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   72156
   We propose 6 ASCA observations designed to complete a study of a well-
   defined sample of 9 `soft X-ray weak' PG quasars. These quasars are
   anomalously faint below 2 keV, and the physical reason for their soft
   X-ray weakness is not yet established. Our ASCA observation of the soft
   X-ray weak quasar PG 1411+442 has revealed heavy intrinsic X-ray
   absorption, and the proposed ASCA observations will allow us to test if
   absorption is the universal cause of soft X-ray weak quasars. Four of
   our targets are known to have fascinating intrinsic UV absorption, and
   we will explore relations between the properties of the UV and X-ray
   absorption. In particular, we will examine whether soft X-ray weak
   quasars are the transitional objects between associated `warm' absorber
   systems and BALQSOs.
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