A data assimilation approach is demonstrated whereby seismic inversion is both automated and enhanced using a comprehensive numerical sedimentary basin simulator to study the physics and chemistry of sedimentary basin processes in response to geothermal gradient in much greater detail than previously attempted. The approach not only reduces costs by integrating the basin analysis and seismic inversion activities to understand the sedimentary basin evolution with respect to geodynamic parameters- but the technique also has the potential for serving as a geoinfomatics platform for understanding various physical and chemical processes operating at different scales within a sedimentary basin.Tectonic history has a first- order effect on the physical and chemical processes that govern the evolution of sedimentary basins. We demonstrate how such tectonic parameters may be estimated by minimizing the difference between observed seismic reflection data and synthetic ones constructed from the output of a reaction, transport, mechanical (RTM) basin model. We demonstrate the method by reconstructing the geothermal gradient. As thermal history strongly affects the rate of RTM processes operating in a sedimentary basin, variations in geothermal gradient history alter the present- day fluid pressure, effective stress, porosity, fracture statistics and hydrocarbon distribution. All these properties, in turn, affect the mechanical wave velocity and sediment density profiles for a sedimentary basin. The present- day state of the sedimentary basin is imaged by reflection seismology data to a high degree of resolution, but it does not give any indication of the processes that contributed to the evolution of the basin or causes for heterogeneities within the basin that are being imaged. Using texture and fluid properties predicted by our Basin RTM simulator, we generate synthetic seismograms. Linear correlation using power spectra as an error measure and an efficient quadratic optimization technique are found to be most effective in determining the optimal value of the tectonic parameters. Preliminary 1- D studies indicate that one can determine the geothermal gradient even in the presence of observation and numerical uncertainties. The algorithm succeeds even when the synthetic data has detailed information only in a limited depth interval and has a different dominant frequency in the synthetic and observed seismograms. The methodology presented here even works when the basin input data contains only 75 per cent of the stratigraphic layering information compared with the actual basin in a limited depth interval.

Two-dimensional photoelectron spectroscopy, in which photoelectron yield is measured as a function of both photon and electron energy, has been used to investigate rotational transitions associated with vibrational autoionization in molecular hydrogen, following excitation by synchrotron radiation. The energy resolution achieved in this study was sufficient to separate individual rotational transitions and hence determine the change in rotational quantum number between the initial, neutral and final, ion states. Rather than concentrate on the rotational decay routes of particular autoionizing Rydberg states, advantage has been taken of the comprehensive nature of the two-dimensional photoelectron spectra (2DPES) to perform a more general type of analysis. Constant transition energy spectra (CTES) were extracted from the 2DPES corresponding to specific rotational transitions J''-J = 1-1, 2-2, 3-3 and ΔJ = + 2, between the initial, neutral and final, ionic states. The ΔJ = 0 spectra proved to be broadly similar, once an allowance was made for the different amounts of rotational energy involved, and the comparison highlighted areas in which differences occurred. In many cases low-n high-υ interlopers, Rydberg states converging on higher vibrational ionic thresholds than members of the main series, were found in these spectral regions, suggesting that these Rydberg states have a significant effect on the rotational spectrum. Analysis of the ΔJ = + 2 CTES revealed a tendency for these low-n high-υ interlopers to feature strongly in these spectra and this has been tentatively associated with the relatively long lifetime of these states against autoionization.

Key natural gas reserves in Rocky Mountain and other U.S. basins are in reservoirs with economic producibility due to natural fractures. In this project, we evaluate a unique technology for predicting fractured reservoir location and characteristics ahead of drilling based on a 3-D basin/field simulator, Basin RTM. Recommendations are made for making Basin RTM a key element of a practical E&P strategy. A myriad of reaction, transport, and mechanical (RTM) processes underlie the creation, cementation and preservation of fractured reservoirs. These processes are often so strongly coupled that they cannot be understood individually. Furthermore, sedimentary nonuniformity, overall tectonics and basement heat flux histories make a basin a fundamentally 3-D object. Basin RTM is the only 3-D, comprehensive, fully coupled RTM basin simulator available for the exploration of fractured reservoirs. Results of Basin RTM simulations are presented, that demonstrate its capabilities and limitations. Furthermore, it is shown how Basin RTM is a basis for a revolutionary automated methodology for simultaneously using a range of remote and other basin datasets to locate reservoirs and to assess risk. Characteristics predicted by our model include reserves and composition, matrix and fracture permeability, reservoir rock strength, porosity, in situ stress and the statistics of fracture aperture, length and orientation. Our model integrates its input data (overall sedimentation, tectonic and basement heat flux histories) via the laws of physics and chemistry that describe the RTM processes to predict reservoir location and characteristics. Basin RTM uses 3-D, finite element solutions of the equations of rock mechanics, organic and inorganic diagenesis and multi-phase hydrology to make its predictions. As our model predicts reservoir characteristics, it can be used to optimize production approaches (e.g., assess the stability of horizontal wells or vulnerability of fractures to production-induced formation pressure drawdown). The Piceance Basin (Colorado) was chosen for this study because of the extensive set of data provided to us by federal agencies and industry partners, its remaining reserves, and its similarities with other Rocky Mountain basins. We focused on the Rulison Field to test our ability to capture details in a well-characterized area. In this study, we developed a number of general principles including (1) the importance of even subtle flexure in creating fractures; (2) the tendency to preserve fractures due to the compressibility of gases; (3) the importance of oscillatory fracture/flow cycles in the expulsion of natural gas from source rock; and (4) that predicting fractures requires a basin model that is comprehensive, all processes are coupled, and is fully 3-D. A major difficulty in using Basin RTM or other basin simulator has been overcome in this project; we have set forth an information theory technology for automatically integrating basin modeling with classical database analysis; this technology also provides an assessment of risk. We have created a relational database for the Piceance Basin. We have developed a formulation of devolatilization shrinkage that integrates organic geochemical kinetics into incremental stress theory, allowing for the prediction of coal cleating and associated enhancement of natural gas expulsion from coal. An estimation of the potential economic benefits of the technologies developed or recommended here is set forth. All of the above findings are documented in this report.

The concept of political empowerment has been applied to ethnic and racial minorities, where it has been shown to positively influence political attitudes and participation. We examine whether political empowerment has the same positive consequences for women. Using data from the 1992 National Election Study and Almanac for American Politics 1990, 1992, and 1994, we explore whether women who are represented by women in Congress are more likely to be interested in and participate in politics, have a greater sense of political efficacy, competence, and trust, and evaluate Congress as an institution more favorably than women :represented by men. In general, we find women who are represented by women are more interested, participate more, and have greater senses of political efficacy and political competence. Moreover, the findings clearly seem to be a function of empowerment rather than other factors that might account for both the election of a woman to Congress and differences in attitudes and behavior identified above.

The technique of two-dimensional photoelectron spectroscopy, in which photoelectron yield is measured as a function of both electron and photon energy, is explained. The appearance of autoionising resonance features is modelled under a variety of experimental conditions. Although two-dimensional spectra normally provide a large amount of detailed information, it is often necessary to extract one-dimensional spectra in order to perform comparisons with other work. The extraction procedure is considered using the specific example of constant transition energy spectra, which indicate the population of particular ion states as a function of photon energy. In addition, experimental effects that are readily visible in two-dimensional spectra, but which may be hard to identify in one-dimensional measurements, are highlighted. Representative two-dimensional spectra are presented in order to illustrate these points with real examples.

The autoionizing decay pathways of the five-dipole allowed Rydberg series converging on the threshold in have been investigated using two-dimensional photoelectron spectroscopy. Measurements of electron yield as a function of both electron and photon energy have been carried out using tuneable synchrotron radiation. The vast majority of vibrational levels of the three bound electronic states of the ion that are accessible to the decaying Rydberg states have been studied with an experimental resolution of approximately 30 meV. This was sufficient to study transitions to individual vibrational levels. The comprehensive nature of the data presented has enabled various observations pertaining to both electronic and vibrational selectivity in the autoionizing decay processes to be made. The observed preference for the decay of and Rydberg states to the and states of the ion respectively may be explained if the emitted electron conserves its angular momentum. Members of the series result in the most intense features in the spectrum of the only available ion state that has a nuclear arrangement which is significantly different from that of the autoionizing states. It appears that dissociative, neutral states are more likely to be accessed from states and it seems plausible that these dissociative states play a role in the resonant population of the state. There is also evidence to suggest that this state has a bent equilibrium geometry.

Two-dimensional photoelectron spectroscopy has been used to investigate vibrational selectivity accompanying electronic autoionizing decays of Rydberg states between the and ionization thresholds in . Measurements of electron yield as a function of both electron and photon energy have been carried out using tuneable synchrotron radiation. This study, which is the most comprehensive to date, has enabled the vast majority of the accessible vibrational levels of the ion to be investigated. The experimental resolution was good enough to observe individual vibrational levels and complex vibrational selectivity was evident throughout the two-dimensional spectrum. A significant number of the features in the spectrum could be ascribed to vibrational progressions in the symmetric stretch mode.

The autoionizing decay routes of doubly excited, , Rydberg states in helium have been investigated using two-dimensional photoelectron spectroscopy. Constant ionic state spectra for the (N = 4,5 and 6) states have been extracted from two-dimensional photoelectron spectra obtained in the photon energy region 75.5 - 79 eV. A preference was observed for autoionizing decays in which the change in the principal quantum number, N, of the electron which remains bound was minimized. This is in accordance with propensity rules determined from theoretical studies. The energies of the lower members of the most prominent Rydberg series converging on each of the (N = 5) and (N = 6) thresholds have been determined.

A novel hybrid circuit featuring application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) has been developed which, when fitted with microchannel plate electron multipliers, can be used for position-sensitive detection of charged particles, ultraviolet radiation and X-rays. The integrated circuit consists of an array of charge-sensing electrodes with a corresponding array of amplifiers and counters all integrated on a single chip and giving parallel detection. This has significant advantages over existing position-sensitive detection systems. The system is now in place in a number of laboratories around the world and has been used in a variety of applications. Examples of data obtained with the aid of the detector are presented.

Rotationally selective vibrational autoionization in molecular hydrogen has been investigated using two-dimensional photoelectron spectroscopy. Measurements of electron yield as a function of both electron and photon energy have been carried out using tuneable synchrotron VUV radiation between the upsilon =0 and upsilon =1 vibrational thresholds of H2+X2 Sigma g+, 15.45-15.70 eV. Constant rotational transition energy spectra have been extracted revealing the decay routes of autoionizing states. No large changes in the rotational quantum number of the ion core during autoionization were observed.

Unusual excitation patterns have been observed in the two-dimensional electron scattering spectrum of carbon dioxide in the region of the 4 eV shape resonance. Certain features of the spectrum presented are explained in terms of a quantum mechanical analog of friction which acts to dampen the nuclear motion of the negative ion.

Lack of access to quality health care for a large number of Americans, particularly those living in rural areas, is a major health care problem. Differences in access between rural and urban areas are caused by obstacles to providing adequate care, such as hospital closures and physician shortages, and low income and/or employment that does not provide health insurance as an employee benefit. This study, based on a random sample of 6,000 households in Nebraska, finds that access to health care is better for residents of rural than urban areas. The relationship holds with controls for health status and health insurance. The pattern in Nebraska reflects an absence of differences in income, health insurance, and health status that produce differences in access between rural and urban areas nationwide. The findings suggest that any serious proposal to reform health care delivery should involve the states and use established patterns of seeking care among state residents.

A technique of two-dimensional photoelectron spectroscopy has been applied for measuring spin-orbit decay routes of the H, I, I', I'', and J autoionization states to the two spin-orbit components of the ground state of molecular oxygen. Strong selectivity of the spin-orbit decay routes was found. The observed selectivity is explained in terms of a model in which the orbital angular momentum along the internuclear axis of the positive ion core remains unchanged during the autoionization process.

An integrated circuit has been developed which, when fitted with microchannel plates, can be used for position-sensitive detection of charged particles, ultra violet radiation and X rays. The integrated circuit consists of an array of charge-sensing electrodes with a corresponding array of amplifiers and counters all integrated on a single chip and giving parallel detection. This has significant advantages over existing position-sensitive.detection systems.

The HCl+ satellite states, in the energy range 20-31 eV, have been studied by photoelectron spectroscopy. The energy resolution achieved has allowed vibrational levels to be observed for the first time which has shown the two lowest lying states to be dissociative. The use of tunable VUV radiation has provided detailed information on resonance processes occurring in the region of the ionization thresholds for the satellite ion states. These processes include neutral photodissociation producing autoionising chlorine atoms. Some of the observed atomic states are optically forbidden in transitions from the ground state of the atom.

The Auger electron yield from xenon has been measured in the vicinity of the 4d inner-shell ionization threshold. Just above this ionization threshold the Auger line profile is modified by the post-collision interaction effect involving a slow photoelectron. The process is followed through threshold into a region where the photoelectron is recaptured and either shaken up/down or remains in its Rydberg orbital during the Auger decay. By measuring the electron yield as a function of both incident photon energy and electron kinetic energy a comprehensive study of these processes is made.

Results from a high resolution study of vibrational excitation of the 4 eV shape resonance of carbon dioxide are presented. The role of the Fermi resonance (i.e. the near-degeneracy of and interaction between the vibrational modes (1, 0, 0) and (0, 2, 0)) is discussed. Evidence for differing structure in the excitation functions of members of Fermi polyads of the types (n, 0, 0) and (n, 1, 0) is presented. This difference is structure is attributed to bending deformation. Local complex potential calculations are presented which support this finding.

Autoionization processes in O2 have been studied by measuring photoelectrons in the photon energy region between the O2+ X 2 Pi g and a 2 Pi u ionic states (12.4-15 eV). The present experimental results provide comprehensive information about autoionization dynamics since the decay routes from the spin-orbit components of the neutral autoionizing states to the two spin-orbit components of the ground ionic state are resolved. The intensity ratio of the O2+ X 2 Pi 1/2 and 2 Pi 3/2 components has been determined and strong Omega to Omega + selectivity has been observed. The observed selectivity is explained in terms of a model in which the orbital angular momentum along the internuclear axis of the positive ion core remains unchanged during the autoionization process. Using this model, Rydberg orbitals of the I, I' and I" autoionizing states are reassigned as 4s sigma g, 3d delta g and 3d sigma g, respectively, and the spin-orbit constant of the J state is determined.

Monolithic integrated circuit (IC) detectors have been developed which consist of an array of electron sensing anodes and a corresponding array of amplifiers and counters all integrated onto a single chip. The anodes are fabricated on the surface of the chip over a thick dielectric film. The IC is mounted with a microchannel plate multiplier so that it counts individual charged particles and photons. The detector chip is so designed that it can be used in hybrid configurations. The active anode area can, therefore, be arbitrarily extended by abutting individual detector chips side by side, under the control of a customizing gate-array chip. Quad-detector chip sets are currently in use.