AIR2.960731.030
HISTORY OF THE ARCTIC AEROMEDICAL IABORATORY
1 July 1964 - 31 December 1964
ARCTIC AEROMEDICAL IABORATORY Aerospace Medical Division (MSC) APO Seattle, Washington 98731 -t GENERAL STATEMENT
In July and August 1964 a considerable proportion of our time and -1 resources were invested in the establishment of a research building at Mt. Wrangell, Alaska. The responsiveness and devotion to duty of the labora-
tory personnel during this effort was particularly noteworthy. We provided research apprenticeship training to three outstanding I high school science students during the summer of 1964. They camecto the
I University of Alaska for a National Science Foundation sponsored summer
science workshop and spent about six hours a day working in our laboratory.
In September we provided a substantial amount of assistance to the
American Association for the Advancement of Science, Alaska Division.
This organization conducted ffs annual Alaska Science Conference on the ' University of Alaska campus. In addition to the participation of our staff
in the scientific meetings, Dr. Charles J. Eagan served as president and
chairman, and Mr. Robert E. Becker of our staff supervised local arrangements.
Vigorous field testing and research efforts which are typical of our winter activities commenced in October. We evaluated life rafts, anti-
exposure suits, and experimental shelters during the period October- December 1964.
Development of our proposed research program for Fiscal Years 1966 and 1967 was a major activity in November as a preliminary to the program
review conducted at AMD in December. This review was attended by Lt Col Holmstrom, Dr. Drury, and Captain Corley. The reporting period generally reGected a continuation of the trend in Our laboratory toward increased emphasis on human-oriented applied re-
search and testing which depends on the laboratory's unique environment
and Specialized staffing. OUTSTANDING ACCOMPLISHMENTS
1. Feasibility Study-Arctic Altitude Test Site. A small facility was established at the 13,800 foot level of
Mount Wrangell in southcentral Alaska during July and August 1964. This structure is to be used for ascertaining the feasibility of logistic support and ,operation effectiveness of an arctic high altitude research facility. The airlift and assembly of the prefabricated.. building was a joint effort of this Laboratory, the U.S. Army Arctic Test Center, and the Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska. Periodic checks indicate that the building can withstand strong mountain winds and drift- ing snow and that radiant ground heat from a local volcanic source main-, tains a constant warm, dry environment in the interior of the unattended building. Proof of building design principle has thus been demonstrated.
The first major operational test of the facility as a base of operations is scheduled for the summer of 1965, when a research team will conduct an extensive program studying the relationships of physical fitness, high altitude, and cold tolerance.
2. FACT Project.
AS a follow-on phase in the demonstration of the feasibility of performing useful: work at Mount Wrangell, (see above), Colonel Holmstrom determined that a relatively large work effort on the mountain should be attempted. He encouraged the staff to submit proposals.
As a result, Dr. Charles Eagan, a research physiologist, proposed the FACT Qitness, Altitude, gold zolerance) Project. This effort, which will involve a period of eight months, will include a phase of about three weeks each for twelve subjects on Mount Wrangell. The relationship of physical fitness and altitude acclimatization to cold tolerance Will be examined. Months of vigorous outdoor exercise (2-3 hours per day)
in sub-zero weather at Fort Wainwright will be required of the research
subjects before they go to Mount Wrangell for three arduous, isolated
weeks. The laboratory personnel exhibited notable enthusiasm for
this research effort; with full knowledge of the demanding conditions
to be encountered, sixteen of the twenty assigned airmen volunteered .. to be experimental subjects.
3. Development and Evaluation of an ArcEic Survival Shelter.
During this period Captain John F. Lee of the Environmental
Protection Branch reached the final stages of the exploratory develop-
ment of a lightweight arctic survival shelter. The only effort remain-
ing is the improvement of its inflatable frame--an effort that is well
within the capability of existing technology. This new type shelter is made of nylon fabric and filled with northern goose down. The smallest
version of the shelter weighs eight pounds and can be vacuum packed
into a container small enough to fit most survival kits. During testing with outside temperatures below minus 4OoP, temperatures within the
shelter (with a subject inside) were found to be +60"F. . Further testing
and evaluation as to material, structural configuration, etc., will be made on this shelter concept. Results thus far indicate that "Fireless and Foodless Survival': is valid even in extreme arctic survival
situations. i
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_I r 3. WSE.kRCH DIVISION Pa Dr. Horace F. Drury, Director of Research, attended the Third International Symposium on Bioastronsutics end Exploration of Space
held at Aerospace Medical Division in November; he also confered
with contracting officers at that time. In December, he attended
the Aerospace Medical Division's 'Laboratory Program Review.
In the Editorial Section, 18 technical documentary reports were .- edited, typed and forwarded to the Army Field PrinF ing Plant at Fort Richardson, Alaska, for publication. Published copies of 14
technical documentary reports Were sent out to selected mailing
lists, which are currently being revised. In September Mrs. Ann
Swift, new half-time editor as of late July, and Mrs. Marie Finch,
GS-5 Editorial Clerk, visited the A-my Field Printing Plant at
Fort Richardson and the Publishing DivisioE of Elmendorf Air
Force Base to study and coordinate editorial, writing, and printing i procedure. A new catalog of all Arctic Aeromedical Laboratory
publications, up to 1 October 1964, was prepared.
In the Library, 247 volumes of bound journals were added.
Miss Mary B. McDonald was assigned as Librarian late in August.
In the Graphics Section, Mr. Donald A. Borchert produced
extensive graphs showing the rhythdmic heartbeats of various
mammals during hibernation. Periodic photographs were taken of
various mammals (including fox, bear, weasels acd squirrels) whose
coloz? change as a result of their adeptation to changing environ-
ments. These photographs were used in comparative studies by this
Laboratory's project scientists. .- ., :*: I. .J . .-.'.-. .,
BIOCHEX S TRY BUNCH
In-house effort of the Eiochelnistry Branch duriog this period consisted of an investigatio3 ict3 the utilization of fat and carbohydrate
for the dietary energy incremest reqaired by aaimals exposed to moderate
cold. Rats were forced, byxirims feeding techniques, to obtain their cold-induced extra energy requiremeat froin fat oily or carbohydrate
only. They were compared with rats receiviig a complete mixed diet
for their extra energy reqnirement. Results of these experiments showed
that when protein intake was increased as E result of cold exposure,
the deposition of carcass fat was reduced. If protein intake was not
allowed to increase, carcass fat depositio3 approachedlevels char-
acteristic of warm rats. Tie levels cf certaisl enzymes associated
with glucose metabolism were cpite dependent upon the amount of carbo-
hydrate (sucrose) or fat eaten. Tkse restlfts show in general that
some metabolic responses to cold exposare are more directly influenced
by changes (incident to cold exposure) in the proportion of the
various constituents of the diets csed for anabolism and catabolism
than by cold exposure per se.
During this report period, wxk with armlytical measurement of
various amino acids found in Slcod sera was initiated. The purpose
of this was to find effective uieeis of investigating the immediate
utilization of prctein md emi2o zcid nixtxres for heat and chemical transformations. These investigstiozs ere projected for studies of
heavy work metabolism End acate cold exposure in humans, as well as
for possible clinical ap?licstions, e.g., protein undernutrition. Dr. T.A. Rogers, Contract AF41(609)-1918, continued experi-
.winter cold. Dr. B.C. Johnson, Contract AF41(609)-2185, continued his 0 - .work on refeeding stress following prolonged starvation.
Dr. Vaughan presented a paper at the 15th Alaskan STience
Conference (AAAS) in College , Alaska.
In July, Dr. George J. Klain, Research Biochemist, resigned his
position with the Biochemistry Branch to take a job at the Army
Medical Research and Nutrition Laboratory at Fitzsimons Hospital,
Denver; This vacancy has not yet been filled.
I
I
t ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION BRANCH
In-house efforts of Environmental Protection Bramh during this
period consisted of additional evaluation of anti-exposure garments;
tests were completed on the ME1 and the cwV-3/P models. These teste
were conducted to accumulate base data for comparison to the modified
cWU-l2/P and the new cWV=lO/P enti-exposure garments, which will be
tested as soon as they are received. Body temperature measurements were obtained from subjects wearing the garments urrder various exposure
and test conditions. Extrapolation of the datadlowed realistic
prediction of survival tirres. Analysis of the data also indicated weak areas where minor modifications may materialxy improve or extend
the effectiveness of the garments.
A report on the results obtained to September 1964 in the anti-
exposure suit evaluation is ready for publication.
Using the infrared camera, a study of frostbite has been under-
taken. The camera was set up in a special room at Bassett Army
Hospital, Ft. Wainwright, to facilitate the photography of frostbite patients. Prior to photographing any actual frostbite cases, eight
subjects from this Laboratory were used to establish test procedures
8nd check the calibration of the equipment. As of this reporting period, six actual cases of frostbite have been photographed. At the completion of the study, a comprehensive report will be published.
During the reporting period, work has progressed on the arctic survival shelter. Through the University of Alaska, Geophysical
Institute, a small contract was let with GOD. Schjeldahl Coo,
Northfield, Minnesota, to develop an inflatable frame for the she1 ter. To date, two frames have been delivered aDd evalzated. As a result,
design improvements are being incorporated into the third frame (final
deliverable item). While a final satisfactory design of the inflatable frame has not been reached, progress has been made, and the concept has
proven worthy of further consideration.
Work has been initiated on a new concept in a survival raft--a
down-filled capsule. This concept is being developed in conjunction
with the down-filled arctic survival shelter. The long-range goal is to
develop a universal survival article, which would serve as a land shelter
and as a completely enclosed insulated raft for water survival. Tests
were conducted on the Chena River, with water temperatures just above
freezing and air temperatures slightly below freezigg. Results were
very encouraging, indicating that a survivor could remain warm-for
extended periods in the coldest environment conceivable in a water
survival situation. Much work remains to be done on the shelter/raft
concept, and it is anticipated that, in addition to the in-house efforts,
a developmental contract will be let in the near future.
A contract was initiated with the University of Wisconsin, to study the Alaskan Eskimo's traditional knowledge of the sea ice
environment. Mr. Richard Nelson, the field investigator, has been in
the Eskimo village of Wainwright since late August.
Other projects include an evaluation for the Bureau of Land
Management of their smoke jumpers' parachute assembly and medical equipment pack. This evaluation is approximately 25% complete. An evaluation of the potential Air Force use of auxiliary heated clothing
I was initiated. Auxiliary heated clothing is, of course, not a new concept; however, state-of-the-art advance has-. been made in the past few years, and their potential application to Air Force needs is being s t ud ied . In September, the Branch conducted a one-day seminar on recent studies of personal equipment and survival procedures. The seminar was attended by personnel of the Support Training Division and the
Staff of Alaskan Air Conanand,and the personnel of the Aircrew Arctic
Indoctrination School, Flight Surgeons and medical personnel of Eielson
AFB. Dr. F.A. Milan and MSgt W.W. Millard visited Alaskan Air Cormnand and participated in a meeting dealing with the rewriting of regulations concerning survival kits carried by all aircraft. They also attended, as technical advisors, the Personal Equipment Advisory Group (PEAG) meeting held at Langley AFB in August, and visited the Tactial Air
Command Sea Survival School.
Dr. Milzn attended a three-day USAF conference on Egress Systems,
Anti-exposure Suits and Flotation Equipment at the Pentagon in September.
He presented the results of the Branch's extensive test program con- cerning the thermal adequacy of anti-exposure suits presently in the
USAF inventory.
In October, Dr. Milan attended the PEAG meeting held at Norton
AFB. Capt. J.F. Lee and Dr. Milan attended the Space & Flight Equip- ment Association Symposium at San Diego, California. At the symposium,
Capt. Lee presented a paper on the down-filled capsule as an arctic suniva 1 she 1ter . ’ In October, a reorganization of the Branch was made. Tyo sections
‘were established--the field test section end the special studies section.
‘Capt. J.F. Lee, Chief of Special Studies Section. c Capt. J.F. Roy and TSgt C.C. Frederick were assigned to the Branch in September. Mrs. Ruth Blume was employed as seczetary in -July, and Mr. Eugene Tapp was employed in the Fabrication shop in September . ' kzs -2$ * i. PHYSIOLOGY BRANCH me research efforts of the Physiology Branch fell into the four following areas: the physiological and psychological effects of acute cold exposure; the physiological and psychological effects of chronic cold exposure; the physical, chemical and physiological effects of tissue cooling; and the evaluation of research in arctic biology and medicine. The objectives of these st-idies are to define the absqlute physio- logical and psychological limitations imposed upon the operating efficiency of military personnel exposed to an arctic environment, to develop techniques and procedures to promote beneficial physiological and psychological adjustments, to provide the information necessary for developing procedures to prevent cold injury and to the functional capability of body areas that are susceptible to cooling during arctic operat ions. During this periad an improved windchill index was developed and incorporated in the Cold Injury Regulation ATP 161-1-111. Ten thousand pocket-size cards depicting a realistic windchill index have been pub- lished and distributed to military personnel in the U.S. Army, Alaska. A standardized method for assessing human cold tolerance was developed and will be accepted for use during the International Biological Year. A study was made to determine whether improved physical fitness increases tolerance to cold. Baseline measurements have been completed for a major study on the relationship of physical fitness, altitude and tolerance to cold. Data was collected on factors affecting mission per- ,- formance at eight Alaskan Nike Sites. Comprehensive studies have been initiated to determine the effect of the arctic environment on biological rhythms ! .- _-- Contractual research monitored by the Physiology Branch continued, with six contracts in effect. In August, Capt. Richard A. Boster, research veterinarian, left Alaska to atteid Kansas State University, where he will work toward a Master of Science degree in physiology. In October, Lt. Richard C. Simmonds, research veterinarian, was assigned to the Physiology.Branch. Lt. Simonds is a recent graduate of the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia. In September, Dr. G. Edgar Folk, Jr., associate professor of physiology at the State University of Iowa, took a 1-year leave of absence to join the Physiology Branch. Dr. Folk has worked actively in the area of biological rhythms in the Arctic during the past several years. In December, TSgt Howard Mo3tgomery was assigned to the Physiology Branch and was appointed NCOIC. A2C Richard J. Gibbs, who arrived in December, replaced SSgt Curtis Hahn, who was reassigned CONUS in October, as veterinarian specialist at the River Laboratory. In November, Dr. Eugene Evonuk, chief of Physiology Branch, and Dr. Eagan, research physiologist, attended the Bioastronautics acd Space Exploration Symposium in San Antonio, Texas. In December Lt. Simonds attended the Experimental Animal Anesthesiology Symposium at Brooks AFB, Texas. In September, Physiology Branch personnel participated actively in the 15th Alaskan Science Conference, held at the University of Alaska. Dr. C.J. Eagan, research physiologist, was General Chairman of the conference. .. ARCTIC MEDICINE BRUCH 1- In-house and contractual efforts of the Arctic Medicine Branch came under the three following areas during this reporting period: relation- ship of the arctic environment to the infectious disease state; relation- ship of the arctic environment to the non-infectious disease state; and arctic sanitation. Mr. Robert E. Becker’s efforts to recover viable bacteria from the frozen state (permafrost) moved ahead in several areas during this report- ing period. Two sets of cores were obtained from a depth of 18 feet, where permafrost began, down to 34 feet. Based on carbon-14 dates, these cores represent an age span from approximately 11,000 to 25,000 years ago. Samples presently being carbon dated will yield more specific dates. Efforts continued at a stepped-up pace to devise a system for introducing the frozen core ssmples into a sterile hood and sterilizing the exterior of the cores before examination for the presence of viable bac ter ia . Mr. Becker served as Chairmen of Local Arrangements for the 15th Alaskan Science Conference, AAAS, which was held at the University of Alaska in September, a conference which attracted nearly 500 registrants from all over the United States. Captain Clifford E. Butler concluded a portion of his study on the presence of enteric pathogens in dogs in the Fairbanks area. The resulting paper was published 8s a technical documentary report, Jd,llwnA d+ TNfiB?-lCus DISGACGS accepted for publication in the and presented at the 15th Alaska Science Conference. This line of investi- . gation has been expanded to include Army missile site sentry dogs. - -- .Study of the influence of temperature on the occurrence of human enteric pathogens in river water was pursued during this period. Capt. Butler and SSgt Charles Busbee aided civilian health authorities in clearing up an outbreak of gastroenteritis at the University of Alaska AnlPrdM and identified the causative agent as Salmonella They also recovered Neisseria meningitidis from two cases of meningitis at Eielson AFB. Sgt Busbee initiated a study of the changes in blood sugar, total protein and electrophoretic patterns in persons experiencing cold exposure with maximum shivering. This work has been incorporated in Dr. Eagan's FACT program. Three contracts were concluded, those with the University of Utah (Dr. Marcus), Kent State University (Dr. Wilber), and the cross- service agreement with the Arctic Health Research Center (Mr. Hickey). With the conclusion of the AHRC contract, Arctic Medicine Branch task 824104, Arctic Sanitation, was also terminated. The work on cold injury tissue damage which was being done at Kent State University is continued by the same investigator, Dr. Wilber, at the Univprsity of Delaware. MSgt Roland E. Swanson continued to submit radiation fallout reports to the USPHS in Washington, D.C. in connection with its Radiation Surveillance Program. This is the only reporting station in Interior Alaska. ,, 4- . :<.- J. SUPPORT DIVISION on 1 July 1964, the USARAL-AFSC (US Army, Alaske-Air Force Systems Comnd) support agreement came into effect, placing the Laboratory under Fort Wainwright for much greater support. Many items which had r. *-been previously accomplished on a "friendly" basis became official "'items of support under the new agreemeit. Chief among the new items was the transfer of purchasing and contracting support for the Labora- .. ' tory from Eielson AFB to Fort Wainwright. This was accomplished in an orderly fashion, and the availability of charge accounts set up by the Army and utilized by this Laboratory eased the cash load on the cash purchasing officer. However, the use of Army funds for Purchasing and Contracting negotiations created a non-realistic commitment and obligation rate and close follow-up has had to take place. The agreement has proved to be an effective tool in obtaining required support for this Laboratory. I 1 1 ADMINISTRATION BRANCH Durhg this period there was a gain of ten and a loss of six 1 permanent party military personnel. A military records check was 1 conducted- by a representative of Aerospace Medical Division. A review of the reference library publications was conducted, .I 1 and correspondence file procedures within the laboratory were reviewed. -A security test was administered to those persons in the laboratory I I who have been granted a security clearance. No disciplinary problems were encountered and morale of the I personnel continued high. One officer and two airmen voluntarily extended their oversea tour. Arrangements were completed for the use of the Bassett Army Hospital mechanical addressing equipment for use in mailing our technical documentary reports. Rapport with the host post continued excellent. No exceptional problems were encountered. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT BRANCH Initial authorization for FY65 P6801 funds was $275,000. Sub- sequent adjustments of funding between research projects did not alter the total of funds allowed for contractual research. Sixteen contractual efforts were supported (see Appendix 5). At the request of Aerospace Medical Division, pre-initiations of FY65 funds were started.. in the latter part of FY64. Ten purchase requests were pre-initiated for a total of $163,837 or 59.6% of the total authorization. However, only 407. of the pre-initiation was recorded by Aerospace Medical Division as of 30 June. Initial authorization for P6901 funds was $427,000. An additional $16,000 was authorized in November, bringing the total authorization to $443,000 as of the end of this reporting period. The transfer of the purchasing and contracting function to the U.S. Army Yukon Command Finance Office necessitated immediate obligation of large portions in the services, supplies and equipment object class accounts for antici- pated reimbursements; this created an unrealistic obligation picture in these areas (see Appendix 6). These blanket obligations have necessitated an extensive and detailed set of local records in order to record the actual current obligation status and to verify the accuracy of Yukon Command requests for reimbursement. FY64 Comander's Funds in the amount of $15,500 were obligated during this period. MATERIEL BRANCH During this reporting period, the Materiel Sranch stressed the turn-in of excess equipment. Tun-ins to Bese Supply were $515.00; b to Redistribution and Marketing, $12,345.00. There were no condemned excess medical supplies. Many equipment items were purchased including a portable Dog Kennel, Sterilizer, Temperature Humidity Recorder, Air Meter B-27, Air Meter Indicator RB- 1, Photo Cbmparator End Radiation Reference Standard. The latter two items are components of the Infrared radio- meter used in the study of frostbite. This most valiuable instrument is now 100% operational. During this period, TSgt Johnnie Sanders replaced TSgt John H. Tew and A3C John 2. Akins replaced A2C James Hammack; this section is now operating at full strength. Significant work has been accomplished in the experimental cold chambers; both are fully operational. In the Prototype Fabrication Section, a total of 28 work orders were cornpleted with En expenditure of 1580 manhours. Thirty-eight service calls were made with an expenditure of 60 manhours. A noteworthy project in progress is the construction of two tilt tables to be used in conjunction with the Mt. Wrangell study. I, X X @a 9c9 5 L W 8 zu tn H Hc i u 0 H H E-. m 2 4 APPENDIX 2 KEY PERSONNEL AS OF 31 DECWER 1964 cormnand and Staff -- Commander Lt Col Fritz M G Holmstrom A Executive Captain Horace.- Corley Resear ch D iv is ion Dr Horace F Drury Arctic Medicine Branch Mr Robert E Becker Biochemistry Branch Dr David A Vsughan Environmental Protection Brench Dr Frederick A Milan Physiology Branch Dr Eugene Evor-uk Support Division Captain Robert L Woodward Administration Branch MSgt John A Newsom Authorized and Assigned Strenpth as of 31 December 1964 Authorized Assigned Officers 8 8 Airmen 19 23 C ivi 1ians 24 22 i b il APPENDIX 3 PERSONNEL GAINS A!! LOSSES -Gains 1 1st Lt 28956 Engineer, Special 1 1st Lt 9921 Veterinarian 1 TSgt 92170 Rescue & Sum Tech 1 TSgt 90470 Medical Lab Tech 1 TSgt 64670 Orgn Supply Supv 1 SSgt 55250 Carpenter 1 A1C 70250 Admini s t ra t ive Spec 1 A2C 90850 Veterinary Spec 1 A2C 90450 Medical Lab Spec 1 A3C 64630 Orgn Supply Spec Losses 1 Cap t 9931 Vet er inar ian 1 TSgt 90470 Medical Lab Tech 1 TSgt 92170 Rescue & Sum Tech 1 TSgt 64670 Orgn Supply Supv 1 SSgt 90850 Veterinary Spec 1 A 1C 55250 Carpenter . .. . APPENDIX 4 Research, Development, Test and Evaluation Projects Conducted by the Arctic Aeromedical Laboratory During Fiscal Year 1965 .. Pro iect Title 8237 Physiological and Psychological Responses ani Adaptations to the Arctic Environment 8238 Material Requisites for Aircrew Effectiveness in the Arctic 8241 Arctic Environmental Medicine 1 APPENDIX 5 Status of P6801 Funds (In Thousands) Authorized Initiated Committed Obligated -%c : 126,647 129,227* 43,934 14,380 8237 84,353 83,519 83,519 43,434 64,000 55,520 55,520 30,800 275,000 268,266 182,973 88,614 *- ' Temporary overinitiation pending adjustment, action completed, Authorized 150M 1 Initiated Committed lOOM Ob ligated . 50M 8237 8238 8241 i APPENDIX 6 Status of P6901 Funds (In Thousands) Approved Fin Plan Committed Obligated I -- -- - 252 128 12 8 19 14 14 2 4 2 'a 19 9 9 7 4 4 67 53 53 42 27 27 33 31 31 -- - 44 3 26 8 26 8 250 App Fin Plan 150 0 Commitments 100 Obligations 75 50 I 2s 0