bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti‐inflammatory effect of retinoic acid on prostaglandin synthesis in cultured cortical astrocytes
Authors: Kampmann Eric , Johann Sonja , Van Neerven Sabien , Beyer Cordian , Mey Jörg 
Published: April 2008

AbstractProstanoids are important mediators of inflammation and pain signaling. Although it is now well accepted that astrocytes participate in inflammatory reactions in the CNS, the molecular regulation of this activity is still largely unknown. Specifically, the regulation of prostanoid synthesis by this type of glia remains to be resolved. Recent evidence suggests that the transcriptional regulator retinoic acid (RA) is involved in regulation of the immune response. We have investigated the expression pattern of the enzymes that catalyze prostanoid and leukotriene synthesis in cultured cortical astrocytes, their stimulation by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and their regulation by RA. The data indicate that astrocytes are an important source of prostaglandins (PGs) and that RA reduces their inflammatory biosynthesis. LPS treatment induced the expression of enzymes for the production of arachidonic acid and PGs but caused down‐regulation of a PG degrading enzyme and of leukotriene synthesizing enzymes that compete with PG synthesis. Consequently, the secretion of the PGE2 was highly increased after LPS exposure. RA counteracted the inflammatory regulation of cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 mRNA and protein in astrocytes and thereby reduced the synthesis of PGE2 by approximately 60%. In the absence of LPS, RA enhanced the expression of COX‐1 mRNA. In conclusion, RA might be effective in suppressing inflammatory processes in the brain by inhibiting PG synthesis.
The Breeding of the Marabou Stork in East Africa
Authors: North Captain M. E. W. 
Published: April 2008

Summary.

A summary of breeding records for Kenya Colony, Uganda, Tanganyika Territory and Italian Somaliland is given in the following table.
The table shows that the main breeding area is the great lowland plain that stretches from the Tana River north‐eastwards into Italian Somaliland. The actual nesting quarters seem to centre around the lower middle courses of two rivers—the Tana and the Juba—and the finish of a third—the Waso. A fourth river, the Webi Shebelli, deserves investigation.
The breeding season over the whole of this area begins in October‐November (i. e., during the short rains). Conversely, the scanty records from the highlands of Kenya Colony and Uganda, and from the semi‐high country of Tanganyika Territory, show that the season here may begin in July, at the end of the long rains.
Most colonies are beside rivers, but others are several miles from water.
Either tall forest trees or thorn acacias are chosen. With forest trees, birds normally build in the highest branches, but lower forks are sometimes employed. With acacias it is the flat tops that are utilized.
A clutch of three eggs, now in the Coryndon Museum, Nairobi, measures 76·5–71 × 53·5–50 mm.
Either one or two young are normally reared. The plumages of a half‐grown nestling and of a newly‐fledged juvenile are described, possibly for the first time.
Notes on the Birds of Safaga
Authors: Bulman Captain J. F. H. 
Published: April 2008

Summary.

A list of birds observed close to the shore at Safaga during the late spring, summer and autumn of 1942 has been compiled.
The skins of two species believed not to have been obtained previously on Egyptian territory have been preserved. These belong to Ardea goliath and Butorides striatus.
A live chick belonging to a pair of Kentish Plovers, Charadrius alexandrinun, was observed on Safaga Island on 13 May.
Four European Swallows were observed to spend the summer at Safaga.
A detailed account of migration during the autumn of 1942 has been given. This was of small density and appeared to follow the line of the coast.
Fishes and other Aquatic Animals Preying on Birds: Additional Matter
Authors: Glegg William E. 
Published: April 2008

Summary.The above list includes 22 species of birds, which have been identified and five types of attackers which have been fully identified. Of the former only the Mallard and Moorhen appeared in the original list, and of the latter Nile Crocodile and Pike. I have to thank Messrs. F. J. F. Barrington, J. E. Dandy, H. Perry and the editor of “The Angler's News” for assistance.
THE BREEDING PLUMAGE OF SOME WESTERN PALÆARCTIC WADING BIRDS
Authors: Harrison Jeffery 
Published: April 2008

Summary.

There is a tendency for the more northern breeding waders to have darker and more elaborate spring plumage.
Over the breeding range considered, three geographical zones have been distinguished, in which the coloration of waders of different species shows similarities (“ecological isomorphism”).
The dark underparts of northern breeding waders are may be concerned with heat absorption or protection, and must be considered with Bergman's Rule and Hesse's Quotient.
THE BREEDING BIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOUR OF THE CONTINENTAL GOLDFINCH CARDUELIS CARDUELIS CARDUELIS.
Authors: Conder P. J. 
Published: April 2008

Summary.

The breeding biology of the Continental Goldfinch was studied intensively during 1943 at Eichstatt, in Bavaria. The habitat, status and relations to other animal species are described.
The call‐notes and their interpretation are discussed.
The Eichstatt Goldfinches established their territories at the same time as they selected their nest‐sites. The territories functioned as mating and nesting stations, and were only occupied when the nest was in use. Throughout the breeding season paired birds continued to flock in small numbers.
Display postures have been separated into three categories: territorial, aggressive, and sexual “contact” displays. Where one posture is used in different situations, confusion is avoided by differences in the time factor and the external and internal situations.
Heights and positions of nests are summarized. Nest‐site selection and building are described.
The first egg was usually laid within one or two days of the end of intensive nest‐building. Partial incubation began with the first egg, and complete incubation probably began with the last but one. Three females incubated their egg for 12 day±½ day, 11¾ days ±½day, 11½ days ½ day respectively. The same females incubated their eggs 96%, 93%, and 87% of the observed time. The female was usually fed on the nest by the male. During periods on the nest the females were active in attention to the nest, eggs, self, and the sex partner when present.
Nestlings of three pairs hatched in 26½, 21, and 9 hours. The females ate the shells. The young remained in the nest 16 days 2 hours ± 15 hours, 15 days 20 hours ± 20 hours respectively. The third nest was blown out of the tree. While on the nest the females were very active. Some of this activity shows a lack of “concentration”. While feeding the nestlings the male fed the female and she then regurgitated the food, sometimes in a large number of small beakfuls. Later the nestlings were fed direct by either adult. The hourly average rate of defecation rose during the first three days, and after the seventh day decreased. The behaviour of the nestlings is described. After leaving the nest their powers of flight increased rapidly.
ROOK AND JACKDAW MIGRATIONS OBSERVED IN GERMANY, 1942–1945
Authors: Waterhouse M. J. 
Published: April 2008

Summary.Observations were made on Rook and Jackdaw migrations by a number of British ornithologists in Germany during the years 1942‐45, chiefly at Dössel, Westphalia; Sagan, Silesia; and Eichstätt, Bavaria.The two species were found to migrate jointly, flocks being either mixed or of Rooks alone. Rooks outnumbered Jackdaws by about nine to one, except in the opening days at both seasons.Comparative statements are given of the dates, duration and peaks of some spring and autumn passages, and of recorded numbers. Two main waves of migrants were usually apparent.Two principal kinds of passage were noticed–“high passage”, in which flocks flew above 600 ft. and in good formation, and “low passage”, in which birds straggled below 100 ft., often in long “processional streams”. The highest flocks flew at 3000 ft. at least. Both kinds of passage were interrupted by halts on the ground, and the diving method of descent for this purpose and the methods of departure after halts are characteristic. The most interesting behaviour was “gyration”, in which the birds flew round and round collectively in slowly ascending spirals before setting course. The several activities of descent, take‐off and direct passage fluctuated considerably throughout daylight, and the pattern of these fluctuations in spring at Dossel corresponded approximately with the pattern in autumn at Eichstatt. Marked intensity of descent in early morning suggests the possibility of night flying, of which, however, there was no direct evidence. The call of migrants was distinct from that of residents.It is suggested that “gyration” enables birds which have temporarily lost sense of direction to recover it.
WEIGHTS OF ROBINS.–PART 1. NESTLINGS
Authors: Lees John 
Published: April 2008

Summary.

Broods of nestling Robins were weighed at Avoch, Ross‐shire, in 1946 and 1947.
The average weight of eggs near hatching was 2–41 grams and of new‐born chicks 1 ′72 grams.
Nestlings increased steadily to 17‐8 grams at day 10, with small increases or decreases thereafter till fledging at days 12–15.
Irregularities and lateness in reaching normal weight are considered to be due to bad weather affecting food supply in North Scotland in 1946 and 1947.
Late‐season broods fledged at higher weight per nestling than early broods.
Broods of four and five young had the highest average weight per nestling.
A few observations were made of the behaviour of parents in regard to incubation, nest routes, food, and the attempted removal of rings.
PARENT—YOUNG RECOGNITION IN THE COOT FULICA ATRA
Authors: Alley Ronald , Boyd Hugh 
Published: April 2008

Summary.

Parent Coot treat all young conspicuously unlike their own as territorial intruders.
Parents with young less than two weeks old will tolerate, feed and brood young similar in appearance to their own. Three cases of permanent adoption are recorded.
Parents with young much over a fortnight old will not tolerate any strange chicks, however similar. This appears to prove that they recognize their own young individually.
The reactions of the young are controlled by releasers. Two are cited, viz. releasers of the following, and alarm, reactions.
Chicks up to at least eight hours old will follow men, accept food from (hem, and respond to calls made by them.
This tameness disappears by the second day (except in the case of hand‐reared young). Imprinting is by then complete.
At first young will follow and beg from any adult Coot.
At 8–11 days young learn to avoid adults in an attitude of attack.
Individual recognition of adults develops at about three weeks.
NOTES ON THE BIRDS OF SOUTH‐WESTERN NIGERIA.
Authors: Serle Dr. William 
Published: April 2008

Summary.Notes are based on a collection of 700 skins. Extensions of range include Trachylaemus p. togoensis, Prodotiscus i. flavodorscdis, Campethera n. nivosa, Bleda canicapilla, Phyllastreplms i. icterinus, Pedilorhynchus c. aximensis, Sylvia bnrin, Apalis c. caniceps, Macrosphenus concolor, and Spermophaga h. togoensis recorded from Nigeria and Apus c. strenbelii from West Africa for the first time.Taxonomic points include reasons for regarding Centropus epomidis as a colour phase of Centropus senegalensis and Sylvietta flavixentris nigeriae as a synonym of Sylvietta flainventris.Dates of breeding are given for many species, and nests and eggs arc described. Indicator indicator was found in the nest of Hirundo setnirufa.The chick of Porphyrio alleni is described.
NOTES ON THE BREEDING OF THE RED‐BREASTED CHAT OENANTHE HEUGLINI
Authors: Macgregor. D. E. 
Published: April 2008

Summary.Details are given of the (underground) nest, eggs and breeding behaviour. Noteworthy points are the change in the parents' attitude to the harrier Circus macrourus when their young appeared above ground and the use of the nest as refuge for the young at that stage.
A VISIT TO GRIMSEY (ICELAND) JULY‐AUGUST 1949
Authors: Foster R. J. , Baxter R. L. , Ball P. A. J. 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARYThe birds found on Grimsey in 1949 are listed. Special points of interest concern the Meadow Pipit, Fulmar, Snipe, Redshank, Bridled Guillemot and Little Auk. Gannet and Wheatear had disappeared. Particular attention was paid to the distribution of Brunnich's and Common Guillemots, which were found to be breeding respectively‐more on the steeper cliffs and more on the broader ledges.
GEOGRAPHICAL VARIATION IN THE WOODPECKER PICUS FLAVINUCHA GOULD.
Authors: Biswas. Biswamoy 
Published: April 2008

Summary.

A series of over 260 specimens of Picus fiavinucha from all over its range was studied in relation to intraspecific geographical variation.
The author considers Picus mentalis and Picus chlorolophus its closest relatives.
A key to the races of P. flavinucha is given.
Synonyms, characters, range and a list of specimens examined are given for each subspecies.
A new race, Picus flavinucha marianae, is described from Mt. Victoria, Chin Hills, Burma.
The nature of geographical variation of the more important taxonomic characters is discussed.
NOTES ON THE BIRDS OF SOUTH‐EASTERN NIGERIA.
Authors: Marchant S. 
Published: April 2008

Summary.A systematic account (with field‐notes) of the birds of south‐eastern Nigeria is given, based on a collection of about 350 skins made between 1946 and 1949, mainly in the neighbourhood of Owerri. The range of several species is extended by new Nigerian records and the distribution of the races of other species more clearly defined.
SOME IMPRESSIONS OF SPRING MIGRATION IN CYRENAICA MARCH‐MAY 1952.
Authors: Stanford Lt.‐Col. J. K. 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY.

Migration was proceeding throughout Cyrenaica from 21 biarch to 16 May, though some wintering species had already gone.
A inass of migration seems to mobe from south to north through the whole area, and a remarkable medley of species migrates or halts simultaneously.
These birds must get little or no water, arid after the desert‐crossing drop in wherever there is shade or vegetation.
The Subalpine Warbler appears to pass through on a front of at least 500–600 miles and Hoopoes and Orioles on a wide front.
There was little evidence of coasting movements except by Swallows, and the bulk of coasting seen on the north seaboard was to the west or northwest.
Daylight movement from south to north was slight, seen only in Lesser Kestrels, Curlews, Coursers, Bee‐eaters, Short‐toed Larks, Corn Buntings, Linnets and Turtle Doves, with individuals of other species.
“Invisible migration”, as evidenced by arrivals, was very heavy.
Warblers were scarce, except Nightingales, Wood and Icterine Warblers and Common Whitethroats. Willow‐warblers were very scarce.
Notes are given of the migration of Quail, Cuckoos, Flycatchers and Red‐footed Falcons.
A considerable array of waders and water‐birds passes north from the desert and stays till mid‐May on marshes near the sea or pools in the Gebel el Achdar.
A few instances are given of birds singing, or being in moult, on migration.
MIGRATION IN THE MEDITERRANEAN AREA
Authors: Moreau R. E. 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY.

The enormous proportion of migrants that must pass undetected is stressed both on statistical grounds and on certain features of the records.
There is no evidence for any important concentration of migrants on the short crossings, by the Straits of Gibraltar, Sicily or the Bosphorus, except for soaring birds at the first and last of these.
These birds migrate at the Bosphorus using thermals, but only up to about 14.00 (not, as at Suez, also during the afternoon); while at the Straits of Gibraltar they migrate against winds, often strong.
Numerous species cross regularly the widest part of the Mediterranean, between 16′ and 20′ E., over the Ionian Sea, where the north‐south distances are 430–800 miles. There is less evidence for crossing of the other widest stretch, France‐Algeria, 430 miles.
The fact that the longest crossings are freely used and that most species do not concentrate on the shortest crossings indicates general broad‐front movement irrespective of obstacles.
Occurrences of groups and species are summarized and some comparisons are made. Points of interest include:—

Harriers are more often seen at sea than other big raptors.
The western cranes appear to concentrate on short crossings much more than the eastern do.
The movements of Quail and Turtle Doves are of special interest.
More Swallows are seen, both at sea and coasting, than any other birds, and many times more than House‐martins.
Common Redstarts and Robins have been recorded at sea surprisingly often, especially by comparison with the Sylviidae.
Anatidae and Limicolae are almost unknown at sea.

The leading published references to migration in the countries in the Mediterranean area are summarized in an appendix.
SOME ASPECTS OF INCUBATION IN THE MANX SHEARWATER PROCELLARIA PUFFINUS, WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO CHILLING RESISTANCE IN THE EMBRYO
Authors: Matthews. G. V. T. 
Published: April 2008

Summary.1. Large‐scale excavations and observations during homing experiments provided incidental data on incubation.2. The main period (median 90%) of egg‐laying is from 25 April to 20 May, of hatching from 17 June to 12 July. The median dates for these processes are 6 May and 28 June. The average incubation period is 53 days.3. Incubation shifts are long (average 5 days) and variable, 2 to 16 days if unrelieved. Temporarily deserted eggs were only found in about 1% of undisturbed nests.4. Nevertheless many well‐developed eggs hatched after being chilled in the burrow for up to 7 days. Others remained viable for up to 13 days in the laboratory. The length of the chilling period and the stage of development at which it occurs have little effect on the proportion surviving.5. The ecological and evolutionary significance of the faculty is considered, with a brief survey of chilling resistance in the embryos of other birds.
BIRD NOTES FROM NORTHERN ASIA MINOR, 1946–1948
Authors: Ogilvie Iain H. 
Published: April 2008

Summary.

Observations are given on spring and autumn migration and cold‐weather movements as seen in the Çatalazi Valley, on the Black Sea coast 200 miles east of the Bosphorus.
The Systematic List gives the status of all the birds seen in this valley, together with other field observations.
A STUDY OF THE CAPE WAGTAIL MOTACILLA CAPENSIS
Authors: Skead C. J. 
Published: April 2008

Summary.

The biology of the Cape Wagtail, supplemented by data collected from the study of a partial albino female, is described. The pairs have territories which they would appear to hold for years, the partial albino having been around the same farmstead for about eleven years.
The main breeding season is from August to November but may extend through the summer. The male presents nest material to the female.
The partial albino female had a song not shared by the male.
She laid eight clutches (Sept. 1947‐Aprit 1948), the incubation periods of which ranged from 13½ to 14½ days.
Nestling period ranged from 14 to 18 days.
Roosting may be communal or in pairs.
The species is parasitised by the Diederick Cuckoo.
AFFINITIES OF THE FRUIT‐PIGEON PTILINOPUS PEROUSII PEALE
Authors: CAIN A. J. 
Published: April 2008

Summary.

The purpuratus species‐group of the genus Ptilinopus includes, besides the species listed by Ripley and Birckhead (1942), P. pulchellus and P. superbus,
The peculiar Fijian species P. perousii is more closely related to P. superbus than to any other member of the species‐group. In cqmparison with P. superbus it shows a simplification of colour pattern and loss of protective colouration in the male, which is to be expected of a species evolving in the absence of close relatives and under the influence of only a low degree of visual predation.
The trends of colour‐pattern seen in P. perousii are shown to an even greater extent by members of the luteovirens species‐group, which have lived under similar conditions, but for a longer time.
THE BEHAVIOUR AND GENERAL BIOLOGY OF THE GRACEFUL WARBLER PRINIA GRACILIS.
Authors: Simmons. K. E. L. 
Published: April 2008

Summary.

A study was made of Graceful Warblers Prima gracilis in Lower Egypt during 1949 and 1950, particularly of a community of five pairs in a nursery garden at Fay id (Canal Zone).
The Graceful is a bird of low vegetation and feeds on or near the ground. Adults remain paired throughout the year and live in the same plot of ground which is defended against other Gracefuls only during the reproductive cycle. There are two moults a year, before and after reproductive activities which extend from late January to November. During this time at least three broods may be reared.
At the beginning of the reproductive cycle the male's mouth and bill darken and he begins regular song, the territories now become re‐established by song and, when necessary, by display and attack. The average size of territory at Fayid was 2750 sq. yards.
The common displays of the male in the reproductive season are “bowing” and “wing‐snapping”, both being probably derived from locomotory intention‐movements. Song, a threat‐note (“jilting”) and a pure intention‐movement (“flicking”) are associated with the two displays, which are thought to be primarily aggressive. “Wing‐fanning” is a less frequent male display.
Sexual behaviour is described. The female “retires” from the male's company just prior to the copulation period. In her absence he builds. She assists later, and both birds continue throughout incubation.
Three to five eggs make up a clutch in Lower Egypt. A seasonal rise and fall in clutch‐size is indicated. Both sexes incubate in short spells (longest recorded 16½ minutes). In very hot weather at one nest the eggs were covered only 9% of observed time. The incubation‐period is about 11–12 days.
Some numerical data on parental attention are given. The nestling‐period is about 13–14 days. The development and behaviour of the young are outlined. Often the male tends the juveniles alone when the female is, presumably, preparing for another brood.
Reactions towards man and other predators are outlined and discussed in relation to the aggressive drive and tameness.