James E. Miller

ENERGY TRANSFORMATION FUNCTIONS

Abstract Separate energy equations for potential energy, kinetic energy of averaged motion, kinetic energy of eddy motion, and thermal energy are derived on the basis of four postulates concerning natural processes. The equations are transformed for use with space- and time-averaged values of the dependent variables in a general system whose boundaries have arbitrary shape and motion. The equations are written in a manner that makes apparent the significance of energy transformation functions, which are the mathematical expressions of the physical mechanisms by which one kind of energy is transformed into another.

INTENSIFICATION OF PRECIPITATION BY DIFFERENTIAL ADVECTION

Abstract The effect of vertical instability on the intensity of precipitation is illustrated by a theoretical example. This example and others from the literature lead to the hypothesis that instability produced by a process such as advection of cold air over warm, moist air acts on a precipitation system to increase the total amount and to cause high intensities for short periods over small areas. The latter part of the hypothesis is verified by an analysis of 21 rainy periods in the eastern United States.

Cytokine-modified VSV is attenuated for neural pathology, but is both highly immunogenic and oncolytic

Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), an enveloped, nonsegmented, negative-stranded RNA virus, is being tested by several laboratories as an antitumor agent. Unfortunately, viral infection of the central nervous system (CNS) has been observed by many groups following administration to tumor-bearing animals. In rodents, VSV encephalitis is characterized by weight-loss, paralysis, and high mortality. In order to provide protection from VSV infection of the CNS after therapeutic administration, we have attenuated VSV by the introduction of the gene encoding the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-23, and designated the new virus VSV23. We hypothesize that while VSV23 is replicating within tumors, resulting in tumor destruction, the expression of IL-23 will enhance host antitumor and antiviral immune responses. In the event that the virus escapes from the tumor, the hosts immune system will be activated and the virus will be rapidly cleared from healthy tissue. Experimental VSV23 infection of the CNS is characterized by decreased viral replication, morbidity, and mortality. VSV23 is capable of stimulating the enhanced production of nitric oxide in the CNS, which is critical for elimination of VSV from infected neurons. Intraperitoneal administration of VSV23 stimulates both nonspecific natural killer cell, virus-specific cytolytic T lymphocyte and memory virus-specific proliferative T cell responses against wild-type VSV in splenocytes. Furthermore, VSV23 is able to replicate in, and induce apoptosis of tumor cells in vitro. These data indicate that VSV23 is immunogenic, attenuated and suitable for testing as an efficacious and safe oncolytic agent.

EXTRATROPICAL CYCLOGENESIS IN THE PACIFIC COASTAL REGION OF ASIA

Abstract A total of 222 extratropical cyclones originating in the Pacific coastal region of Asia in the months October through April from 1932 to 1937 are summarized according to the following characteristics: geographical and monthly frequency; relation of frequency to topography; 24-hour displacement; and relation of displacement to topography. Some of the characteristics of Asiatic cyclones are compared with the characteristics of cyclones forming along the North American east coast.