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LOCAL/STATE
The Michigan Daily - Thursday, September 7, 2000 - 3A
RESEARCHl
Bollinger ready for fourth annual fun run
4
New model for
HIV destruction
developed
A new HIV model developed by
University scientist Denise Kirschner
helps show how HIV destroys the
infected imrthune system.
Kirschner's research, which was pub-
lished in The Journal of AIDS, shows
that the immune system is destroyed by
accelerating a normal process called
homing, which diverts white blood
cells fiom the bloodstream to the lymph
stem.
The mathematical model was devel-
oped in collaboration with G.E Webb
of Vanderbilt University, after the accel-
erated homing theory was proposed by
Miles Cloyd, a professor at the Univer-
rsity of Texas Medical Branch at Galve-
ston.
The new model shows thatCD4
cells, a type of white blood cell, self-
struct in the lymph system and that
1IlI death occurs as a rsult of exposure
to biochemical sigas involved in the
homing process.
Kirschner hopes to develop a model
for the role of co-receptors involved in
HIV binding to CD4 cells.
Understanding the relationship
between the IJIV virus and the immune
system can help in the development of
more effective treatments for AIDS.
olymersmay
top blood clotting
University graduate student Huiping
Shang presented results of recent stud-
ies involving polymers made of nitric-
oxide releasing particles for use in
biomedical devices at the American
Chemical Society meeting in Washing-
ton D.C. las month.
The polymers contain tiny silica par-
les that release low levels of nitric
oxide gas and are designed to mimic
human endothelial cells.
Researchers found that polymers that
release nitric oxide could help prevent
the formation of blood clots on biomed-
ical devices used in heart bypass
surgery, kidney dialysis or extracorpo-
real membrane oxygenation.
These devices include tubing, equip-
ment or plastic bags which come in
ect contact with blood.
Scientists hope to use NO-releasing
polymers to coat implantable blood
sensors, which are in development at
the University, but would continuously
monitor vital electrolytes and blood
gases in critically ill patients.
U' researchers
chosen for web
9age design
The National Science Founda-
tion has chosen researchers at the
University's School of Information
to be part of a team that designs a
Web-based, national network for
collaboration in earthquake engi-
neering.
The team, led by Tom Finholt, will
work to link researchers and facilities at
aout 25 universities with high-perfor-
nce networking, shared databases
and computer modeling and simulation
tools.
The network is intended to ease the
scientists" dependence on physical
experiments and replace them with the
ability to conduct computer simulations
and models.
The researchers chosen for the team
have already played a key role in devel-
ng a similar network for the Space
ysics and Aeronomy Research Col-
laboratory, also funded by the National
Science Foundation.
Other members of team include
researchers from the National Center
for Supercomputing Applications and
the Mid-America Earthquake Research
Center, the University of Illinois depart-
ment of civil engineering, the Depart-
ment of Energy's Argonne National
Laboratory and the University of
them California's Information Sci-
ences Institute and department of civil
engineering.
-Compiled 1hDaily Staff Reporter
Sindsev Alpert
The men's and women's cross
country teams are scheduled to
run with Bollinger
By Lindsey Alpert
Daily Staff Reporter
University community members don't have to
wake up to the sound of an alarm clock to catch
the Fourth Annual Fun Run with President Lee
Bollinger tomorrow.
The starting gun goes off at noon this year,
several hours later than past runs.
"We'll hopefully gain more success in attract-
ing students," said Jim Kosteva, chair of the Fun
Run planning committee. "There's probably no
ideal time to conduct any event where you can
eliminate all conflicts, but we'll try 12 o'clock
this year and see how it works."
For $1.50, the Central Campus Recreation
Building will provide runners in the five-kilome-
ter race with a locker, shower and towel.
"We simply asked if the CCRB might be able
to make themselves available to people who may
not have access and they've been gracious to pro-
vide lockers," Kosteva said.
The Office of the President will provide
water, juice and bagels after the event. Partici-
pants who register early will also receive a T-
shirt.
"The event is important because it pro-
vides a number of different opportunities,"
Kosteva said. "The first opportunity is in
providing a casual setting to meet the presi-
dent of the University and enjoy a little bit of
exercise with him. The second opportunity is
to appreciate a unique university facility such
as the Nichols Arboretum."
Registration begins at 11 a.m. tomorrow
morning at the Burnham House.
Members of the men's and women's cross
country team will join Bollinger at the run.
"I think it's a good idea to give students a
chance to interact with the president and promote
fitness," Engineering junior Brock Partee said.
"Maybe get a free T-shirt out of the deal."
Past attendance has averaged about 150 par-
ticipants and is expected to be about the same
this year.
The time change may help bring out more
students, Partee said. "There's a lot of classes
then, but it will probably help in general to
get more of the student body to come out."
The event is open to runners and walkers of
all skill levels. Medical staff will be on hand at
the event in case of any problems.
"This is a low-key casual opportunity," Koste-
va said.
Although the event scheduled as a low-pres-
sure ice breaker, some students have no interest
in attending the event.
"I have too many other problems the Univer-
sity has given me to deal with.
Dance marathon
Tire recall prompts review
of auto industry practices
DETROIT (AP) - The furor over 6.5 million recalled
Firestone tires linked to 88 deaths has exposed one of the
quirks of the U.S. auto industry: Unlike every other part of
a vehicle, automakers don't guarantee tires, and hand off
customer problems to the tire maker.
That lies at tlrn heart of questions about how Ford
Motor Co. and Bridgestone/Firestone Inc. investigated
reports of problems with Firestone tires.
The recall has already convinced Ford CEO Jacques
Nasser that standards should change, and may lead
other automakers to similar conclusions.
"I think this has given the automotive industry cause
for concern," Nasser said yesterday. "It's very clear to
us now that we need to rethink that process with the
tire companies."
It's standard practice among automakers to closely
watch warranty costs and consumer complaints - not
just for signs of a defective part, but to keep buyers
happy. The practice of having tire companies handle
warranty claims is so old and accepted there's no con-
sensus about why it began.
But when Ford started investigating reports of tire
failure overseas in 1998, and looking for similar prob-
lems in the United States, it had little data to a.nalyze.
Bridgestone/Firestone and Ford worked together to
examine small groups of tires, but the larger problem
wasn't found until Ford worked out a deal in July with
Bridgestone/Firestone to examine thousands of claims
from the tire maker's files.
Among major automakers, only General Motors
Corp. covers tires under its basic warranties in the
United States. Brook Lindbert, GM's director of tire.
and wheel systems, said the company changed its sys-
tem in 1996 because customers who had problems with
their tires were getting shuffled between dealers and
tire stores.
The newer approach "gives customers the opportuni-
ty to approach dealers or tire manufacturers to address
a tire concern, and it gives us information as well that
would otherwise not be available," he said.
Tire makers say they're willing to share data with
automakers, but do so only when asked about a specif-
ic problem. GM simply passes the claims along, but in
the process gets an early warning about any problems.
All auto industry suppliers are under more pressure
to take a larger role in handling warranty claims, said
Neil De Koker, executive director of the Original
Equipment Suppliers Association. In the past,
automakers simply absorbed the warranty costs of a
particular part. Now, more automakers are setting goals
for warranty costs; if a part fails to meet the goal, thq
supplier has to pay.
"You're going to see an increase in the complet
reviews of data shared between automakers and supplir-
ers," De Koker said. "There will be requirements fo(
data exchange, so in the event there is a problem, atk
(automaker) can get to the source of the problem morn
quickly."
JUSTIN FITZPATRICK/Daily
LSA seniors Joanne Alnajjar and Erin Perrone dance on the Diag to promote
Dance Marathon, a springtime activity that raises money for Children's
Miracle Network and William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak,
Stabenow challenges
Abrtaham to debates
EAST LANSING (AP) - U.S. Rep.
Debbie Stabenow (D-Lansing) yester-
day challenged U.S. Sen. Spencer Abra-
ham (R-Auburn Hills) to three televised
debates, but the proposal is at a stand-
still since the candidates can't agree on
which debates they'll do.
"The people, the voters, have the
right to hear directly from us," said
Stabenow, a Lansing Democrat hoping
to knock off the first-term incumbent.
Abraham's campaign staff said the
Auburn Hills Republican already has
accepted a debate invitation from the
Economic Club of Detroit and ques-
tioned why Stabenow hadi't agreed to
participate.
"Senator Abraham is eager to
debate Representative Stabenow. Let's
agree to the Detroit Economic Club
debate today and meet soon to discuss
additional debate options," Abraham
campaign manager Joe McMonigle
wrote in a letter to Stabenow's cam-
paign.
Stabenow's campaign hasn't
declined or accepted any debate invita-
tions, spokesman Robert Gibbs said.
Instead, in a letter to Abraham
released yesterday, Stabenow proposed
three live, hour-long debates that
would be broadcast statewide during
prime time.
Stabenow wants the debates to be in
a "town hall" format, with an audience
of preselected independent voters who
would ask the candidates questions.
"We're talking maximum exposure
to voters, and that real people are ask-
ing the questions," Stabenow said.
"This is an important step in this cam-
paign"
Abraham campaign spokesman Joe
Davis said Abraham's re-election cam-
paign has received numerous offers for
debates but considers the Economic
Club "an excellent forum." He said
U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, (D-Mich.) debat-
ed Republican challenger Ronna Rom-
ney before the Economic Club in
1996.
Abraham's campaign staff said the
Economic Club debate was tentatively
scheduled for Oct. 16 and that it's open
to suggestions from Stabenow's cam-
paign.
"We'll get together soon and talk
about other debate ideas," Davis said.
"We're pretty confident in our debating
skills. We don't have any misgivings
or indecision."
Vivian Castanier, an assistant to
Economic Club President William
Hailing, said she was unaware that
a date had been set and said she
thought Hailing was still negotiat-
ing with Abraham and Stabenow
about a possible debate. Hailing
was unavailable yesterday for com-
ment.
Gibbs said Stabenow would appear
at the Economic Club if Abraham
would participate in the three town
hall debates.
"Our proposal is to stop hiding
behind TV ads and let real voters ask
real questions," Gibbs said.
In a poll released late last month,
Abraham held a 43 percent to 34
percent lead over Stabenow. The
poll, conducted by Mitchell
Research and Communications Inc.
of Lansing, questioned 600 likely
Michigan voters and had a margin
of error of plus or minus 4 percent-
age points.
Abraham's campaign suggested
Stabenow's call for debates was moti-
vated by her poll numbers.
"They're struggling for press cover-
age and they did-a press conference
today to help them pick up their cam-
paign," Davis said.
But Stabenow says debates are an
important part of the campaign.
"The importance of the debates is
to have both of us be there and to
have to look people in the eye," she
said. "I think it's important that
people get accurate information,
and I know that accurate informa-
tion is in my favor."
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What's happening in Ann Arbor today
EVENTS bdyme@umich.edu cuss spirituality and its mean-
T"Rhythm Student Tap Dance Coin- ing, Guild House, 7:30 p.m. - 9
Madrichim Orientation, Soonsored pany," Mass meeting, Union Tap- p.m., 6625189
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