Experimental study on the regulation of testicular function by the cremaster reflex in rats.
The present study was performed to clarify the role of the cremaster reflex in regulating the testicular function in rats. The impairment of cremaster reflex by bilateral dissection of the genitofemoral nerves resulted in a decrease of testicular weight and degenerative changes of the semeniferous tubules in the rats kept in a cold room (4 degrees C), but not in the rats kept at room temperature (22 degrees C). The results indicate that the cremaster reflex contributes much to the temperature regulation of the testicle located within the scrotum.
AbstractAlthough several models are available for evaluating the structural performance of corroded reinforced concrete (RC) structures, seismic reliability assessments considering the effect of steel corrosion are currently scarce. Determining how long existing RC structures in an aggressive environment will be able to have a seismic safety level greater than the threshold remains difficult. Life-cycle reliability assessments of these structures under seismic hazards and hazards associated with airborne chloride are discussed in this paper. When predicting the seismic reliability of existing RC structures, observational data from inspection and/or nondestructive testing methods could be used to estimate the current material corrosion level. Considering the effect of steel corrosion in the plastic hinges of deteriorating structures on their seismic capacity is important. The displacement ductility capacity at the occurrence of longitudinal buckling of rebar in RC structures depends on the steel corrosion ...