Changes in wild pig (Sus scrofa) relative abundance, crop damage, and environmental impacts in response to control efforts.

Background: As the population and range of wild pigs (Sus scrofa) continue to grow across North America, there has been an increase in environmental and economic damages caused by this invasive species, and control efforts to reduce damages have increased concomitantly. Despite the expanding impacts and costs associated with population control of wild pigs, the extent to which wild pig control reduces populations and diminishes environmental and agricultural damages are rarely quantified. The goal of this study is to quantify changes in wild pig relative abundance and subsequent changes in damages caused by invasive wild pigs in response to control.

Electrophoretic fingerprinting and multiparameter analysis of cells and particles.

A recently developed electrophoretic instrumentation based on a real-time image processing system has been applied to electrophoretic fingerprinting and multiparameter analysis of cells and other particles. The comparison between theoretical and experimental electrophoretic fingerprints, completed by the analysis of differences between measured fingerprints, offers a new methodology for better understanding and controlling of the processes at solid/liquid interfaces. Moreover, the multi-parameter analysis including electrophoretic mobility, size, density and shape of cells can complete the diagnosis and prognosis of diseases.

A fluid dynamic analysis of a rotary blood pump for design improvement.

The proper design of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) requires an understanding of the pump's fluid dynamic and biocompatible properties. A hydraulically efficient system minimizes the power required for pumping. Biocompatibility refers to the ability to pump blood with minimal hemolysis and thrombus formation.