bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compromis, régulation et bien commun
Authors: Ollagnon Matthieu
Published: December 2006

English

The concept of compromise refers to a symbolic exchange organizing the mutual relationships of parties while recognizing their otherness. It facilitates bringing individual perspectives together, without fusing viewpoints. Thus compromise permits the emergence of an intersubjective organization of the real, while defining the context of that emergence. In this sense, it is at once the creator and the regulator of social reality. The example of a Catholic chaplaincy illustrates the common good that can emerge from a situation of pluralism regulated by compromise. Reflection on the process of the Lebanese civil war shows us that a weak founding compromise leads to a transformation of the common good, headed towards social deconstruction.

French

Le concept de compromis renvoie à un échange symbolique organisant les rapports mutuels des parties tout en reconnaissant leur altérité. Il permet de lier ensemble des perspectives individuelles, sans fusion des points de vue. Le compromis permet donc l'émergence d'une organisation intersubjective du réel, tout en définissant le cadre de cette émergence. En ce sens, il est à la fois créateur et régulateur de réalité sociale. L'exemple d'une aumônerie catholique illustre le bien commun qui peut émerger d'une situation de pluralisme régulé par un compromis. Une réflexion sur le processus de guerre au Liban montre qu'un compromis fondateur défaillant conduit à une transformation du bien commun tournée vers la déstructuration sociale.
A Note on National Churches: Ethnocultural Distinction, Socio-religious Compromise and State Regulation
Authors: Turcotte Paul-André
Published: December 2006

English

A national Church is characterized by a concentric synthesis of religion, culture and definitions of socio-political reality. As a result there is a strong social coherence which, objectively speaking, pushes dissidence away from public expression. In cases of compromise between agents of regulation, the separation of powers does not imply a separation between the spiritual and temporal spheres in individual and collective life. Care of the body and soul are intertwined at the same time as they are distinct. From this stems the tension between the system and movements, between the production and the reproduction of relations between religion and society of a Church-type.

French

L'Église nationale se caractérise notamment par une synthèse concentrique de la religion, de la culture et des définitions de la réalité socio-politique. Il s'ensuit une forte cohérence sociale, objectivement parlant, qui repousse la dissidence hors du cadre de l'expression publique. Dans le cas d'un compromis entre les instances de régulation, la séparation des pouvoirs n'implique pas celle entre les sphères spirituelle et temporelle dans la vie individuelle ou collective. Le soin du corps et le soin de l'âme sont imbriqués tout en se distinguant. ¡ ceci se greffe la tension entre le système et le mouvement, la production et la reproduction des rapports entre religion et société de type Église.
(Non-)retours à l’Église gréco-catholique roumaine, entre adhésion et transmission religieuse
Authors: Mahieu Stephanie
Published: December 2006

English

The author analyses the individual and collective motives which have pushed some of the Greek-Catholics to join their former Church since 1989. The Romanian Greek-Catholic Church, founded in 1687, was outlawed by the communist party between 1948 and 1989. After it became legal again, the Church tried to reorganize itself. The author analyses such a return, in the light of the notions of conversion, membership and of religious transmission, and proposes to take the factor of the uniqueness of God into account, as it allows to complement the analyses in terms of religious identity and of “religious marketplace”.

French

L'auteure analyse les motifs à la fois individuels et collectifs qui ont poussé une partie des fidèles gréco-catholiques à rejoindre leur ancienne Église après 1989. L'Église gréco-catholique roumaine, fondée en 1697, a été mise hors-la-loi par le pouvoir communiste entre 1948 et 1989. Après son retour à la légalité, elle a tenté de se réorganiser. L'auteure analyse un tel retour, à la lumière des notions de conversion, d'adhésion et de transmission religieuse, et propose de prendre en compte le facteur de l'unicité de Dieu, qui permet de compléter les analyses en termes d'identité religieuse et de ``supermarché de la foi''.
Cultural Capital, Ambition and the Explanation of Inequalities in Learning Outcomes: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Barone Carlo
Published: December 2006

This article is devoted to the explanation of the influence of social origins on student achievement. Using the data of the Project for International Student Assessment on 25 nations, I show that cultural capital provides a relevant, but far from exhaustive, account of schooling inequalities; furthermore, the explanatory power of Bourdieu’s theory seems impressively similar across countries. I also try to argue that, in order to elaborate a more satisfactory explanation, we need to take into account at least two more factors: occupational aspirations and economic resources. Finally, I discuss whether the above mentioned factors can be integrated into a coherent theoretical framework to achieve a better understanding of educational inequalities.
Theory and Practice: Psychoanalytic Sociology as Psycho-Social Studies
Authors: Clarke Simon
Published: December 2006

Over the past few years there has been an increasing interest in the use of psychoanalytic ideas within a sociological framework. These ideas have been largely developed within sociological theory rather than practice. There does, however, seem to be a new frame of thought and practice emerging which we could term psycho-social studies, perhaps even a new discipline in its own right. In this article I will discuss the development of the use of psychoanalytic ideas around sociological issues, explore some of the tensions that have arisen and evaluate the implications for methodological practice.
‘Tick the Box Please’: A Reflexive Approach to Doing Quantitative Social Research
Authors: Ryan Louise , Golden Anne
Published: December 2006

This article considers the value of reflexivity in relation to a quantitative research project which we worked on as contract researchers. Reflexivity in the research process has been discussed by social scientists for over three decades. However, many quantitative researchers continue to avoid explicit forms of reflexivity, especially in relation to data collection. We discuss our specific experiences and also raise general questions about the application of reflexivity to quantitative methods. In addition, we outline the difficulties of being reflexive given the financial and time constraints of contract research. We consider this article a timely contribution to current discussions about the continuing growth of contract research and debates about the relevance of quantitative research methodologies for social scientists.
The Allocation of Household Labor by Partners in Gay and Lesbian Couples
Authors: Kurdek Lawrence A.
Published: December 2006

This study examined how full-time employed partners from 43 gay and 36 lesbian couples allocated labor for six household tasks typically performed by women in heterosexual couples. Although the relative frequency of performing household labor within the couple did not differ between gay and lesbian partners, compared to gay partners, lesbian partners reported that more tasks were done equally often by both partners. The relative frequency of performing household labor was related to interest in household labor, even with controls for skill in performing household labor. Satisfaction with the division of household labor exerted its effect on both relationship satisfaction and relationship stability through perceived equality in the relationship.
Success in Science Among Young African American Women
Authors: Hanson Sandra L.
Published: December 2006

A conceptual framework that integrates critical gender theory and a multicultural approach is used to examine young African American women's experiences in high school science. Research reveals considerable success for these young women. The multicultural approach suggests that the unique history and culture of African American families may play a critical role. Quantitative and qualitative data are used to explore the family's role in the science attainment process. Findings show that these young women feel less welcome in science than do young White women. However, their interest and involvement in science persist because of the family. Both mother's and father's influence is important. Although family variables are associated with success in science in the quantitative data, not all young women acknowledge or verbalize their awareness of this influence in the qualitative data. Instead, the young women often see their actions as independent. Implications of these findings for science programs and policies are suggested.
Symptoms of Major Depression in a Sample of Fathers of Infants
Authors: Bronte-Tinkew Jacinta , Moore Kristin A. , Matthews Gregory , Carrano Jennifer
Published: December 2006

Depression has been extensively studied for mothers but not for fathers. This study examines the sociodemographic correlates of symptoms of depression and how depression is associated with father involvement using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview–Short Form (CIDI-SF) for major depression. The study uses a sample of 2,139 resident fathers in the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing 12-Month Father Survey. Results indicate that symptoms of major depression differ by race, marital status, and employment status but not by age and educational status. Major depression also differs significantly based on drug and alcohol use and criminal justice experience. Results of ordinary least squares regression models indicate that major depression is negatively associated with father–child activities (engagement), positively associated with paternal aggravation/stress in parenting, and negatively associated with both the quality of the mother-father relationship and coparental relationship supportiveness. Findings are important for identifying fathers for whom interventions would be valuable.
Is more better? The value and potential of intensive community supervision
Authors: Merrington Simon
Published: December 2006

Intensive supervision of persistent and serious offenders in the community has experienced a revival of interest in recent years in England and Wales. Some initiatives, such as the Prolific and other Priority Offenders Programme, and the Intensive Supervision and Surveillance Programme for juveniles, have been adopted on a large scale. These schemes have had two main aims: to reduce re–offending and to provide an alternative to custody. Evaluations of the projects have shown mixed results, however, and not provided robust evidence of success. The article discusses these findings and suggests that it may be more profitable to consider alternative aims for intensive supervision, such as public protection, proportionate punishment, and offender rehabilitation.
Perceived similarity and relationship success among dating couples: An idiographic approach
Authors: Lutz-Zois Catherine J. , Bradley Angela C. , Mihalik Jennifer L. , Moorman-Eavers Erika R.
Published: December 2006

This study utilized an idiographic approach to investigate the relation between similarity on valued characteristics and relationship success. College students ( N = 247) rated their current romantic partner on perceived similarity in personality, attitudes, interests, and religious affiliation; the importance of similarity in these dimensions; and relationship satisfaction. Relationship status was assessed 6 weeks later. Results revealed significant similarity by importance interactions for religion and interests in predicting satisfaction. Participants with high perceived similarity in religion or interests reported greater satisfaction than did their low similarity counterparts, but only to the extent that they rated this type of similarity as being important to them. Similar results were found for attitudes in predicting Time 2 outcomes.
When long-distance dating partners become geographically close
Authors: Stafford Laura , Merolla Andy J. , Castle Janessa D.
Published: December 2006

This study explored long-distance dating relationships’ (LDDRs) transition to geographic proximity. About half of LDDR partners experience this transition, whereas the other half end their relationships during separation. Among reunited relationships, one-third terminate within 3 months of reunion. Participants’ open-ended responses highlight changes associated with reunion, including the loss of autonomy; increased positive and negative knowledge; time management difficulties; and heightened conflict and jealousy. Desirable features of LDDRs (e.g., autonomy and novelty) appear to be lost, and missed, upon reunion. Individuals whose relationships terminated upon reunion were more likely to report missing aspects of LDDRs. Overall, we propose reunions facilitate relational and partner knowledge acquisition, the dissipation of quixotic ideals, and increased partner interdependence.
The Impact of Information Technology on Health Information Access in Sub-Saharan Africa: the divide within the divide
Authors: Rhine Lenny
Published: December 2006

In the beginning of the 21st century, there continues to be a health information access gap between users in industrialized and developing countries. Information Technology (IT) was viewed as a potential tool to bridge this ‘digital divide’. With reliable and cost effective access to the Internet, a significant body of health-related information would be accessible to users in developing and transitional countries. Currently, most of the information is produced in industrialized countries. Within sub-Saharan Africa, access to this information is limited. In 2002, the computer to user's ratio was 1:250-400 compared to a 1:15 world average and a 1:2 industrialized country average. Although there are examples of excellent projects, progress has been patchy, with the sub-Saharan Africa region falling behind due to the lack of physical access to information and training. Without the creation of a major organization with ample funding, pockets of progress will continue to be made, but the full potential of IT will not be reached.
Profiling the Caribbean Special Librarian: demography, skills and professional progress
Authors: Gosine-Boodoo Meerabai
Published: December 2006

This study aims to construct an exploratory profile of Caribbean special librarians. Data was based on a survey of professional librarians conducted in 2004 (Gosine-Boodoo and McNish, 2005) from which responses by Caribbean special librarians were extracted and analyzed. Findings were used to build a professional profile highlighting the following aspects: (1) demographics – gender, library and information science qualifications, length of professional service and job function(s); (2) perception of skills – satisfaction with the acquisition of a set of desirable skills and characteristics for the librarian of the new millennium; and (3) opportunities for development – development and training areas of current emphasis by organizations and special librarians and the latter group's satisfaction with their professional progress. Findings are only indicative because of the sample size. Recommendations advocate partnering for continuing education and training, personal responsibility for professional development, the formation of ‘special interest’ groups, and the formulation and implementation of competency standards.
The clinical effect of herbal magnetic corsets on lumbar disc herniation
Authors: He Chengqi , Chen Peng , Wang Xiaohong , Ding Mingfu , Lan Qun , Han Mei
Published: December 2006

Objective: To determine the clinical effects of the treatment of lumbar disc herniation with herbal magnetic corsets.

Design: A randomized control trial.

Setting: The outpatient and inpatient departments of the Rehabilitation Center of the West China Hospital.

Patients: Sixty patients with clinically diagnosed lumbar disc herniation were included in the study.

Interventions: Both groups received lumbar traction, medium frequency electrotherapy and massage, whereas the experimental group wore herbal magnetic corsets in addition.

Main outcome measures: Pain and lumbar function were assessed before treatment and at one week, two weeks and four weeks after intervention.

Results: Both groups reported improvements in pain and lumbar function after treatment (P 0.05 or P 0.001). However, the experimental group reported gradually increasing relief over time leading to a better curative effect than observed in the control group (P 0.05 for visual analogue scale or P 0.001 for lumbar function).

Conclusion: Herbal magnetic corsets can facilitate the reduction of pain caused by lumbar disc herniation and can improve lumbar function. This is a safe and effective non-operative therapeutic option for treatment of lumbar disc herniation.
Transtelephonic electrocardiographic monitoring of an outpatient cardiac rehabilitation programme
Authors: Kouidi Evangelia , Farmakiotis Athanasios , Kouidis Nikolaos , Deligiannis Asterios
Published: December 2006

Objective: To address whether transtelephonic electrocardiographic monitoring (TEM) of patients with chronic cardiac diseases, being exercised in public gyms, is safe and efficacious.

Design: Data were obtained from 91 patients (72 men and 19 women; with a mean (SD) age of 56 (6) years and over a total of 11 820 exercise hours) with coronary heart disease and/or chronic heart failure (≤ stage III NYHA (New York Heart Association)), who were referred for cardiac exercise rehabilitation (phase III).

Method: Twelve-lead electrocardiograms of indicated patients were transmitted from the qualified trainers in real time by standard telephone lines and were evaluated by the medical staff at the base. The TEM kits contain a telemedicine 12-lead electrocardiographic unit, a telephone modem, a computer receiver with special operating software and a laser printer. As soon as the ECG was monitored and diagnosed, the cardiologist contacted the exercise trainer and provided all the necessary instructions for intervention.

Results: In total, 280 cases were monitored. Successful TEM was reported in 99.3% of the cases. The mean (SD) time from ECG recordings to final interventions was estimated at 294 (13) s. The patients were referred for TEM during or soon after exercise sessions, because of chest pain (36% of the TEM cases), palpitations (33%), dizziness (12%), unexpected fatigue (9%), hypertensive crises (7%) and other disorders (3%). Ischaemic ECG changes were recorded in 14 cases with thoracic pain and arrhythmias in nine patients with palpitations. In only one case was a medical emergency reported and an ambulance response required.

Conclusion: These data demonstrate that TEM provides a workable facility in cardiac rehabilitation for monitoring patients who are exercising in gyms.
Social and sexual relationships of adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy: a review
Authors: Wiegerink Diana JHG , Roebroeck Marij E , Donkervoort Mireille , Stam Henk J , Cohen-Kettenis Peggy T
Published: December 2006

Objective: To investigate possible barriers to successful social and sexual relationships in adolescents and young adults of normal intelligence with cerebral palsy.

Design: A literature review based on a PubMed and PsycINFO search for the period 1990–2003. Included were studies focusing on one or more of the outcome parameters (i.e. social, intimate and sexual relationships) or on associated factors that described relationships with the outcome parameters.

Results: Fourteen papers were selected. Two studies investigated exclusively people with cerebral palsy whereas 12 concerned people with a congenital disability and/or physical disabilities, including people with cerebral palsy. All studies addressed adolescents or adults of normal intelligence. A. Social and sexual relationships: In social relationships adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy were less active than their age mates, and dating was often delayed and less frequent. Adolescents with congenital disabilities indicated that sexuality is an important aspect of their lives, but they experienced difficulties developing a sexual relationship. B. Associated factors: Psychological maladjustment, insufficient self-efficacy and low sexual self-esteem may impair the development of social and sexual relationships. Overprotection in raising children with cerebral palsy and the negative attitudes of other people may have a negative influence on the self-efficacy of people with cerebral palsy.

Conclusion: The reviewed studies suggest many factors that may influence the development of social and sexual relationships in adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy. However, evidence was found only for the personal factors self-efficacy and sexual self-esteem and their interrelationships with the parents' way of raising their children and successful experiences in social situations.
Measurement of psychological distress in palliative care
Authors: Kelly Brian , McClement Susan , Chochinov Harvey Max
Published: December 2006

Research investigating the psychological distress of palliative care patients has contributed to our understanding of the needs and experiences of individuals approaching death. This paper aims to provide a brief review of such measurement of psychological distress in palliative care, focusing on established psychiatric and psychological research tools, and quantitative research methods. This includes clinical screening and diagnostic assessment instruments used to identify key distress-related symptoms and the presence of common clinical syndromes, such as depression, anxiety, delirium, as well as the broader psychological dimensions of suffering, such as existential concerns, spirituality, hope and demoralisation. There are important considerations in undertaking psychological research in palliative care, such as maintaining a balance between the methods and measurements that will address key research questions, and sensitivity to the range of physical and emotional demands facing individuals at the point of receiving palliative care. The clinical application of psychological and psychiatric research tools and methods can aid the detection of psychological distress, aid the thorough assessment of the psychological dimension of the patients’ illness and care, aid the identification of individuals who would benefit from specific psychotherapeutic or pharmacologic interventions, and the evaluation of response to treatments.
Research with bereaved parents: a question of how not why
Authors: Hynson J L , Aroni R , Bauld C , Sawyer S M
Published: December 2006

Background: There is tension around the notion of research with bereaved parents. While it is recognised that the care of children with palliative care needs will only improve with better understanding of parent perspectives, the vulnerability of bereaved parents is equally recognised as a challenge to ethical research. An emerging literature suggests that research can be safely and ethically conducted with bereaved families, if performed sensitively. However, little is known about what research processes might enhance ethical research practice in this field.

Aim: To explore the impact of the research process on bereaved parents, and to identify what elements enhance the experience of research participation.

Methods: This qualitative study used in-depth interview techniques with the bereaved parents of children who had died from a range of conditions.

Results: Interviews took place with 69 parents from 45 eligible families (70% of 64 selected eligible families) of children who had died from a range of chronic conditions. All participants considered the timing and nature of the initial approach by the researchers to be appropriate. The experience for parents was reported to be enhanced by the sensitivity of the initial approach. The use of in-depth qualitative interviews promoted parent empowerment through determining both pace and content of interviews. Although the majority of parents primarily chose to participate for altruistic reasons, many described the research process as personally beneficial.

Conclusion: Participating in research was viewed positively by these bereaved parents. Careful attention to the research process in terms of timing, approach and the interviewer’s skills were key elements that underpinned a positive experience. The skilled utilisation of in-depth interviewing techniques was perceived to enhance ethical research practice.
Design of trials with dying patients: a feasibility study of cluster randomisation versus randomised consent
Authors: Fowell A , Johnstone R , Finlay I G , Russell D , Russell I T
Published: December 2006

There is little rigorous evidence to underpin clinical guidelines for palliative care. However, research in palliative care is difficult, especially with dying patients. Consent is a major issue, since staff do not wish to invite dying patients to participate in trials. We, therefore, conducted a feasibility study in two units within the North West Wales NHS Trust. We explored two novel approaches to research in palliative care -cluster randomisation and randomised consent. All patients admitted to the two units during the study were asked for permission to use their data for research. We allocated the two units, at random, to use cluster randomisation or randomised consent for three months, and then to crossover to the other design. Of 24 patients dying during cluster-randomised phases, 13 gave consent on admission to use their data and were, thus, eligible to enter the trial; however, defined eligibility criteria reduced these to six active participants. Of 29 patients dying during randomised consent phases, seven gave consent on admission to use their data; although two were eligible for randomisation, neither entered the trial. We judge that cluster randomisation is the more effective design for research with dying patients. Computer simulation, based on data from 1500 dying patients on the Welsh Integrated Care Pathway, shows that crossover cluster trials need much smaller samples than simple cluster trials. Furthermore, this study has shown that crossover cluster trials are entirely feasible. We recommend a ‘definitive’ trial to test the crossover design more widely.
QOLLTI-F: measuring family carer quality of life
Authors: Cohen Robin , Leis Anne M , Kuhl David , Charbonneau Cécile , Ritvo Paul , Ashbury Fredrick D.
Published: December 2006

Background: The primary goal of palliative care is to optimize the quality of life (QOL) of people living with a life-threatening illness and that of their families. While there have been important advances in measurement of the QOL of palliative care patients, little attention has been paid to the QOL of their carers (family caregivers). To develop and deliver the most effective services to these carers, their QOL needs to be measured with acceptable and psychometrically sound instruments that have content validity.

Methods: This study reports three phases of the development and testing of such a measure: QOLLTI-F, Quality of Life in Life Threatening Illness -Family Carer Version, simultaneously in English and French. Participants were carers from 12 Canadian palliative care services who were asked to complete QOLLTI-F on three occasions.

Results: The final version of QOLLTI-F consists of 16 items. It was deemed acceptable by the vast majority of carers and a longer, 24-item version was completed in a median of 12 min. Content validity was assured by inclusion of all domains reported by carers to be important to their QOL: state of carer, patient wellbeing, quality of care, outlook, environment, finances and relationships. Construct validity was demonstrated, as principal components analysis indicated that the 16 items did indeed reflect these seven domains. Furthermore, the seven domain scores predicted 53% of the variance in global QOL, although the QOLLTI-F Total score predicted less well (43%). The test-retest reliability for the QOLLTI-F Total score was 0.77-0.80 and ranged from 0.50 to 0.79 for the seven domain scores. All QOLLTI-F scores were shown to be significantly different between days the carers considered bad, average and good, demonstrating responsiveness to change, with the exception of the Financial Concerns submeasure, which did not distinguish between average and good days.

Conclusions: QOLLTI-F is unique in that in measuring one person’s QOL (the carer’s) it includes their perception of the condition of another (the patient). This attests to the close relationship between the two. It is also unique in that its content is derived from a qualitative study asking carers what is important to their own QOL, rather than focusing on the changes or burdens related to caregiving. QOLLTI-F also has the advantage of being briefer than other carer QOL measures. It contains measures of seven different domains that are determinants of carer QOL, in addition to a summary score. All these measures are valid, reliable and responsive to change in QOL.
Fire from Above: Metaphors and Images of God’s Actions in Lamentations 2.1-9
Authors: Labahn Antje
Published: December 2006

The five laments of Lamentations contain many metaphors. Most of them contain human elements or parts related to an earthy scene. However, in Lam. 2.1-10 the actions of God are described metaphorically. The metaphors and images of God focus on fire sent from above, kindled by God and paralleled by his anger. This article takes a closer look at the various impressions raised in the text in order to gain a deeper insight into the meaning of the highly undetermined impressions. Therefore, the targets kindled by fire are analyzed and linked to God’s actions. Theological aspects of how to understand God’s anger in the context of Lamentations are also included.
Killing the Messenger: David’s Policy or Politics?
Authors: Reis Pamela Tamarkin
Published: December 2006

Twice David orders death for the bearers of news that, though seemingly advantageous to his rise, he laments to hear. Subsequently, his servants twice fear to relay grave news lest it is David’s policy to kill the messenger. A close literary reading shows that executing the messenger is not David’s policy—it is his politics. Where David finds no political advantage, he kills no messenger, however bad the news. This study also clarifies the meaning of a disputed Hebrew word and demonstrates that, though deceived about Saul’s end by the lying Amalekite in 2 Samuel 1, David learns the truth by ch. 4. Further, and contrary to readers’ general assessment of David’s reaction to Absalom’s death, it reveals that David’s loud wailing, deliberately broadcast from a high and public place, is an exaggerated charade of grief calculated to move and win over Absalom’s followers.
The Organizational Factors Influencing Socially Responsible Apparel Buying/Sourcing
Authors: Park Haesun , Lennon Sharron J.
Published: December 2006

The purpose of this study was to investigate organizational factors that influence buying/sourcing professionals' socially responsible buying/sourcing (SRB) effort. Survey responses from buying/sourcing professionals from U.S. apparel/shoe companies were analyzed using MANOVA. Analysis revealed that SRB consisted of three dimensions: employment/human rights, environment, and consumer safety. The presence of vendor monitoring and perceived top management support were significantly related to the extent to which buying/sourcing professionals consider SRB when making buying decisions. Buying policy, punishment system(s), a special SRB department or specialist, and perceived ethics and social responsibility of peers had no significant multivariate effects on SRB. Suggestions for industry practitioners in organizational control issues and for researchers in future research issues are also discussed.
The Thickening Borderlands
Authors: Rosas Gilberto
Published: December 2006

I draw from ethnographic research in the Mexico-US borderlands,the immigrant social struggle in the United States, and interviews with organizations invested in the immigrant social struggle in Arizona, to explore the historically specific expansion of what I am calling the ‘borderlands condition’,or the coupling of ‘exceptionality’ with politicalimaginaries.The former term represents an iteration of the diffused governance of race.The article charts the plasticity of the exceptionality of the borderlands,its shift from militarized policing in the southwestern borderlands to the naturalization of a vigilantism in concert with the transnationally inflected immigrant social struggle, as representative of the borderlands condition.
A retreat from permanent employment?
Authors: Kirkpatrick Ian , Hoque Kim
Published: December 2006

The last five years have witnessed a steady growth in the use of agency workers to fill core professional roles in public sector organizations. Whereas in the past the use of agency workers was driven mainly by employer demands for improved flexibility, this current expansion is predominantly supply led occurring against a backdrop of increasingly tight labour markets. In this article our objective is to explore some of the factors that lie behind this change. Specifically, we raise questions about how far current trends can be explained using the ‘free agent perspective’ and the notion of portfolio careers. Focusing on one group of professionals in the UK public sector -local authority social workers -we find only limited evidence to support this interpretation. Instead, it is argued that current moves into agency work are in large part a reaction to increasing rigidities in the employment system and to deteriorating conditions of work.
Understanding assistant roles in social care
Authors: Kessler Ian , Bach Stephen , Heron Paul
Published: December 2006

This article re-connects with structure-agency debates to explore the development of the social work assistant role. Drawing upon an analytical framework based on the tenets of critical realism, it seeks to explain the evolution of this role across three local authorities by looking at the interaction of structure and agency at different societal levels: the sub-sector, the organization and the workplace. In doing so, it establishes the analytical value of the structure-agency dualism in studying occupations and, at the same time, provides data on what employees do in the type of role increasingly likely to characterize the modern service economy.
Examining the disciplinary process in nursing: a case study approach
Authors: Cooke Hannah
Published: December 2006

This article examines the disciplinary process in nursing using data drawn from qualitative cases studies carried out in three healthcare Trusts in the north of England.The main method of data collection employed in the cases studies was in depth interviews with managers, nurses and trade union representatives.The study considers the models of discipline employed by managers when making the decision to discipline, the conduct of disciplinary cases and their outcomes.The study pays particular attention to ‘quasi-formal’ discipline in which investigative processes may be used as punishments.The study also considers the poor outcomes of disciplinary action and their relationship to the ways in which disciplinary processes are conducted.
Editorial: Late Holocene oceanographic and climate change from the western European margin: the results of the HOLSMEER project
Authors: Scourse James , Sejrup Hans Petter , Jones Phil D. , HOLSMEER project participants
Published: December 2006

The underlying aim of the HOLSMEER project has been to improve our understanding of natural climate variability through the search for, interpretation and quantification of, climatic variability in very high-resolution shallow marine records from Atlantic Europe covering the last 2000 years. This has been achieved through detailed analyses of a series of coastal and shallow marine sites spanning the Atlantic seaboard from Iberia to western Norway, and extending across to Iceland. HOLSMEER partners have documented pronounced instability in the thermohaline circulation (THC) during the period immediately prior to the recent significant anthropogenic impact on the environment. For the first time we have been able to document that these changes in the coastal ocean are correlated with significant changes in terrestrial palaeoclimate proxies, notably during the last 1000 years. The notable changes are the significance of warm sea surface temperatures (SST) associated with active THC between AD 700 and 1000, a transition phase to much colder SST and reduced THC between AD 1000 and AD 1300, colder SST through to AD 1900 followed by an active re-establishment of warm surface water circulation during the twentieth century. These switch-like reorganizations of the climate system have influenced the entire seaboard from western Iberia to western Norway, and have forced changes in ocean productivity, iceberg frequency and sea ice coverage. These changes have also directly influenced sea level through steric effects. The project has also resulted in significant advances in the establishment of new palaeoclimate proxies, including transfer functions related to benthic foraminifera, diatoms and dinoflagellate cysts. Annual growth band series from fossil specimens of the long-lived bivalve mollusc Arctica islandica from the northern North Sea have been successfully cross-matched, and independently verified by radiocarbon dating, to provide the longest Arctica chronology, and the first floating chronology constructed entirely from marine fossils.
First cross-matched floating chronology from the marine fossil record: data from growth lines of the long-lived bivalve mollusc Arctica islandica
Authors: Scourse James , Richardson Chris , Forsythe Graham , Harris Ian , Heinemeier Jan , Fraser Nicole , Briffa Keith , Jones Phil
Published: December 2006

Integrated understanding of phasings within the climate system over the last glacial cycle, and at higher frequencies, is inhibited because no absolute timescale for the marine environment currently exists. This precludes identification of forcings and feedbacks, accurate temporal calibration of the marine radiocarbon reservoir effect, and the application of radiocarbon as a proxy of short-timescale ocean ventilation. This has prompted a search for annually banded marine proxies in the hope of establishing an accurate marine chronometer. We present annual growth band series from dead-collected specimens of the long-lived bivalve mollusc Arctica islandica from the northern North Sea and demonstrate their successful cross-matching, with the general timescale context independently verified by radiocarbon dating. Though at present limited to only a few statistically cross-matched series, this has already generated the longest Arctica chronology, and the first ‘floating’ chronology constructed entirely from marine fossils. The record covers the period from c. AD 1000 to 1400 and integrates a 267-yr series from the longest-lived Arctica specimen yet recorded from the North Sea. This breakthrough in cross-matching demonstrates that Arctica islandica can fulfill its potential as the ‘tree of the sea’ to provide an absolute timescale for the marine environment.
Postglacial palaeoceanography in the Skagerrak
Authors: Gyllencreutz Richard , Backman Jan , Jakobsson Martin , Kissel Catherine , Arnold Eve
Published: December 2006

Crucial periods of change in the latest glacial to early-Holocene palaeogeographic and palaeoceanographic evolution in the Skagerrak region are portrayed in four time-slice maps on a calibrated age scale at 14.0 kyr, 11.2 kyr, 10.2 kyr and 8.1 kyr. The course of palaeoenvironmental events is set in a high-resolution chronological framework using IMAGES core MD99-2286 and a grid of chirp sonar profiles. These maps visualize the complex, rapid palaeogeographic and palaeoceanographic changes during the glacial-interglacial transition, which is characterized by major changes in circulation, sediment sources, and depositional processes.
Climate change and coastal hydrographic response along the Atlantic Iberian margin (Tagus Prodelta and Muros Ría) during the last two millennia
Authors: Lebreiro S. M. , Francés G. , Abrantes F. F. G. , Diz P. , Bartels-Jónsdóttir H. B. , Stroynowski Z. N. , Gil I. M. , Pena L. D. , Rodrigues T. , Jones P. D. , Nombela M. A. , Alejo I. , Briffa K. R. , Harris I. , Grimalt J. O.
Published: December 2006

The Tagus Prodelta (W Portugal) and the Muros Ría (NW Spain) are areas of high deposition rates registering high-resolution palaeoclimatic records for western Iberia. We compare the climatic conditions of the two areas over the last two millennia based on proxies of temperature (sea surface temperatures and oxygen isotopes), continental input (grain size, iron and magnetic susceptibility) and productivity (inorganic and organic carbon, carbon isotopes, benthic foraminifera and diatoms). Biogeochemical changes in the Tagus Prodelta reflect widely recognized North Atlantic climatic periods encompassing the Roman Period (AD 0-350), the Dark Ages (AD 400-700), the ‘Mediaeval Warm Period’ (MWP; AD 800-1200) and the ‘Little Ice Age’ (LIA; AD 1300-1750). The atmospheric North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) drives the Tagus Prodelta multidecadal, long-term variability in precipitation-river input during cold periods (negative NAO) and marine upwelling during warmer periods (positive NAO), a scheme that is reversed in the Galician region. The Muros Ría shows only local hydrodynamics until AD 1150, including a ‘suboxic’ event in the inner Ría around AD 500-700. Since AD 1150 Atlantic warm upwelled waters have ventilated the outer Ría but only reach the inner Ría at AD 1750. The twentieth-century records are also interpreted as a reflex of the inverse NAO mode in both areas, resulting in amplification of the LIA biogeochemical water conditions. Centennial-scale solar activity appears to be another important forcing mechanism (or the only one, if solar activity drives the NAO and ‘Bond-cycles’) behind changes in the hydrography of the Tagus Prodelta, and primary production, bottom ventilation and organic carbon degradation in the Muros Ría.
Institutional repositories in the UK: What can the Google user find there?
Authors: Markland Margaret
Published: December 2006

This study investigates the efficiency of the Google search engine at retrieving items from 26 UK Institutional Repositories, covering a wide range of subject areas. One item is chosen from each repository and four searches are carried out: two keyword searches and two full title searches, each using both Google and then Google Scholar. A further search tests the retrieval of the item from the repository interface. Known information-seeking behaviour was taken into account when interpreting the results. These show that the Google and Google Scholar user would retrieve items from the repositories, particularly when the full title was known. However, some skill would be needed to evaluate the different versions of texts retrieved, and accessing the repositories through more sophisticated harvesting services might prove a better option for the scholar.
cAMP response element modulator α expression in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Kyttaris V C , Wang Y , Juang Y-T , Weinstein A , Tsokos G C
Published: December 2006

T cells from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have high levels of cAMP response element modulator (CREM)-α which bind to the interleukin (IL-2) promoter and limit IL-2 production. In this case-controlled study, we show that CREM-α mRNA levels were higher in T cells from patients with SLE than controls while CREB mRNA levels did not differ between the two groups. CREM-α mRNA levels did not correlate with clinical characteristics, disease activity or treatment. Nevertheless, there was a trend for patients on high doses of corticosteroids to have low levels of CREM-α mRNA. The discovery of specific non-toxic medications that block the expression of CREM-α may prove useful in reversing the aberrant T cell function in SLE.
Targeting human immunodeficiency virus type 1 with antibodies derived from patients with connective tissue disease
Authors: Scherl M , Posch U , Obermoser G , Ammann C , Sepp N , Ulmer H , Dierich M P , Stoiber H , Falkensammer B
Published: December 2006

During the budding process, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquires several cellular proteins from the host. Thus, antibodies against self antigens found in sera patients with autoimmune disorders may cross react with host-derived or the HIV-specific proteins gp120 and gp41 on the viral envelope and probably neutralize HIV infection. To verify this hypothesis, 88 sera from HIV negative patients suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other autoimmune disorders were analysed for cross reacting antibodies against HIV-1 by Western blot and FACS analysis indicating that antibodies cross-react with epitopes expressed on HIV infected or non-infected cells. Virus capture assays revealed that HIV-1IIIB was directly recognized by 60% of sera from patients with autoimmune disorders. Sera were also tested in HIV neutralization assays with stimulated T cells. Reduction of the viral load by patient sera correlated with their reactivity in Western blot analysis. Complement further enhanced the reduction of viral titres, although no complement-mediated lysis was observed. These data suggest a possible protective role of auto-antibodies against HIV infection in lupus patients.
Treatment of menorrhagia associated with oral anticoagulation: efficacy and safety of the levonorgestrel releasing intrauterine device (Mirena coil)
Authors: Pisoni C N , Cuadrado M J , Khamashta M A , Hunt B J
Published: December 2006

Menorrhagia is common in women receiving oral anticoagulation. In healthy women, reductions of up to 90% of menstrual loss have been described with the levonorgestrel releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUS). However there is no data about the use of LNG-IUS in women receiving oral anticoagulation and so we assessed the efficacy and safety of LNG-IUS in this setting. Patients with menorrhagia who used LNG-IUS and warfarin were contacted by post and asked to complete a questionnaire assessing the extent and duration of menstrual bleeding, quality of life and treatment satisfaction. The questionnaire was sent to 23 patients and returned by 17. The amount of bleeding was reduced with the LNG-IUS in 10 (58.8%) women; amenorrhea occurred in four (23.5%), no change in blood loss in one (5.9%) and greater blood loss in two (11.8%) patients. The number of sanitary pads used was less in 12 (70.6%) patients; same in one (5.9%) patient, more in two (11.8%) patients and two (11.8%) did not remember. Five patients (29.4%) had shorter duration of bleeding, four (23.5%) had amenorrhoea, four (23.5%) had longer periods and four (23.5%) had same duration by subjective assessment. Eight (47.1%) patients felt very satisfied, four (23.5%) felt satisfied, two (11.8%) felt dissatisfied with the treatment, one felt very dissatisfied (5.9%) and two (11.8%) did not respond to the question. This small study suggests LNG-IUS is effective in reducing the duration and amount of menstrual bleeding in women with menorrhagia associated with oral anticoagulation. We feel the use of LNG-IUS is a major advance in reducing menorrhagia in women on oral anticoagulation as the previous alternative-hysterectomy-is associated with an increased risk of thrombosis and bleeding