Large volumes of fingerprints are collected and stored every day in a wide range of applications, including forensics, access control etc., and are evident from the database of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) which contains more than 70 million finger prints. Wavelet based Algorithms for image compression are the most successful, which result in high compression ratios compared to other compression techniques. Even though wavelet bases are providing good compression ratios, they are not optimal for representing images consisting of different regions of smoothly varying grey-values, separated by smooth boundaries. This issue is addressed by the directional transforms, known as contourlets which have the property of preserving edges. This paper focuses mainly on the new fingerprint compression using contourlet transform (CT), which includes elaborated repositioning algorithm for the CT coefficients, and Modified set partitioning in hierarchical trees (SPIHT) which is applied to get better quality, i.e., high peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR). The results obtained are tabulated and compared with those of the wavelet based ones.

Background: Role of anesthesiologist is important in difficult intubation and laryngoscopy and the role of an expert assistant performing the required maneuvers is important as well. Nevertheless, these maneuvers cannot be efficient during intubation in some cases because of inadequate experience of assistants. Therefore, in this study we compared the degree of laryngoscopic view and intubation condition using BURP and Modified BURP maneuvers. Methods: Patients were randomly divided into two groups of study based on entering to the operation room. Premedication and induction of anesthesia were performed similarly in both groups. Later, laryngoscopy and intubation were performed. In control group, anesthesiologist recorded the visualized degree. Assistant was asked to perform maneuvers to improve laryngoscopic view. In case group, after recording the initial laryngoscopic view, anesthesiologist improved laryngoscopic view by his right hand and asked his assistant to intubate the patient. Then degree of improvement of visualization and success of intubation in two groups were compared. Results: The mean time required for intubation was significantly more in the control group (P<0. 001). In case group, laryngoscopic view improved significantly more than the control group (P=0. 005). Nevertheless, the success of intubation was equal in both groups with no significant difference. Conclusion: Findings of this study indicate that modified BURP provides better view of laryngoscopy compared to BURP. Both methods and maneuvers are equally effective regarding the success of intubation.

Introduction: According to appropriate characteristics of glass ionomer cementum and constant increase of its usage in restorative field, so comparison of conventional and resin- modified glass ionomers seems to be useful. This study was designed to determine the shear bond strength of conventional and resin- modified glass Ionomers on enamel, dentin and cementum.Methods: This was an experimental study. Totally 60 molar intact teeth were divided into six groups. In groups A and D the surface of enamel was prepared 1mm, in groups B and E, the preparation was continued until the surface of dentin was exposed and in groups F and C the surface of cementum was only refreshed.In groups A, B, and C conventional glass ionomer and in groups F, E, and D resin-modified glass ionomer was used. For each specimen a plastic cylinder with 2mm diameter and 3mm height was bonded on treated surface and the teeth were filled by the relevant glass ionomer. In groups F, E, and D glass ionomer was light cured for 40 seconds. specimens were loaded to failure in a universal testing machine Then statistical analysis was performed using one- way ANOVA and LSD test (P=0.05).Results: The mean shear bond strength of groups A, B, C, D, E and F were 17.25, 14.77, 15.37, 27.30, 57.80, 23.50 Mpa, respectively. The difference between shear bond strength of groups F, E, and D with groups A, B, and C was statistically significant (P=0.001).Conclusion: The shear bond strength of the resin-modified glass Ionomers was significantly higher than that of conventional glass ionomer in all three surfaces.

This paper presents a Transimpedance Amplifier (TIA) for high sensitivity Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS). The proposed TIA is based on the Regulated Cascode (RGC) structure with an extra transistor employed to implement additional feed-forward path and achieve higher gain values. The extra transistor senses a partially amplified input signal, available in the conventional circuit, and conveys an additional ac current into the load, which provides a higher gain. In addition, a bandwidth extension method is introduced using a capacitor and resistor, which can improve amplifier’s bandwidth by 40%. The proposed TIA is designed in 0.18µm CMOS technology and achieves a transimpedance gain of 101.9dB with a -3dB bandwidth of 91.2 MHz considering 2pF of photodiode capacitance at the TIA input. The input referred noise is 4.4pA/√Hz while dissipating 151µW power.

Background: Nonunions with large defect is a problem, especially in large defects with infection this problem is more serious. Due to war and grave accidents in our country, we have encountered with these difficulties and in future time will also.Methods: We modified D.O.B.G by using plate in one side of large defect and metal plate on another side, and fixed these plates using screws anchoring the distal and proximal segments of nonunion sites rigidly. The technique is very simple, reliable, less morbidity in donor site, short operation time and needn's especial instruments and equipments. We use this technique in 146 patients and follow one hundred of thems for 2.5 yrs (mean time) clinically and radiological.Results: Union rate was ninety percent. Due to rigid fixation and early R.O.M of joints the final limbs function were excellent (comparison with others technique).Discussion: Modified D.O.B.G is the choice technique for nonunion with lange defect especially in metaphysis. because of rigid fixation results early R.O.M and good limb function, high union rate, short operation time, simple technique and less morbidity in donor site.

Background and Objectives: In patients suffering of hand trauma, zone II injuries of flexor tendons could cause significant disability if not properly managed. In the treatment of such injuries prevention of adhesion and the resulting stiffness is of main concern. Surgical treatment should achieve a primary tendon repair of sufficient tensile strength to allow application of a postoperative rehabilitation program. The aim of this study was to analyze prospectively the results of such repair using the modified Strickland technique.Methods and Materials: In a period of 3 years, 50 patients with 70 flexor tendon lacerations were enrolled in this study. After repair using modified Strickland technique, the rehabilitation program using dorsal splinting and rubber band technique was started. The mean age of the patients was 28 years (ranging from 4 to 55 years). Eight patients did not followed-up and 42 patients with sixty flexor tendon repairs were followed for a mean period of eight months (ranging from 6 to 12 months).Results: Results of This study showed that according to Strickland's criteria in 47 tendon repairs (78.3%) the result was excellent with total active motion of 153 degrees. In 6 cases (10%) the result was good, in 3 cases (5%) it was fair and in four cases (6.7%) the result was poor.Conclusion: Despite improvements in repair site strength and in the understanding of repair - site biology, adhesions still frequently form between the tendon and surrounding fibro - osseous sheath. The result of this study showed that the modified Strickland's technique if used properly with attention to details of an atraumatic and delicate surgical repair and postoperative rehabilitation can produce good or excellent results in more than 85% of cases.