Benjamin’s ‘flâneur’ and serial murder: An ultra-realist literary case study of Levi Bellfield

This article seeks to develop criminological theory with the application of a literary device known as the ‘flâneur’ – an individual described as a ‘stroller’ – to serial murderer Levi Bellfield. With this application of the ‘flâneur’ to the phenomenon of serial murder, this article provides a fresh theoretical ‘lens’, and specifically sheds light on how particular serial murderers operate and evade detection in modern society. The importance of modernity to the phenomenon of serial murder is also considered utilizing Ultra-Realist theory, resulting in both a micro and macro examination into how the modern urban landscape has subsequently created an environment in which the serial killer both operates and comes to fruition. This synthesis between the application of literary devices, criminological theory and socio-cultural concepts not only raises important and previously neglected questions pertaining to serial murder, but also assists in forming the more sinister relative of the flâneur: the ‘dark flâneur’

Towards a positive cross-cultural lexicography: Enriching our emotional landscape through 216 ‘untranslatable’ words pertaining to well-being

Although much attention has been paid to culture-specific psychopathologies, there have been no comparable attempts to chart positive mental states that may be particular to certain cultures. This paper outlines the beginnings of a positive cross-cultural lexicography of ‘untranslatable’ words pertaining to wellbeing, culled from across the world’s languages. A quasi-systematic search uncovered 216 such terms. Using grounded theory, these words were organised into three categories: feelings (comprising positive and complex feelings); relationships (comprising intimacy and pro-sociality); and character (comprising personal resources and spirituality). The paper has two main aims. First, it aims to provide a window onto cultural differences in constructions of wellbeing, thereby enriching our understanding of wellbeing. Second, a more ambitious aim is that this lexicon may help expand the emotional vocabulary of English speakers (and indeed speakers of all languages), and consequently enrich their experiences of wellbeing. The paper concludes by setting out a research agenda to pursue these aims further

Myopathy with antibodies to the signal recognition particle: clinical and pathological features

Objectives: To study myopathies with serum antibodies to the signal recognition particle (SRP), an unusual, myositis specific antibody associated syndrome that has not been well characterised pathologically. Methods: Clinical, laboratory, and myopathological features were evaluated in seven consecutive patients with a myopathy and serum anti-SRP antibodies, identified over three years. The anti-SRP myopathy was compared with myopathology in other types of inflammatory and immune myopathies. Results: The patients with anti-SRP antibodies developed weakness at ages ranging from 32 to 70 years. Onset was seasonal (August to January). Weakness became severe and disability developed rapidly over a period of months. Muscle pain and fatigue were present in some patients. No patient had a dermatomyositis-like rash. Serum creatine kinase was very high (3000 to 25 000 IU/l). Muscle biopsies showed an active myopathy, including muscle fibre necrosis and regeneration. There was prominent endomysial fibrosis, but little or no inflammation. Endomysial capillaries were enlarged, reduced in number, and associated with deposits of the terminal components of complement (C5b-9, membrane attack complex). Strength improved in several patients after corticosteroid treatment. Conclusions: Myopathies associated with anti-SRP antibodies may produce severe and rapidly progressive weakness and disability. Muscle biopsies show active myopathy with pathological changes in endomysial capillaries but little inflammation. Corticosteroid treatment early in the course of the illness is often followed by improvement in strength. In patients with rapidly progressive myopathies and a high serum creatine kinase but little inflammation on muscle biopsy, measurement of anti-SRP antibodies and pathological examination of muscle, including evaluation of endomysial capillaries, may provide useful information on diagnosis and treatment