中国华北和美国加州地区地震层析成像研究

In recent years seismic tomography has become a powerful tool for studying the three-dimensional crust and mantle structure. In this study, we collected a large number of regional and teleseismic travel-time data and used seismic tomography method to study the relationship between earthquake occurrence and crustal heterogeneity for the 1992 Landers earthquake, heterogeneity and evolution of lithosphere under North China Craton and Southern California, and deep structure and origin of the Changbai intraplate volcano in Northeast China. Our results show a correlation between the seismic rupture zone and crustal heterogeneity. The distribution of the Landers aftershocks is cluster-like and separated or terminated in areas where low-velocity anomalies exist．Most of the large earthquakes with magnitudes >4.0 occurred in or around areas with high P-wave velocity．The possibility is that high-velocity areas are brittle and strong parts which can sustain seismogenic stress，and so can generate earthquakes. Our tomographic images show a very heterogeneous structure in the crust and upper mantle beneath Southern California. Three major anomalies in the upper mantle are revealed clearly beneath the southern Sierra Nevada, Transverse Ranges and Salton Trough. We consider that the high-velocity anomaly beneath the Transverse Ranges was formed through asymmetrical two-side convergence of subcrustal lithosphere and sinking to asthenosphere. Formation of the dense crust root and “drip structure” caused the high-velocity anomaly under the southern Sierra Nevada. The Salton Trough low is the response to the lithospheric extension when the Pacific plate was rifted away from the North American Plate. The tomograpic images beneath the North China Craton show that there exist different lithospheric structures under the different blocks. Complex, prominent low-velocity and high-velocity anomalies are imaged beneath the North China Basin, Trans-North China Orogen (TNCO), and Ordos Block which correspond to rifted, orogenic and cratonic lithospheres, respectively. The thickness of the three-type lithospheres is about 70, 90 and >250 km, respectively. Our results suggest that lithospheric thinning under the eastern part of North China Craton is due to long-term replacement and chemical and thermal erosion of the ancient lithosphere by the hot asthenosphere. The remains of ancient lithosphere exist either in the present upper mantle or have sunk into the mantle transition zone. Our tomographic result of the Changbai volcanic area suggests that the origin of the Changbai volcano is related to the deep dehydration of the subducted Pacific slab and corner flow in the big mantle wedge (BMW) above the stagnant Pacific slab.

磁层－电离层电流的暴时变化以及主磁场对空间环境的影响

Two problems are studied in this thesis, the relationship of the magneto-spheric - ionospheric current systems during storms, and the effects of the main field to the space environment. The thesis includes three parts. 1. Magnetic disturbances caused by magnetospheric - ionospheric current systems Transient variations of the geomagnetic field at middle-low latitudes are mainly caused by the ionospheric dynamo current (IDC), the symmetric ring current (SRC), the partial ring current-region II field-aligned current-ionospheric current system (PRFI), and the region I field-aligned current-ionospheric current system (FACI). The storm on May 1 ～ 6, 1998 is analyzed. Firstly, the S_q-field caused by IDC current is removed by using the modified Hibberd's method in which the effect of SRC is considered. The neglect of SRC-field can give as much as 40% error in S_q-field evaluation. Secondly, the disturbance fields at the middle and low latitudes are separated according to their origins. As a result, the disturbance caused by FACI-current is an important part of the asymmetrical depression of H-component in middle and low latitudes during storms. The results show that the relative intensity of the Sq-field increases in the main phase of the storm and decreases in the recovery phase. The latitudinal gradient of the Sq-field is positive during the whole storm. The storm of May 1 ～ 6, 1998 contains two events. In the first event on May 2, the SRC-field is similar to Dst index. But in the second event on May 4 ～ 5, the SRC-field delays to Dst index, and the SRC-field depresses while the PRFI- and FACI-fields recovery. 2. Analysis of S_q~p variation in CGM coordinates In order to study the conjugation of geomagnetic variations between northern and southern hemispheres, we use the corrected geomagnetic coordinates (CGM) instead of the geomagnetic coordinates (GM) to analyze the S_q~P equivalent current system. The CGM coordinates are built up by International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF) model. The S_q~p variations and equivalent current systems in the northern and southern polar regions are more symmetrical in CGM coordinates than in GM co-ordinates. This fact implies that the current distributions in polar regions are governed by the configuration of the geomagnetic field lines. As the elaborate structure of S_q~p current system in quiet time is obtained, we summarize the seasonal variation of the electrojet in quiet time. 3. The magnetospheric configuration of non-parallel-dipole model The magnetospheric configurations are calculated for two possible geomag-netic field models during the geomagnetic field reversals. These models are the dipole field with the axis to the sun and the quadrupole field model. We use the finite element method to solve the magnetic equation, and use the surface evolution method to solve the equilibrium equation. The results show that the main field greatly affects the space environment.

复杂断块油藏形成机制及剩余油预测

The central uplift in the Huimin depression is famous for its large amounts of faults and small-scale fault-block area, and it is the famed typical complicated fault-block group oil & gas field in the whole world. After many years of rolling exploration and exploitation, many complex oil &gas field have been discovered in the central uplift, and won the splendent fruit. With the gradual deepening and development of the rolling exploitation, the exploration faces more and more difficulties. Therefore, it is important to reveal the forming mechanism and distributing rule of the complex fault-block reservoir, and to realize the forecast of the complex fault-block reservoir, sequentially, expedite the exploration step. This article applies the new multi-subject theory, method and technique such as structure geometry, kinematics, dynamics, structural stress field, fluid potential field, well logging record and constrained inversion of seismic records, coherence analysis, the seal mold and seal history of oil-bounded fault etc, and try to reveal the forming mechanism and distributing law of the complex fault-block reservoir, in result, implements the forecast of the fault-block reservoir and the remaining oil distributing. In order to do so, this article synthetically carries out structural estimate, reservoir estimate, fault sealing history estimate, oil-bearing properties estimate and residual. This article also synthetically researches, describes and forecast the complex fault-block in Huimin depression by use of the techniques, e.g. seismetic data post-stack processing technique, multi-component demarcating technique, elaborate description technique for the fault-block structure, technique of layer forecasting, fault sealing analysis technique, comprehensive estimate technique of fault-block, comprehensive analysis and estimate technique of remaining oil etc. The activities of the faults varies dramatically in the Huimin depression, and most of the second-class and the third-class faults are contemporaneous faults, which control the macroscopical distribution of the reservoir in the Huimin depression. The fourth-class faults cause the complication between the oil & gas among the fault-blocks. The multi-period strong activities of the Linyi fracture resulted in the vertical migration of large amount of oil & gas along with the faults. This is the main reason for the long vertical distribution properties near the Linyi fracture in the Huimin depression. The sealing ability of the fault is controlled by the property,size and direction of the main stress, the contact relationship of the both sides of the fault, the shale polluting factor, and the configuration relationship between the fault move period and the migration period of oil & gas. The article suggest four fault-sealing modes in the research zone for the first time, which establishes the foundation for the further forecast of the complex fault-block reservoir. Numerical simulation of the structural stress field reveals the distribution law and the evolvement progress of the three-period stress field from the end of the Dongying period to the Guantao period to nowadays. This article puts forward that the Linyi and Shanghe regions are the low value of the maximum main stress data. This is combined with the fault sealing history estimate, then multi-forming-reservoir in the central uplift is put forward. In the Shanghe oilfield, the article establishes six reservoir geological modes and three remaining oil distributing modes(the plane, the inside layer and the interlayer), then puts forward six increase production measure to enhance the remaining oil recovery ratio. Inducting the exploitation of oilfield, it wins notable economic effects and social effects.

滚石机理及滚石灾害评价研究

Rockfall is a geological evolution process involving detachment of blocks or boulders from a slope face, then their free falls, bouncing, rolling or sliding, and finally deposition near the toe of the slope. Many facts indicate that the rockfall can cause hazards to peoples, and it can be regarded as a geological hazard. A rockfall event may only involve a boulder or rock, and also several ones. When there are peoples, buildings, or other man-made establishments within the scope of rockfall trajectory, losses will be possibly induced in tenns of human lives or damages to these facilities. Researches into mechanism, kinematics, dynamics, hazard assessment, risk analysis, and mitigation measures of rockfalls are extremely necessary and important. Occurrence of rockfall is controlled by a lot of conditions, mainly including topographical, geomorphic, geological ones and triggering factors. The rockfall especially in mountainous areas, has different origins, and occurs to be frequent, unexpected, uncertain, in groups, periodic and sectional. The characterization and classification of the rockfalls not only increase knowledge about rockfall mechanism, but also can instruct mitigation of the hazards. In addition, stability of potential rockfalls have various sensitivity to different triggering factors and changes of geometrical conditions. Through theoretical analyses, laboratory experiments and field tests, the author presents some back-analysis methods for friction coefficients of sliding and rolling, and restitution coefficients. The used input data can be obtained economically and accurately in the field. Through deep studies on hazard assessment methods and analysis of factors influencing rockfall hazard, this paper presents a new assessment methodology consisting of preliminary assessment and detailed one. From the application in a 430 km long stretch of the Highway, which is located between Paksho and Nyingtri in Tibet, the methodology can be applicable for the rockfall hazard assessment in complex and difficult terrains. In addition, risk analyses along the stretch are conducted by computing the probability of encountering rockfalls and life losses resulting from rockfall impacts. Rockfall hazards may be mitigated by avoiding hazardous areas, clearness of dangerous rocks, reinforcement, obstructing the rockfalls, leading the rockfalls, warning and monitoring for rockfalls, etc. Seen from present remedial level of rockfall hazards, different mitigation measures, economical and effective buffering units, monitoring tecliniques and consciousness of environmental protection for rockfall mitigations should be further developed.

物体朝向对场景内在参照系建立的影响

Six experiments tested how headings of objects in scenes influenced the construction for the intrinsic frame of reference under different structure and viewpoint amount conditions. In Experiment 1 and 2, participants stood at 0 degree and learned an asymmetrical scene and a symmetrical scene that were composed by balls with no apparent headings separately. In Experiment 3, 4, 5 and 6, toys with apparent headings were used and they all faced the 315 degree of the scene. In Experiment 3 and 4, participants stood at 0 degree and learned an asymmetrical scene and a symmetrical scene that were composed by toys separately. In Experiment 5 and 6, participants stood at 0 and 315 degree and learned an asymmetrical scene and a symmetrical scene that were composed by toys separately. After learning, participants needed to finish triplet recognition tasks in all the experiments. The dependent measures were response latency and accuracy. The correct response latencies to the targets were analyzed by ANOVA. Accuracy was used to filter data and analyzed in an ANOVA in some experiments as a reference. Results indicate that headings of objects in scenes influence the pattern for intrinsic frame of reference. The structure of scene affects the acting mechanism of heading, but the amount of viewpoints does not have this effect. If the objects in scenes have no apparent headings, there will be viewpoint dependent effect and the advantage of symmetry axis as intrinsic axis in triplet recognition tasks. If the objects in scenes have apparent headings, people’s spatial memory pattern will be affected by objects’ headings. If the heading of objects (315 degree) is not parallel to the viewpoint (0 degree) in an asymmetrical scene, people will be inclined to represent the scene from the heading of objects but not from the viewpoint. As a result, the viewpoint dependent effect will disappear, and there is significant advantage for the triplets presented from heading of objects. If the heading of objects is not parallel to the symmetry axis in a symmetrical scene, people will represent the scene not only according to the symmetry axis as intrinsic axis, but also according to the heading of objects. As a result, the significant advantage for symmetry axis as intrinsic axis in triplet recognition tasks will disappear but there will be still a tendency. By contrast, the effect for the headings of objects is more significant in asymmetrical scenes than that in symmetrical scenes.

How Could We Explore the Terrorist Issue?

The problem of terrorism can be analyzed by means of a wide array of research theories and models. There is however a question which of these may be regarded as especially useful to analyze different aspects of terrorism such as its reasons, characteristics and effects. Among concepts or theories which more or less fulfill the above-mentioned requirements, one can mention: chaos theory, decision theory, spatial competition theory, exchange theory, black box theory, theory of disaster, system model, model of billiard balls, core model, asymmetrical model, network model or concept of hybridity.

Demand-based Document Dissemination for the World-Wide Web

We analyzed the logs of our departmental HTTP server http://cs-www.bu.edu as well as the logs of the more popular Rolling Stones HTTP server http://www.stones.com. These servers have very different purposes; the former caters primarily to local clients, whereas the latter caters exclusively to remote clients all over the world. In both cases, our analysis showed that remote HTTP accesses were confined to a very small subset of documents. Using a validated analytical model of server popularity and file access profiles, we show that by disseminating the most popular documents on servers (proxies) closer to the clients, network traffic could be reduced considerably, while server loads are balanced. We argue that this process could be generalized so as to provide for an automated demand-based duplication of documents. We believe that such server-based information dissemination protocols will be more effective at reducing both network bandwidth and document retrieval times than client-based caching protocols [2].

The formation of nanotubes and nanocoils of molybdenum disulphide

This work reports the successful realization of MoS2 nanotubes by a novel intercalation chemistry and hydrothermal treatment. An inorganic-organic precursor of hexadecylamine (HDA) and molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) were used in synthesizing the nanocomposite comprising laminar MoS2 with HDA intercalated in the interlaminar spacing. The formation of MoS2 nanotubes occurred during hydrothermal treatment (HT) by a self-organized rolling mechanism. The nanotubes were observed to have dimensions 2-12 µm in length and inner diameters typically in the range of 25-100 nm. We also report the formation of amorphous nanocoils of MoS2 obtained during similar procedures.

Nano-urchin: The formation and structure of high-density spherical clusters of vanadium oxide nanotubes

We report the observation of urchin-like nanostructures consisting of high-density spherical nanotube radial arrays of vanadium oxide nanocomposite, successfully synthesized by a simple chemical route using an ethanolic solution of vanadium tri-isopropoxide and alkyl amine hexadecylamine for 7 days at 180oC. The results show that the growth process of the NanoUrchin occurs in stages, starting with a radial self-organized arrangement of lamina followed by the rolling of the lamina into nanotubes. The longest nanotubes are measured to be several micrometers in length with diameters of ~120 nm and hollow centers typically measured to be ~75 nm. The NanoUrchin have an estimated density of nanotubes of ~40 sr-1. The tube walls comprise layers of vanadium oxide with the organic surfactant intercalated between atomic layers. The interlayer distance is measured to be 2.9 ± 0.1 nm and electron diffraction identified the vanadate phase in the VOx nanocomposite as orthorhombic V2O5. These nanostructures may be used as three-dimensional composite materials and as supports for other materials.

Phase estimation receiver for full-field detection: a novel receiver structure for electronic dispersion compensation of metropolitan area networks

The development of ultra high speed (~20 Gsamples/s) analogue to digital converters (ADCs), and the delayed deployment of 40 Gbit/s transmission due to the economic downturn, has stimulated the investigation of digital signal processing (DSP) techniques for compensation of optical transmission impairments. In the future, DSP will offer an entire suite of tools to compensate for optical impairments and facilitate the use of advanced modulation formats. Chromatic dispersion is a very significant impairment for high speed optical transmission. This thesis investigates a novel electronic method of dispersion compensation which allows for cost-effective accurate detection of the amplitude and phase of the optical field into the radio frequency domain. The first electronic dispersion compensation (EDC) schemes accessed only the amplitude information using square law detection and achieved an increase in transmission distances. This thesis presents a method by using a frequency sensitive filter to estimate the phase of the received optical field and, in conjunction with the amplitude information, the entire field can be digitised using ADCs. This allows DSP technologies to take the next step in optical communications without requiring complex coherent detection. This is of particular of interest in metropolitan area networks. The full-field receiver investigated requires only an additional asymmetrical Mach-Zehnder interferometer and balanced photodiode to achieve a 50% increase in EDC reach compared to amplitude only detection.

The politics of hazard: imminent critique and deconstruction of ecological modernisation in Ireland

This dissertation sets out to provide immanent critique and deconstruction of ecological modernisation or ecomodernism.It does so, from a critical social theory approach, in order to correctly address the essential issues at the heart of the environmental crisis that ecomodernism purports to address. This critical approach argues that the solution to the environmental crisis can only be concretely achieved by recognising its root cause as being foremost the issue of material interaction between classes in society, and not simply between society and nature in any structurally meaningful way. Based on a metaphysic of false dualism, ecological modernisation attributes a materiality of exchange value relations to issues of society, while simultaneously offering a non- material ontology to issues of nature. Thus ecomodernism serves asymmetrical relations of power whereby, as a polysemic policy discourse, it serves the material interests of those who have the power to impose abstract interpretations on the materiality of actual phenomena. The research of this dissertation is conducted by the critical evaluation of the empirical data from two exemplary Irish case studies. Discovery of the causal processes of the various public issues in the case studies and thereafter the revelation of the meaning structures under- pinning such causal processes, is a theoretically- driven task requiring analysis of those social practices found in the cognitive, cultural and structural constitutions respectively of actors, mediations and systems.Therefore, the imminent critique of the case study paradigms serves as a research strategy for comprehending Ireland’s nature- society relations as influenced essentially by a systems (techno- corporatist) ecomodernist discourse. Moreover, the deconstruction of this systems ideological discourse serves not only to demonstrate how weak ecomodernism practically undermines its declared ecological objectives, but also indicates how such objectives intervene as systemic contradictions at the cultural heart of Ireland’s late modernisation.

Ab initio calculations of group 4 metallocene reaction mechanisms: atomic layer deposition and bond activation catalysis

Thin film dielectrics based on titanium, zirconium or hafnium oxides are being introduced to increase the permittivity of insulating layers in transistors for micro/nanoelectronics and memory devices. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is the process of choice for fabricating these films, as it allows for high control of composition and thickness in thin, conformal films which can be deposited on substrates with high aspect-ratio features. The success of this method depends crucially on the chemical properties of the precursor molecules. A successful ALD precursor should be volatile, stable in the gas-phase, but reactive on the substrate and growing surface, leading to inert by-products. In recent years, many different ALD precursors for metal oxides have been developed, but many of them suffer from low thermal stability. Much promise is shown by group 4 metal precursors that contain cyclopentadienyl (Cp = C5H5-xRx) ligands. One of the main advantages of Cp precursors is their thermal stability. In this work ab initio calculations were carried out at the level of density functional theory (DFT) on a range of heteroleptic metallocenes [M(Cp)4-n(L)n], M = Hf/Zr/Ti, L = Me and OMe, in order to find mechanistic reasons for their observed behaviour during ALD. Based on optimized monomer structures, reactivity is analyzed with respect to ligand elimination. The order in which different ligands are eliminated during ALD follows their energetics which was in agreement with experimental measurements. Titanocene-derived precursors, TiCp*(OMe)3, do not yield TiO2 films in atomic layer deposition (ALD) with water, while Ti(OMe)4 does. DFT was used to model the ALD reaction sequence and find the reason for the difference in growth behaviour. Both precursors adsorb initially via hydrogen-bonding. The simulations reveal that the Cp* ligand of TiCp*(OMe)3 lowers the Lewis acidity of the Ti centre and prevents its coordination to surface O (densification) during both of the ALD pulses. Blocking this step hindered further ALD reactions and for that reason no ALD growth is observed from TiCp*(OMe)3 and water. The thermal stability in the gas phase of Ti, Zr and Hf precursors that contain cyclopentadienyl ligands was also considered. The reaction that was found using DFT is an intramolecular α-H transfer that produces an alkylidene complex. The analysis shows that thermal stabilities of complexes of the type MCp2(CH3)2 increase down group 4 (M = Ti, Zr and Hf) due to an increase in the HOMO-LUMO band gap of the reactants, which itself increases with the electrophilicity of the metal. The reverse reaction of α-hydrogen abstraction in ZrCp2Me2 is 1,2-addition reaction of a C-H bond to a Zr=C bond. The same mechanism is investigated to determine if it operates for 1,2 addition of the tBu C-H across Hf=N in a corresponding Hf dimer complex. The aim of this work is to understand orbital interactions, how bonds break and how new bonds form, and in what state hydrogen is transferred during the reaction. Calculations reveal two synchronous and concerted electron transfers within a four-membered cyclic transition state in the plane between the cyclopentadienyl rings, one π(M=X)-to-σ(M-C) involving metal d orbitals and the other σ(C-H)-to-σ(X-H) mediating the transfer of neutral H, where X = C or N. The reaction of the hafnium dimer complex with CO that was studied for the purpose of understanding C-H bond activation has another interesting application, namely the cleavage of an N-N bond and resulting N-C bond formation. Analysis of the orbital plots reveals repulsion between the occupied orbitals on CO and the N-N unit where CO approaches along the N-N axis. The repulsions along the N-N axis are minimized by instead forming an asymmetrical intermediate in which CO first coordinates to one Hf and then to N. This breaks the symmetry of the N-N unit and the resultant mixing of MOs allows σ(NN) to be polarized, localizing electrons on the more distant N. This allowed σ(CO) and π(CO) donation to N and back-donation of π*(Hf2N2) to CO. Improved understanding of the chemistry of metal complexes can be gained from atomic-scale modelling and this provides valuable information for the design of new ALD precursors. The information gained from the model decomposition pathway can be additionally used to understand the chemistry of molecules in the ALD process as well as in catalytic systems.

Changes in landing mechanics in patients following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction when wearing an extension constraint knee brace.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is associated with a high incidence of second tears (graft tears and contralateral ACL tears). These secondary tears have been attributed to asymmetrical lower extremity mechanics. Knee bracing is one potential intervention that can be used during rehabilitation that has the potential to normalize lower extremity asymmetry; however, little is known about the effect of bracing on movement asymmetry in patients following ACL reconstruction. HYPOTHESIS: Wearing a knee brace would increase knee joint flexion and joint symmetry. It was also expected that the joint mechanics would become more symmetrical in the braced condition. OBJECTIVE: To examine how knee bracing affects knee joint function and symmetry over the course of rehabilitation in patients 6 months following ACL reconstruction. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: Twenty-three adolescent patients rehabilitating from ACL reconstruction surgery were recruited for the study. The subjects all underwent a motion analysis assessment during a stop-jump activity with and without a functional knee brace on the surgical side that resisted extension for 6 months following the ACL reconstruction surgery. Statistical analysis utilized a 2 × 2 (limb × brace) analysis of variance with a significant alpha level of 0.05. RESULTS: Subjects had increased knee flexion on the surgical side when they were braced. The brace condition increased knee flexion velocity, decreased the initial knee flexion angle, and increased the ground reaction force and knee extension moment on both limbs. Side-to-side asymmetry was present across conditions for the vertical ground reaction force and knee extension moment. CONCLUSION: Wearing a knee brace appears to increase lower extremity compliance and promotes normalized loading on the surgical side. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Knee extension constraint bracing in postoperative ACL patients may improve symmetry of lower extremity mechanics, which is potentially beneficial in progressing rehabilitation and reducing the incidence of second ACL tears.

Computer vision tools for the non-invasive assessment of autism-related behavioral markers

The early detection of developmental disorders is key to child outcome, allowing interventions to be initiated that promote development and improve prognosis. Research on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) suggests behavioral markers can be observed late in the first year of life. Many of these studies involved extensive frame-by-frame video observation and analysis of a child's natural behavior. Although non-intrusive, these methods are extremely time-intensive and require a high level of observer training; thus, they are impractical for clinical and large population research purposes. Diagnostic measures for ASD are available for infants but are only accurate when used by specialists experienced in early diagnosis. This work is a first milestone in a long-term multidisciplinary project that aims at helping clinicians and general practitioners accomplish this early detection/measurement task automatically. We focus on providing computer vision tools to measure and identify ASD behavioral markers based on components of the Autism Observation Scale for Infants (AOSI). In particular, we develop algorithms to measure three critical AOSI activities that assess visual attention. We augment these AOSI activities with an additional test that analyzes asymmetrical patterns in unsupported gait. The first set of algorithms involves assessing head motion by tracking facial features, while the gait analysis relies on joint foreground segmentation and 2D body pose estimation in video. We show results that provide insightful knowledge to augment the clinician's behavioral observations obtained from real in-clinic assessments.

New tools provide a second look at HDV ribozyme structure, dynamics and cleavage.

The hepatitis delta virus (HDV) ribozyme is a self-cleaving RNA enzyme essential for processing viral transcripts during rolling circle viral replication. The first crystal structure of the cleaved ribozyme was solved in 1998, followed by structures of uncleaved, mutant-inhibited and ion-complexed forms. Recently, methods have been developed that make the task of modeling RNA structure and dynamics significantly easier and more reliable. We have used ERRASER and PHENIX to rebuild and re-refine the cleaved and cis-acting C75U-inhibited structures of the HDV ribozyme. The results correct local conformations and identify alternates for RNA residues, many in functionally important regions, leading to improved R values and model validation statistics for both structures. We compare the rebuilt structures to a higher resolution, trans-acting deoxy-inhibited structure of the ribozyme, and conclude that although both inhibited structures are consistent with the currently accepted hammerhead-like mechanism of cleavage, they do not add direct structural evidence to the biochemical and modeling data. However, the rebuilt structures (PDBs: 4PR6, 4PRF) provide a more robust starting point for research on the dynamics and catalytic mechanism of the HDV ribozyme and demonstrate the power of new techniques to make significant improvements in RNA structures that impact biologically relevant conclusions.