Understanding the relationship between positive affect and cortisol in lung cancer patients.

Positive psychobiological processes within lung cancer patients are drastically understudied. This dissertation explores the nature of positive affect (PA) and potential associations with diurnal cortisol among lung cancer patients, given the prognostic significance of diurnal cortisol rhythms. Theoretical underpinnings and current literature involving PA, cancer, and diurnal cortisol are first reviewed. An original integrated model of PA and cortisol among cancer patients is then presented, from which the proposed dissertation study and analyses are derived. Sixty-one non-small cell lung cancer patients provided self-report assessment of mood (PANAS PA and NA subscales, CES-D PA subscale), medical and demographic characteristics, and 10-day salivary cortisol. Aim 1 tested hypotheses that: (1) patients will experience moderate PA, and more PA than NA, (2) PA and NA will emerge as separate factors in factor analyses, and (3) higher PA will correlate with variables reflecting lower disease burden. Aim 1 was assessed through descriptive statistics, correlations, t-tests, and exploratory factor analyses. Aim 2 tested hypotheses that: (1) higher PA will relate to lower cortisol means, (2) higher PA will relate to steeper diurnal ���� slope, (3) PA will relate more strongly to overall mean cortisol than diurnal slope. Aim 2 was tested through hierarchical linear regressions and path analyses. Aim 1 results showed that patients generally held positive emotions and endorsed PA items that reflected determination and resilience. They also reported more PA than NA; these two constructs emerged as separate and distinct factors. Race, smoking, and current treatment all significantly related to PA. Aim 2 revealed that PA did not significantly associate with mean cortisol variables or diurnal slope. However, higher NA was associated with flattened slopes, after excluding patients taking corticosteroids. Although the relationship between PA and mean cortisol was consistently stronger than with diurnal slope in path analyses, the associations were non-significant. Patients reported experiencing positive emotions that may reflect resilience and adaptive coping. Positive affect did not have strong associations with cortisol, which may be due to pre-existing cortisol dysregulation or small sample size. Future studies should continue to explore mind-body associations of positive psychological processes in lung cancer patients

Numerical Evaluation of Natural Periods and Mode Shapes of Earth Dams for Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis Applications

The evaluation of natural periods and related mode shapes of earth dams represents a critical issue when performing structure-specific probabilistic seismic hazard analyses (PSHA). The identification of critical scenario events, using techniques such as disaggregation of the seismic hazard, and the calculation of a suitable target spectrum for ground motion selection and scaling procedures (e.g., the conditional mean spectrum), require at least the knowledge of the fundamental period of the system. This problem can be solved using analytical, numerical, and/or empirical techniques. We present several linear elastic modal analyses for an earth dam located in Southern Italy, using a numerical solution of the generalized eigenvalue problem obtained by the finite element method (FEM). Our numerical experiments are performed, testing various assumptions on boundary conditions, degree of saturation, and the distribution of geotechnical characteristics of the dam's materials. We then compare our results against existing analytical solutions. We show that ignoring soil–structure interaction effects due to the flexibility of the dam foundation (i.e., under the assumption of fixed base) can lead to a substantial underestimation of the fundamental period of the dam. This effect should be carefully addressed when modal analysis results are used in PSHA-related applications

Strong ground motion characteristics of 2016 Central Italy earthquakes and implications for ground motion modeling

The 2016 Central Italy earthquake sequence produced three mainshocks: (1) M6.1 24 August, (2) M5.9 26 October, and (3) M6.5 30 October. Each mainshock was followed by many aftershocks, some of which with M > 5.0. All earthquake events occurred on southeast-northwest trending normal faults. As part of reconnaissance activities of these events performed by the Geotechnical Extreme Events Reconnaissance Association (GEER), ground motion data was processed and analyzed. After processing all data using procedures developed during the latest Next Generation Attenuation (NGA-West2) project, we analyze strong motion characteristics of all three mainshocks, two selected large aftershocks (M5.3 24 August and M4.8 26 August) and a foreshock (M5.4 26 October). Our analysis shows that stations near the hanging wall, exhibit fling-step in some cases but no obvious rupture directivity effects. We compare ground motion intensity measures (including peak ground acceleration and velocity, PGA and PGV, respectively) to Italy-specific and global ground motion models. Overall, the data exhibit fast attenuation at large distance (>100 km), which is captured by Italy-adjusted global models, but not by Italy-specific models. We also found that global models tend to over-predict ground motions at short periods. Both features were also observed from the 2009 L’Aquila earthquake data and may represent regional features. We estimate the spatial distribution of PGA for the three mainshocks by means of a Kriging analysis performed on within-event residuals using a global semi-variogram model. We found that the ground motion is most intense south-west of the Mt.Vettore - Mt.Bove normal fault. Given the importance of Italian normal fault earthquakes in worldwide ground motion databases, this data set is of global significance for studies of normal fault ground motions

Preface to special issue on modelling and assessment of soil-structure interaction effects on the dynamics of structures

none4siCarbonari, S; Dezi, F; Padron, LA; Zimmaro, PCarbonari, S; Dezi, F; Padron, La; Zimmaro,

Damage to Roadway Infrastructure from 2016 Central Italy Earthquake Sequence

The region of the central Apennines affected by the 2016 earthquake sequence has numerous towns, villages, and isolated dwellings connected by local secondary roads and a few state highways. The roadway network includes several bridges that are important to the economy of the region and play an important role in the post-earthquake resilience of local communities. Within this network, 12 bridges and a rockfall protection tunnel were inspected in coordination with local officials, with relatively cursory reconnaissance of most of the remainder of the network. All inspected reinforced concrete and steel- concrete composite bridges performed adequately. Two historic masonry bridges near Amatrice and Tufo suffered significant damage after the 24 August 2016 main shock, and collapsed after the 30 October 2016 event. Recovery strategies related to the bridge collapse near Amatrice, where two temporary bridges were built within 10 days from the first main shock in August, are discussed. An inspected rockfall protection tunnel experienced earthquake pounding effects

Surface Faulting Caused by the 2016 Central Italy Seismic Sequence: Field Mapping and LiDAR/UAV Imaging

The three mainshock events (M6.1 24 August, M5.9 26 October, and M6.5 30 October 2016) in the Central Italy earthquake sequence produced surface ruptures on known segments of the Mt. Vettore-Mt. Bove normal fault system. As a result, teams from Italian national research institutions and universities, working collaboratively with the U.S. Geothechnical Extreme Events Reconnaissance Association (GEER), were mobilized to collect perishable data. Our reconnaissance approach included field mapping and advanced imaging technique, both directed towards documenting the location and extent of surface rupture on the main fault exposure and secondary features. Mapping activity occurred after each mainshock (with different levels of detail at different times), which provides data on the progression of locations and amounts of slip between events. Along the full length of the Mt. Vettore-Mt. Bove fault system, vertical offsets ranged from 0-35 cm and 70-200 cm for the 24 August and 30 October events, respectively. Comparisons between observed surface rupture displacements and available empirical models show that the three events fit within expected ranges.Published1585-16104T. Sismicità dell'ItaliaJCR Journa

Quality control for next-generation liquefaction case histories

The Next-Generation Liquefaction (NGL) database is an open-source, global database of liquefaction and non-ground failure case-histories. The database is part of a multi-year research effort with the main goal of developing improved procedures to evaluate liquefaction susceptibility, triggering, and consequences. In NGL, a case-history is defined as the intersection of three components: (1) a site, (2) an earthquake event, and (3) post-earthquake observations. The NGL database hosts case-histories used to develop existing liquefaction models, as well as new data derived from recent earthquakes such as the 2010-2011 Canterbury earthquake sequence, the 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake, and the 2012 Emilia earthquake. The database also hosts lateral spread case-histories, and a substantial number of liquefaction sites characterized by the presence of co-located recording stations. All of the data present in the NGL database are reviewed by the NGL Database Working Group. The NGL formal vetting process is described for an example case-history

Liquefaction and Related Ground Failure from July 2019 Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence

The 2019 Ridgecrest earthquake sequence produced a 4 July M 6.5 foreshock and a 5 July M 7.1 mainshock, along with 23 events with magnitudes greater than 4.5 in the 24 hr period following the mainshock. The epicenters of the two principal events were located in the Indian Wells Valley, northwest of Searles Valley near the towns of Ridgecrest, Trona, and Argus. We describe observed liquefaction manifestations including sand boils, fissures, and lateral spreading features, as well as proximate non‐ground failure zones that resulted from the sequence. Expanding upon results initially presented in a report of the Geotechnical Extreme Events Reconnaissance Association, we synthesize results of field mapping, aerial imagery, and inferences of ground deformations from Synthetic Aperture Radar‐based damage proxy maps (DPMs). We document incidents of liquefaction, settlement, and lateral spreading in the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake US military base and compare locations of these observations to pre‐ and postevent mapping of liquefaction hazards. We describe liquefaction and ground‐failure features in Trona and Argus, which produced lateral deformations and impacts on several single‐story masonry and wood frame buildings. Detailed maps showing zones with and without ground failure are provided for these towns, along with mapped ground deformations along transects. Finally, we describe incidents of massive liquefaction with related ground failures and proximate areas of similar geologic origin without ground failure in the Searles Lakebed. Observations in this region are consistent with surface change predicted by the DPM. In the same region, geospatial liquefaction hazard maps are effective at identifying broad percentages of land with liquefaction‐related damage. We anticipate that data presented in this article will be useful for future liquefaction susceptibility, triggering, and consequence studies being undertaken as part of the Next Generation Liquefaction project

Liquefaction and Related Ground Failure from July 2019 Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence

The 2019 Ridgecrest earthquake sequence produced a 4 July M 6.5 foreshock and a 5 July M 7.1 mainshock, along with 23 events with magnitudes greater than 4.5 in the 24 hr period following the mainshock. The epicenters of the two principal events were located in the Indian Wells Valley, northwest of Searles Valley near the towns of Ridgecrest, Trona, and Argus. We describe observed liquefaction manifestations including sand boils, fissures, and lateral spreading features, as well as proximate non‐ground failure zones that resulted from the sequence. Expanding upon results initially presented in a report of the Geotechnical Extreme Events Reconnaissance Association, we synthesize results of field mapping, aerial imagery, and inferences of ground deformations from Synthetic Aperture Radar‐based damage proxy maps (DPMs). We document incidents of liquefaction, settlement, and lateral spreading in the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake US military base and compare locations of these observations to pre‐ and postevent mapping of liquefaction hazards. We describe liquefaction and ground‐failure features in Trona and Argus, which produced lateral deformations and impacts on several single‐story masonry and wood frame buildings. Detailed maps showing zones with and without ground failure are provided for these towns, along with mapped ground deformations along transects. Finally, we describe incidents of massive liquefaction with related ground failures and proximate areas of similar geologic origin without ground failure in the Searles Lakebed. Observations in this region are consistent with surface change predicted by the DPM. In the same region, geospatial liquefaction hazard maps are effective at identifying broad percentages of land with liquefaction‐related damage. We anticipate that data presented in this article will be useful for future liquefaction susceptibility, triggering, and consequence studies being undertaken as part of the Next Generation Liquefaction project

A Telephone-Adapted Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program: Preliminary Effects among Healthcare Employees

Healthcare employees often experience high stress and may benefit from accessible psychosocial interventions. In this pilot study, we explored preliminary feasibility, acceptability, and psychological effects of a telephone-based adaption of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for healthcare employees. Eleven participants (M age = 49.9; 27.3% ethnic/racial minority) were enrolled in an eight-session group-based MBSR program adapted for telephone delivery. Feasibility was assessed using rates of program attrition and session completion; acceptability was explored qualitatively via participants\u27 responses to an open-ended item about their program experience. Participants also completed pre-and post-program assessments on psychosocial outcomes (distress (overall distress, depression, anxiety, somatization), mindfulness, and self-compassion). We characterized mean change scores, 95% confidence intervals, and effect sizes to explore preliminary program effects. With regard to preliminary feasibility, one participant dropped out prior to the intervention; of the remaining 10 participants, 90% completed at least half (≥4) of the sessions; 70% completed at least three-quarters (≥6 sessions). Feedback reflected positive experiences and included suggestions for program delivery. Participants reported reductions in distress post-program (M difference range = -5.0 to -9.4), showing medium to large effect sizes (d range = 0.68 to 1.11). Mindfulness scores increased from pre- to post-intervention (M difference range = 1.0 to 10.4), with small-to-medium effects (d range = 0.18 to 0.55). Almost all aspects of self-compassion remained stable over time, with the exception of common humanity, which increased post-program (M difference = 2.9, CI 95% 0.5 to 5.4, d = 0.91). Preliminary findings from our small pilot trial suggest that telephone-based adaptations of MBSR may be a useful mode of delivery for healthcare employees; however, larger studies are needed to provide further evidence of feasibility, acceptability, and program effects