Effect of CNT Contents on the Microstructure and Properties of CNT/TiMg Composites.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), dispersed in absolute ethanol, were evenly mixed into Ti/MgH powders by wet milling. Then, we applied the vacuum hot-pressed sinteringmethod to the CNTs/TiMg composite materials. An optical microscope (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) were used for the microstructure observation and phase analysis of samples.

Effects of labor on placental fatty acid β oxidation.

Objective: To measure the effect labor exerts on fatty acid (FA) oxidation in term human placentas, and to compare enzymes expression and activity between placenta and liver.

Methods: Placental samples were collected: (a) scheduled non-labored cesarean section and (b) normal vaginal delivery at or beyond 37 weeks. Long and medium-chain FA oxidation were measured using (3)H-labeled FA, ATP concentration was measured via commercial kit.

Progesterone modulates integrin {alpha}2 (ITGA2) and {alpha}11 (ITGA11) in the pregnant cervix.

Objective: Fibrillar collagen in the cervical extracellular matrix (ECM) is the predominant component providing mechanical support. Cellular integrins contribute to structural integrity by cross-linking ECM components. We investigated the expression of collagen-binding integrins in the normal rat gestation and after treatment with mifepristone to determine whether integrin modulation is involved in changes in tissue resistance.

The role of transforming growth factor beta in cervical remodeling within the rat cervix.

Objective: Transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) plays a central role in extracellular matrix remodeling. We hypothesized that TGFbeta signaling is involved in cervical remodeling. This study evaluated patterns within this signaling pathway.

Androgen-regulated cervical ripening: a structural, biomechanical, and molecular analysis.

Objective: Androgens regulate biomechanical responses in load-bearing tissues. Evidence suggests that androgens may play a role in the cervix. We hypothesized that androgens directly regulate cervical remodeling by altering both collagen structure and proteoglycan composition.

Prostaglandin E2-regulated cervical ripening: analysis of proteoglycan expression in the rat cervix.

Objective: Prostaglandins reduce cervical resistance by reorganizing collagen fibrils. Proteoglycans are involved in collagen fibril organization and structure. We evaluated the changes in proteoglycan composition induced by prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)).

Phospholipid scramblase isoform expression in pregnant rat uterus.

Objective: Phospholipid scramblases (PLSCRs), a family of novel membrane proteins, facilitate the translocation of aminophospholipids from the inner to the exterior leaf of the cell membrane. Four isoforms of PLSCR (PLSCR1-4) have been reported in mouse and human. The studies described in this report sought to characterize the uterine expression of the PLSCR isoforms in the near-term pregnant rat.

Mifepristone-induced cervical ripening: structural, biomechanical, and molecular events.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the structural, biomechanical, and biochemical effects of mifepristone-induced progesterone withdrawal on the rat cervix to identify possible mechanisms by which mifepristone incites cervical ripening.

Study Design: After the administration of mifepristone, cervical tensile strength was determined by the cervical creep method. With polarized light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, collagen organization and microstructure were quantified.

Effects of selective and nonselective PGE2 receptor agonists on cervical tensile strength and collagen organization and microstructure in the pregnant rat at term.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine which of the 4 PGE2 receptors (EP1-EP4) is involved in cervical ripening in the rat, and to correlate its activity with changes in tensile strength and collagen microstructure.

Study Design: We assessed tensile strength after administration of selective and nonselective PGE2 receptor agonists. Quantification of collagen organization and microstructure was accomplished with polarized light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.

Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-3 in the rat cervix during pregnancy and in response to prostaglandin E2.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-3 in the cervix during normal pregnancy and in response to prostaglandin E2 administration to determine how matrix metalloproteinase-3 expression correlates with changes in cervical tensile strength.

Study Design: We assessed cervical tensile strength at different time points in the rat gestation and after the administration of prostaglandin E2. Tensile strength was determined by the cervical creep method.