CEO Pay-for-Performance Heterogeneity Using Quantile Regression (CRI 2009-002)

We provide some examples of how quantile regression can be used to investigate heterogeneity in pay–firm size and pay-performance relationships for U.S. CEOs. For example, do conditionally (predicted) high-wage managers have a stronger relationship between pay and performance than conditionally low-wage managers? Our results using data over a decade show, for some standard specifications, there is considerable heterogeneity in the returns to firm performance across the conditional distribution of wages. Quantile regression adds substantially to our understanding of the pay-performance relationship. This heterogeneity is masked when using more standard empirical techniques

The optical field angle distortion calibration feasibility study for the Hubble Space Telescope fine guidance sensors

The results of an analytical study to investigate the feasibility of calibrating the Hubble Space Telescope's (HST's) fine guidance sensors (FGSs) within HST mission accuracy limits are presented. The study has two purposes: (1) to determine the mathematical feasibility of the optical field angle distortion (OFAD) calibration algorithm and (2) to confirm that the OFAD, plate scale, and FGS-to-FGS alignment calibration algorithms produced a calibration of the FGSs that satisfied mission requirements. The study concluded that the mathematical specification of the OFAD algorithm is adequate and permits a determination of the FGS calibration parameters (accurate to better than 0.003 arc-second) sufficient to meet the mission requirements. The algorithms implemented, the characteristics of the simulated data and procedures for data analysis, and the study's results are discussed. In addition, several useful techniques for improving the stability and accuracy of the OFAD solution are outlined

Sagittal split tibialis anterior muscle flap.

The potential use of the tibialis anterior muscle as a vascularized flap requires consideration of some function preservation technique because this is not an expendable muscle. A direct longitudinal vertical or partial sagittal split of this muscle will allow coverage of mid-tibial defects without impairing function. This is a valuable alternative for small defects, especially if the muscle is already exposed in the wound. The muscle must be malleable enough to allow stretching over the tibia, because otherwise posteromedial undermining (as used in the medial- hinged anterior turnover version) would be necessary to obtain the desired reach. This as a variation of the latter, if possible, not only is more expedient to implement but also better preserves the microcirculation of the muscle to ensure viability

A brief history of minimally invasive plastic surgery.

It could be argued that a basic principle establishing plastic surgery as a distinct specialty always has been minimal invasive surgery. Although perhaps lagging behind the other surgical specialties specifically in adopting the surgical endoscope, this merely is a new tool to better achieve just that objective. Outcome enhancements initially predominated in aesthetic applications, but widespread use also in reconstructive endeavors has proved that there is indeed today a broad role for minimally invasive plastic surgery

The proximal pedicled anterolateral thigh flap for lower limb coverage.

Although primarily considered as a versatile free-flap donor site, the anterolateral thigh can also be a source of a local muscle perforator flap. This attribute has previously been rarely considered for lower limb coverage. This small series of 3 additional cases demonstrates the usefulness of a proximal pedicled anterolateral thigh flap for medial and lateral thigh wounds. This flap can also be part of a combined flap, in particular when transferred with the vastus lateralis muscle as a local chimeric flap. The peninsular version of the anterolateral thigh local flap avoids venous congestion and is very reliable. The orthograde pedicled anterolateral thigh muscle perforator flap should be considered as another useful alternative for any upper thigh wound if a flap is essential

Recognition of Potential Morbidity After Use of the Radial Artery as a Conduit for Coronary Artery Revascularization.

The use of the radial artery as an alternative vascular conduit for coronary bypass surgery has become increasingly popular. The plastic surgery experience with radial forearm flaps has shown that sacrifice of the radial artery is not always a benign maneuver. The potential morbidity after using this conduit donor site in terms of hand dysfunction or wound healing problems can be significant, and frequently must ultimately be addressed as part of the role of the reconstructive surgeon. Case examples of skin necrosis, subsequent forearm wound infection and hypertrophic scarring after radial artery harvest are presented to introduce this as a real concern and to allow a review of the entire spectrum of potential problems in this regard. Any selection process where the radial artery may be chosen as the coronary revascularization conduit must anticipate these known donor site complications

Introduction to "Propeller Flaps"

open2siThe editors of this issue of Seminars in Plastic Surgery dedicated to propeller flaps met in 2009 at the "1st Tokyo Meeting on Perforator and Propeller Flaps." On that occasion, as part of the advisory panel of the meeting, they contributed to the definition and classification of these flaps. Since then, several evolutions and new applications of propeller flaps appeared in the literature. In 2019, the editors met again in Bologna, Italy, where they decided to collect the experiences from prominent authors in propeller flap surgery and provide them to the readers in this monographic dedicated publication.embargoed_20210921Pignatti, M; Hallock, GGPignatti, M; Hallock, G