Microtechnologies for membrane protein studies

Despite the rapid and enormous progress in biotechnologies, the biochemical analysis of membrane proteins is still a difficult task. The presence of the large hydrophobic region buried in the lipid bilayer membrane (transmembrane domain) makes it difficult to analyze membrane proteins in standard assays developed for water-soluble proteins. To handle membrane proteins, the lipid bilayer membrane may be used as a platform to sustain their functionalities. Relatively slow progress in developing micro total analysis systems (μTAS) for membrane protein analysis directly reflects the difficulty of handling lipid membranes, which is a common problem in bulk measurement technologies. Nonetheless, researchers are continuing to develop efficient and sensitive analytical microsystems for the study of membrane proteins. Here, we review the latest developments, which enable detection of events caused by membrane proteins, such as ion channel current, membrane transport, and receptor/ligand interaction, by utilizing microfabricated structures. High-throughput and highly sensitive detection systems for membrane proteins are now becoming a realistic goal. Although most of these systems are still in the early stages of development, we believe this field will become one of the most important applications of μTAS for pharmaceutical and clinical screenings as well as for basic biochemical research

The influence of decision-making rules on individual preference for ecological restoration: Evidence from an experimental survey

We conduct an experimental survey to analyze how rules for collective decision-making influence individual preferences concerning nature restoration projects. Our study compares two decision-making rules - a consensus rule and a majority rule - wherein participants decide on a plan concerning nature restoration in the Kushiro Wetland, Japan. Our main finding is that the difference between the individual preferences and collective decision-making is less significant under the consensus rule than the majority rule. Furthermore, there is a larger disparity with regard to the marginal willingness to pay between collective and individual decisions when participants are unsatisfied with the results of collective choice.

State-of-the-art of seismic response evaluation methods for metal roof spatial structures

[EN] The present paper is a result of a collaboration in IASS WG 8 for metal spatial structures to prepare state-ofthe-art reviews for earthquake response analysis methods and equivalent static seismic loads for metal spatial structures. It quotes mainly investigations from IASS symposia and related journals. First, the dynamic response characteristics of metal spatial structures are briefly explained. This is followed by a review of analytical methods for evaluating earthquake responses. Finally the equivalent seismic loads proposed for metal spatial structures are reviewed and some comments for future analysis of failure and fragility are provided.Nakazawa, S.; Kato, S.; Takeuchi, T.; Xue, S.; Lazaro, C. (2012). State-of-the-art of seismic response evaluation methods for metal roof spatial structures. Journal- International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures. 53(2):117-130. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/48932S11713053