclude that tiger shark growth rates and maximum sizes in Hawaii are generally consistent with those in other regions, and hypothesize that a broad diet may help them to achieve this rapid growth by maximizing prey consumption rates.
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Papastamatiou YP, Meyer CG, Carvalho F, Dale JJ, Hutchinson MR, Holland KN. Telemetry and random-walk models reveal complex patterns of partial migration in a large marine predator. Ecology 2013; 94:2595-606. [DOI: 10.1890/12-2014.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Schmid B, Ellinghaus D, Fischer A, Thye T, Horstmann RD, Meyer CG, Müller-Quernheim J, Franke A, Nebel A, Schreiber S. Identification of shared genetic susceptibility loci for sarcoidosis and tuberculosis. Pneumologie 2012. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1329837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Iosilevskii G, Papastamatiou YP, Meyer CG, Holland KN. Energetics of the yo-yo dives of predatory sharks. J Theor Biol 2011; 294:172-81. [PMID: 22108240 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2011.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2010] [Revised: 10/08/2011] [Accepted: 11/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Sharks zigzag vertically through the water in a series of alternating ascending and descending segments, changing depth by a few tens of meters over a period of a few hundred seconds. This 'yo-yo' like behavior has several characteristic patterns, identifiable by the way the swimming and vertical velocities vary along the dive. We suggest that these patterns represent different optimal strategies minimizing the cost of locomotion under different constraints; moreover, these constraints can be inferred by matching the pattern of a dive with a (standard) optimal swimming strategy for which the constraints are known. We used three sets of constraints and two definitions of the 'cost of locomotion' to analytically generate four standard optimal strategies; we have used high resolution tracking data from four tiger sharks to identify two different yo-yo diving patterns. These patterns seem to match two of the standard strategies: one that maximizes range, given an alternating power supply (e.g., swimming actively on ascents and lazily on descents); and the other that maximizes range, given an alternating vertical velocity (implying an 'intentional' up-and-down motion).
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Papastamatiou YP, Cartamil DP, Lowe CG, Meyer CG, Wetherbee BM, Holland KN. Scales of orientation, directed walks and movement path structure in sharks. J Anim Ecol 2011; 80:864-74. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2656.2011.01815.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Dale JJ, Stankus AM, Burns MS, Meyer CG. The shark assemblage at French Frigate Shoals atoll, Hawai'i: species composition, abundance and habitat use. PLoS One 2011; 6:e16962. [PMID: 21347321 PMCID: PMC3037392 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0016962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2010] [Accepted: 01/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Empirical data on the abundance and habitat preferences of coral reef top predators are needed to evaluate their ecological impacts and guide management decisions. We used longline surveys to quantify the shark assemblage at French Frigate Shoals (FFS) atoll from May to August 2009. Fishing effort consisted of 189 longline sets totaling 6,862 hook hours of soak time. A total of 221 sharks from 7 species were captured, among which Galapagos (Carcharhinus galapagensis, 36.2%), gray reef (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos, 25.8%) and tiger (Galeocerdo cuvier, 20.4%) sharks were numerically dominant. A lack of blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) distinguished the FFS shark assemblage from those at many other atolls in the Indo-Pacific. Compared to prior underwater visual survey estimates, longline methods more accurately represented species abundance and composition for the majority of shark species. Sharks were significantly less abundant in the shallow lagoon than adjacent habitats. Recaptures of Galapagos sharks provided the first empirical estimate of population size for any Galapagos shark population. The overall recapture rate was 5.4%. Multiple closed population models were evaluated, with Chao M(h) ranking best in model performance and yielding a population estimate of 668 sharks with 95% confidence intervals ranging from 289-1720. Low shark abundance in the shallow lagoon habitats suggests removal of a small number of sharks from the immediate vicinity of lagoonal islets may reduce short-term predation on endangered monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) pups, but considerable fishing effort would be required to catch even a small number of sharks. Additional data on long-term movements and habitat use of sharks at FFS are required to better assess the likely ecological impacts of shark culling.
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Heitmann L, Schreiber T, Thye T, Mckenzie ANJ, Brombacher F, Horstmann RD, Meyer CG, Ehlers S, Hoelscher C. The influence of interleukin-13/interleukin-4 receptor-alpha signaling in the pathology of tuberculosis. Pneumologie 2010. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1247917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Sarpong N, Loag W, Fobil J, Meyer CG, Adu-Sarkodie Y, May J, Schwarz NG. National health insurance coverage and socio-economic status in a rural district of Ghana. Trop Med Int Health 2009; 15:191-7. [PMID: 19961565 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3156.2009.02439.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the association between socio-economic status (SES) and health insurance subscription to the Ghanaian National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) of residents of the Asante Akim North district of the Ashanti Region, Ghana. METHODS In the course of a community survey, data on asset variables (e.g. electricity, housing conditions and other variables) and on NHIS subscription were collected on the household level in 99 villages. Using principal components analysis, households were classified into three categories of SES (20% high, 40% middle and 40% low SES). Odds ratios of NHIS subscription were calculated for all SES categories, using the low category as the reference group and adjusting for travelling time to health facilities by public transport. RESULTS Of the 7223 households surveyed, 38% subscribed to the NHIS, of these 21% were low, 43% middle and 60% high SES households. SES was significantly associated with NHIS subscription (high SES: OR 4.9, 95% CI 4.3-5.7; middle SES: OR 2.5, 95% CI 2.2-2.9; low SES: OR 1, reference group). CONCLUSION Four years after its introduction, the NHIS has reached subscription rates of 38% in the district surveyed. However, to achieve the aim of assuring universal access to health care facilities for all residents of Ghana, in particular for individuals living under socio-economic constraints, increasing subscription rates are necessary.
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Holland KN, Meyer CG, Dagorn LC. Inter-animal telemetry: results from first deployment of acoustic ‘business card’ tags. ENDANGER SPECIES RES 2009. [DOI: 10.3354/esr00226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Rahman MM, Meyer CG. Effects of food type on diel behaviours of common carp Cyprinus carpio in simulated aquaculture pond conditions. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2009; 74:2269-2278. [PMID: 20735552 DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8649.2009.02236.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
In order to better understand behaviour patterns of common carp Cyprinus carpio in aquaculture ponds, their diel grazing, swimming, resting and schooling behaviours were observed in six 1 m(2) tanks under simulated pond conditions. Each tank was fertilized to stimulate natural food production before starting experiments, and then stocked with three C. carpio. Fish behaviours were compared among three treatments: (1) tanks with plankton only, (2) tanks with plankton and benthic macroinvertebrates and (3) tanks with plankton, benthic macroinvertebrates and artificial feed. Overall C. carpio grazed more frequently during daytime than at night and exhibited the reverse pattern for non-feeding swimming behaviour. A significant negative relationship (r(2) = 0.99, P < 0.01, n = 48) was observed between total per cent grazing time and total per cent swimming time. Fish dispersed to graze individually during daytime but schooled at night and did not display any agonistic behaviours. Diel variations in the vertical swimming behaviour of C. carpio were related to food types available. In tanks containing plankton only, fish grazed in the water column, whereas when benthic macroinvertebrates were present, they spent more time near the tank bottom. Resting behaviour was only seen in tanks with artificial feed and even then was rare (2-5% of total time). Results suggest that C. carpio growth and feed utilization efficiency in semi-intensive aquaculture systems could be optimized by using a combination of plankton, benthic macroinvertebrates and artificial feed, and feeding fish twice per day (at c. 0730 and c. 1630 hours).
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Thye T, Intemann CD, Gyapong J, Horstmann RD, Meyer CG. A structural variant of the human interferon-gamma gene. TISSUE ANTIGENS 2009; 73:287-288. [PMID: 19254267 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0039.2008.01207.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The first structural IFNG variant, G54D (c.287G>A, ss105106770), located in the second exon, was identified.
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Meyer CG, Holland KN, Papastamatiou YP. Sharks can detect changes in the geomagnetic field. J R Soc Interface 2006; 2:129-30. [PMID: 16849172 PMCID: PMC1578252 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2004.0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We used behavioural conditioning to demonstrate that sharks can detect changes in the geomagnetic field. Captive sharks were conditioned by pairing activation of an artificial magnetic field with presentation of food over a target. Conditioned sharks subsequently converged on the target when the artificial magnetic field was activated but no food reward was presented thereby demonstrating that they were able to sense the altered magnetic field. This strong response provides a robust behavioural assay that could be used to determine how sharks detect magnetic fields and to measure detection thresholds.
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Thye T, Browne EN, Chinbuah MA, Gyapong J, Osei I, Owusu-Dabo E, Niemann S, Rüsch-Gerdes S, Horstmann RD, Meyer CG. No associations of human pulmonary tuberculosis with Sp110 variants. J Med Genet 2006; 43:e32. [PMID: 16816019 PMCID: PMC2564561 DOI: 10.1136/jmg.2005.037960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND After a recent report on the role of the Ipr1 gene in mediating innate immunity in a mouse model of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, the human Ipr1 homologue, Sp110, was considered a promising candidate for an association study in human tuberculosis. METHODS In a sample of >1000 sputum positive, HIV negative West African patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and >1000 exposed, apparently healthy controls, we have genotyped 21 Sp110 gene variants that were either available from public databases, including HapMap data, or identified by DNA re-sequencing. RESULTS No significant differences in the frequencies of any of the 21 variants were observed between patients and controls. This applied also for HapMap tagging variants and the corresponding haplotypes, when including sliding window analyses with three adjacent variants, and when stratifying controls for positivity and negativity according to the results of intradermal tuberculin (purified protein derivative, PPD) skin tests. DNA re-sequencing revealed 13 novel Sp110 variants in the 5'-UTR, exons, and adjacent intronic regions. CONCLUSIONS Based on the results obtained in this case-control study, the hypothesis that Sp110 variants and haplotypes might be associated with distinct phenotypes of human M tuberculosis infection is doubtful.
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Niesporek S, Meyer CG, Kremsner PG, May J. Polymorphisms of transporter associated with antigen processing type 1 (TAP1), proteasome subunit beta type 9 (PSMB9) and their common promoter in African children with different manifestations of malaria. Int J Immunogenet 2005; 32:7-11. [PMID: 15686587 DOI: 10.1111/j.1744-313x.2005.00484.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The distribution of gene variants of the antigen processing proteins transporter associated with antigen processing type 1 (TAP1) and proteasome subunit beta type 9 (PSMB9) and of their shared bidirectional promoter was assessed in children with either mild or severe malaria. The genetic study was performed on samples collected during a longitudinal study on malariometric indices in an area hyperendemic for Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Gabon. The allele frequencies of the genes did not differ between the mild and the severe malaria groups. The distributions of alleles among children with distinct phenotypes of severe malaria were similar. A negative association of hypoglycaemia with the PSMB9 promoter variant PSMB9-R was found (odds ratio 0.01; chi2=12.1; P<0.0005; Pc<0.03). The promoter allele TAP1-446G was associated with hyperparasitaemia and absence of hypoglycaemia. TAP1, PSMB9, and TAP1/PSMB9 promoter alleles were in strong linkage disequilibrium. DNA sequencing of the TAP1/PSMB9 promoter region revealed a previously unrecognized single nucleotide polymorphism 455 bp upstream of the TAP1 transcription start site.
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