Reinsurance in State Health Reform

Based on the experiences of three states, formal modeling, quantitative estimates, and qualitative assessments, explores the impact of and issues involved in publicly funding reinsurance for insurers as a way to expand or maintain private coverage

The Urban Institute's Microsimulation Model for Reinsurance: Model Construction and State-Specific Application

Describes the Urban Institute's model for simulating the effects of using state-funded reinsurance to subsidize primary insurance premiums. Details the process of building state-specific baseline databases and modeling reinsurance policy options

Absolute Calibration of a Large-diameter Light Source

A method of absolute calibration for large aperture optical systems is presented, using the example of the Pierre Auger Observatory fluorescence detectors. A 2.5 m diameter light source illuminated by an ultra--violet light emitting diode is calibrated with an overall uncertainty of 2.1 % at a wavelength of 365 nm.Comment: 15 pages, 8 figures. Submitted to JINS

Investigating changes in the chemical composition of wood upon digestion by wood-boring Bivalves of the sub-family Xylophagaidae, and potential implications for marine biogeochemical cycles

The sub-family of molluscs Xylophagaidae are the primary degraders of wood in the oceans. They are part of an opportunistic ecosystem, which survives on temporary falls of large organic matter, such as carcasses and wood debris. After digesting the wood with the help of symbiotic bacteria, Xylophagaidae excrete a pulp like substance, which lines the walls of their burrows. The nutrients in the broken down wood becomes accessible to other forms of life, and growing populations create anoxic environments, which encourage chemoautotrophic activity. This research aims to identify the role that Xylopohagaidae play in the biogeochemical cycles of certain elements, by investigating the changes in wood chemical composition after digestion by these wood-borers