A revised age of AD 667-699 for the latest major eruption at Rabaul

The most recent major eruption at Rabaul was one of the largest known events at this complex system, having a VEI rating of 6. The eruption generated widespread airfall pumice lapilli and ash deposits and ignimbrites of different types. The total volume of pyroclastic material produced in the eruption exceeded 11 km3 and led to a new phase of collapse within Rabaul Caldera. Initial 14C dating of the eruptive products yielded an age of about 1400 yrs BP, and the eruption became known as the "1400 BP" eruption. Previous analyses of the timing of the eruption have linked it to events in AD 536 and AD 639. However, we have re-evaluated the age of the eruption using the Bayesian wiggle-match radiocarbon dating method, and the eruption is now thought to
have occurred in the interval AD 667-699. The only significant equatorial eruptions recorded in both Greenland and Antarctic ice during this interval are at AD 681 and AD 684, dates that coincide with frost rings in bristlecone pines of western USA in the same years. Definitively linking the Rabaul eruption to this narrow age range will require identification of Rabaul tephra in the ice records. However, it is proposed that a new working hypothesis for the timing of the most recent major eruption at Rabaul is that it occurred in the interval AD 681-684.

A Revised Disrupted Langmuir-Adsorption Model of Photocatalysis

The increasingly popular disrupted Langmuir–adsorption (DLA) kinetic model of photocatalysis does not contain an explicit function for the dependence of rate on the irradiance, ρ, but instead has a term αρθ, where, α is a constant of the system, and θ is also a constant equal to 1 or 0.5 at low or high ρ values, respectively. Several groups have recently replaced the latter term with an explicit function of the form χ1(−1 + (1 + χ2ρ)1/2), where χ1 and χ2, are constants that can be related to a proposed reaction scheme. Here the latter schemes are investigated, and revised to create a more credible form by assuming an additional hole trapping step. The latter may be the oxidation of water or a surface saturated with O2–. Importantly, this revision suggests that it is only applicable for low quantum yield/efficiency processes. The revised disrupted Langmuir–adsorption model is used to provide good fits to the kinetic data reported for a number of different systems including the photocatalytic oxidation of nitric oxide (NO), phenol (PhOH), and formic acid (FA).

Islamic fundamentalism since 1945:2nd revised and expanded edition

Featuring a brand new examination of Islamic fundamentalism in the wake of the Arab Spring, this fully revised and updated second edition of Islamic Fundamentalism since 1945 analyzes the roots and emergence of Islamic movements in the modern world and the main thinkers that inspired them.

Providing a much-needed historical overview of a fast-changing socio-political landscape, the main facets of Islamic fundamentalism are put in a global context, with a thematic debate of issues such as:

- the effects of colonialism on Islam

- secularism and the Islamic reaction

- Islam and violence in the 9/11 era

- globalization and transnational Islamist movements

- Islam in the wake of the Arab Awakening

Islamic Fundamentalism since 1945 provides an authoritative account of the causes and diversity of Islamic fundamentalism, a modern phenomenon which has grabbed the headlines as a grave threat to the West and a potentially revolutionary trend in the Middle East. It is a valuable resource for students and those interested in the history, effects and consequences of these Islamic movements

Can the Revised UK Code Direct Practice?

The Nursing and Midwifery Council, the United Kingdom regulator of nursing and midwifery has recently revised its professional code of practice. This paper begins by arguing that a professional code must be capable of sustaining close reading and of action guidance. Using four exemplar clauses it is argued that the new revised code does not met this purpose. First, I show that in setting out requirements for consent and documentation, the meaning of the relevant clause has changed significantly during the editing process so that a literal reading of the final document bears little relation to established professional practice. Second, I argue that the clause concerning the nature of professional relationships has also been altered during the editing process so that it is inconsistent with other professional groups and established accounts of the professional nurse-patient relationship. Third, I argue that the clause concerning disclosure of confidential information, which survived revision and editing with its meaning intact is nevertheless factually incorrect and inconsistent with UK law and authoritative guidance. Finally, fourth, I argue that use of the word ‘inappropriate’ is inappropriate as it amounts to meaningless circularity, discussed in relation to a clause on expressing personal beliefs. Taken together, these examples demonstrate that the Code is seriously flawed and does not fulfil its purpose. One way that simple prescriptive clauses in the Code can be usefully understood is through the provision of detailed guidance. I argue that the NMC has changed its position on its view of the value of guidance and has significantly reduced the amount of written guidance and advice is provides. The paper concludes by arguing that in order to meet its action directing function, further clarifying revision and the provision of detailed guidance is required.

Revised definitions of invasive fungal disease from the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Invasive Fungal Infections Cooperative Group and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Mycoses Study Group (EORTC/MSG) Consensus Group.

BACKGROUND: Invasive fungal diseases are important causes of morbidity and mortality. Clarity and uniformity in defining these infections are important factors in improving the quality of clinical studies. A standard set of definitions strengthens the consistency and reproducibility of such studies. METHODS: After the introduction of the original European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Invasive Fungal Infections Cooperative Group and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Mycoses Study Group (EORTC/MSG) Consensus Group definitions, advances in diagnostic technology and the recognition of areas in need of improvement led to a revision of this document. The revision process started with a meeting of participants in 2003, to decide on the process and to draft the proposal. This was followed by several rounds of consultation until a final draft was approved in 2005. This was made available for 6 months to allow public comment, and then the manuscript was prepared and approved. RESULTS: The revised definitions retain the original classifications of "proven," "probable," and "possible" invasive fungal disease, but the definition of "probable" has been expanded, whereas the scope of the category "possible" has been diminished. The category of proven invasive fungal disease can apply to any patient, regardless of whether the patient is immunocompromised, whereas the probable and possible categories are proposed for immunocompromised patients only. CONCLUSIONS: These revised definitions of invasive fungal disease are intended to advance clinical and epidemiological research and may serve as a useful model for defining other infections in high-risk patients.

Colum C. Chapman, Chicago, Illinois

Cabinet card photographic portrait of Colum C. Chapman in his National Guard uniform, Chicago, Illinois, ca. 1890.

Frank M. Chapman, Jr. son of Frank M. and Wilhelmina Chapman, Chicago, Illinois, ca. 1891.

Studio portrait of Frank M. Chapman, Jr. son of Frank M. and Wilhelmina Chapman, Chicago, Illinois, ca. 1891.

Frank C. Chapman, Chicago, Illinois, ca. 1890

Studio portrait of Frank C. Chapman, Chicago, Illinois, ca. 1890.

Label, "Clarke & Chapman, Packers and Jobbers of Green Apples, Macomb, Illinois

Label on card stock for "Clarke & Chapman, Packers and Jobbers of Green Apples, Macomb, Illinois, 1870-1878"

Wilhelmina Zillen Chapman, Chicago, Illinois, 1892

Cabinet card portrait of Wilhelmina Zillen Chapman, mother of Grant Chapman and grandmother of Joyce Chapman, taken by G. D. Morse, Chicago, Illinois, July, 1892.

Charles C. and Lizzie Chapman with daughter Ethel, Chicago, Illinois

Charles C. Chapman and his wife, Lizzie Pearson Chapman, with baby daughter Ethel in a hammock, Chicago, Illinois, ca. 1885.

Mrs. Heppenstall, a member of the Chapman family, Abington, Illinois

Cabinet card photographic portrait of Nancy Wallace Pearson Heppenstall [1834-1916], taken in the studio of William Johnston, Abington, Illinois. She was the mother of Lizzie Pearson Chapman, wife of Charles Clarke Chapman.

E. Joe Clarke, Monmouth, Illinois

Cabinet card photographic portrait of E. Joe Clarke, taken in the Root studio, Monmouth, Illinois.

Unidentified member of the Chapman family, Hattoon, Illinois

Unidentified studio portrait of a member of the Chapman family, taken in the Teitzell Studio, Hattoon, Illinois.