Showing papers by "Brigham Young University published in 2001"

Mechanisms of catalyst deactivation

Abstract: The literature treating mechanisms of catalyst deactivation is reviewed. Intrinsic mechanisms of catalyst deactivation are many; nevertheless, they can be classified into six distinct types: (i) poisoning, (ii) fouling, (iii) thermal degradation, (iv) vapor compound formation accompanied by transport, (v) vapor-solid and/or solid-solid reactions, and (vi) attrition/crushing. As (i), (iv), and (v) are chemical in nature and (ii) and (v) are mechanical, the causes of deactivation are basically three-fold: chemical, mechanical and thermal. Each of these six mechanisms is defined and its features are illustrated by data and examples from the literature. The status of knowledge and needs for further work are also summarized for each type of deactivation mechanism. The development during the past two decades of more sophisticated surface spectroscopies and powerful computer technologies provides opportunities for obtaining substantially better understanding of deactivation mechanisms and building this understanding into comprehensive mathematical models that will enable more effective design and optimization of processes involving deactivating catalysts. © 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Intraspecific gene genealogies: trees grafting into networks

Abstract: Intraspecific gene evolution cannot always be represented by a bifurcating tree. Rather, population genealogies are often multifurcated, descendant genes coexist with persistent ancestors and recombination events produce reticulate relationships. Whereas traditional phylogenetic methods assume bifurcating trees, several networking approaches have recently been developed to estimate intraspecific genealogies that take into account these population-level phenomena.

The evolution of firm networks: from emergence to early growth of the firm

Abstract: This paper addresses whether cohesive networks of socially embedded ties or sparse networks rich in structural holes are more conducive to the success of new firms. We propose that the networks of emerging firms evolve in order to adapt to the firm's changing resource needs and resource challenges. As firms emerge, their networks consist primarily of socially embedded ties drawn from dense, cohesive sets of connections. We label these networks identity based. As firms move into the early growth stage, their networks evolve toward more ties based on a calculation of economic costs and benefits. This shift from identity-based to more calculative networks is manifested in the evolution of the firm networks: (1) from primarily socially embedded ties to a balance of embedded and arm's-length relations; (2) from networks that emphasize cohesion to those that exploit structural holes; and (3) from a more path-dependent to a more intentionally managed network. Thus, this paper suggests that both cohesive and sparse networks are conducive to firm performance when they are aligned with and address firms' evolving resource challenges. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Evaluation of methods for detecting recombination from DNA sequences: Computer simulations

Abstract: Recombination is a key evolutionary process that shapes the architecture of genomes and the genetic structure of populations. Although many statistical methods are available for the detection of recombination from DNA sequences, their absolute and relative performance is still unknown. Here we evaluated the performance of 14 different recombination detection algorithms. We used the coalescent with recombination to simulate DNA sequences with different levels of recombination, genetic diversity, and rate variation among sites. Recombination detection methods were applied to these data sets, and whether they detected or not recombination was recorded. Different recombination methods showed distinct performance depending on the amount of recombination, genetic diversity, and rate variation among sites. The model of nucleotide substitution under which the data were generated did not seem to have a significant effect. Most methods increase power with more sequence divergence. In general, recombination detection methods seem to capture the presence of recombination, but they are not very powerful. Methods that use substitution patterns or incompatibility among sites were more powerful than methods based on phylogenetic incongruence. Most methods do not seem to infer more false positives than expected by chance. Especially depending on the amount of diversity in the data, different methods could be used to attain maximum power while minimizing false positives. Results shown here will provide some guidance in the selection of the most appropriate method/s for the analysis of the particular data at hand.

A coordination architecture for spacecraft formation control

Abstract: This paper addresses the problem of coordinating multiple spacecraft to fly in tightly controlled formations. The main contribution of the paper is to introduce a coordination architecture that subsumes leader-following, behavioral, and virtual-structure approaches to the multiagent coordination problem. The architecture is illustrated through a detailed application of the ideas to the problem of synthesizing a multiple spacecraft interferometer in deep space.

Guidelines for Quality in Autobiographical Forms of Self-Study Research:

Abstract: The authors situate the origins of self-study in four developments within education: the growing prominence of naturalistic inquiry methods, the rise of the Reconceptualist movement in curriculum studies, the increased involvement of international scholars in teacher education research, and the re-emergence of action research and its variations. They focus on autobiography and correspondence (e-mail, letters, recorded conversations) not only because these are the dominant forms of self-study but because of the demands they present for producers and consumers. The work of C. Wright Mills (1959)is used to provide a framework for determining what makes a piece of self-study writing research. Mills argues that personal troubles cannot be solved as merely troubles, but must be understood in terms of public issues and history (p. 226). Insights are drawn from literary conventions. A set of guidelines are provided for consideration by self-study researchers in their quest for greater quality.

Cronyism and Capital Controls: Evidence from Malaysia

Abstract: The initial impact of the Asian financial crisis in Malaysia reduced the expected value of government subsidies to politically favored firms. Of the estimated $60 billion loss in market value for politically connected firms from July 1997 to August 1998, roughly 9% can be attributed to the fall in the value of their connections. Firing the Deputy Prime Minister and imposing capital controls in September 1998 primarily benefited firms with strong ties to Prime Minister Mahathir. Of the estimated $5 billion gain in market value for Mahathir-connected firms during September 1998, approximately 32% was due to the increase in the value of their connections. The evidence suggests Malaysian capital controls provided a screen behind which favored firms could be supported.

Cronyism and Capital Controls: Evidence from Malaysia

Abstract: The initial impact of the Asian financial crisis in Malaysia reduced the expected value of government subsidies to politically favored firms. Of the estimated $60 billion loss in market value for politically connected firms from July 1997 to August 1998, roughly 9% can be attributed to the fall in the value of their connections. Firing the Deputy Prime Minister and imposing capital controls in September 1998 primarily benefited firms with strong ties to Prime Minister Mahathir. Of the estimated $5 billion gain in market value for Mahathir-connected firms during September 1998, approximately 32% was due to the increase in the value of their connections. The evidence suggests Malaysian capital controls provided a screen behind which favored firms could be supported.

Bundling Human Capital with Organizational Context: The Impact of International Assignment Experience on Multinational Firm Performance and CEO Pay

Abstract: We develop resource- and dynamic capability-based arguments that CEOs with international assignment experience create value for their firms and themselves through their control of a valuable, rare,...

Finding an Extra Day a Week: The Positive Influence of Perceived Job Flexibility on Work and Family Life Balance*

Abstract: This study examines the influence of perceived flexibility in the timing and location of work on work-family balance. Data are from a 1996 International Business Machines (IBM) work and life issues survey in the United States (n = 6,451). Results indicate that perceived job flexibility is related to improved work-family balance after controlling for paid work hours, unpaid domestic labor hours, gender, marital status, and occupational level. Perceived job flexibility appears to be beneficial both to individuals and to businesses. Given the same workload, individuals with perceived job flexibility have more favorable work-family balance. Likewise, employees with perceived job flexibility are able to work longer hours before workload negatively impacts their work-family balance. Implications of these findings are presented. T he demographic composition of the United States workforce has changed dramatically in recent years. This work force now includes more dual-earner couples who have responsibility for the care of children or elderly dependents, as well as more dual-professional couples where both have careers, not just jobs (Bond, Galinsky, & Swanberg, 1998). In addition, extensive downsizing by large corporations has lengthened the average workweek for many employees. The average American worker now spends additional time equivalent to six extra 40hour weeks per year on the job, when compared with the late 1960s (Schor, 1992), and three extra 40-hour weeks compared with just five years ago (Bond et al.). This means that for many, especially for dual-career parents and those with elder-care responsibilities, juggling the demands of the workplace and the home has become a more difficult balancing act. Work-family advocates have long championed the adoption of a variety of family-friendly benefits to positively influence work-family balance (Galinsky, 1992). Flexibility in the timing

As Time Goes By: From the Industrial Revolutions to the Information Revolution

Abstract: How can we best understand the impact of revolutionary technologies on the business cycle, the economy, and society? Why is economics meaningless without history and without an understanding of institutional and technical change? Does the 'new economy' mean the 'end of history'?an we best understand the impact of revolutionary technologies on business organization and the business cycle? These are some of the questions addressed in this authoritative analysis of modern economic growth from the Industrial Revolution to the 'New Economy' of today. Chris Freeman has been one of the foremost researchers on innovation for a long time and his colleague Francisco Louca is an outstanding historian of economic theory and an analyst of econometric models and methods. Together they chart the history of five technological revolutions: water-powered mechanization, steam-powered mechanization, electrification, motorization, and computerization. They demonstrate the necessity to take account of politics, culture, organizational change, and entrepreneurship, as well as science and technology in the analysis of economic growth. This is an well-informed, highly topical, and persuasive study of interest across all the social sciences. Available in OSO: http://www.oxfordscholarship.com/oso/public/content/economicsfinance/0199251053/toc.html

Financial Impact of Health Promotion Programs: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature

Abstract: Purpose. The purpose of this review is to summarize the literature on the ability of health promotion programs to reduce employee-related health care expenditures and absenteeism. Search Process. Using key words in a literature-searching program, a comprehensive search was conducted on the following databases: .MEDLINE, Embase, HealthSTAR, SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO, SciSearch, ERIC, and ABI Inform. Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria. All data-based studies that appeared in peer reviewed journals in the English language. Theses, dissertations, or presentation abstracts that were not published in peer reviewed journals were excluded. The initial search identified 196 studies, but only 72 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Data Extraction Methods. Summary tables were created that include design classification, subject size, results, and other key information for each study. Data Synthesis. Both the nature of the findings and the overall quality of the literature were evaluat...

Behavioral Responses of CEOs to Stock Ownership and Stock Option Pay

Abstract: Executive stock ownership and stock option pay are often assumed to have congruent incentive effects; however, these incentives have asymmetrical risk properties, and executives may respond to them...

Volatile antimicrobials from Muscodor crispans, a novel endophytic fungus.

Abstract: Muscodor crispans is a recently described novel endophytic fungus of Ananas ananassoides (wild pineapple) growing in the Bolivian Amazon Basin. The fungus produces a mixture of volatile organic compounds (VOCs); some of the major components of this mixture, as determined by GC/MS, are propanoic acid, 2-methyl-, methyl ester; propanoic acid, 2-methyl-; 1-butanol, 3-methyl-;1-butanol, 3-methyl-, acetate; propanoic acid, 2-methyl-, 2-methylbutyl ester; and ethanol. The fungus does not, however, produce naphthalene or azulene derivatives as has been observed with many other members of the genus Muscodor. The mixture of VOCs produced by M. crispans cultures possesses antibiotic properties, as does an artificial mixture of a majority of the components. The VOCs of the fungus are effective against a wide range of plant pathogens, including the fungi Pythium ultimum, Phytophthora cinnamomi, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Mycosphaerella fijiensis (the black sigatoka pathogen of bananas), and the serious bacterial pathogen of citrus, Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri. In addition, the VOCs of M. crispans killed several human pathogens, including Yersinia pestis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Staphylococcus aureus. Artificial mixtures of the fungal VOCs were both inhibitory and lethal to a number of human and plant pathogens, including three drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The gaseous products of Muscodor crispans potentially could prove to be beneficial in the fields of medicine, agriculture, and industry.

As Time Goes By: From the Industrial Revolutions to the Information Revolution

Abstract: From the Publisher: "How can we best understand the impact of revolutionary technologies on the business cycle, the economy, and society? Why is economics meaningless without history and without an understanding of institutional and technical change? Does the 'new economy' mean the 'end of history'?" "These are some of the questions addressed in this authoritative analysis of economic growth from the Industrial Revolution of the 'new economy' of today. Chris Freeman has been one of the foremost researchers on innovation for a long time and his colleague Francisco Louca is an outstanding historian of economic theory and an analyst of econometric models and methods. Together they chart the history of five technological revolutions: water-powered mechanization, steam-powered mechanization, electrification, motorization, and computerization. They demonstrate the necessity to take account of politics, culture, organizational change, and entrepreneurship, as well as science and technology in the analysis of economic growth." "This is a well-informed, highly topical, and persuasive study of interest across all the social sciences."--BOOK JACKET.

Asymmetric information in health insurance: evidence from the National Medical Expenditure Survey.

Abstract: Adverse selection is perceived to be a major source of market failure in insurance markets. There is little empirical evidence on the extent of the problem. We estimate a structural model of health insurance and health care choices using data on single individuals from the NMES. A robust prediction of adverse-selection models is that riskier types buy more coverage and, on average, end up using more care. We test for unobservables linking health insurance status and health care consumption. We find no evidence of informational asymmetries.

Core Algorithms of the Maui Scheduler

Abstract: The Maui scheduler has received wide acceptance in the HPC community as a highly configurable and effective batch scheduler It is currently in use on hundreds of SP, O2K, and Linux cluster systems throughout the world including a high percentage of the largest and most cutting edge research sites While the algorithms used within Maui have proven themselves effective, nothing has been published to date documenting these algorithms nor the configurable aspects they support This paper focuses on three areas of Maui scheduling, specifically, backfill, job prioritization, and fairshare It briefly discusses the goals of each component, the issues and corresponding design decisions, and the algorithms enabling the Maui policies It also covers the configurable aspects of each algorithm and the impact of various parameter selections

Energy-sensing and signaling by AMP-activated protein kinase in skeletal muscle

Abstract: AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is emerging as an important energy-sensing/signaling system in skeletal muscle. This kinase is activated allosterically by 5′-AMP and inhibited allosterically by...

Capital at Home and at School: Effects on Student Achievement

Abstract: We investigate the effects of both family and school capital on student math and reading achievement. We use the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY) merged Child-Mother Data for 1992 and 1994, to which indicators of capital in the children's schools for 1993-94 and 1994-95 have recently been added. We study children who attended first through eighth grades in both 1992 and 1994, with samples of 2034 for math achievement and 2203 for reading recognition. Findings suggest that school capital effects are modest in size while family capital effects are stronger ; combinations of school and family capital boost or modify additive findings. We sketch directions for future research and discuss the usefulness of analyzing school and family capital as parallel concepts

The Influences of Family Leisure Patterns on Perceptions of Family Functioning

Abstract: This study conducted a preliminary test of a model of family leisure functioning by examining the relationship of core and balance family leisure patterns to family cohesion and adaptability. We hypothesized that core family leisure patterns address family needs for stability, facilitate the development of cohesive relationships, and are related to perceptions of family cohesion, whereas balance family leisure patterns address family needs for change, facilitate the development of adaptive skills, and are related to perceptions of family adaptability. Findings from 2 multiple regression analyses provided preliminary support for the model. Conclusions and implications are discussed.

RELATE: Relationship Evaluation of the Individual, Family, Cultural, and Couple Contexts*

Abstract: RELATE: Relationship Evaluation of the Individual, Family, Cultural, and Couple Contexts* The purpose of this article is to present the conceptual model underlying RELATE, a relationship evaluation instrument, and to describe how this instrument can be used by instructors, clinicians, and therapists The RELATE model contains measures of the 4 primary contexts of a couple's experience: the individual, the family, the culture, and the couple The model includes some of the primary variables in Gottman's marital cascade and has been evaluated for reliability and validity Examples of how to use the instrument and model are illustrated for couples, educators, and clinicians Key Words: assessment, couples, premarital relationships It is challenging to capture the dynamics of couple relationships Scholars have used interviews, observations, surveys, tasks, and even physiological measures to attempt to understand the quality of relationships One group of scholars, the RELATE Institute (RI, previously the Marriage Study Consortium), was formed in 1979 by a diverse group of researchers, clinicians, and educators, dedicated to the dual goals of strengthening and understanding premarital and marital relationships Over the last 20 years, members of the RI have grappled with trying to measure the complexities of adult romantic relationships from a variety of different angles In addition, the RI has searched for ways to present data in a manner that is useful to couples and the family professionals who work with them Through this endeavor, three versions of a comprehensive instrument and accompanying feedback tool have been published The most recent version of the instrument is the RELATionship Evaluation Questionnaire (RELATE; Holman, Busby, Doxey, Klein, & Loyer-Carlson, 1997) This article describes the development of the conceptual model from which RELATE was derived and discusses how the model and instrument can be used by educators, clinicians, and researchers The Development of the RELATE Model The RELATE model was developed by reviewing over 50 years of research that delineated the important premarital predictors of later marital quality and stability The comprehensive review of research on premarital predictors of marital quality by Larson and Holman (1994) was a foundational document for RELATE Table I lists the main findings from this review Since the 1994 review, new research indicated additional constructs to include in the model (Gottman, 1994; Karney & Bradbury, 1995) These new additions are listed in bold in the table This list of constructs was used to develop items included in the instrument The couple process model extensively studied and researched by Gottman, providing one of the best models for the prediction of marital success or failure, was included as part of the couple constructs Over time, as new research emerges, the constructs in RELATE will continue to evolve Researchers have recently emphasized the need to develop relationship models that are more comprehensive and that include constructs that (a) target trait-like characteristics of partners, and (b) capture behavioral exchanges between partners (Bradbury, Campbell, & Fincham, 1995) Because of the comprehensive nature of RELATE, it contains extensive measures of both types of constructs, as well as measures of family background, culture, and values Whereas the initial scales included in the instrument came from existing research and from previous versions of RELATE, there is a conceptual model that organizes the numerous subcategories and suggests relationships between the constructs assessed via the scales The systemic model underlying RELATE suggests that relationships are developed and maintained within a series of contexts or subsystems (Bradbury & Fincham, 1987, 1988, 1991), as noted in Figure 1 Although numerous contexts can be measured, the most important ones for premarital and marital relationships include the individual, familial, cultural, and couple contexts (Holman & Associates, 2000; Larson & Holman, 1994) …

The Effect of Duration of Stretching of the Hamstring Muscle Group for Increasing Range of Motion in People Aged 65 Years or Older

Abstract: Background and Purpose. Stretching protocols for elderly people (≥65 years of age) have not been studied to determine the effectiveness of increasing range of motion (ROM). The purpose of this study was to determine which of 3 durations of stretches would produce and maintain the greatest gains in knee extension ROM with the femur held at 90 degrees of hip flexion in a group of elderly individuals. Subjects. Sixty-two subjects (mean age=84.7 years, SD=5.6, range= 65–97) with tight hamstring muscles (defined as the inability to extend the knee to less than 20° of knee flexion) participated. Subjects were recruited from a retirement housing complex and were independent in activities of daily living. Methods. Subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups and completed a physical activity questionnaire. The subjects in group 1 (n=13, mean age=85.1 years, SD=6.4, range=70–97), a control group, performed no stretching. The randomly selected right or left limb of subjects in group 2 (n=17, mean age=85.5 years, SD=4.5, range=80–93), group 3 (n=15, mean age=85.2 years, SD=6.5, range=65–92), and group 4 (n=17, mean age=83.2 years, SD=4.6, range=68–90) was stretched 5 times per week for 6 weeks for 15, 30, and 60 seconds, respectively. Range of motion was measured once a week for 10 weeks to determine the treatment and residual effects. Data were analyzed using a growth curve model. Results. A 60-second stretch produced a greater rate of gains in ROM (60-second stretch=2.4° per week, 30-second stretch=1.3° per week, 15-second stretch=0.6° per week), which persisted longer than the gains in any other group (group 4 still had 5.4° more ROM 4 weeks after treatment than at pretest as compared with 0.7° and 0.8° for groups 2 and 3, respectively). Discussion and Conclusion. Longer hold times during stretching of the hamstring muscles resulted in a greater rate of gains in ROM and a more sustained increase in ROM in elderly subjects. These results may differ from those of studies performed with younger populations because of age-related physiologic changes.

Laser pointer interaction

Abstract: Group meetings and other non-desk situations require that people be able to interact at a distance from a display surface. This paper describes a technique using a laser pointer and a camera to accomplish just such interactions. Calibration techniques are given to synchronize the display and camera coordinates. A series of interactive techniques are described for navigation and entry of numbers, times, dates, text, enumerations and lists of items. The issues of hand jitter, detection error, slow sampling and latency are discussed in each of the interactive techniques.

Regulation of muscle GLUT-4 transcription by AMP-activated protein kinase

Abstract: Skeletal muscle GLUT-4 transcription in response to treatment with 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-d-ribofuranoside (AICAR), a known activator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), was studied...

Experiments in adjustable autonomy

Abstract: Human-robot interaction is becoming an increasingly important research area. In this paper, we present our work on designing a human-robot system with adjustable autonomy and describe not only the prototype interface but also the corresponding, robot behaviors. In our approach, we grant the human meta-level control over the level of robot autonomy, but we allow the robot a varying amount of self-direction with each level. Within this framework of adjustable autonomy, we explore how existing, robot control approaches can be adapted and extended to be compatible with adjustable autonomy.

Contribution of mafic melt to porphyry copper mineralization: evidence from Mount Pinatubo, Philippines, and Bingham Canyon, Utah, USA

Abstract: Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines, known for its cataclysmic eruption in 1991, hosts several porphyry copper deposits and active geothermal systems. An underlying mafic melt supplied much of the sulphur for the dacitic magma and its injection into the dacitic magma chamber triggered the eruption. The eruption caused purging of the sulphur-rich fluid from the dacite to the atmosphere and extensive fracturing. Similar events took place at Bingham Canyon, Utah, site of the largest copper and gold deposit in North America at 38 Ma. The Bingham Canyon mineralization took place beneath an active stratovolcano and pyroclastic flows contemporaneous with the mineralization show evidence for magma mingling. Ascent of mafic melt supplied sulphur and chalcophile elements to the felsic magma, which consolidated to form the Bingham stock and its underlying magma chamber. Injections of the mafic melt caused periodic eruptions of felsic magma to form the stratovolcano and deposition of sulphide minerals in highly fractured rocks in and around the stock.

Image reconstruction and enhanced resolution imaging from irregular samples

Abstract: While high resolution, regularly gridded observations are generally preferred in remote sensing, actual observations are often not evenly sampled and have lower-than-desired resolution. Hence, there is an interest in resolution enhancement and image reconstruction. This paper discusses a general theory and techniques for image reconstruction and creating enhanced resolution images from irregularly sampled data. Using irregular sampling theory, we consider how the frequency content in aperture function-attenuated sidelobes can be recovered from oversampled data using reconstruction techniques, thus taking advantage of the high frequency content of measurements made with nonideal aperture filters. We show that with minor modification, the algebraic reconstruction technique (ART) is functionally equivalent to Grochenig's (1992) irregular sampling reconstruction algorithm. Using simple Monte Carlo simulations, we compare and contrast the performance of additive ART, multiplicative ART, and the scatterometer image reconstruction (SIR) (a derivative of multiplicative ART) algorithms with and without noise. The reconstruction theory and techniques have applications with a variety of sensors and can enable enhanced resolution image production from many nonimaging sensors. The technique is illustrated with ERS-2 and SeaWinds scatterometer data.

Influence of balsam poplar tannin fractions on carbon and nitrogen dynamics in Alaskan taiga floodplain soils

Abstract: The feedbacks between plant and soil processes play an important role in driving forest succession. One poorly understood feedback mechanism is the interaction between plant secondary chemicals and soil microbes. In the Alaskan taiga, changes in nutrient cycling caused by balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) secondary chemicals may affect the transition from alder (Alnus tenuifolia) to balsam poplar on river floodplains. We examined the effects of four poplar condensed tannin fractions on N cycling in alder and poplar soils. Tannins were added to forest floor samples from both poplar and alder sites. Samples were incubated for 1 month in the laboratory with soil respiration rates measured over the course of the incubation. At the end of the incubation we measured both net and gross nitrogen mineralization and nitrification, microbial biomass C and N, and the activity of various exoenzymes. In all soils, tannin additions reduced N availability, however, the mechanisms differed depending on the molecular weight of the tannin and the native soil microbial community. Low molecular weight tannin fractions served as a labile C source in poplar Oi, poplar Oe, and alder Oe horizons but were toxic to microbes in alder Oi. High molecular weight tannin fractions appeared to act primarily by binding extracellular substrates and thus limiting C and N mineralization, with the strongest effects observed in the alder soils.

Interpolating implicit surfaces from scattered surface data using compactly supported radial basis functions

Abstract: Describes algebraic methods for creating implicit surfaces using linear combinations of radial basis interpolants to form complex models from scattered surface points. Shapes with arbitrary topology are easily represented without the usual interpolation or aliasing errors arising from discrete sampling. These methods were first applied to implicit surfaces by V.V. Savchenko, et al. (1995) and later developed independently by G. Turk and J.F. O'Brien (1998) as a means of performing shape interpolation. Earlier approaches were limited as a modeling mechanism because of the order of the computational complexity involved. We explore and extend these implicit interpolating methods to make them suitable for systems of large numbers of scattered surface points by using compactly supported radial basis interpolants. The use of compactly supported elements generates a sparse solution space, reducing the computational complexity and making the technique practical for large models. The local nature of compactly supported radial basis functions permits the use of computational techniques and data structures such as k-d trees for spatial subdivision, promoting fast solvers and methods to divide and conquer many of the subproblems associated with these methods. Moreover, the representation of complex models permits the exploration of diverse surface geometry. This reduction in computational complexity enables the application of these methods to the study of the shape properties of large, complex shapes.