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Article Reference One Decade of Active Avian Influenza Wild Bird Surveillance in Belgium Showed a Higher Viroprevalence in Hunter-Harvested Than in Live-Ringed Birds.
Located in Library / No RBINS Staff publications
Article Reference One to host them all: genomics of the diverse bacterial endosymbionts of the spider Oedothorax gibbosus
Bacterial endosymbionts of the groups Wolbachia , Cardinium and Rickettsiaceae are well known for their diverse effects on their arthropod hosts, ranging from mutualistic relationships to reproductive phenotypes. Here, we analysed a unique system in which the dwarf spider Oedothorax gibbosus is co-infected with up to five different endosymbionts affiliated with Wolbachia , ‘Candidatus Tisiphia’ (formerly Torix group Rickettsia ), Cardinium and Rhabdochlamydia . Using short-read genome sequencing data, we show that the endosymbionts are heterogeneously distributed among O. gibbosus populations and are frequently found co-infecting spider individuals. To study this intricate host–endosymbiont system on a genome-resolved level, we used long-read sequencing to reconstruct closed genomes of the Wolbachia , ‘Ca. Tisiphia’ and Cardinium endosymbionts. We provide insights into the ecology and evolution of the endosymbionts and shed light on the interactions with their spider host. We detected high quantities of transposable elements in all endosymbiont genomes and provide evidence that ancestors of the Cardinium , ‘Ca. Tisiphia’ and Wolbachia endosymbionts have co-infected the same hosts in the past. Our findings contribute to broadening our knowledge about endosymbionts infecting one of the largest animal phyla on Earth and show the usefulness of transposable elements as an evolutionary ‘contact-tracing’ tool.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2023
Article Reference Ontogenetic divergence generates novel phenotypes in hybrid cichlids
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2021
Article Reference Octet Stream Ontogenetic succession and the ant mosaic: An empirical approach using pioneer trees
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications
Article Reference Ontogeny of the jaws of monogonont rotifers: the malleate trophi of Rhinoglena and Proalides (Ploima, Epiphanidae)
Information on the embryonic development of the malleate trophi in Epiphanidae (Rotifera, Monogononta, Ploima) is presented, based on scanning electron microscopy observations in Rhinoglena fertoeensis, R. frontalis, R. kutikovae, R. tokioensis, and Proalides tentaculatus, to contribute to the understanding of this structure of high evolutionary and functional relevance in Rotifera. The first observable and distinctly sclerotized structures were a double row of median transversal sclerites along the longitudinal axis, wherein the future unci, rostellar scleropili, cristae rami, and basal apophyses became recognizable. Fulcrum and manubria arose subsequently; the fulcrum sclerites were longitudinally ordered in a double layer. The rami chambers developed last as lamellar structures. Unci appeared as separate thin, elongate elements, the primary uncini, developing to uncus plates by transversal growth and apposition of sclerite material on the shafts of the uncini. The heads of the uncini showed their greatest development after fusion of their shafts into uncus plates. The interjacent spaces between the heads functioned as a mold, organizing bundles of sclerites which developed into the uniseriate, zigzag-shaped cristae rami. The fulcrum attained its definite shape by elongation of the double layer of rod-shaped sclerites into appressed sclerofibrillae. Manubria became visible as a proximal ridge of sclerites, whereupon a triangular lamella composed of crisscross-oriented sclerites developed distally, growing out to the manubrial chambers. Ramus chambers originated from two longitudinal amorphous lamellae incorporating the median rami sclerites and closing from distal to proximal; subbasal chambers were formed before the basal chambers.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2017
Article Reference Opbouw en samenstelling van Romeinse straten in Tongeren: case study Vlasmarkt (prov. Limburg).
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2021
Article Reference Operationalizing risk-based cumulative effect assessments in the marine environment
Ecosystem-based management requires an assessment of the cumulative effects of human pressures and environmental change. The operationalization and integration of cumulative effects assessments (CEA) into decision-making processes often lacks a comprehensive and transparent framework. A risk-based CEA framework that divides a CEA in risk identification, risk analysis and risk evaluation, could structure such complex analyses and facilitate the establishment of direct science-policy links. Here, we examine carefully the operationalization of such a risk-based CEA framework with the help of eleven contrasting case studies located in Europe, French Polynesia, and Canada. We show that the CEA framework used at local, sub-regional, and regional scales allowed for a consistent, coherent, and transparent comparison of complex assessments. From our analysis, we pinpoint four emerging issues that, if accurately addressed, can improve the take up of CEA outcomes by management: 1) framing of the CEA context and defining risk criteria; 2) describing the roles of scientists and decision-makers; 3) reducing and structuring complexity; and 4) communicating uncertainty. Moreover, with a set of customized tools we describe and analyze for each case study the nature and location of uncertainty as well as trade-offs regarding available knowledge and data used for the CEA. Ultimately, these tools aid decision-makers to recognize potential caveats and repercussions of management decisions. One key recommendation is to differentiate CEA processes and their context in relation to governance advice, marine spatial planning or regulatory advice. We conclude that future research needs to evaluate how effective management measures are in reducing the risk of cumulative effects. Changing governance structures takes time and is often difficult, but we postulate that well-framed and structured CEA can function as a strategic tool to integrate ecosystem considerations across multiple sectorial policies.
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications 2020
Article Reference Opinion: Alternative metrics to measure journal impacts: entering in a "free market" era
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications
Article Reference Opinion: Are ancient asexuals less burdened? Selfish DNA, transposons and reproductive mode
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications
Article Reference Opinion: DNA-repair in ancient asexuals: a new solution to an old problem?
Located in Library / RBINS Staff Publications