Participation and Organization of General Assemble Chart, July 16, 2013

The state Senator and state Representative from each district are elected to represent constituent interests when making the laws of Iowa. Citizens can take part in the decisions made by those elected officials. For locating constituent Senators and Representatives, or to learn more about the Iowa Legislature, contact the Legislative Information Office (LIO). This document includes a organizational chart of the General Assembly.

P value and the theory of hypothesis testing: an explanation for new researchers.

In the 1920s, Ronald Fisher developed the theory behind the p value and Jerzy Neyman and Egon Pearson developed the theory of hypothesis testing. These distinct theories have provided researchers important quantitative tools to confirm or refute their hypotheses. The p value is the probability to obtain an effect equal to or more extreme than the one observed presuming the null hypothesis of no effect is true; it gives researchers a measure of the strength of evidence against the null hypothesis. As commonly used, investigators will select a threshold p value below which they will reject the null hypothesis. The theory of hypothesis testing allows researchers to reject a null hypothesis in favor of an alternative hypothesis of some effect. As commonly used, investigators choose Type I error (rejecting the null hypothesis when it is true) and Type II error (accepting the null hypothesis when it is false) levels and determine some critical region. If the test statistic falls into that critical region, the null hypothesis is rejected in favor of the alternative hypothesis. Despite similarities between the two, the p value and the theory of hypothesis testing are different theories that often are misunderstood and confused, leading researchers to improper conclusions. Perhaps the most common misconception is to consider the p value as the probability that the null hypothesis is true rather than the probability of obtaining the difference observed, or one that is more extreme, considering the null is true. Another concern is the risk that an important proportion of statistically significant results are falsely significant. Researchers should have a minimum understanding of these two theories so that they are better able to plan, conduct, interpret, and report scientific experiments.

Pieces of Iowa’s Past, March 21, 2012

Pieces of Iowa’s Past, published by the Iowa State Capitol Tour Guides weekly during the legislative session, features historical facts about Iowa, the Capitol, and the early workings of state government. All historical publications are reproduced here with the actual spelling, punctuation, and grammar retained. March 21, 2012 THIS WEEK: Quick Work at Carlisle(From the Indianola Tribune, December 20, 1877) BACKGROUND: Lewis Todhunter was born in Fayette County, Ohio, April 6, 1817. He was admitted to the bar in Highland County, Ohio, in 1848. Todhunter came to Iowa in 1850, settling along the Des Moines River in Polk County, where he was engaged in farming and selling goods. In 1854, he moved to Indianola and began the practice of law, continuing in that profession for more than a quarter of a century. He served as prosecuting attorney, county auditor, treasurer, and mayor of the city. He was a member of the third constitutional convention, which met at Iowa City in 1857, representing Warren, Madison, Adair, and Cass counties in that body and had the honor of assisting in making the first laws of the state. Todhunter served in the army during the Civil War from 1863-1865 as assistant quartermaster with rank of Captain. He is perhaps widest known, however, as a temperance leader and earnest worker. He joined in the Washingtonian movement in 1840 and was active in temperance reformation for the rest of his life.

Outcome of subscapularis muscle release for shoulder contracture secondary to brachial plexus palsy at birth.

Children with unresolved brachial plexus palsy frequently develop a disabling internal rotation contracture of the shoulder. Several surgical options, including soft tissue procedures such as muscle releases and/or transfers, and bone operations such as humeral osteotomy are available to correct this deformity. This study describes the effect of subscapularis muscle release performed in isolation. Thirteen patients (5 boys, 8 girls) were reviewed at an average of 3.5 years after their surgery (range, 2-7 years). Their mean age at operation was 4.7 years (range, 1-8 years). Three children had C5-C6 palsies, 8 had C5-C7 palsies, and 2 had C5-C8 palsies. Postoperatively, patients presented significant gains in shoulder active lateral rotation (+49 degrees, from 5 to 54 degrees), active abduction (+30 degrees, from 63 to 93 degrees), active flexion (+46 degrees, from 98 to 144 degrees), and active extension (+23 degrees, from 7 to 30 degrees). Gains were also observed in passive range of motion, but of a lesser degree. Subscapularis muscle release is a procedure we found to have few significant complications and was highly effective in increasing active range of motion and restoring shoulder function.

Locking knee caused by subluxation of the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus.

The authors report a case of repetitive locking knee caused by a subluxation of the posterior horn of a normal lateral meniscus. The posterior horn was sutured to the posterior knee capsule and the athlete resumed complete sports activity 4 months after the surgery.

Athletic injuries of the extensor carpi ulnaris subsheath: MRI findings and utility of gadolinium-enhanced fat-saturated T1-weighted sequences with wrist pronation and supination.

OBJECTIVE: To report the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in athletic injuries of the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) subsheath, assessing the utility of gadolinium-enhanced (Gd) fat-saturated (FS) T1-weighted sequences with wrist pronation and supination. METHODS: Sixteen patients (13 male, three female; mean age 30.3 years) with athletic injuries of the ECU subsheath sustained between January 2003 and June 2009 were included in this retrospective study. Initial and follow-up 1.5-T wrist MRIs were performed with transverse T1-weighted and STIR sequences in pronation, and Gd FS T1-weighted sequences with wrist pronation and supination. Two radiologists assessed the type of injury (A to C), ECU tendon stability, associated lesions and rated pulse sequences using a three-point scale: 1=poor, 2=good and 3=excellent. RESULTS: Gd-enhanced FS T1-weighted transverse sequences in supination (2.63) and pronation (2.56) were most valuable, compared with STIR (2.19) and T1-weighted (1.94). Nine type A, one type B and six type C injuries were found. There were trends towards diminution in size, signal intensity and enhancement of associated pouches on follow-up MRI and tendon stabilisation within the ulnar groove. CONCLUSION: Gd-enhanced FS T1-weighted sequences with wrist pronation and supination are most valuable in assessing and follow-up athletic injuries of the ECU subsheath on 1.5-T MRI.

Importance of polyethylene thickness in total shoulder arthroplasty: a finite element analysis.

BACKGROUND: Articular surfaces reconstruction is essential in total shoulder arthroplasty. Because of the limited glenoid bone support, thin glenoid component could improve anatomical reconstruction, but adverse mechanical effects might appear. METHODS: With a numerical musculoskeletal shoulder model, we analysed and compared three values of thickness of a typical all-polyethylene glenoid component: 2, 4 (reference) and 6mm. A loaded movement of abduction in the scapular plane was simulated. We evaluated the humeral head translation, the muscle moment arms, the joint force, the articular contact pattern, and the polyethylene and cement stress. Findings Decreasing polyethylene thickness from 6 to 2mm slightly increased humeral head translation and muscle moment arms. This induced a small decreased of the joint reaction force, but important increase of stress within the polyethylene and the cement mantel. Interpretation The reference thickness of 4mm seems a good compromise to avoid stress concentration and joint stuffing.

Iowa Transportation Laws, HR-234, 1985

Research project HR-234 was sponsored by the Iowa Highway Research Board and the Iowa Department of Transportation. In the preparation of this compilation of highway and street laws of Iowa, an attempt has been made to include those sections of the Code to which reference is frequently required by the Department of Transportation, counties, cities and towns in their conduct of highway and street administration, construction and maintenance. Because of the broad scope of highway and street work and the many interrelated provisions of Iowa law, and in the interests of keeping this volume in a convenient and usable size, some Code provisions which have some bearing on the principal subject were of necessity omitted. The volume has been compiled in loose leaf form with the expectation that periodic updates will keep the reader informed regarding changes in the law and/or new laws. A general index is provided at the end of the text of this volume. Each major topic is divided into relevant subtopics and are accompanied by appropriate Code sections. This publication is offered with the hope and belief that it will prove to be of value and assistance to those concerned with the problems of establishing, maintaining and administering a highway and street system. The reader is cautioned to consult legal counsel on all matters beyond the scope of this text.

Treatment of extended skin defects with autologous composite cultured skin grafts in a patient with epidermolysis bullosa

Rationale: The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the use of homologous culture cells in treating an advanced coccon formation of the hand and three extended squamous cell carcinomas of the lower and upper limb in a patient with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. The preparation and application of these cells in the operation room are being described. Methods: A number of surgical approaches have been described to correct these deformities in order to improve function.We propose a new therapeutic approach of treating loss of motion and independent digital function as well as coverage of large skin defects in a patient with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa by using autologous culture cells. Surgical treatment of these patients is really difficult because of the existing skin fragility. Furthermore, surgical wounds do not easily heal because of recurrent blisters and erosions as well as due to the patients' poor nutricial status. Results: We report our experience of mutiple extended cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas arising in our patient which were successfully managed using autologous composite cultured skin grafts. The cocoon hand deformity was also treated with the limb becoming functional. Conclusion: The use of autologous keratinocytes and fibroblasts in epidermolysis bullosa is hereby outlined for the fist time.

Objective results at 1 year of a new ultracongruent postero-stabilized total knee arthroplasty

Introduction: A new ultra congruent, postero-stabilized total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with a mobile bearing, the FIRST knee prosthesis (Free Insert in Rotation Stabilized in Translation, Symbios SA), was designed and expected to significantly reduce polyethylene wear, to improve the range of motion and the overall stability of the knee while ensuring a physiological ligament balance. Gait analysis has proven to give really objective outcome parameters after lower limb surgery. The goal of our study was to compare the subjective and really objective results of this new TKA with two other widespread models of TKA. Methods: A clinical prospective monocentric cohort study of 100 consecutive patients (47-88 yrs) undergoing a FIRST TKA for primary osteoarthritis is currently being done. Pre- and post-operative follow-ups (6 weeks, 4 months and 1 year) were done with well-recognized subjective evaluations (EQ-5D and WOMAC scores) and semi-objective questionnaires (KSS score and radiography evaluation) as well as with a really objective evaluation using gait parameters from 6 walking trials, performed at different speeds (slow, normal and fast) with an ambulatory gait analysis system (Physilog®, BioAGM CH). The outcomes of the first 32 new TKA after one year of follow-up were compared to the results after 1 year of a randomized controlled clinical trial comparing 29 NexGen® postero-stabilized TKA (Zimmer Inc) with a fixed bearing and 26 NexGen® TKA with a mobile bearing using the same methods. Results: Subjective and semi-objective results were similar for the three types of TKA. As for the really objective parameters, the gait cycle time of the FIRST TKA was statistically significantly shorter at normal speed of walk, as well as double-support periods, as compared to both standard models. The extension (in terms of range of motion when walking) of the operated knee was significantly improved for all three types of walk in favour of the FIRST TKAs compared to both NexGen TKAs. The normal walking speed was significantly higher with faster swing speed and stride lengths for the new TKA. Significantly better coordination scores were observed at normal walking speed for the FIRST TKA as compared to the fixed-bearing TKAs. Conclusion: The FIRST TKAs showed statistically significantly better objective outcomes in terms of gait after one year of follow-up with similar subjective and semi-objective results in comparison with widespread TKA designs. These encouraging short-terms results will have to be confirmed at a 5 years follow-up of the FIRST TKAs.

The evolution, maintenance and adaptive function of genetic colour polymorphism in birds.

The hypothesis that ornaments can honestly signal quality only if their expression is condition-dependent has dominated the study of the evolution and function of colour traits. Much less interest has been devoted to the adaptive function of colour traits for which the expression is not, or is to a low extent, sensitive to body condition and the environment in which individuals live. The aim of the present paper is to review the current theoretical and empirical knowledge of the evolution, maintenance and adaptive function of colour plumage traits for which the expression is mainly under genetic control. The finding that in many bird species the inheritance of colour morphs follows the laws of Mendel indicates that genetic colour polymorphism is frequent. Polymorphism may have evolved or be maintained because each colour morph facilitates the exploitation of alternative ecological niches as suggested by the observation that individuals are not randomly distributed among habitats with respect to coloration. Consistent with the hypothesis that different colour morphs are linked to alternative strategies is the finding that in a majority of species polymorphism is associated with reproductive parameters, and behavioural, life-history and physiological traits. Experimental studies showed that such covariations can have a genetic basis. These observations suggest that colour polymorphism has an adaptive function. Aviary and field experiments demonstrated that colour polymorphism is used as a criterion in mate-choice decisions and dominance interactions confirming the claim that conspecifics assess each other's colour morphs. The factors favouring the evolution and maintenance of genetic variation in coloration are reviewed, but empirical data are virtually lacking to assess their importance. Although current theory predicts that only condition-dependent traits can signal quality, the present review shows that genetically inherited morphs can reveal the same qualities. The study of genetic colour polymorphism will provide important and original insights on the adaptive function of conspicuous traits.

Résultats préliminaires de l'enclouage rétrograde de l'humérus [Preliminary results of retrograde nailing of the humerus]

A group of nine patients with a diaphyseal fracture of the humerus and treated with retrograde nailing were studied with a mean follow-up of 15.3 months. Six patients with a humeral fracture without neurological deficit showed a good shoulder and elbow mobility at the last visit. Three patients with neurological lesion preoperatively suffer from a diminished range of movement not related to the surgical procedure. During the operation and postoperatively we found no complication related to the implant and more precisely we could not find a iatrogenic fracture or nervous lesion except one intraoperative lesion of the radial nerve probably related to an important traction movement during reduction with complete remission. Consolidation has been achieved for all fractures but one. This patient suffers from a lesion of the brachial plexus with complete plegia of the arm and a vascular lesion. This patient had to be reoperated for an atrophic non-union by bone grafting and plate fixation. The retrograde nail is a good implant and must be considered in our treatment plans as much as conservative treatment or surgical treatment with plating, anterograde nailing or the use of an external fixator. Only then will we be able to give to the patient the most adapted treatment for his fracture.

A randomised controlled clinical trial and gait analysis of fixed- and mobile-bearing total knee replacements with a five-year follow-up.

This study compared the outcome of total knee replacement (TKR) in adult patients with fixed- and mobile-bearing prostheses during the first post-operative year and at five years' follow-up, using gait parameters as a new objective measure. This double-blind randomised controlled clinical trial included 55 patients with mobile-bearing (n = 26) and fixed-bearing (n = 29) prostheses of the same design, evaluated pre-operatively and post-operatively at six weeks, three months, six months, one year and five years. Each participant undertook two walking trials of 30 m and completed the EuroQol questionnaire, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index, Knee Society score, and visual analogue scales for pain and stiffness. Gait analysis was performed using five miniature angular rate sensors mounted on the trunk (sacrum), each thigh and calf. The study population was divided into two groups according to age (≤ 70 years versus > 70 years). Improvements in most gait parameters at five years' follow-up were greater for fixed-bearing TKRs in older patients (> 70 years), and greater for mobile-bearing TKRs in younger patients (≤ 70 years). These findings should be confirmed by an extended age controlled study, as the ideal choice of prosthesis might depend on the age of the patient at the time of surgery.

Quantitative comparison between simulations of seismic wave propagation in heterogeneous poro-elastic media and equivalent visco-elastic solids for marine-type environments

There is increasing evidence to suggest that the presence of mesoscopic heterogeneities constitutes an important seismic attenuation mechanism in porous rocks. As a consequence, centimetre-scale perturbations of the rock physical properties should be taken into account for seismic modelling whenever detailed and accurate responses of specific target structures are desired, which is, however, computationally prohibitive. A convenient way to circumvent this problem is to use an upscaling procedure to replace each of the heterogeneous porous media composing the geological model by corresponding equivalent visco-elastic solids and to solve the visco-elastic equations of motion for the inferred equivalent model. While the overall qualitative validity of this procedure is well established, there are as of yet no quantitative analyses regarding the equivalence of the seismograms resulting from the original poro-elastic and the corresponding upscaled visco-elastic models. To address this issue, we compare poro-elastic and visco-elastic solutions for a range of marine-type models of increasing complexity. We found that despite the identical dispersion and attenuation behaviour of the heterogeneous poro-elastic and the equivalent visco-elastic media, the seismograms may differ substantially due to diverging boundary conditions, where there exist additional options for the poro-elastic case. In particular, we observe that at the fluid/porous-solid interface, the poro- and visco-elastic seismograms agree for closed-pore boundary conditions, but differ significantly for open-pore boundary conditions. This is an important result which has potentially far-reaching implications for wave-equation-based algorithms in exploration geophysics involving fluid/porous-solid interfaces, such as, for example, wavefield decomposition.

Cable fixation and early total hip arthroplasty in the treatment of acetabular fractures in elderly patients.

Eighteen patients with acetabular fractures, with a mean age of 76 years, were treated with cable fixation and acute total hip arthroplasty. Nine were T-shaped fractures, 4 associated transverse and posterior wall, 2 transverse, 2 posterior column and posterior wall, and 1 anterior and posterior hemitransverse fractures. One patient experienced 3 episodes of hip dislocation within 10 months after surgery. All the others had a good outcome at a mean follow-up time of 36 months. Radiographic assessment showed healing of the fracture and a satisfactory alignment of the cup without loosening. This option provides good primary fixation, stabilizes complex acetabular fractures in elderly patients, and permits early postoperative mobilization.