July 1, 1999/ Volume 19, Number 1
News Bureau | Calendar | II Info | II Archives
- Discovery could lead to manipulating part of body's immune system
- UI scientists have found a way to improve the properties of T-cell receptors -- and potentially other proteins. In doing so, they've opened the door to manipulating a virtually untapped part of the immune system to fight autoimmune and viral diseases.
- Oxide technology enhances performance of semiconductor lasers
- A semiconductor oxidation process developed at the UI a decade ago has important new applications in the fabrication of advanced electronic devices, including a type of semiconductor diode laser called a vertical-cavity, surface-emitting laser (VCSEL).
SummerSwing on July 16 features Latin jazz ... Mediation training offered July 19, 20 ... Use NESSIE for easy online changes ... i-card is no longer a bank card ... Arboretum has motorized carts two evenings ... Summer hosts needed for IEI students
By Jim Barlow
UI scientists have found a way to improve the properties of T-cell receptors -- and potentially other proteins. In doing so, they've opened the door to manipulating a virtually untapped part of the immune system to fight autoimmune and viral diseases.
A team -- led by biochemist David M. Kranz and chemical engineer K. Dane Wittrup -- has discovered that mutations within two regions of the receptor protein allow it to be displayed on the surface of yeast. Their biotechnological breakthrough appeared in the May 11 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The researchers used a yeast-display system, which was created in 1997 in Wittrup's lab, in combination with directed evolution -- a genetic engineering process in which a protein is subjected to random amino-acid changes, and then only those proteins with desired properties are selected. Their selection process also used flow-cytometry equipment at the UI Biotechnology Center.
"T-cells and their T-cell receptors represent one-half of the immune system's capability to recognize infection," Kranz said. "There has not been a method available to engineer these like you can do with antibodies. This paper shows that we've found a way to begin engineering the recognition molecules from the T-cell immune system. Realistically, we're a long way from seeing new therapeutic approaches, but the development of this capability is a major initial step."
Such a strategy may prove beneficial in manipulating the immune system's ability to bind to infected cells. Such binding has been difficult in AIDS and cancer, because infections often remain invisible to antibody-based treatments. Likewise, the researchers said, genetically engineered receptors could be used to block inappropriate immune responses in autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Scientists around the world have been refining monoclonal antibodies -- proteins similar to those that occur naturally in the immune system that search for and bind to specific antigens -- since the 1970s. However, similar refinements to T-cell receptors have not been possible for reasons that were unclear.
The structure of antibodies and T-cell receptors are similar, but the responses of each are carried out very differently. "The immune system looks around for things that don't belong," said Wittrup, the James W. Westwater professor of chemical engineering at the UI. "The two major classes of molecules that accomplish this are the recognition proteins -- antibodies and T-cell receptors. We are working at the contact point of where the immune system decides something does or doesn't belong."
The research -- funded by the National Institutes of Health and Whitaker Biomedical Engineering Foundation -- offers the hope of doing genetic engineering directly on recognition molecules from the T-cell system. "In addition, this strategy for T-cell receptors may be of general use in the study and directed evolution of other proteins that to date have been impossible to improve," Kranz said.
By James E. Kloeppel
A semiconductor oxidation process developed at the UI a decade ago has important new applications in the fabrication of advanced electronic devices, including a type of semiconductor diode laser called a vertical-cavity, surface-emitting laser (VCSEL).
"The VCSEL is fast becoming one of the hottest items in the electronics industry," said Nick Holonyak Jr., the John Bardeen Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Physics at theUI who led the team that developed the oxide technology. "Among its many uses, the VCSEL can serve as an optical interconnect for high-speed data communication."
Unlike conventional edge-emitting laser diodes (the kind used in compact disc players and laser pointers, for example), a VCSEL's optical beam is perpendicular to the chip surface. This not only simplifies device fabrication and testing -- which lowers production costs -- it also creates smaller structures that consume less power.
"Research performed in various labs has shown that the UI oxidation process makes the smallest, most efficient and highest performance VCSELs to date," Holonyak said.
The power of the process, Holonyak said, is its ability to selectively oxidize layers of aluminum gallium arsenide buried deep within the device structure, creating an insulating "collar" around a VCSEL's conducting cavity.
"The oxide collar very effectively defines the electromagnetic field and confines the current within the aperture," Holonyak said. "The collar also controls the geometry of the optical beam, making it easier to couple the light into optical fibers for data transmission."
The oxidation process was discovered by accident in 1989, when Holonyak and graduate student John Dallesasse were investigating the effects of moisture degradation on crystals of aluminum gallium arsenide. By subjecting the crystals to temperatures of 400 degrees Celsius and high humidity, the researchers crossed a phase boundary where, instead of destroying the crystals, the chemistry created a smooth, solid oxide.
"Prior to our discovery, there was no known method for forming useful oxides in aluminum gallium arsenide or similar III-V materials," Holonyak said. "This was a real breakthrough in the preparation of these materials, which have been so important in the development of optoelectronic devices."
Holonyak, who is credited with the invention of the first practical light-emitting diode (LED) and the first semiconductor laser to operate in the visible spectrum, was the first graduate student of two-time Nobel laureate John Bardeen, a UI professor who died in January 1991.
There isa no admission charge for Miavana's outdoor performance. For tickets for the concert indoors, contact the Krannert Center ticket office. Intermezzo will serve food and beverages both indoors and outdoors during SummerSwing.
Volunteer mediators offer a neutral, impartial third party to meet with students and members of the university community to help resolve conflicts such as apartment and roommate conflicts, financial disputes and other misunderstandings. Volunteers will be trained to use a seven-step mediation process. The UI's mediation program is a peer volunteer program. To register, contact Wendy Smith at 333-3680 or wsmith@illinois.edu. For more information about Student Mediation Services offered by OSCR, see the office's Web site at www.odos.uiuc.edu/osja/mediate.htm.
Also beginning July 1, employees are encouraged to use NESSIE to:
To use NESSIE, the employee must be benefits eligible, have a Net ID and secure password, registered e-mail and a Personal Identification Number. Contact Cindy DeBrock (debrock@uillinois.edu) or Cheryl Hahn (chahn1@uillinois.edu) for assistance.
At this time, the UI is not pursuing another financial partner for the i-card program. However, the UI is soliciting proposals from other financial institutions to provide check cashing services and or a branch bank in the Union. More information will be available at the end of July.
Visitors can stroll at their leisure throughout the Arboretum complex, including the Miles C Hartley Selections Garden, the Japan House and the Idea Garden. Guests who need help getting around will be greeted by motorized carts at the main entrance, which is located off Lincoln Avenue just south of Florida Avenue in Urbana, or at their cars, if necessary. Admission is free.
The 3-acre Hartley Garden, which has hundreds of flowering plants, was dedicated in 1994 as the core area of the Arboretum project -- a "living laboratory" for academic programs in the plant sciences and fine and applied arts. Japan House, dedicated in 1998, serves as a classroom and Japanese cultural center. The Idea Garden, developed and maintained by the Master Gardeners of the Champaign County Extension, is divided into six areas and features detailed guide sheets listing plants, design ideas and helpful information.
No reservations are required. However, large groups wanting to tour during the evening sessions or at another time should call 333-7579. Visitors should park along Lincoln Avenue near the Arboretum entrance.
The Office of Academic Human Resources, Suite 420, 807 S. Wright St., maintains the listings for faculty and academic professional positions. More complete descriptions are available in that office during regular business hours. Job listings are also updated weekly on its Web site at: http://webster.uihr.uiuc.edu/ahr/jobs/index.asp. Any other information may be obtained from the person indicated in the listing.
faculty
Labor and Industrial Relations, Institute of. Assistant professor, human resource management. PhD in an appropriate social science discipline or professional area of study. Desirable qualification is interest in the economics of human resources and/or industrial relations. Available: August 2000. Contact Joe Martocchio, 244-4098. Closing date: Nov. 1.
Labor and Industrial Relations, Institute of. Associate or full professor, human resource management. PhD in an appropriate social science discipline or professional area of study. Desirable qualification includes supplementary interests in the economics of human resources, and/or industrial relations. Available: August 2000. Contact Joe Martocchio, 244-4098. Closing date: Nov. 1.
Mathematics. Associate or full professor (tenured; one or more positions). PhD. Preference will be given to those applicants whose field is in applied mathematics, computational mathematics, mathematical physics, partial differential equations and global analysis, probability theory, algebraic geometry and number theory. Available: Aug. 21, 2000. Contact Joseph Rosenblatt, 333-3352 or tenure@math.uiuc.edu. Closing date: Oct. 4.
Veterinary Medicine, College of. Faculty, Laboratory of Veterinary Diagnostic Medicine/Department of Veterinary Pathobiology (rank open). DVM (or equivalent) and/or PhD, a sincere commitment to service-oriented diagnostic microbiology, advanced degrees, and interest and background to develop and implement molecular detection assays. Selection criteria will include experience in diagnostic veterinary microbiology with a molecular biology emphasis, and advanced degrees. Available: Nov. 1. Contact Gail Scherba, 333-1620. Extended closing date: Oct. 15.
academic professionals
Admissions and Records, Office of. DARS specialist. Bachelor's and three years' experience in DARS academic program encoding. Also required is familiarity with student data systems and articulation issues. Experience with analytab and student academic advising is preferred. Available: immediately. Contact Abel Montoya, 333-0302. Closing date: July 16.
Admissions and Records, Office of. Systems engineer. Bachelor's in a field involving computer-based data analysis, preferably with course work in systems and database design, and three years' experience with programming, systems, design, database design, data communications, data networks, system user support, Internet technologies, and technical project management. Experience with NT, MS SQL Server, IIS, and MS Access is very desirable. Available: immediately. Contact Jo W. Duchene, 333-2089 or jduchene@illinois.edu. Closing date: July 23.
Alumni Association. Associate director. Bachelor's and three to five years' experience in planning, marketing and administration. Outstanding marketing, communication and organizational skills are essential. Knowledge of the Urbana-Champaign campus is desirable. Significant travel is involved. Available: immediately. Contact Carolyn Pater, 333-1475 or c-pater@illinois.edu. Closing date: July 12.
Animal Sciences. Research specialist in agriculture. Master's in animal sciences or related field, or bachelor's in a basic science discipline and appropriate experience. Experience handling pre-implantation mammalian embryos including embryo culture, culture of gametes, artificial insemination and knowledge of recipient management in rodents and livestock are required. Available: July 21. Contact Matthew B. Wheeler, 333-2239. Closing date: July 7.
Biochemistry. Research scientists, specializing in cytochrome oxidase (three positions). PhD and five years' postdoctoral experience working on cytochrome oxidase or bacterial respiratory enzymes. Experience with maintenance, operation, design and construction of new instrumentation or in molecular genetics of bacterial respiratory membrane enzymes. Available: Aug. 1. Contact Robert B. Gennis, A320 Chemical Life Sciences Laboratory, 600 S. Mathews Ave., MC-712. Closing date: July 15.
Cell and Structural Biology. Research specialist in life sciences. Bachelor's. Applicants with advanced degrees or equivalent experience will be given preference. Previous laboratory experience in molecular biology, biochemistry, and/or cell biology is required. Salary: maximum of $40,000. Available: immediately. Contact Joyce Woodworth, 244-6638. Closing date: July 30 or when position is filled.
Crop Sciences. Visiting research specialist in agriculture. Bachelor's in agronomy, plant breeding or other relevant area of crop sciences and six years' experience farming or three years' direct experience in small-plot field research. Required qualifications include experience in the operation, maintenance and repair of field equipment, and pesticide application/weed management; possession of, or ability to obtain an Illinois Public Pesticide Applicator License; an understanding of and courses taken in crop production and basic methods of field crop research. For additional information, contact Emerson D. Nafziger, 333-4424 or ednaf@illinois.edu Available: immediately. Contact Debbie A. Lee, 333-9479. Closing date: July 9 or when position is filled.
Educational Research, Bureau of. Director, Research Opportunities Office. Master's or PhD; bachelor's with equivalent experience will be considered. Required qualifications include experience with writing and editing reports, announcements and proposals; experience with proposal development, general familiarity with federal agencies, foundations and other sources of funding; and familiarity with university and other resources for fund raising. Available: Aug. 1. Contact Lizanne DeStefano, 333-3023. Closing date: July 12.
Extension, UI. Extension assistant, urban programming. Master's in area related to position, three years' experience in Web design and desktop publishing, and demonstrated skill in research methods and techniques. Preferred qualifications include commitment and interest in outreach education and technology in urban, suburban and rural multi-cultural settings as well as knowledge and understanding of the mission of UI Extension outreach. Available: Aug. 21. Contact Jane Scherer, 244-2849. Closing date: July 21.
Housing Division. Associate director of housing for residential services. Bachelor's in facilities, construction management or related field (bachelor's in mechanical engineering or related field is preferred), and five years' experience as a plant manager or engineer preferably at a college or university. Also required are knowledge in building construction including mechanical and electrical systems; knowledge in maintenance of buildings, equipment and grounds; knowledge of engineering principles, building codes, safety requirements, ADA requirements. Available: Nov. 1 or when position is filled. Contact Jack Collins, 333-7283. Closing date: Aug. 2.
Information Management, Office of. Network analyst. Bachelor's and two years' working experience with IBM-compatible PCs and with LAN, especially Ethernet networks. Also required are familiarity and experience with network configuration; competence with operating systems, especially MS Windows NT Server and MS Windows 95 and 98; and good technical skills. Salary: $30,000, or commensurate with qualifications. Available: Aug. 2. Contact Zvi Ritz, 244-0812 or Z-RITZ@cba.uiuc.edu. Closing date: July 12.
Information Technology and Communication Services. Media/communications specialist (marketing). Bachelor's in an appropriate field of study (journalism, communication or related field) and three years' professional communications experience; or master's and one year's professional communications experience. Qualifications preferred are five years' communications management experience and familiarity with the mission, philosophies and programs of UI Extension or similar land-grant outreach organization; experience working with stakeholder groups and media; and with graphic designers, video and still photographers, computer programmers, printing firms and other communication service providers; experience in developing educational materials and providing instruction to adult and/or youth audiences. Available: immediately. Contact Kathy Reiser, 333-3871 or k-reiser@illinois.edu. Closing date: July 2.
Information Technology and Communication Services. Media/communications specialist (writer and editor). Bachelor's in journalism, English, or related field and two years' experience that includes media planning. Also required is a working knowledge of print-production process including defining project objectives with clients; identifying messages and adapting materials to specific audiences; editing; proofreading; coordinating design, printing, and electronic distribution, including postings on the Web. Candidate must have familiarity with word processing systems in a PC environment. Qualifications desired are desktop publishing skills (PageMaker, FrontPage, etc.) and initiative and interest in developing communications products and strategies to advance Sea Grant's mission and goals. Available: Aug. 23. Contact Robin Goettel, 333-9448 or goettel@uiuc.ed.u Closing date: July 7 or when position is filled.
Information Technology and Communication Services. Network analyst. Bachelor's and two years' experience. Also required are experience with Windows NT and management of IBM LAN Server/MS NT Server 4.x and Appletalk networks; familiarity with both Intel and Apple microcomputer platforms, as well as the use and management of TCP/IP applications; working knowledge of HTML and C/Java. Preferred qualifications are experience with Linux, OS/2, C++, REXX and GUI application design; formal training in structured programming; familiarity with academic programs in the areas of agriculture, food, human ecology and natural resources. Knowledge of the goals and purposes of a land-grant institution is strongly desired. Available: immediately. Contact Jeana McAllister, 244-0776 or jmac@illinois.edu. Closing date: July 5.
Institutional Cooperation, Committee on. Director, Center for Library Initiatives. Post-baccalaureate degree is required; master's in library or information science, or equivalent is preferred. Also required is substantial successful experience at a senior management level in an academic research library or cooperative library organization, coordinating multiple assignments or projects. Preferred qualifications are successful grant proposal writing experience, experience in licensing electronic resources and knowledge of digital library development. More information about the CIC is available at www.cic.uiuc.edu. Available: immediately. Contact Karen Singer, 333-8475 or karenk@illinois.edu. Closing date: Aug. 15.
Intercollegiate Athletics, Division of. Assistant equipment manager. Bachelor's, three years' athletic equipment supervision and management, and certification by Athletic Equipment Manager Association or ability to be certified in one year. Available: immediately. Contact Andy Dixon, 333-2063. Closing date: July 21.
Library and Information Science, Graduate School of. Research programmer. Bachelor's in computer science, experience with statistical analysis, UNIX, Windows and NT operating systems required. Must be fluent in Perl, SQL, HTML and UNIX Shell programming languages. Familiarity with C++, VBScripting, JAVA, Adobe Pagemaker and Acrobat, Microsoft Excel and relational database design using SQL preferred. Available: immediately. Contact Dorlene Clark, 333-3281 or dorlene@illinois.edu. Extended closing date: Aug. 15.
Library, Slavic and East European. Visiting research associate. MLS from an ALA-accredited library school or its equivalent and excellent working knowledge of Russian. Preferred qualifications include working knowledge of one or more additional Slavic or East European languages, a post-baccalaureate degree in the Slavic and East European area and excellent English-language communication skills. Salary: minimum of $33,000. Available: Aug. 21. Contact Allen G. Dries, 333-5494. Closing date: July 22 or when position is filled.
Planning and Budgeting, University Office of. Management methods analyst. Bachelor's and two years' experience. Minimum qualifications include: knowledge of database design and use issues; hands-on experience with relational databases; knowledge of computer security basics; familiarity with mainframe and NT client/server environments, particularly movement of data between platforms; experience consulting with and supporting non-technical users on computing and database issues, including database connectivity; knowledge of Microsoft Access and other Office products; experience in database administration; understanding of data structures, database design and SQL; experience with HTML, database Web applications, particularly Allaire Cold Fusion. Desirable qualifications include experience with the following: use of Microsoft MS-SQL and Microsoft Access; Web graphics and graphics packages such as Visio Professional, Adobe PhotoShop, etc.; server-based Web development, particularly NetObjects TeamFusion. Also desirable is experience with the UI. Available: immediately. Contact Judy McCoy-Lindauer, 333-6600 or mccoylin@uillinois.edu. Closing date: July 9.
Provost, Office of the. Associate provost. Advanced degree and eight years' responsible and relevant administrative experience in higher education, including experience with computerized information systems. Knowledge of the UI organization/environment and the Urbana campus is desirable. The candidate must have a demonstrated record of success in administration and problem resolution. Search is internal within the UI Urbana-Champaign campus. Available: Aug. 21. Contact Carol Kirkpatrick, 333-6677. Closing date: July 15.
Student Affairs, Division of. Assistant vice chancellor for development. Bachelor's degree and three years' development experience required; master's preferred. Knowledge of trust relations and deferred gifts and experience in a capital campaign in a college or university setting desired. Available: immediately. Contact S. Eugene Barton, 333-1300. Extended closing date: when position is filled.
Supercomputing Applications, National Center for (NCSA). Research programmer (specializing as a technical consultant). Bachelor's in computer science, engineering or related field; amount and/or type of experience may be a viable substitution for the specific academic degree fields listed. Additional qualifications required are experience in software support and development and user support; software development, support, training or education; experience on multiple platforms; practical experience with World Wide Web technologies; and strong working knowledge of Java, C, C++, CGI and HTML (or the latest in related technologist). A working knowledge of other computer programming languages would be helpful. For more information, www.ncsa.uiuc.edu/SRC/employ.html. Available: immediately. Contact NCSA Human Resources (Search 6456), 265-0619, career@ncsa.uiuc.edu. Closing date: July 16.
Supercomputing Applications, National Center for (NCSA). Software developer. Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field, and two years' relevant experience required. Must have working knowledge of object-oriented programming languages such as C++, Java, Eiffel or Smalltalk; training with workstations and system programming on a variety of platforms including UNIX, Macintosh and Microsoft Windows; and experience with a variety of applications. Available: immediately. Contact NCSA Human Resources (Search #6403), 333-6085, career@ncsa.uiuc.edu. Extended closing date: July 19.
Survey Research Laboratory. Coordinator of survey research information services. Bachelor's in a social science or related field and three years' experience in editing or publishing, or master's and one year's experience in editing or publishing. Candidate must have experience in survey research information or a highly related area. Knowledge of PC computer software such as Word and PageMaker is desired. Familiarity with Web development is preferred. Available: immediately. Salary: $28,000-$33,000. Contact Kris Hertenstein, Survey Research Laboratory, 909 W. Oregon St., Suite 300, MC-036. Closing date: July 5.
staff
Personnel Services Office, 52 E. Gregory Drive, Champaign, conducts open and continuous testing for civil service classifications used on campus. More information is available by calling 333-2137. Or visit its Web site at: www.pso.uiuc.edu.
By Becky Mabry
Since 1978, Margaret "Maggie" Agnew has been handing out towels in the locker room in the lower level of the Intramural Physical Education Building. She works 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, and notes that the hours around noon are the busiest times. She collects IDs from users in exchange for towels or recreational equipment, and she returns the IDs when the items are brought back. In her down time with customers, she discovered that she could draw, and she has created scores of stylized, primitive rural scenes.
Bock graduated from the UI in 1965 with a degree in agricultural economics. He graduated from the UI College of Law in 1968 and joined the faculty that year as a specialist in agricultural tax law.
He was the author of many books about tax law and of many publications for lawyers, estate planners and other specialists. Since 1970 he had been the co-author of the tax school workbook used by leaders in many states to teach tax practitioners about agricultural taxes and other specialties.
Survivors include his father, a son, a stepson and two sisters.
Memorials may be made to the Fisher Foundation for Educational Enhancement.
Doyle was an electrician in the Operation and Maintenance Division from 1949 until he retired in 1972.
Survivors include three daughters, four grandchildren and two brothers.
Kosowski worked in the UI department of zoology for 38 years before retiring.
Survivors include his wife, Virginia; a son; three daughters; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Carle Hospice or St. Patrick's Church, Urbana.
Foster was at the UI for 38 years. He received a bachelor's degree from the UI in 1940. He attended the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine arts in 1942 and received a master's degree from the UI in 1950. He studied sculpture at the University of Denver in 1958.
He received numerous recognitions and awards for his oil painting, litho painting, drawing and metal collages. His artwork was exhibited in national, regional and local exhibitions.
Survivors include his wife, Miriam; five sons; a brother; two sisters; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Peace and Justice Ministry of Wesley United Methodist Church and Foundation or to the Nature Conservancy.
O'Neill was a secretary for the UI College of Agriculture for 40 years, retiring in 1977. After retiring from the UI, she worked as a secretary at Parkland College for 10 years.
Survivors include a brother and three nephews.
Memorials may be made to St. Thomas School, Philo.
Schousboe was a professor at the UI for 25 years, retiring in 1989 as a professor emeritus. He obtained his master's degree from the Polytechnic Institute of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Survivors include three sons, a daughter, a brother, 17 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Tippo received a bachelor's degree in botany in 1932 from the University of Massachusetts, then known as Massachusetts State College. He received a master's degree (1933) and a Ph.D. (1937) from Harvard University.
He joined the UI faculty in 1937 serving as chairman of the botany department from 1948 to 1953. He became dean of the Graduate College in 1953.
He left UI in 1955 when he was appointed Eaton Professor of Botany at Yale University where he also was chairman of the department, director of the botanical laboratories and of the Marsh Botanical Garden, and a fellow of Berkeley College.
He served as provost at the Amherst campus of the University of Massachusetts from 1964 until he was named the campus's first chancellor in 1970. He served as chancellor until 1971, when he was named Commonwealth Professor of Botany. He retired in 1982.
Tippo is survived by his wife, Emmie; a son; three granddaughters; a grandson; and four step-grandchildren.