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.

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.

Possible relation of plasma testosterone level to aggressive behavior of male prisoners.

Analysis of testosterone concentration in the blood and urine concentration of norepinephrine and epinephrine showed that testosterone level in aggressive prisoners was higher than in moderately aggressive prisoners, although both concentrations were near the low boundary of normal. The level of norepinephrine was also higher in aggressive prisoners than in moderately aggressive jailed inmates. These data and published reports attest to pronounced role of norepinephrine in the formation the aggressive behavior.

[Small sample assessment method for a bio-medical research].

A new method of small sample assessment is suggested. It is based on combining of different variational series into a single one. Performing combination procedure, common biological laws and logical consideration should be taken into account.