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Objective: The purpose of this DNP quality improvement (QI) project is to increase anesthesia providers’ multimodal analgesia (MMA) knowledge and access willingness to use MMA to effectively control burn patients’ pain through a live presentation educational event at Valleywise Health Medical Center (VHMC). Background: Pain management is a major challenge in patients with burn injuries. This is because of the complexity of pain associated with burn injury. Pain management is complicated by repetitive procedures to improve patients’ outcomes, such as wound debridement, dressing changes, and skin grafting. Also, desensitization of opioid receptors occurs with chronic use of opioids. Therefore, if acute pain is not adequately controlled, it leads to chronic pain, making pain more challenging to control. Methods: A 30-minute live presentation of a multimodal analgesic strategy for managing pain associated with burn injury was delivered to Valleywise Health Medical Center anesthesia providers, incorporating American Burn Association (ABA) guidelines for managing acute burn pain. Change in knowledge and willingness to change practice was evaluated with a 17-item measure using a pretest and post-test design. Results: Twenty-one anesthesia providers completed both the pre- and post-survey; this includes eight physician anesthesiologists, 11 certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), and two student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs). There was a statistically significant improvement in anesthesia providers’ MMA knowledge, as shown by the increase in post-survey scores following MMA education. Similarly, the anesthesia providers reported being more confident in utilizing MMA, including regional anesthesia, and more likely to use MMA in future burn pain management. Conclusion: This DNP QI project showed that providing anesthesia providers with live MMA education increases their MMA knowledge and willingness to use MMA to effectively control pain associated with burn

The objectives were to assess whether social support for healthy eating and perceived food environment are associated with diet quality, and to investigate if sociodemographic characteristics moderate these associations. A probability sample of French-speaking adults from the Province of Québec, Canada, was recruited in the context of the PREDISE study. Participants reported their perceptions of supportive and non-supportive actions related to healthy eating from close others at home and outside of home (n = 952), and of the accessibility to healthy foods (n = 1035). The Canadian Healthy Eating Index (C-HEI) was calculated based on three Web-based 24 h food recalls. Multiple linear regression models showed that supportive (B = 1.50 (95% CI 0.46, 2.54)) and non-supportive (B = −3.06 (95% CI −4.94, −1.18)) actions related to healthy eating from close others at home were positively and negatively associated with C-HEI, respectively, whereas actions from close others outside of home were not. The negative association between non-supportive actions occurring at home and C-HEI was stronger among participants with lower (vs. higher) levels of education (p interaction = 0.03). Perceived accessibility to healthy foods was not associated with C-HEI (p > 0.05). These results suggest that the social environment may have a stronger influence on healthy eating than the perceived physical environment. This adds support for healthy eating promotion programs involving entire families, especially for more socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals, whose efforts to eat healthily may be more easily thwarted by non-supportive households

Revising the deep water stratigraphy exposed on Maio offers a key section recording the sedimentary evolution in the distal domain of the Central Atlantic and the related North West African Atlantic margin (NWAAM). The oceanic volcanic island is one of nine islands in the Cape Verde archipelago, and is unique to the Central Atlantic due to the exposures of ophiolites and the overlying Mesozoic deep water sediments uplifted during the Cenozoic. This provides the opportunity to assess at outcrop, the exhumed sediments, stratigraphy and paleo-environments of the early Central Atlantic and contribute towards the knowledge of passive margin evolution along the NWAAM, part of the largest continental remnant of Gondwana. Combined with the previous recording of calpionellids, the first collection of lower Valanginian ammonites from the lowest sedimentary succession provides conclusive evidence that Jurassic sediments are not present on Maio. Bed-by-bed sampling and ensuing micro-palaeontological analysis of these 71 samples, together with a re-interpretation of Stahlecker's remaining historical palaeontological collection providing a comprehensive dataset to build a high-resolution stratigraphic framework for the Mesozoic sediments. This reveals pelagic deep water limestones of the Morro Fm. were deposited until the upper Barremian. A major lithological change from carbonate- to siliciclastic-dominated facies, corresponding to the Morro-Carquiejo Fm. boundary is recognised as a regional hiatus spanning part of the Aptian identified across the Central Atlantic. The overlying Albian and younger Carquiejo Fm. is seen as an equivalent to the Albian-Cenomanian black shales of DSDP Leg 41, yet organic content is absent due to degradation. Future studies can build on this multi-disciplinary investigation and rely on the revision of the stratigraphy of Maio.

Revising the deep water stratigraphy exposed on Maio offers a key section recording the sedimentary evolution in the distal domain of the Central Atlantic and the related North West African Atlantic margin (NWAAM). The oceanic volcanic island is one of nine islands in the Cape Verde archipelago, and is unique to the Central Atlantic due to the exposures of ophiolites and the overlying Mesozoic deep water sediments uplifted during the Cenozoic. This provides the opportunity to assess at outcrop, the exhumed sediments, stratigraphy and paleo-environments of the early Central Atlantic and contribute towards the knowledge of passive margin evolution along the NWAAM, part of the largest continental remnant of Gondwana. Combined with the previous recording of calpionellids, the first collection of lower Valanginian ammonites from the lowest sedimentary succession provides conclusive evidence that Jurassic sediments are not present on Maio. Bed-by-bed sampling and ensuing micro-palaeontological analysis of these 71 samples, together with a re-interpretation of Stahlecker's remaining historical palaeontological collection providing a comprehensive dataset to build a high-resolution stratigraphic framework for the Mesozoic sediments. This reveals pelagic deep water limestones of the Morro Fm. were deposited until the upper Barremian. A major lithological change from carbonate- to siliciclastic-dominated facies, corresponding to the Morro-Carquiejo Fm. boundary is recognised as a regional hiatus spanning part of the Aptian identified across the Central Atlantic. The overlying Albian and younger Carquiejo Fm. is seen as an equivalent to the Albian-Cenomanian black shales of DSDP Leg 41, yet organic content is absent due to degradation. Future studies can build on this multi-disciplinary investigation and rely on the revision of the stratigraphy of Maio.

The objectives were to assess whether social support for healthy eating and perceived food environment are associated with diet quality, and to investigate if sociodemographic characteristics moderate these associations. A probability sample of French-speaking adults from the Province of Québec, Canada, was recruited in the context of the PREDISE study. Participants reported their perceptions of supportive and non-supportive actions related to healthy eating from close others at home and outside of home (n = 952), and of the accessibility to healthy foods (n = 1035). The Canadian Healthy Eating Index (C-HEI) was calculated based on three Web-based 24 h food recalls. Multiple linear regression models showed that supportive (B = 1.50 (95% CI 0.46, 2.54)) and non-supportive (B = −3.06 (95% CI −4.94, −1.18)) actions related to healthy eating from close others at home were positively and negatively associated with C-HEI, respectively, whereas actions from close others outside of home were not. The negative association between non-supportive actions occurring at home and C-HEI was stronger among participants with lower (vs. higher) levels of education (p interaction = 0.03). Perceived accessibility to healthy foods was not associated with C-HEI (p > 0.05). These results suggest that the social environment may have a stronger influence on healthy eating than the perceived physical environment. This adds support for healthy eating promotion programs involving entire families, especially for more socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals, whose efforts to eat healthily may be more easily thwarted by non-supportive households

With social interactions, the phenotype of an individual is influenced by the direct genetic effect (DGEs) of the individual, as well as the indirect genetic effects (IGEs) of its group mates. With IGEs, the heritable variance and response to selection depend on the group size. The change of IGE with group size can be modelled via a 'dilution' parameter ( d ), which reflects the magnitude of IGE as a function of group size. Very little is known of the estimability of d and the precision of its estimate. The relevance of d estimation is due to its impact on the dynamics of response to selection and heritable variation. We simulated data with varying group sizes and estimated d using IGE models including d parameter. Schemes investigated differed with respect to average group size (4, 6 or 8) and variability of group size (coefficient of variation= CV , ranging from 0.125 to 1.010) obtained based on either 2 or 3 group sizes within a scheme. A design where individuals were randomly allocated to groups was used to estimate d . Results showed that it was possible to estimate d in data with varying group sizes. All estimates were unbiased. With larger CV of group sizes, d could be estimated more precisely. Estimation of the relationship between the magnitude of IGEs and group size would allow for proper interpretation of direct and indirect variance components that contributes to heritable variation in relation to group size.

Background: Accurate genomic prediction requires a large reference population, which is problematic for traits that are expensive to measure. Traits related to milk protein composition are not routinely recorded due to costly procedures and are considered to be controlled by a few quantitative trait loci of large effect. The amount of variation explained may vary between regions leading to heterogeneous (co)variance patterns across the genome. Genomic prediction models that can efficiently take such heterogeneity of (co)variances into account can result in improved prediction reliability. In this study, we developed and implemented novel univariate and bivariate Bayesian prediction models, based on estimates of heterogeneous (co)variances for genome segments (BayesAS). Available data consisted of milk protein composition traits measured on cows and de-regressed proofs of total protein yield derived for bulls. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), from 50K SNP arrays, were grouped into non-overlapping genome segments. A segment was defined as one SNP, or a group of 50, 100, or 200 adjacent SNPs, or one chromosome, or the whole genome. Traditional univariate and bivariate genomic best linear unbiased prediction (GBLUP) models were also run for comparison. Reliabilities were calculated through a resampling strategy and using deterministic formula. Results: BayesAS models improved prediction reliability for most of the traits compared to GBLUP models and this gain depended on segment size and genetic architecture of the traits. The gain in prediction reliability was especially marked for the protein composition traits β-CN, κ-CN and β-LG, for which prediction reliabilities were improved by 49 percentage points on average using the MT-BayesAS model with a 100-SNP segment size compared to the bivariate GBLUP. Prediction reliabilities were highest with the BayesAS model that uses a 100-SNP segment size. The bivariate versions of our BayesAS models resulted in extra gains

Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) causes 15% of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Here we show that recessive mutations in FAT1 cause a distinct renal disease entity in four families with a combination of SRNS, tubular ectasia, haematuria and facultative neurological involvement. Loss of FAT1 results in decreased cell adhesion and migration in fibroblasts and podocytes and the decreased migration is partially reversed by a RAC1/CDC42 activator. Podocyte-specific deletion of Fat1 in mice induces abnormal glomerular filtration barrier development, leading to podocyte foot process effacement. Knockdown of Fat1 in renal tubular cells reduces migration, decreases active RAC1 and CDC42, and induces defects in lumen formation. Knockdown of fat1 in zebrafish causes pronephric cysts, which is partially rescued by RAC1/CDC42 activators, confirming a role of the two small GTPases in the pathogenesis. These findings provide new insights into the pathogenesis of SRNS and tubulopathy, linking FAT1 and RAC1/CDC42 to podocyte and tubular cell function.

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to report the clinical outcomes and related prognostic factors of patients who underwent radiotherapy (RT) for the treatment of recurrent, never-irradiated oral cavity cancer (recurrent OCC).MethodsThe records of consecutive patients with nonmetastatic recurrent OCC who presented to and were treated with RT at our institution between 1989 and 2011 were reviewed. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate overall survival (OS). The cumulative incidences of disease-specific death, local failure, regional failure, and distant metastasis were calculated with death as a competing risk.ResultsOne hundred twenty-three patients were identified. Median follow-up for living patients was 54 months and 16 months for all patients. Ninety-one patients had salvage surgery followed by adjuvant RT. Definitive RT was utilized in the remaining 32 patients. The 5-year OS was 40%. The 5-year cumulative incidence of disease-specific death, local failure, regional failure, and distant metastasis was 55%, 34%, 22%, and 20%, respectively. Recurrent T classification and lack of salvage surgery were independently associated with worse disease-specific death and decreased OS, respectively. Subset analysis of patients who underwent salvage surgery demonstrated that age, recurrent T classification, and perineural invasion (PNI) were independently associated with decreased OS; recurrent T classification and thicker tumors were independently associated with worse disease-specific death; and positive/close margins and primary T classification were independently associated with increased local failure.ConclusionIn this group of patients with recurrent OCC, clinical outcomes were similar or improved when compared with other recurrent OCC-specific reports. In the salvage surgery subset, tumor thickness and PNI are recurrent pathologic features associated with outcomes that were only previously demonstrated in studies of primary disease. Because of the relativ

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 2000., Includes bibliographical references (p. 237-243)., by Luc G. Fréchette., Ph.D.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 2000., Includes bibliographical references (p. 237-243)., by Luc G. Fréchette., Ph.D.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 2000., Includes bibliographical references (p. 237-243)., by Luc G. Fréchette., Ph.D.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 2000., Includes bibliographical references (p. 237-243)., by Luc G. Fréchette., Ph.D.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 2000., Includes bibliographical references (p. 237-243)., by Luc G. Fréchette., Ph.D.

The mitochondria-associated membrane (MAM) is a domain of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that mediates the exchange of ions, lipids and metabolites between the ER and mitochondria. ER chaperones and oxidoreductases are critical components of the MAM. However, the localization motifs and mechanisms for most MAM proteins have remained elusive. Using two highly related ER oxidoreductases as a model system, we now show that palmitoylation enriches ER-localized proteins on the MAM. We demonstrate that palmitoylation of cysteine residue(s) adjacent to the membrane-spanning domain promotes MAM enrichment of the transmembrane thioredoxin family protein TMX. In addition to TMX, our results also show that calnexin shuttles between the rough ER and the MAM depending on its palmitoylation status. Mutation of the TMX and calnexin palmitoylation sites and chemical interference with palmitoylation disrupt their MAM enrichment. Since ER-localized heme oxygenase-1, but not cytosolic GRP75 require palmitoylation to reside on the MAM, our findings identify palmitoylation as key for MAM enrichment of ER membrane proteins.

The mitochondria-associated membrane (MAM) is a domain of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that mediates the exchange of ions, lipids and metabolites between the ER and mitochondria. ER chaperones and oxidoreductases are critical components of the MAM. However, the localization motifs and mechanisms for most MAM proteins have remained elusive. Using two highly related ER oxidoreductases as a model system, we now show that palmitoylation enriches ER-localized proteins on the MAM. We demonstrate that palmitoylation of cysteine residue(s) adjacent to the membrane-spanning domain promotes MAM enrichment of the transmembrane thioredoxin family protein TMX. In addition to TMX, our results also show that calnexin shuttles between the rough ER and the MAM depending on its palmitoylation status. Mutation of the TMX and calnexin palmitoylation sites and chemical interference with palmitoylation disrupt their MAM enrichment. Since ER-localized heme oxygenase-1, but not cytosolic GRP75 require palmitoylation to reside on the MAM, our findings identify palmitoylation as key for MAM enrichment of ER membrane proteins.

Background-Combined analysis of 2 genome-wide association studies in cases enriched for family history recently identified 7 loci (on 1p13.3, 1q41, 2q36.3, 6q25.1, 9p21, 10q11.21, and 15q22.33) that may affect risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Apart from the 9p21 locus, the other loci await substantive replication. Furthermore, the effect of these loci on CAD risk in a broader range of individuals remains to be determined.Methods and Results-We undertook association analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms at each locus with CAD risk in 11 550 cases and 11 205 controls from 9 European studies. The 9p21.3 locus showed unequivocal association (rs1333049, combined odds ratio [OR]=1.20, 95% CI [1.16 to 1.25], probability value=2.81x10(-21)). We also confirmed association signals at 1p13.3 (rs599839, OR=1.13 [1.08 to 1.19], P=1.44x10(-7)), 1q41 (rs3008621, OR=1.10 [1.04 to 1.17], P=1.02x10(-3)), and 10q11.21 (rs501120, OR=1.11 [1.05 to 1.18], P=4.34x10(-4)). The associations with 6q25.1 (rs6922269, P=0.020) and 2q36.3 (rs2943634, P=0.032) were borderline and not statistically significant after correction for multiple testing. The 15q22.33 locus did not replicate. The 10q11.21 locus showed a possible sex interaction (P = 0.015), with a significant effect in women (OR=1.29 [1.15 to 1.45], P=1.86x10(-5)) but not men (OR=1.03 [0.96 to 1.11], P=0.387). There were no other strong interactions of any of the loci with other traditional risk factors. The loci at 9p21, 1p13.3, 2q36.3, and 10q11.21 acted independently and cumulatively increased CAD risk by 15% (12% to 18%), per additional risk allele. ConclusionsThe findings provide strong evidence for association between at least 4 genetic loci and CAD risk. Cumulatively, these novel loci have a significant impact on risk of CAD at least in European populations. (Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2009; 29: 774-780.)

Background-Combined analysis of 2 genome-wide association studies in cases enriched for family history recently identified 7 loci (on 1p13.3, 1q41, 2q36.3, 6q25.1, 9p21, 10q11.21, and 15q22.33) that may affect risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Apart from the 9p21 locus, the other loci await substantive replication. Furthermore, the effect of these loci on CAD risk in a broader range of individuals remains to be determined.Methods and Results-We undertook association analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms at each locus with CAD risk in 11 550 cases and 11 205 controls from 9 European studies. The 9p21.3 locus showed unequivocal association (rs1333049, combined odds ratio [OR]=1.20, 95% CI [1.16 to 1.25], probability value=2.81x10(-21)). We also confirmed association signals at 1p13.3 (rs599839, OR=1.13 [1.08 to 1.19], P=1.44x10(-7)), 1q41 (rs3008621, OR=1.10 [1.04 to 1.17], P=1.02x10(-3)), and 10q11.21 (rs501120, OR=1.11 [1.05 to 1.18], P=4.34x10(-4)). The associations with 6q25.1 (rs6922269, P=0.020) and 2q36.3 (rs2943634, P=0.032) were borderline and not statistically significant after correction for multiple testing. The 15q22.33 locus did not replicate. The 10q11.21 locus showed a possible sex interaction (P = 0.015), with a significant effect in women (OR=1.29 [1.15 to 1.45], P=1.86x10(-5)) but not men (OR=1.03 [0.96 to 1.11], P=0.387). There were no other strong interactions of any of the loci with other traditional risk factors. The loci at 9p21, 1p13.3, 2q36.3, and 10q11.21 acted independently and cumulatively increased CAD risk by 15% (12% to 18%), per additional risk allele. ConclusionsThe findings provide strong evidence for association between at least 4 genetic loci and CAD risk. Cumulatively, these novel loci have a significant impact on risk of CAD at least in European populations. (Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2009; 29: 774-780.)

Background-Combined analysis of 2 genome-wide association studies in cases enriched for family history recently identified 7 loci (on 1p13.3, 1q41, 2q36.3, 6q25.1, 9p21, 10q11.21, and 15q22.33) that may affect risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Apart from the 9p21 locus, the other loci await substantive replication. Furthermore, the effect of these loci on CAD risk in a broader range of individuals remains to be determined.Methods and Results-We undertook association analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms at each locus with CAD risk in 11 550 cases and 11 205 controls from 9 European studies. The 9p21.3 locus showed unequivocal association (rs1333049, combined odds ratio [OR]=1.20, 95% CI [1.16 to 1.25], probability value=2.81x10(-21)). We also confirmed association signals at 1p13.3 (rs599839, OR=1.13 [1.08 to 1.19], P=1.44x10(-7)), 1q41 (rs3008621, OR=1.10 [1.04 to 1.17], P=1.02x10(-3)), and 10q11.21 (rs501120, OR=1.11 [1.05 to 1.18], P=4.34x10(-4)). The associations with 6q25.1 (rs6922269, P=0.020) and 2q36.3 (rs2943634, P=0.032) were borderline and not statistically significant after correction for multiple testing. The 15q22.33 locus did not replicate. The 10q11.21 locus showed a possible sex interaction (P = 0.015), with a significant effect in women (OR=1.29 [1.15 to 1.45], P=1.86x10(-5)) but not men (OR=1.03 [0.96 to 1.11], P=0.387). There were no other strong interactions of any of the loci with other traditional risk factors. The loci at 9p21, 1p13.3, 2q36.3, and 10q11.21 acted independently and cumulatively increased CAD risk by 15% (12% to 18%), per additional risk allele. ConclusionsThe findings provide strong evidence for association between at least 4 genetic loci and CAD risk. Cumulatively, these novel loci have a significant impact on risk of CAD at least in European populations. (Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2009; 29: 774-780.)

Background-Combined analysis of 2 genome-wide association studies in cases enriched for family history recently identified 7 loci (on 1p13.3, 1q41, 2q36.3, 6q25.1, 9p21, 10q11.21, and 15q22.33) that may affect risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Apart from the 9p21 locus, the other loci await substantive replication. Furthermore, the effect of these loci on CAD risk in a broader range of individuals remains to be determined.Methods and Results-We undertook association analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms at each locus with CAD risk in 11 550 cases and 11 205 controls from 9 European studies. The 9p21.3 locus showed unequivocal association (rs1333049, combined odds ratio [OR]=1.20, 95% CI [1.16 to 1.25], probability value=2.81x10(-21)). We also confirmed association signals at 1p13.3 (rs599839, OR=1.13 [1.08 to 1.19], P=1.44x10(-7)), 1q41 (rs3008621, OR=1.10 [1.04 to 1.17], P=1.02x10(-3)), and 10q11.21 (rs501120, OR=1.11 [1.05 to 1.18], P=4.34x10(-4)). The associations with 6q25.1 (rs6922269, P=0.020) and 2q36.3 (rs2943634, P=0.032) were borderline and not statistically significant after correction for multiple testing. The 15q22.33 locus did not replicate. The 10q11.21 locus showed a possible sex interaction (P = 0.015), with a significant effect in women (OR=1.29 [1.15 to 1.45], P=1.86x10(-5)) but not men (OR=1.03 [0.96 to 1.11], P=0.387). There were no other strong interactions of any of the loci with other traditional risk factors. The loci at 9p21, 1p13.3, 2q36.3, and 10q11.21 acted independently and cumulatively increased CAD risk by 15% (12% to 18%), per additional risk allele. ConclusionsThe findings provide strong evidence for association between at least 4 genetic loci and CAD risk. Cumulatively, these novel loci have a significant impact on risk of CAD at least in European populations. (Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2009; 29: 774-780.)

Thesis (M.S.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1997., Includes bibliographical references (leaves 166-170)., by Luc G. Fréchette., M.S.

Thesis (M.S.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1997., Includes bibliographical references (leaves 166-170)., by Luc G. Fréchette., M.S.

Thesis (M.S.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1997., Includes bibliographical references (leaves 166-170)., by Luc G. Fréchette., M.S.

Presents a qualitative method allowing one to monitor the structure of a model, under certain hypotheses. The temporal sequences of the extrema of a filtered experimental signal are compared with the transitions allowed by a graph. We apply this method to models of algae growth., Anglais

The writings of the French art critc Étienne-Jean Delécluze illustrate a more general transition from a mimetic to an idealistic theory of expression, which started in French art theory and art criticism during the years 1820-1840. This article traces the development of his thinking from the Salon of 1824 and his discussion with Stendhal on Shakespearian and Homeric art to the end of his career. It is shown that the concept of theatricality occupied a central place in Delécluze’s critiques and that the meaning of this concept followed his changing ideas on expression and history painting.

Given n planar existing facility locations, a planar new facility location X is called efficient if there is no other location Y at least as close to every existing facility as X, and strictly closer than X to at least one existing facility. An algorithm is presented which is either of order n(log n) or order n (depending upon how the problem is defined) that constructs all efficient locations, and establish that no alternative algorithm can be of a low order. With the exception of two computational complexity results, this work is entirely self-conntained, and relies almost entirely upon simple geometrical analyses.

An example of a design might be a warehouse floor, represented by a set S, of area A, but unspecified shape. Given m warehouse users, suppose user i has a known disutility function fi such that Hi(S), the integral of fi over the set S (for example, a total travel distance), defines the disutility of the design S to user i. For vector H(S) with entries Hi(S), we study the vector minimization problem over the set (H(S): S a design), and call a design efficient if and only if it solves this problem. Assuming a mild regularity condition, we give necessary and sufficient conditions for a design to be efficient, as well as verifiable conditions for the regularity condition to hold., Prepared in cooperation with Catholic Univ. of Louvain, Heverlee (Belgium) and National Bureau of Standards, Washington, D.C. Center for Applied Mathematics.

Define a design to be any planar set S of known area A, but unknown shape and location; more generally, a design can be any set in R superscript n of measure A. For example, a design might be one floor of a warehouse, or a sports arena of known seating capacity. Suppose the design to have, say, m users, or evaluators, with user/evaluator i having a design disutility function f sub i, i or = to 1 but or = to m, which can be defined for all points in the plane independently of the designs of interest. Given any design S, denote by G sub i (S) the disutility of S to user/evaluator i where, by definition, G sub i (S) is the supremum of f sub i over the set S, i or = to 1 but or = to m. Let G(S) be the vector with entries G sub i (S), 1 or = i or = m, and define a design to be efficient if it solves the vector minimization problem obtained using the set of vectors (G(S):S a design). Given mild assumptions about the disutility functions, and a slight refinement of the design definition to rule out certain pathologies, we give necessary and sufficient conditions for a design to be efficient, and study properties of efficient designs. (Author)