Momentary State Research Articles

Beyond the fixity of drawing: aspectuality and narrative virtualities of depiction in caricature

This article examines the narrative virtualities of pictorial representation in caricature. In accord with the concept of ‘aspectuality’, it departs from the example of the fixity of subjects in pictorial portraiture and highlights suggestions about the momentary states of things represented through such fixity. The article focuses on the morphology of humour in caricature, distinguishing these visual forms from the strict recognitional functionality of depiction. Finally, it discusses some hypothetical connections between the stylistics of caricature and the poetics of laughter, thus entailing pictorial representation and visual narrativity.

Modeling diffuse irradiance under arbitrary and homogeneous skies: Comparison and validation

The optimum utilization of solar energy requires effective harvesting of both the direct and diffuse components of ground-reaching radiation. Although solar beams are typically key contributors to the total irradiance under cloudless conditions, the diffuse component becomes important especially in regions where clear skies are not dominant. Even if the cloud cover and cloud microphysics are known, it is not an easy task to estimate the diffuse irradiance at arbitrarily oriented sloped surfaces. This situation arises from the extreme difficulty in solving the radiative transfer equation in such a heterogeneous environment.Models of Homogeneous Skies (MHS) with a set of discrete sky types are commonly applied in determining irradiance or illuminance. However, experimental data usually differ significantly from data predicted by MHS, for initially daylighting purposes where a simple sky luminance distribution is most useful. In this paper we show that the MHS error can be exceptionally large, especially for some cardinal directions. The use of MHS could also lead to misinterpretation of a momentary sky state if different sky types are required to accurately simulate irradiances on arbitrarily oriented surfaces. Nevertheless, use of multiple sky types at one moment in time has no theoretical basis and thus is generally unacceptable. Therefore, we have demonstrate that a new Unified Model of Radiance Patterns (UMRP) is more consistent with physical measurement and is generally applicable to all situations, including clear-, partly-cloudy, and, overcast-sky conditions and, could accurately predict vertical irradiances or illuminances more accurately than MHS. UMRP implements heterogeneity of cloud systems and provides radiance or luminance distributions depending on the characteristic size of clouds, their albedo and their altitude. While the error in the irradiance computations is approximately 6% for UMRP, it can reach a value of 70% or even more in case of MHS. UMRP-based modeling of radiative fields is now simple using the UniSky Simulator, a heavily optimized multithreading application (publicly available at www.unisky.sav.sk/?lang=en&page=aplikacia). We expect the UMRP concept to be a new choice for modelers and PV systems engineers to predict solar energy more accurately under any meteorological conditions.

Brief report on ecological momentary assessment: everyday states predict HIV prevention behaviors.

BackgroundPrevention behaviors help persons living with HIV (PLWH) to avoid transmitting HIV, and psychological variables have been found to predict HIV prevention behaviors. These variables have typically been measured using retrospective questionnaires about average psychological states over a period of time, which are likely to be biased by selective recall and interpretation. Measuring the same variables as momentary states, in the day-to-day context where they actually occur, may reveal different relationships to behavior.Findings21 PLWH completed daily surveys about momentary states and prevention behaviors. Brief, validated measures were used to assess control beliefs, mood, stress, coping, social support, stigma, knowledge, and motivation. We used multilevel models to predict prevention behaviors from momentary states the previous day, while controlling for the effect of multiple observations from the same person over time. Participants reported a moderate overall level of HIV prevention behaviors during the 6-month study. Although lapses in prevention were infrequent, there was room for improvement. Control beliefs, mood, and motivation had significant prospective effects on HIV prevention behaviors, rs = 0.07−0.21. Stress and coping had effects approaching significance.ConclusionsSome momentary states predicted prevention behaviors, providing partial support for the motivational model. This finding supports past research showing effects of momentary states on behavior, and advances the science by testing multiple predictors. High within-sample diversity strengthened generalizability, but the overall sample size was small and the findings require replication. Future research should continue to examine the everyday experiences of PLWH as influences on their behavior.

Actin Automata with Memory

Actin is a globular protein which forms long polar filaments in eukaryotic. The actin filaments play the roles of cytoskeleton, motility units, information processing and learning. We model actin filament as a double chain of finite state machines, nodes, which take states “0” and “1”. The states are abstractions of absence and presence of a subthreshold charge on actin units corresponding to the nodes. All nodes update their state in parallel to discrete time. A node updates its current state depending on states of two closest neighbors in the node chain and two closest neighbors in the complementary chain. Previous models of actin automata consider momentary state transitions of nodes. We enrich the actin automata model by assuming that states of nodes depend not only on the current states of neighboring node but also on their past states. Thus, we assess the effect of memory of past states on the dynamics of acting automata. We demonstrate in computational experiments that memory slows down propagation of perturbations, decrease entropy of space-time patterns generated, transforms traveling localizations to stationary oscillators, and stationary oscillations to still patterns.

Momentary Desire for Sexual Intercourse and Momentary Emotional Intimacy Associated With Perceived Relationship Quality and Physical Intimacy in Heterosexual Emerging Adult Couples

Sexual desire and emotional intimacy are central to relationships, yet little is known about how these feelings vary within and between partners or relate to dyad functioning. We explored magnitude and stability of momentary sexual desire and emotional intimacy in relation to quality and functioning of heterosexual relationships. After reporting perceived relationship quality and physical intimacy enjoyment, members of 18 emerging adult heterosexual couples reported momentary partner-specific sexual desire and emotional intimacy several times a day for two weeks (2,224 reports). Mean and mean squared successive difference (MSSD) characterized magnitude and stability, respectively, of the momentary states. Regression models of relationship outcomes examined influence of the male versus female partner having greater or more stable desire and intimacy. Sexual desire and emotional intimacy magnitude and stability were associated with relationship quality and physical intimacy enjoyment differently for men versus women. Gender-specific differences between partners also predicted relationship outcomes. Men particularly perceived higher relationship quality and enjoyed physical intimacy more when they had higher and more stable sexual desire and their female partners had more stable emotional intimacy. Partner differences in momentary sexual desire and emotional intimacy may contribute to understanding quality and functioning of heterosexual relationships.

Near-magnetopause magnetosheath in 3D gasdynamic module of the numerical magnetosheath–magnetosphere model

This paper describes an approach to a theoretical interpretation of Interball-1 satellite measurements data in two cases of the satellite’s crossings of the magnetosheath. An interpretation is made of both the measured crossings of the magnetosheath boundaries and the behavior of the registered plasma parameters. In our case, it is the value of the ion flux along the spacecraft trajectory. The magnetosheath–magnetosphere model, developed at the Institute of Mechanics, Sofia, Bulgaria, is used as a theoretical basis. It describes the interaction between the solar wind and the Earth’s magnetosphere in a simplified gas-dynamic approximation. A characteristic feature of the model is that it allows for the self-consistent description of the magnetosheath boundaries – the bow shock (BS) and the magnetopause (MP). The three-dimensional picture of the magnetosheath fluid flow is also obtained as part of the solution. The magnetosheath characteristics thus obtained are in correspondence with a given momentary state of the interplanetary medium, defined on the basis of WIND satellite data (appropriately shifted by time). The results are discussed in the context of advantages and limitations of using the gas-dynamic model for the interpretation of magnetosheath plasma measurements in the near-magnetopause magnetosheath.

Using activity triggered e-diaries to reveal the associations between physical activity and affective states in older adult's daily living.

BackgroundEvidence suggests that older adults show positive affects after participating in exercise bouts. However, it is less clear, if and how physical activities in daily living enhance affective states, too. This is dissatisfying, as most of older adults’ physical activities are part of their daily living. To answer these questions we used activity-triggered e-diaries to investigate the within-subject effects of physical activity on three dimensions of affective states (valence, energetic arousal, calmness) during everyday life.MethodsOlder adults (N = 74) between 50 and 70 years took part in the study during three consecutive days. Physical activity in daily living was objectively assessed using accelerometers. Affects were measured 10 min after a study participant surpassed a predefined threshold for activity or inactivity. The participants were prompted by an acoustic signal to assess their momentary affective states on an e-diary. Data were analyzed with hierarchical multilevel analyses.ResultsWhenever older individuals were more physically active, they felt more energized (energetic arousal) and agitated (calmness). However, they did not feel better (valence). Interestingly, body mass index (BMI) and valence were associated in a significant cross-level interaction. BMI acts as a moderating variable in the way that lower BMI scores were associated with higher levels of valence scores after being physically active.ConclusionsThe innovative ambulatory assessment used here affords an interesting insight to the affective effects of daily activity of older adults. These effects are no simple and no linear ones, i.e. physical activity is not associated with positive affects per se as shown several times in experimental studies with single activity bouts. Rather there is a differentiating association seen as an enhanced feeling of energy and agitation, which is not accompanied by a better feeling. Socio-emotional selectivity theory may support the finding that older individuals are emotionally more stable during their day-to-day life, which might explain the non-significant effect on the affect dimension valence.

Effects of Aesthetic Chills on a Cardiac Signature of Emotionality.

BackgroundPrevious studies have shown that a cardiac signature of emotionality (referred to as EK, which can be computed from the standard 12 lead electrocardiogram, ECG), predicts inter-individual differences in the tendency to experience and express positive emotion. Here, we investigated whether EK values can be transiently modulated during stimulation with participant-selected music pieces and film scenes that elicit strongly positive emotion.Methodology/Principal FindingsThe phenomenon of aesthetic chills, as indicated by measurable piloerection on the forearm, was used to accurately locate moments of peak emotional responses during stimulation. From 58 healthy participants, continuous EK values, heart rate, and respiratory frequency were recorded during stimulation with film scenes and music pieces, and were related to the aesthetic chills. EK values, as well as heart rate, increased significantly during moments of peak positive emotion accompanied by piloerection.Conclusions/SignificanceThese results are the first to provide evidence for an influence of momentary psychological state on a cardiac signature of emotional personality (as reflected in EK values). The possibility to modulate ECG amplitude signatures via stimulation with emotionally significant music pieces and film scenes opens up new perspectives for the use of emotional peak experiences in the therapy of disorders characterized by flattened emotionality, such as depression or schizoid personality disorder.

Experimentally induced states of mind determine abstinent smokers' level of craving in reaction to smoking-cues

IntroductionThe present study aims to contribute to our knowledge on the causes of variations in experienced craving of (ex)smokers. The general idea is tested that when (ex)smokers are exposed to a smoking-cue, their level of craving is determined by the momentary state of mind through which the smoking-cue is interpreted. MethodsA cue-reactivity paradigm in temporary abstinent smokers is applied to trigger craving responses under different experimentally induced states of mind. Craving is assessed with a three-item self-report measure. In study 1 (N=120) a self-affirmation procedure is applied right before abstinent smokers were exposed to their own smoking paraphernalia. In study 2 (N=140) abstinent smokers received bogus feedback inducing a high or low self-efficacy and strong or weak positive outcome expectations. ResultsStudy 1 showed a significant interaction: When involvement was high, self-affirmation increased the level of craving but when involvement was low self-affirmation lowered craving. Study 2 also showed a significant interaction: Only when the positive outcome expectation of smoking were high, self-efficacy lowered the level of craving. All analyses were controlled for the number of cigarettes smoked a day and number of past quit attempts. ConclusionsThe present studies provide experimental evidence that levels of craving can be determined by momentary states of mind. This theoretical perspective can be integrated in existing conditioning and social cognitive learning perspectives on craving and substance use.

Pre-stimulus BOLD-network activation modulates EEG spectral activity during working memory retention.

Working memory (WM) processes depend on our momentary mental state and therefore exhibit considerable fluctuations. Here, we investigate the interplay of task-preparatory and task-related brain activity as represented by pre-stimulus BOLD-fluctuations and spectral EEG from the retention periods of a visual WM task. Visual WM is used to maintain sensory information in the brain enabling the performance of cognitive operations and is associated with mental health. We tested 22 subjects simultaneously with EEG and fMRI while performing a visuo-verbal Sternberg task with two different loads, allowing for the temporal separation of preparation, encoding, retention and retrieval periods. Four temporally coherent networks (TCNs)—the default mode network (DMN), the dorsal attention, the right and the left WM network—were extracted from the continuous BOLD data by means of a group ICA. Subsequently, the modulatory effect of these networks' pre-stimulus activation upon retention-related EEG activity in the theta, alpha, and beta frequencies was analyzed. The obtained results are informative in the context of state-dependent information processing. We were able to replicate two well-known load-dependent effects: the frontal-midline theta increase during the task and the decrease of pre-stimulus DMN activity. As our main finding, these two measures seem to depend on each other as the significant negative correlations at frontal-midline channels suggested. Thus, suppressed pre-stimulus DMN levels facilitated later task related frontal midline theta increases. In general, based on previous findings that neuronal coupling in different frequency bands may underlie distinct functions in WM retention, our results suggest that processes reflected by spectral oscillations during retention seem not only to be “online” synchronized with activity in different attention-related networks but are also modulated by activity in these networks during preparation intervals.

Stochastic pumping of particles with zero-range interactions

We consider a model of a stochastic pump in which many particles jump between sites along a ring. The particles interact with each other via zero-range interactions. We argue that for slow driving the dynamics can be approximated by a nonlinear diffusion equation. This nonlinear equation is then used to derive a current decomposition formula, expressing the current as a sum of two contributions. The first is from the momentary steady state while the second arises due to the variation of the density with time, and is identified as the pumped current. The dynamics is found to satisfy the no-pumping theorem for cyclic processes, in agreement with recent results in discrete systems.

Exploring the underlying structure of mental disorders: cross-diagnostic differences and similarities from a network perspective using both a top-down and a bottom-up approach.

It has been suggested that the structure of psychopathology is best described as a complex network of components that interact in dynamic ways. The goal of the present paper was to examine the concept of psychopathology from a network perspective, combining complementary top-down and bottom-up approaches using momentary assessment techniques. A pooled Experience Sampling Method (ESM) dataset of three groups (individuals with a diagnosis of depression, psychotic disorder or no diagnosis) was used (pooled N = 599). The top-down approach explored the network structure of mental states across different diagnostic categories. For this purpose, networks of five momentary mental states ('cheerful', 'content', 'down', 'insecure' and 'suspicious') were compared between the three groups. The complementary bottom-up approach used principal component analysis to explore whether empirically derived network structures yield meaningful higher order clusters. Individuals with a clinical diagnosis had more strongly connected moment-to-moment network structures, especially the depressed group. This group also showed more interconnections specifically between positive and negative mental states than the psychotic group. In the bottom-up approach, all possible connections between mental states were clustered into seven main components that together captured the main characteristics of the network dynamics. Our combination of (i) comparing network structure of mental states across three diagnostically different groups and (ii) searching for trans-diagnostic network components across all pooled individuals showed that these two approaches yield different, complementary perspectives in the field of psychopathology. The network paradigm therefore may be useful to map transdiagnostic processes.

Attachment style predicts affect, cognitive appraisals, and social functioning in daily life.

The way in which attachment styles are expressed in the moment as individuals navigate their real-life settings has remained an area largely untapped by attachment research. The present study examined how adult attachment styles are expressed in daily life using experience sampling methodology (ESM) in a sample of 206 Spanish young adults. Participants were administered the Attachment Style Interview (ASI) and received personal digital assistants that signaled them randomly eight times per day for 1 week to complete questionnaires about their current experiences and social context. As hypothesized, participants’ momentary affective states, cognitive appraisals, and social functioning varied in meaningful ways as a function of their attachment style. Individuals with an anxious attachment, as compared with securely attached individuals, endorsed experiences that were congruent with hyperactivating tendencies, such as higher negative affect, stress, and perceived social rejection. By contrast, individuals with an avoidant attachment, relative to individuals with a secure attachment, endorsed experiences that were consistent with deactivating tendencies, such as decreased positive states and a decreased desire to be with others when alone. Furthermore, the expression of attachment styles in social contexts was shown to be dependent upon the subjective appraisal of the closeness of social contacts, and not merely upon the presence of social interactions. The findings support the ecological validity of the ASI and the person-by-situation character of attachment theory. Moreover, they highlight the utility of ESM for investigating how the predictions derived from attachment theory play out in the natural flow of real life.

Blissfully ignorant: the effects of general privacy concerns, general institutional trust, and affect in the privacy calculus

AbstractExisting research on information privacy has mostly relied on the privacy calculus model, which views privacy‐related decision‐making as a rational process where individuals weigh the anticipated risks of disclosing personal data against the potential benefits. In this research, we develop an extension to the privacy calculus model, arguing that the situation‐specific assessment of risks and benefits is bounded by (1) pre‐existing attitudes or dispositions, such as general privacy concerns or general institutional trust, and (2) limited cognitive resources and heuristic thinking. An experimental study, employing two samples from the USA and Switzerland, examined consumer responses to a new smartphone application that collects driving behavior data and provided converging support for these predictions. Specifically, the results revealed that a situation‐specific assessment of risks and benefits fully mediates the effect of dispositional factors on information disclosure. In addition, the results showed that privacy assessment is influenced by momentary affective states, indicating that consumers underestimate the risks of information disclosure when confronted with a user interface that elicits positive affect.

Imaging of acute cerebral ischemia.

Stroke is the third most common cause of death in the developed world and the leading cause of adult disability. The goals of an imaging evaluation for acute stroke when presented with patients with raised clinical suspicion of an acute stroke are to obtain accurate information about the momentary state of brain tissue. A comprehensive evaluation is best achieved with a combination of computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging technique. Unenhanced computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging can help rule out hemorrhage and identify early morphologic signs of acute brain ischemia. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance perfusion imaging and magnetic resonance diffusion weight imaging, can help depict unsalvageable ischemic brain tissue and the area of penumbra. Computed tomography angiography and magnetic resonance angiography are widely used techniques for assessment of both, the intracranial and neck circulation.

Radiološke slikovnopreiskovalne metode pri akutni možganski kapi

Stroke is the third most common cause of death in the developed world and the leading cause of adult disability. The goals of an imaging evaluation for acute stroke when presented with patients with raised clinical suspicion of an acute stroke are to obtain accurate information about the momentary state of brain tissue. A comprehensive evaluation is best achieved with a combination of computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging technique. Unenhanced computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging can help rule out hemorrhage and identify early morphologic signs of acute brain ischemia. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance perfusion imaging and magnetic resonance diffusion weight imaging, can help depict unsalvageable ischemic brain tissue and the area of penumbra. Computed tomography angiography and magnetic resonance angiography are widely used techniques for assessment of both, the intracranial and neck circulation.

Occipital TMS at phosphene detection threshold captures attention automatically

Strong stimuli may capture attention automatically, suggesting that attentional selection is determined primarily by physical stimulus properties. The mechanisms underlying capture remain controversial, in particular, whether feedforward subcortical processes are its main source. Also, it remains unclear whether only physical stimulus properties determine capture strength. Here, we demonstrate strong capture in the absence of feedforward input to subcortical structures such as the superior colliculus, by using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over occipital visual cortex as an attention cue. This implies that the feedforward sweep through subcortex is not necessary for capture to occur but rather provides an additional source of capture. Furthermore, seen cues captured attention more strongly than (physically identical) unseen cues, suggesting that the momentary state of the nervous system modulates attentional selection. In summary, we demonstrate the existence of several sources of attentional capture, and that both physical stimulus properties and the state of the nervous system influence capture.

Teachers' emotional experiences and exhaustion as predictors of emotional labor in the classroom: an experience sampling study.

Emotional exhaustion (EE) is the core component in the study of teacher burnout, with significant impact on teachers’ professional lives. Yet, its relation to teachers’ emotional experiences and emotional labor (EL) during instruction remains unclear. Thirty-nine German secondary teachers were surveyed about their EE (trait), and via the experience sampling method on their momentary (state; N = 794) emotional experiences (enjoyment, anxiety, anger) and momentary EL (suppression, faking). Teachers reported that in 99 and 39% of all lessons, they experienced enjoyment and anger, respectively, whereas they experienced anxiety less frequently. Teachers reported suppressing or faking their emotions during roughly a third of all lessons. Furthermore, EE was reflected in teachers’ decreased experiences of enjoyment and increased experiences of anger. On an intra-individual level, all three emotions predict EL, whereas on an inter-individual level, only anger evokes EL. Explained variances in EL (within: 39%, between: 67%) stress the relevance of emotions in teaching and within the context of teacher burnout. Beyond implying the importance of reducing anger, our findings suggest the potential of enjoyment lessening EL and thereby reducing teacher burnout.

Consolidation of a poroelastic sphere: Numerical investigations of Cryer's problem

AbstractIn geomechanics the consolidation of a fluid‐saturated soil is of great interest and many theories have been proposed in the recent years. A special case is the consolidation problem in a porous, fluid‐saturated sphere under drainage and hydrostatic pressure. For this configuration Cryer [2] discussed the special effect of pore pressure response. We increase the complexity of the classical approach, taking into account a modified sphere with an undrained layer. This modification is an expansion of the original problem towards more realistic situations of a poroelastic rock which contains a heterogeneity (modified Cryer problem). It results in nearly effective drainage for the heterogeneity and significant differences in momentary stress state. The interaction between the skeleton and the pore fluid of the porous sphere is implemented numerically with Biot's theory of linear consolidation in an us‐p‐formulation. (© 2014 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Relationship between momentary affect states and self-efficacy in adolescent smokers.

Relapse to smoking after making a quit attempt is both common and rapid in adolescent smokers. Momentary self-efficacy (SE)-that is, momentary shifts in one's confidence in the ability to abstain from smoking-predicts the occurrence and timing of relapse among adolescent smokers. Therefore, it is important to identify factors that are associated with changes in momentary SE early in a quit attempt. This study examined the relationship between affect states (including positive, negative, and nicotine withdrawal states) and momentary SE at various stages of a quit attempt. Adolescent daily smokers interested in making a quit attempt (n = 202) completed ecological momentary assessments (EMA) each day for 1 week leading up to and 2 weeks after a quit attempt. In each assessment, they reported current SE and affect state. RESULTS of linear mixed models indicated that most of the examined affect states were related to momentary SE. Contrary to expectation, they were related to momentary SE both immediately before and after the quit attempt. Moderation effects were observed for select affect states, where higher baseline SE was related to lower momentary SE in the presence of increasing negative high activation, boredom, and difficulty concentrating. Our findings suggest that both positive and negative affect states are related to SE, and that thereby positive affect enhancement may be a promising, underutilized treatment target.