A CT-based high-order finite element analysis of the human proximal femur compared to in-vitro experiments.

The prediction of patient-specific proximal femur mechanical response to various load conditions is of major clinical importance in orthopaedics. This paper presents a novel, empirically validated high-order finite element method (FEM) for simulating the bone response to loads. A model of the bone geometry was constructed from a quantitative computerized tomography (QCT) scan using smooth surfaces for both the cortical and trabecular regions.

Anionic site interactions in human butyrylcholinesterase disrupted by two single point mutations.

Structure-function relationships of recombinant human butyrylcholinesterase (CHE) variants were investigated by Xenopus oocyte microinjection. A Ser-425 to Pro-425 mutation failed to modify ligand binding properties. In contrast, Asp-70 to Gly-70 substitution significantly reduced CHE binding capacity for succinylcholine and specific inhibitors, demonstrating Asp-70 as a key anionic site component for certain ligands.

Isolation and characterization of the Drosophila nuclear envelope otefin cDNA.

We have recently identified and characterized a 53-kDa inner nuclear membrane-associated protein in Drosophila and termed it otefin. Here we report the isolation and characterization of cDNA and genomic clones of the otefin gene. Based on sequence analysis, we deduced that the primary translation product has a calculated mass of 45 kDa, contains many serine and threonine residues, and is mostly hydrophilic.