Physical predictors, behavioural/emotional attributes and neurochemical determinants of dominant behaviour.

Significant differences in physical and behavioural/emotional/cognitive predictors and attributes, as well as of neurochemical inducers of behaviour, between dominant and subordinate animals are discussed. It is still unknown whether these factors are the causes of differences between dominants and subordinates, or vice versa whether the differences between dominants and subordinates are the origin of differences in these factors. The possibility is discussed that no differences exist among juveniles in the concentrations of neurochemical agents (known in the literature as determinants of dominance) between the brains of future dominants and future subordinates.

[New class of RNA and centrosomal hypothesis of cell aging].

The recent discovery of a new class of RNA in a centrosome may be an indirect evidence of the centrosomal hypothesis of cellular ageing and differentiation. The presence of a reverse transcriptase domain in this class of RNA, together with its specificity to this organelle, makes the centrosome a place of information memorizing and reproduction. This feature of centrosome is one of the main points of centrosomal hypothesis of cell aging and differentiation.

RNA in centrosomes: structure and possible functions.

A novel RNA was detected in the centrosomes of Spisula solidissima mollusk oocytes in 2006. This RNA was named centrosomal RNA (cnRNA); five different cnRNAs were described. During the sequencing of the first transcript, cnRNA 11, it was discovered that the transcript contained a conserved structure--a reverse transcriptase domain.

Testosterone dynamics during encounter: role of emotional factors.

This study attempts to develop a new theory to explain the varying dynamics of testosterone levels in dominant (winners) and subordinate (losers) males, both pre- and post-encounter. The crux of our new theory consists of the following four theses: (1) the strengthening of testosterone synthesis is a result of not only the existence of challenges, but also of a positive mood before an encounter that is associated with the anticipation of a victory; (2) in situations where the anticipation of victory is present but the positive mood is absent, no rise in testosterone levels will occur; (3) testosterone acts as a "pleasure" hormone and usually releases in situations where the individual achieves or anticipates possible satisfaction; (4) an increased release of testosterone to the blood not only decreases anxiety but also elevates the mood, which increases animal's/human's assertiveness and consequently aggressiveness.

The role of androgens in regulating emotional state and aggressive behavior.

This manuscript attempts to develop a new theory to explain both the pre- and post-encounter increase in testosterone levels and the varying dynamics of androgen levels in dominant and subordinate males. The new theory includes the following hypotheses: (i) The pre-encounter increase in testosterone levels is a result of the excitement that is caused by the anticipation of victory. Individuals who do not experience this kind of emotion before the encounter usually do not demonstrate an increased secretion of androgens.