Mast cells (MCs) are versatile effector and regulatory cells in various physiologic, immunologic, and pathologic processes. In addition to the well-characterized IgE/FcεRI-mediated degranulation, a variety of biological substances can induce MCs activation and release of their granule content. Sex steroids, mainly estradiol and progesterone, have been demonstrated to elicit MCs activation. Most...

The Roman imperial monarchy is generally studied from the vantage point of ancient Roman history: the “Roman emperor” is viewed and analyzed as an element of the Roman world. This conventional approach fails to place this institution in a broader comparative context, that of monarchical rulers across world history. Systematic comparison opens up new perspectives and is indispensable in identify...

House mice (Mus musculus) emit ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs), which are surprisingly complex and have features of bird song, but their functions are not well understood. Previous studies have reported mixed evidence on whether there are sex differences in USV emission, though vocalization rate or other features may depend upon whether potential receivers are of the same or opposite sex. We re...

The antiquities of Jammu and Kashmir reveal that women might have enjoyed a high status as elsewhere in India. But ,there was a marked deterioration in the position of women. Female children were not much desired and their sufferings became endless with the beginning of inroads of Turko-Afghan tribes for whom carrying away of women formed the prized item of booty. This situation gave new dimens...