Attachment 7 Minutes from the Air Force Research Concil Meeting held on August 29, 1955 Minutes Research Council Meeting, 29 Aug 55 (cond't) 4. Colonel Pickering, Lt. Colonel Payne, and Dr. Gerstner, presented a request for extension of Contract AF 18(600)-926 from Dr. Fletcher, M. D. Anderson Hospital, entitled "Whole Body Roentgen Therapy" at a cost of $45,300 for 1 year. Colonel Pickering started the discussion by stating that this task was jointly monitored by the Department of Psychology and Department of Radiobiology in toto. For some time they have been considering doing the work proposed but it is their feeling that it can be better accomplished by others. However, the work which they are doing on psychomotor studies is of continuing interest. To study the effects of ionizing radiation on psychomotor abilities, psycho-motor tests are given to patients at M. D. Anderson Hospital who are being treated for cancer with high doses of whole body radiation. Colonel Pickering stated that there was remaining in the contract approximately $16,000 in unspent funds. Colonel Payne then continued the discussion stating that three different psycho-motor tests were given to the individuals. These tests are: (1) the complex coordinator; (2) the hand coordination test; and (3) the rotary pursuit test. These three tests were chosen because of their proven relationship to the skills required in basic pilotry. The tests are administered prior to the individuals receiving radiation and then administered again the day following and nine days subsequent. The patients being tested have been receiving up to 200 r's of radiation. The data from the psychomotor tests appear to show no change in the individuals ability on the complex coordination and hand coordination test, but there appears to be a change in the individual's ability to accomplish the rotary pursuit test. Colonel Payne pointed out that the analysis of the data is difficult to do and the scores have to be adjusted for the ages and other factors of the individuals. The data to date is based on 70 cases. In the coming work it is hoped that they will be able to test more patients in order to get a larger number of cases for statistical analysis. In the coming year most of the patients will have received 200 r's. This high amount of radiation is a result of the changed thinking of the physicians at M. D. Anderson who now feel that the high dose is more beneficial in the treatment of cancer patients. Colonel McGraw stated that if all we wanted accomplished was the psychmotor and clinical testing don't we have a man stationed at M. D. Anderson to do the testing. Colonel Pickering answered we used to have a man but he is no longer there and probably the medical technician listed in the proposal will do the testing. Colonel McGraw asked whether the blood work will be carried out and received a negative answer. Colonel McGraw then asked about the costs involved and Colonel Pickering stated that we will probably have to cut the budget to remove most of the person-nel listed therein. Colonel Payne stated perhaps this should be tabled until the details can be worked out, but Colonel Payne and Colonel Pickering finally suggested that the contract be extended without additional funds and when the funds remaining are used up then the contract be considered further. Major Schwartz asked whether a change to the present Statement of Minutes Research Council Meeting, 29 Aug 55 (cond't) would be required in order to limit the work to psychomotor testing only and received an affirmative reply. Dr. Taylor moved that the contract be extended without additional funds to continue within the limits of those funds and the Statement of Work in the contract be amended to require that work be accomplished on psychomotor testing and clinical observation only; seconded by Dr. Clark. The vote was as follows; Colonel Sweeney Yes Colonel McGraw Yes Lt Colonel Payne Yes Lt Colonel Allen Yes Colonel Fixott Yes Dr. Mitchell Yes Dr. Taylor Yes Dr. Clark Yes 5. Captain Gafford presented an In-House task entitled "Qualitative and Quantitative Effects of Gamma Radiation on the Viability and on the Genetic and Enzymic Constitution of a Selected Microorganism". His presentation consisted of direct reading of the proposal which he had prepared, a copy of which is attached hereto. He stated that the total cost of this task would not require more than $200.00 plus one full time laboratory assistant, in addition to full-time for himself and the work should be completed in 12 to 18 months. Dr. Clark moved that the Council recommend approval; seconded by Dr. Taylor. Colonel Pickering stated that he felt neutron radiation should follow if the work contemplated is succesfull. Colonel Kossuth and Colonel McGraw then discussed the effect of the mutations and asked, is any consideration being given to identify pathogens which might result. Captain Gafford stated that it was doubtful if pathogenic organisms would result because of the type of bacteria they were using. Dr. Mitchell added, if pathogens would result they would be a new strain. Colonel Pickering asked whether the use of the bacteria would constitute a hazard to the monkeys in their laboratory and Captain Gafford answered that it was unlikely because the organisms used are similar to bread molds and with standard, safe laboratory procedures danger from them was very limited. The vote to recommend aproval was as follows. Colonel Sweeney Yes Colonel McGraw Yes Lt Colonel Payne Yes Lt Colonel Allen Yes Colonel Fixott Yes Dr. Mitchell Yes Dr. Taylor Yes Dr. Clark Yes 6. Dr. Mitchell presented a proposal from Dr. Kemp, Baylor Unviersity entitled "Development and Evaluation of Diagnostic Minutes Research Council Meeting, 29 Aug 55 (cond't) Methods for the Study of Antiveral Substances on the Agents of Serum Hepatitis and Infectious Hepatitis" for 1 year at a cost of $19,653. He stated that this task