bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estratégias de valor e de crescimento em ações na Bovespa: uma análise de sete indicadores relacionados ao risco
Authors: Rostagno Luciano , Soares Rodrigo Oliveira , Soares Karina Talamini Costa
Published: May 2011

Este trabalho procurou investigar aspectos referentes ao risco nas estratégias de investimento envolvendo ações de valor e crescimento na Bovespa. Foram utilizados, na ordenação dos portfolios, seis indicadores de mercado capazes de identificar ações de valor negociadas no período compreendido entre dezembro de 1994 e abril de 2003. A avaliação do risco foi feita através da utilização de sete parâmetros. Também foi utilizada a abordagem de Lakonishok, Shleifer e Vishny (1994), que consiste na verificação dos retornos relativos de curto prazo envolvendo as duas estratégias. Os principais resultados apontaram que as estratégias de valor formadas a partir da variável fundamentalista lucro/preço apresentaram retornos consistentemente maiores em relação às de crescimento. Quanto à análise do risco, o indicador liquidez foi capaz de justificar, com significância estatística, o maior retorno nas estratégias de valor. Por sua vez, a análise do índice de Sharpe para todos os parâmetros de ordenação dos portfolios demonstrou um maior prêmio por unidade de risco para as estratégias de valor, em relação às de crescimento.
Governança corporativa e a reação do mercado de capitais à divulgação das informações contábeis
Authors: Terra Paulo Renato Soares , Lima João Batista Nast de
Published: May 2011

Este artigo investiga, através de um estudo de eventos, se a divulgação das informações contidas nas demonstrações financeiras, anuais e trimestrais, das empresas de capital aberto com ações negociadas na Bolsa de Valores de São Paulo (Bovespa) afeta igualmente as empresas em geral e aquelas com sinalizadores diferenciados de boas práticas de governança corporativa. Foram analisadas 3.682 observações coletadas durante o período 1995-2002, representando as empresas com maior liquidez na Bovespa. Oito subamostras foram extraídas da amostra total, com a finalidade de verificar a reação dos investidores em relação à divulgação das demonstrações financeiras desses diferentes segmentos de empresas. Os resultados empíricos revelam que os investidores reagem de forma diferenciada a alguns sinalizadores de boas práticas de governança corporativa das empresas. Foi possível perceber retornos anormais significativos apenas em duas subamostras (empresas pontuais na divulgação das suas demonstrações financeiras e empresas privadas) em relação aos seus pares (empresas que atrasaram a divulgação das suas demonstrações financeiras e empresas estatais).
Utilização da análise fatorial na identificação dos principais indicadores para avaliação do desempenho financeiro: uma aplicação nas empresas de seguros
Authors: Bezerra Francisco Antonio , Corrar Luiz J
Published: May 2011

A utilização de indicadores financeiros para a avaliação do desempenho das organizações já é realizada há muito tempo. Usualmente, esses indicadores são utilizados para fazer comparações entre empresas ou mesmo entre unidades de uma mesma companhia. No entanto, a análise dos indicadores, geralmente, é realizada de forma individual e seqüencial, ou seja, as análises são realizadas com base em comparações, por exemplo, dos indicadores de liquidez, em que se busca verificar quais são as melhores empresas com base em um padrão médio de liquidez, depois disso, uma nova análise é feita para indicadores de rentabilidade etc. Esse tipo de avaliação seqüencial e individualizada não permite avaliar a influência de alguns indicadores sobre os demais, além de depender de critérios subjetivos para avaliar quais dos indicadores são os mais relevantes. O que se pretende com este trabalho é propor uma metodologia que: (1) diminua o grau de subjetividade na escolha dos indicadores que deverão compor a avaliação das empresas e (2) permita uma análise simultânea do comportamento de vários indicadores. Na realização deste trabalho foi utilizada uma das técnicas de análise multivariada de dados: Análise Fatorial (AF) para criação dos critérios de seleção dos indicadores financeiros.
Valor das empresas, custo de capital e a competitividade das nações: a localização é importante?
Authors: Silva Martim Francisco de Oliveira e , Motta Luiz Felipe Jacques da
Published: May 2011

Identificar as variáveis que se associam ao valor das empresas e ao seu custo de capital é um assunto tão antigo como pouco esclarecido na administração. Este artigo busca verificar o relacionamento entre o ambiente dos países e o valor e o custo de capital das empresas neles localizados. A pesquisa foi efetuada com o apoio dos dados anuais de competitividade dos países, que são produzidos pelo IMD (International Institute for Management Development) e os dados dos valores das empresas fornecidos pelo Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI). Os resultados indicaram a relevância do ambiente competitivo nacional para explicar as diferenças de valor entre as empresas e do custo de capital entre os países, sendo indicadas as importâncias relativas dos fatores de competitividade, de acordo com o estágio de desenvolvimento dos países considerados na amostra.
Metodologia de custeio para a ergonomia
Authors: Mafra José Roberto Dourado
Published: May 2011

Uma metodologia de Custeio para Ergonomia é apresentada neste artigo. Aqui o custeio é construído em paralelo ao processo da Análise de Ergonomia. Faz-se uma breve revisão da literatura. Essa metodologia de custeio abrange uma estimativa inicial de custos e a posterior aferição desses custos, decorrentes da ausência de Ergonomia no delineamento das situações em estudo; num outro momento, são feitos os cálculos dos custos das correções, ou investimentos necessários e a avaliação dos benefícios aportados pela nova concepção. A aplicação dessa metodologia é exemplificada em um estudo de caso de uma cozinha industrial, onde foi realizada uma Análise Ergonômica do Trabalho. No estudo de caso, a ausência de ergonomia é caracterizada por indicadores econômicos de efetividade na empresa. Conclui-se que essa metodologia de custeio mostra como problemas no desempenho impactam no negócio, economicamente, caracterizados em saúde, qualidade de vida e produtividade no trabalho. Nesse sentido, acredita-se ter contribuído com o estado da prática, contabilizando os custos e avaliando a viabilidade da solução.
Uma abordagem institucionalista da contabilidade
Authors: Branco Manuel Castelo
Published: May 2011

A Contabilidade e as normas que regulam a sua prática social contribuem para a existência da estabilidade do funcionamento da vida socioeconómica. Devido à importância da Contabilidade enquanto mecanismo social de criação e comunicação de conhecimento e ao papel desempenhado pelas normas contabilísticas na mediação das relações entre os diversos agentes económicos, elas devem ser analisadas com recurso ao conceito de instituição, o qual permite justamente compreender esses aspectos que as caracterizam. Neste texto, utiliza-se uma abordagem institucionalista para se compreender o papel social da Contabilidade e das normas que regulam a sua prática social, procurando-se utilizá-la para compreender as estruturas conceptuais da informação financeira enquanto instrumento de regulação contabilística.
Escola Politécnica: possivelmente o primeiro curso formal de contabilidade do estado de São Paulo
Authors: Martins Eliseu , Silva Amado Francisco da , Ricardino Álvaro
Published: May 2011

Este trabalho demonstra que, diferentemente do que se tem tanto falado, a primeira instituição formal de ensino contábil do Estado de São Paulo foi a Escola Politécnica, fundada em 1894, que ministrava no Curso Preliminar, equivalente ao primeiro ano do curso de engenharia, aulas de Escrituração Mercantil, conferindo aos alunos que fossem aprovados nas disciplinas que integravam esse primeiro módulo, o diploma de Contador. Em 08.12.1900, o Decreto Federal no 727 reconhecia oficialmente os diplomas expedidos pela instituição, desde a sua fundação, independentemente do exercício da profissão. A Fundação Escola de Comércio Álvares Penteado, fundada em 1902, foi a segunda instituição voltada ao ensino contábil nesse Estado. Considerando-se um hiato de oito anos entre a fundação de ambas as instituições, não restam dúvidas de que a Escola Politécnica é a primeira instituição formal de ensino contábil do Estado de São Paulo. Não obstante, um nome surge ligado exponencialmente às duas instituições: Horácio Berlinck.
Tratamento endovascular da reestenose carotídea: resultados em curto prazo
Authors: Lujan Ricardo Augusto Carvalho , Lucas Leonardo Aguiar , Gracio Andréia de Fátima , Carvalho Giovana Maria Lopes , Lobato Armando de Carvalho
Published: May 2011

CONTEXTO: O tratamento cirúrgico da reestenose carotídea apresenta alta taxa de lesão neurológica. Contrariamente, o tratamento endovascular da doença obstrutiva carotídea extracraniana tem se tornado mais factível e gradualmente menores taxas de risco cirúrgico vêm sendo reportadas, tornando-se uma opção em situações especiais, e provavelmente poderá ser considerado o tratamento padrão para reestenose carotídea. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a aplicabilidade, a segurança e a eficácia da angioplastia com o uso do stent (ACS) no tratamento da reestenose carotídea (REC) no intraoperatório e no pós-operatório recente (<30 dias). MÉTODOS: Análise retrospectiva dos pacientes portadores de reestenose carotídea submetidos à angioplastia com stent no período de março 2000 a junho de 2004. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 19 pacientes com reestenose carotídea. Quatorze pacientes (74%) eram do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 74 anos. Quinze (79%) eram assintomáticos com estenose >80%, enquanto quatro (21%) eram sintomáticos com estenose >70%. Apenas em um paciente não foi utilizado sistema de proteção cerebral. O sucesso técnico foi obtido em todos os casos. Não houve morte ou acidente vascular encefálico no intra ou no pós-operatório recente (30 dias). CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento endovascular da reestenose carotídea mostrou-se uma abordagem factível e segura em curto prazo
As equações de Hamilton sem transformação de Legendre
Authors: Ferreira G.F. Leal
Published: May 2011

Maxwell, preparando sua abordagem dinâmica ao Eletromagnetismo (Treatise, Vol. II, Part IV, Cap.VI) alcançaa, no capítulo anterior, as equações de Hamilton pelo método das impulsões, que ele atribui a Thomson e Tait. O estado de movimento do sistema é dado em termos das coordenadas generalizadas e dos seus momentos, estes sendo vistos como resultado de impulsões convenientemente aplicadas a partir do repouso e da configuração atual do sistema. Esta abordagem é bem mais física do que a bem rápida baseada na transformação de Legendre e permite ver as equações de Hamilton como prescrevendo as mudanças temporais entre as grandezas de posição e de momento - entendidas como impulsos das forçaas aplicadas - e não como em Lagrange em que só grandezas associadas às massas, posição e velocidade, aparecem.
Como medir o raio de curvatura da terra com auxílio de um canal de navegação
Authors: Ferreira Ricardo
Published: May 2011

Uma descrição do método usado pelo naturalista A.R. Wallace para medir o raio da Terra a partir da curvatura da água de um canal de navegação.
O que as ciências da etologia e da primatologia nos ensinam sobre as práticas científicas?
Authors: Despret Vinciane
Published: May 2011

O artigo problematiza conhecidos estudos conduzidos com animais, assim como a versão segundo a qual os resultados obtidos são enviesados pela subjetividade do investigador. A partir de reflexões acerca das práticas de pesquisa, considera-se que os animais são bons modelos para as investigações sobre seres humanos. Eles podem ensinar muito a respeito de nós mesmos, desde que não negligenciemos o modo como compreendem os nossos questionamentos e saibamos a que questão de pesquisa eles, de fato, respondem.
Crenças de mães e professoras sobre o desenvolvimento da criança
Authors: Bahia Celi Costa Silva , Magalhães Celina Maria Colino , Pontes Fernando Augusto Ramos
Published: May 2011

Estudos têm revelado uma ligação entre a maneira como os adultos pensam e as formas como eles se relacionam com as crianças. Este estudo objetivou levantar as crenças de mães e professoras sobre o desenvolvimento da criança que freqüenta o ambiente de creche e identificar se as crenças se dirigem para as características de competências ou de disfunções. Participaram deste estudo 28 adultos (16 mães e 12 professoras). Para coletar os dados utilizou-se o grupo focal e para interpretá-los a análise de conteúdo. Os resultados apontaram que as participantes possuem a mesma crença (ambientalista) sobre desenvolvimento, mas têm concepções diferentes quanto à direção em que o contexto familiar e/ ou da creche influencia no desenvolvimento. A análise indica que a formação inicial e continuada das profissionais precisa contemplar aspectos específicos do desenvolvimento infantil para que crenças mais adequadas sejam construídas e compartilhadas com as famílias de crianças que frequentam ambientes coletivos.
Evaluation of jerkiness of moving three‐dimensional images produced by high‐density directional display
Authors: Nakamura Junya , Kozako Kentaro , Takaki Yasuhiro
Published: May 2011

Abstract— The jerkiness of moving three‐dimensional (3‐D) images produced by a high‐density directional display was studied. Under static viewing conditions in which subjects' heads did not move, jerkiness was more noticeable when moving 3‐D images were displayed in front of the display screen and was less noticeable when moving 3‐D images were displayed behind the screen. We found that the perception of jerkiness depended on the visual angular velocities of moving 3‐D images. Under dynamic viewing conditions in which subjects' heads were forced to move, when moving 3‐D images were displayed in front of the screen, jerkiness was less noticeable when the subjects' heads and 3‐D images moved in opposite directions and was more noticeable when they moved in the same direction. When moving 3‐D images were displayed behind the screen, jerkiness was less noticeable when subjects' heads and 3‐D images moved in the same direction and was more noticeable when they moved in opposite directions.
A single‐cell‐gap transflective liquid‐crystal display using different pretilt angles in transmissive and reflective regions
Authors: Song Chengqun , Wang Qiong‐Hua , Li Da‐Hai , Wu Di
Published: May 2011

Abstract— A single‐cel l‐gap transflective liquid‐crystal display with two types of liquid‐crystal alignment based on an in‐plane‐switching structure is proposed. The transmissive region is almost homeotropically aligned with the rubbed surfaces at parallel directions while the reflective region has a homeotropic liquid‐crystal alignment. For every driving voltage for a positive‐dielectric‐anisotropy nematic liquid crystal, the effective cell‐retardation value in the transmissive region becomes larger than that in the reflective region because of optical compensation film which is generated by low‐pretilt‐angle liquid crystal in the transmissive region. Under the optimization of the liquid‐crystal cell and alignment used in the transmissive and reflective areas, the transmissive and reflective parts have similar gamma curves. An identical response time in both the transmissive and reflective regions and a desirable viewing angle for personal portable displays can also be obtained.
Reduced residual DC voltages in LCDs by using fluorinated polyimides
Authors: Lu Lu , Huang Yi , Zhang Ke , Liu Na , Twieg Robert J. , Auman Brian , Bhowmik Achintya , Bos Philip
Published: May 2011

Abstract— The effect of a fluorinated alignment layer in reducing image retention in liquid‐crystal displays has been quantified. In our experiments, image retention is characterized by measuring the residual DC (RDC) value, which for both planar cells and vertical‐alignment cells are shown to be very small for a fluorinated alignment layer. The lowered dielectric constant of a fluorinated alignment layer is shown to be correlated with RDC improvement. A result of this work is the demonstration that fluorinated alignment layers have great potential to be used in low‐refresh‐rate LCDs for reducing power consumption.
Review Paper: Progress on efficient cathodes for organic light‐emitting diodes
Authors: Duan Lian , Xie Kai , Qiu Yong
Published: May 2011

Abstract— Balanced charge injection is essential for highly efficient and stable OLEDs. Various cathode materials, such as elemental metals, metal alloys, and metal compounds, have been adopted to facilitate electron injection. Currently, composite cathodes utilizing an electron‐injection layer and an air‐stable metal, such as LiF/Al, is the most common choice. This article will review the progress of efficient vacuum‐evaporated cathodes for OLEDs and their mechanisms.
A Descriptive View of Combinatorial Group Theory
Authors: Thomas Simon
Published: May 2011

In this paper, we will prove the inevitable non-uniformity of two constructions from combinatorial group theory related to the word problem for finitely generated groups and the Higman–Neumann–Neumann Embedding Theorem.
Dependent pairs
Authors: Günaydin Ayhan , Hieronymi Philipp
Published: May 2011

We prove that certain pairs of ordered structures are dependent. Among these structures are dense and tame pairs of o-minimal structures and further the real field with a multiplicative subgroup with the Mann property, regardless of whether it is dense or discrete.
The Magidor function and diamond
Authors: Matet Pierre
Published: May 2011

Let κ be a regular uncountable cardinal and λ be a cardinal greater than κ. We show that if 2<κ ≤ M(κ, λ), then ◇κ,λ holds, where M(κ, λ) equals λℵ0 if cf(λ) ≥ κ, and (λ+)ℵ0 otherwise.
Weak systems of determinacy and arithmetical quasi-inductive definitions
Authors: P. D. Welch
Published: May 2011

We locate winning strategies for various -games in the L-hierarchy in order to prove the following:

Theorem 1. KP + Σ2-Comprehension -Determinacy.”

Alternatively: “there is a β-model of -Determinacy.” The implication is not reversible. (The antecedent here may be replaced with instances of Comprehension with only -lightface definable parameters—or even weaker theories.)

Theorem 2. KP + Δ2-Comprehension + Σ2-Replacement + -Determinacy.

(Here AQI is the assertion that every arithmetical quasi-inductive definition converges.) Alternatively: -Determinacy.

Hence the theories: , and are in strictly descending order of strength.
On Polish groups admitting a compatible complete left-invariant metric
Authors: Malicki Maciej
Published: May 2011

We prove that the set of all Polish groups admitting a compatible complete left-invariant metric (called CLI) is coanalytic non-Borel as a subset of a standard Borel space of all Polish groups. As an application of this result, we show that there does not exist a weakly universal CLI group. This, in particular, answers in the negative a question of H.Becker.
On dp-minimal ordered structures
Authors: Simon Pierre
Published: May 2011

We show basic facts about dp-minimal ordered structures. The main results are: dp-minimal groups are abelian-by-finite-exponent, in a divisible ordered dp-minimal group, any infinite set has nonempty interior, and any theory of pure tree is dp-minimal.
The tree property at ℵω+2
Authors: Friedman Sy-David , Halilović Ajdin
Published: May 2011

Assuming the existence of a weakly compact hypermeasurable cardinal we prove that in some forcing extension ℵω is a strong limit cardinal and ℵω+2 has the tree property. This improves a result of Matthew Foreman (see [2]).
Jump inversions inside effectively closed sets and applications to randomness
Authors: Barmpalias George , Downey Rod , Ng Keng Meng
Published: May 2011

We study inversions of the jump operator on classes, combined with certain basis theorems. These jump inversions have implications for the study of the jump operator on the random degrees—for various notions of randomness. For example, we characterize the jumps of the weakly 2-random sets which are not 2-random, and the jumps of the weakly 1-random relative to 0′ sets which are not 2-random. Both of the classes coincide with the degrees above 0′ which are not 0′-dominated. A further application is the complete solution of [24, Problem 3.6.9]: one direction of van Lambalgen's theorem holds for weak 2-randomness, while the other fails.

Finally we discuss various techniques for coding information into incomplete randoms. Using these techniques we give a negative answer to [24, Problem 8.2.14]: not all weakly 2-random sets are array computable. In fact, given any oracle X, there is a weakly 2-random which is not array computable relative to X. This contrasts with the fact that all 2-random sets are array computable.
Ramsey-like cardinals II
Authors: Gitman Victoria , Welch P. D.
Published: May 2011

This paper continues the study of the Ramsey-like large cardinals introduced in [5] and [14]. Ramsey-like cardinals are defined by generalizing the characterization of Ramsey cardinals via the existence of elementary embeddings. Ultrafilters derived from such embeddings are fully iterable and so it is natural to ask about large cardinal notions asserting the existence of ultrafilters allowing only α-many iterations for some countable ordinal α. Here we study such α-iterable cardinals. We show that the α-iterable cardinals form a strict hierarchy for α ≤ ω1, that they are downward absolute to L for , and that the consistency strength of Schindler's remarkable cardinals is strictly between 1-iterable and 2-iterable cardinals.

We show that the strongly Ramsey and super Ramsey cardinals from [5] are downward absolute to the core model K. Finally, we use a forcing argument from a strongly Ramsey cardinal to separate the notions of Ramsey and virtually Ramsey cardinals. These were introduced in [14] as an upper bound on the consistency strength of the Intermediate Chang's Conjecture.
The Veblen functions for computability theorists
Authors: Marcone Alberto , Montalbán Antonio
Published: May 2011

We study the computability-theoretic complexity and proof-theoretic strength of the following statements: (1) “If is a well-ordering, then so is ”, and (2) “If is a well-ordering, then so is φ(α, )”, where ∝ is a fixed computable ordinal and φ represents the two-placed Veblen function. For the former statement, we show that ω iterations of the Turing jump are necessary in the proof and that the statement is equivalent to over RCA0. To prove the latter statement we need to use ωα iterations of the Turing jump, and we show that the statement is equivalent to . Our proofs are purely computability-theoretic. We also give a new proof of a result of Friedman: the statement “if is a well-ordering, then so is φ(, 0)” is equivalent to ATR0 over RCA0.
ERNA and Friedman's Reverse Mathematics
Authors: Sanders Sam
Published: May 2011

Elementary Recursive Nonstandard Analysis, in short ERNA, is a constructive system of nonstandard analysis with a PRA consistency proof, proposed around 1995 by Patrick Suppes and Richard Sommer. Recently, the author showed the consistency of ERNA with several transfer principles and proved results of nonstandard analysis in the resulting theories (see [12] and [13]). Here, we show that Weak König's lemma (WKL) and many of its equivalent formulations over RCA0 from Reverse Mathematics (see [21] and [22]) can be ‘pushed down’ into the weak theory ERNA, while preserving the equivalences, but at the price of replacing equality with equality ‘up to infinitesimals’. It turns out that ERNA plays the role of RCA0 and that transfer for universal formulas corresponds to WKL.
Determinacy in strong cardinal models
Authors: Welch P. D.
Published: May 2011

We give limits defined in terms of abstract pointclasses of the amount of determinacy available in certain canonical inner models involving strong cardinals. We show for example:

Theorem A. Det(-IND) ⇒ there exists an inner model with a strong cardinal.

Theorem B. Det(AQI) ⇒ there exist type-l mice and hence inner models with proper classes of strong cardinals.

where -IND(AQI) is the pointclass of boldface -inductive (respectively arithmetically quasi-inductive) sets of reals.
Comment on Cragg and Stiglitz: Invest in Intangible Assets
Authors: Jarboe Kenan Patrick
Published: May 2011

To move beyond 'old economy' stimulus policies such as accelerated depreciation, we need to focus on ways to provide incentives for investment in intangible assets, such as worker training, according to Kenan Jarboe of Athena Alliance.
Recent Methods and Techniques of External Grading Systems for Agricultural Crops Quality Inspection - Review
Authors: Alfatni Meftah Salem , Shariff Abdul Rashid Mohamed , Abdullah Mohd Zaid , Ben Saeed Osama Mohamed , Ceesay Omar M.
Published: May 2011

In recent years, due to increasing necessity and the rise in agricultural production worldwide, an efficient, uncomplicated and precise classification mechanism of agricultural crops is indeed an important endeavor for high quality products. This paper reviews the recent techniques and features of external grading systems for the non-destructive operation and performance of automated quality verification systems for agricultural products. The grading systems utilize highly technical engineering designs and image processing techniques to convey information and grade the products. The most common methods and techniques involved in the grading systems external inspection stages such as color, size, shape and texture are highlighted.
Modeling of Urea Release from Briquettes Using Semi infinite and Shrinking Core Models
Authors: M. Ramananda Bhat , Murthy D. V. R. , Saidutta M. B.
Published: May 2011

Briquetted urea is commonly used in wet agricultural soils since it has potential to reduce loss of urea occuring in the fields by various mechanisms. In the present study, commercially available uncoated urea briquettes were subjected to release in wet loam and wet silty clay soils, both maintained at 40% moisture, measured on dry basis. Adapted semi infinite model and developed shrinking core model predictions were compared with the experimentally determined concentration profiles and unreleased quantity of urea, respectively. Semi infinite model developed with the assumption of unchanging briquette size did not match well with experimental results. However, shrinking core model predicted the unreleased urea contents in briquettes reasonably well.
Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Is a Novel Adipokine Potentially Linking Obesity to the Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Lamers Daniela , Famulla Susanne , Wronkowitz Nina , Hartwig Sonja , Lehr Stefan , Ouwens D. Margriet , Eckardt Kristin , Kaufman Jean M. , Ryden Mikael , Müller Stefan , Hanisch Franz-Georg , Ruige Johannes , Arner Peter , Sell Henrike , Eckel Juergen
Published: May 2011

OBJECTIVE

Comprehensive proteomic profiling of the human adipocyte secretome identified dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) as a novel adipokine. This study assessed the functional implications of the adipokine DPP4 and its association to the metabolic syndrome.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Human adipocytes and skeletal and smooth muscle cells were used to monitor DPP4 release and assess the effects of soluble DPP4 on insulin signaling. In lean and obese subjects, depot-specific expression of DPP4 and its release from adipose tissue explants were determined and correlated to parameters of the metabolic syndrome.

RESULTS

Fully differentiated adipocytes exhibit a substantially higher release of DPP4 compared with preadipocytes or macrophages. Direct addition of DPP4 to fat and skeletal and smooth muscle cells impairs insulin signaling. A fivefold higher level of DPP4 protein expression was seen in visceral compared with subcutaneous fat of obese patients, with no regional difference in lean subjects. DPP4 serum concentrations significantly correlated with adipocyte size. By using adipose tissue explants from lean and obese subjects, we observed a twofold increase in DPP4 release that strongly correlated with adipocyte volume and parameters of the metabolic syndrome and was decreased to the lean level after weight reduction. DPP4 released from adipose tissue correlated positively with an increasing risk score for the metabolic syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

DPP4 is a novel adipokine that may impair insulin sensitivity in an autocrine and paracrine fashion. Furthermore, DPP4 release strongly correlates with adipocyte size, potentially representing an important source of DPP4 in obesity. Therefore, we suggest that DPP4 may be involved in linking adipose tissue and the metabolic syndrome.
Farnesoid X Receptor Deficiency Improves Glucose Homeostasis in Mouse Models of Obesity
Authors: Prawitt Janne , Abdelkarim Mouaadh , Stroeve Johanna H.M. , Popescu Iuliana , Duez Helene , Velagapudi Vidya R. , Dumont Julie , Bouchaert Emmanuel , van Dijk Theo H. , Lucas Anthony , Dorchies Emilie , Daoudi Mehdi , Lestavel Sophie , Gonzalez Frank J. , Oresic Matej , Cariou Bertrand , Kuipers Folkert , Caron Sandrine , Staels Bart
Published: May 2011

OBJECTIVE

Bile acids (BA) participate in the maintenance of metabolic homeostasis acting through different signaling pathways. The nuclear BA receptor farnesoid X receptor (FXR) regulates pathways in BA, lipid, glucose, and energy metabolism, which become dysregulated in obesity. However, the role of FXR in obesity and associated complications, such as dyslipidemia and insulin resistance, has not been directly assessed.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Here, we evaluate the consequences of FXR deficiency on body weight development, lipid metabolism, and insulin resistance in murine models of genetic and diet-induced obesity.

RESULTS

FXR deficiency attenuated body weight gain and reduced adipose tissue mass in both models. Surprisingly, glucose homeostasis improved as a result of an enhanced glucose clearance and adipose tissue insulin sensitivity. In contrast, hepatic insulin sensitivity did not change, and liver steatosis aggravated as a result of the repression of β-oxidation genes. In agreement, liver-specific FXR deficiency did not protect from diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance, indicating a role for nonhepatic FXR in the control of glucose homeostasis in obesity. Decreasing elevated plasma BA concentrations in obese FXR-deficient mice by administration of the BA sequestrant colesevelam improved glucose homeostasis in a FXR-dependent manner, indicating that the observed improvements by FXR deficiency are not a result of indirect effects of altered BA metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, FXR deficiency in obesity beneficially affects body weight development and glucose homeostasis.
Peripheral Vascular Disease and Peripheral Neuropathy in Individuals With Cardiometabolic Clustering and Obesity
Authors: Ylitalo Kelly R. , Sowers MaryFran , Heeringa Steven
Published: May 2011

OBJECTIVE

Two lower-extremity diseases (LEDs), including peripheral neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease (PVD), are leading causes of disability in the U.S. Although LEDs can be complications of diabetes, their prevelances and risk factors apart from diabetes are poorly described. This study describes the prevalence of LEDs and examines the association of obesity and cardiometabolic clustering in a population-based sample.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Adults aged ≥40 years (n = 2,514) were evaluated in the 2001–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for clustering of two or more cardiometabolic characteristics, including elevated triglycerides or plasma glucose, low HDL cholesterol levels, increased waist circumference, or hypertension. Clustering was combined with BMI (dichotomized at ≥30 kg/m2) to generate three groups: obese (with or without clustering); nonobese with clustering; and nonobese without clustering. Multivariate logistic regression procedures incorporated the complex survey sampling design.

RESULTS

Overall, 9.0% of individuals had peripheral neuropathy alone, 8.5% had PVD alone, and 2.4% had both LEDs. The obese group was more likely to have peripheral neuropathy (odds ratio 2.20 [95% CI 1.43–3.39]), PVD (3.10 [1.84–5.22]), and both LEDs (6.91 [2.64–18.06]) compared with nonobese subjects without clustering. Within the nonobese group, clustering increased the odds of peripheral neuropathy (1.50 [1.00–2.25]) and PVD (2.48 [1.38–4.44]) compared with no clustering.

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity and clustering markedly increased the likelihood of LEDs in this sample and identified a group for whom preventive activities may reduce the risk of future disability.
Risk Factors for Hearing Impairment Among U.S. Adults With Diabetes
Authors: Bainbridge Kathleen E. , Hoffman Howard J. , Cowie Catherine C.
Published: May 2011

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to examine the risk factors of low/mid-frequency and high-frequency hearing impairment among a nationally representative sample of diabetic adults.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data came from 536 participants, aged 20–69 years, with diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes who completed audiometric testing during 1999–2004 in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We defined hearing impairment as the pure-tone average >25 dB hearing level of pure-tone thresholds at low/mid-frequencies (500; 1,000; and 2,000 Hz) and high frequencies (3,000; 4,000; 6,000; and 8,000 Hz) and identified independent risk factors using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Controlling for age, race/ethnicity, and marital status, odds ratios for associations with low/mid-frequency hearing impairment were 2.20 (95% CI 1.28–3.79) for HDL <40 mg/dL and 3.55 (1.57–8.03) for poor health. Controlling for age, race/ethnicity, sex, and income-to-poverty ratio, odds ratios for associations with high-frequency hearing impairment were 4.39 (1.26–15.26) for history of coronary heart disease and 4.42 (1.26–15.45) for peripheral neuropathy.

CONCLUSIONS

Low HDL, coronary heart disease, peripheral neuropathy, and having poor health are potentially preventable correlates of hearing impairment for people with diabetes. Glycemic control, years since diagnosis, and type of glycemic medication were not associated with hearing impairment.
Loss of RAGE Defense: A Cause of Charcot Neuroarthropathy?
Authors: Witzke Kara A. , Vinik Aaron I. , Grant Lisa M. , Grant William P. , Parson Henri K. , Pittenger Gary L. , Burcus Niculina
Published: May 2011

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the relationship between circulating soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) and parameters of bone health in patients with Charcot neuroarthropathy (CNA).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Eighty men (aged 55.3 ± 9.0 years), including 30 healthy control subjects, 30 type 2 diabetic patients without Charcot, and 20 type 2 diabetic patients with stage 2 (nonacute) CNA, underwent evaluations of peripheral and autonomic neuropathy, nerve conduction, markers of bone turnover, bone mineral density, and bone stiffness of the calcaneus.

RESULTS

CNA patients had worse peripheral and autonomic neuropathy and a lower bone stiffness index than diabetic or control individuals (77.1, 103.3, and 105.1, respectively; P < 0.05), but no difference in bone mineral density (P > 0.05). CNA subjects also had lower sRAGE levels than control (162 vs. 1,140 pg/mL; P < 0.01) and diabetic (162 vs. 522 pg/mL; P < 0.05) subjects, and higher circulating osteocalcin levels.

CONCLUSIONS

CNA patients had significantly lower circulating sRAGE, with an accompanying increase in serum markers of bone turnover, and reduced bone stiffness in the calcaneus not accompanied by reductions in bone mineral density. These data suggest a failure of RAGE defense mechanisms against oxidative stress in diabetes. Future studies should determine if medications that increase sRAGE activity could be useful in mitigating progression to CNA.
Post Hoc Subgroup Analysis of the HEART2D Trial Demonstrates Lower Cardiovascular Risk in Older Patients Targeting Postprandial Versus Fasting/Premeal Glycemia
Authors: Raz Itamar , Ceriello Antonio , Wilson Peter W. , Battioui Chakib , Su Eric W. , Kerr Lisa , Jones Cate A. , Milicevic Zvonko , Jacober Scott J.
Published: May 2011

OBJECTIVE

To identify the Hyperglycemia and Its Effect After Acute Myocardial Infarction on Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (HEART2D) trial subgroups with treatment difference.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In 1,115 type 2 diabetic patients who had suffered from an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), the HEART2D trial compared two insulin strategies targeting postprandial or fasting/premeal glycemia on time until first cardiovascular event (cardiovascular death, nonfatal MI, nonfatal stroke, coronary revascularization, or hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome). The HEART2D trial ended prematurely for futility. We used the classification and regression tree (CART) to identify baseline subgroups with potential treatment differences.

RESULTS

CART estimated the age of >65.7 years to best predict the difference in time to first event. In the subgroup aged >65.7 years (prandial, n = 189; basal, n = 210), prandial patients had a significantly longer time to first event and a lower proportion experienced a first event (n = 56 [29.6%] vs. n = 85 [40.5%]; hazard ratio 0.69 [95% CI 0.49–0.96]; P = 0.029), despite similar A1C levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Older type 2 diabetic AMI survivors may have a lower risk for a subsequent cardiovascular event with insulin targeting postprandial versus fasting/premeal glycemia.
Benefits of Modest Weight Loss in Improving Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Overweight and Obese Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Wing Rena R. , Lang Wei , Wadden Thomas A. , Safford Monika , Knowler William C. , Bertoni Alain G. , Hill James O. , Brancati Frederick L. , Peters Anne , Wagenknecht Lynne ,   the Look AHEAD Research Group
Published: May 2011

OBJECTIVE

Overweight and obese individuals are encouraged to lose 5–10% of their body weight to improve cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, but data supporting this recommendation are limited, particularly for individuals with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted an observational analysis of participants in the Look AHEAD (Action For Health in Diabetes) study (n = 5,145, 40.5% male, 37% from ethnic/racial minorities) and examined the association between the magnitude of weight loss and changes in CVD risk factors at 1 year and the odds of meeting predefined criteria for clinically significant improvements in risk factors in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

RESULTS

The magnitude of weight loss at 1 year was strongly (P < 0.0001) associated with improvements in glycemia, blood pressure, tryiglycerides, and HDL cholesterol but not with LDL cholesterol (P = 0.79). Compared with weight-stable participants, those who lost 5 to <10% ([means ± SD] 7.25 ± 2.1 kg) of their body weight had increased odds of achieving a 0.5% point reduction in HbA1c (odds ratio 3.52 [95% CI 2.81–4.40]), a 5-mmHg decrease in diastolic blood pressure (1.48 [1.20–1.82]), a 5-mmHg decrease in systolic blood pressure (1.56 [1.27–1.91]), a 5 mg/dL increase in HDL cholesterol (1.69 [1.37–2.07]), and a 40 mg/dL decrease in triglycerides (2.20 [1.71–2.83]). The odds of clinically significant improvements in most risk factors were even greater in those who lost 10–15% of their body weight.

CONCLUSIONS

Modest weight losses of 5 to <10% were associated with significant improvements in CVD risk factors at 1 year, but larger weight losses had greater benefits.
Retinal Vascular Geometry Predicts Incident Retinopathy in Young People With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Benitez-Aguirre Paul , Craig Maria E. , Sasongko Muhammad Bayu , Jenkins Alicia J. , Wong Tien Yin , Wang Jie Jin , Cheung Ning , Donaghue Kim C.
Published: May 2011

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between retinal vascular geometry and subsequent development of incident retinopathy in young patients with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A prospective cohort study of 736 people with type 1 diabetes aged 12 to 20 years, retinopathy-free at baseline, attending an Australian tertiary care hospital. Retinopathy was determined from seven-field retinal photographs according to the modified Airlie House Classification. Retinal vascular geometry, including length/diameter ratio (LDR) and simple tortuosity (ST), was quantified in baseline retinal photographs. Generalized estimating equations were used to determine risk of retinopathy associated with baseline LDR and ST, adjusting for other factors.

RESULTS

After a median 3.8 (interquartile range 2.4–6.1) years of follow-up, incident retinopathy developed in 287 of 736 (39%). In multivariate analysis, lower arteriolar LDR (odds ratio 1.8 [95% CI 1.2–2.6]; 1st vs. 4th quartile) and greater arteriolar ST (1.5 [1.0–2.2]; 4th vs. 1st quartile) predicted incident retinopathy after adjusting for diabetes duration, sex, A1C, blood pressure, total cholesterol, and BMI. In subgroup analysis by sex, LDR predicted incident retinopathy in male and female participants (2.1 [1.1–4.0] and 1.7 [1.1–2.7]; 1st vs. 4th quartiles, respectively) and greater arteriolar ST predicted incident retinopathy in male participants (2.4 [1.1–4.4]; 4th vs. 1st quartile) only.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower arteriolar LDR and greater ST were independently associated with incident retinopathy in young people with type 1 diabetes. These vascular geometry measures may serve as risk markers for diabetic retinopathy and provide insights into the early structural changes in diabetic microvascular complications.
Trends in Lower-Extremity Amputations in People With and Without Diabetes in Spain, 2001–2008
Authors: López-de-Andrés Ana , Martínez-Huedo María A. , Carrasco-Garrido Pilar , Hernández-Barrera Valentin , Gil-de-Miguel Ángel , Jiménez-García Rodrigo
Published: May 2011

OBJECTIVE

To examine trends in nontraumatic lower-extremity amputations (LEAs) over an 8-year period in patients with and without diabetes in Spain.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We identified all patients who underwent an LEA using national hospital discharge data. Discharges were grouped by diabetes status: type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and no diabetes. The incidence of discharges attributed to amputations were calculated overall and stratified by diabetes status and year. We calculated length of stay and in-hospital fatality stratified by diabetes status and type of LEA.

RESULTS

From 2001 to 2008, 46,536 minor LEAs and 43,528 major LEAs were performed. In patients with type 1 diabetes, the incidence of minor and major amputations decreased significantly from 2001 to 2008 (0.88–0.43 per 100,000 inhabitants and 0.59–0.22 per 100,000 inhabitants, respectively). In patients with type 2 diabetes, the incidence of minor and major LEAs increased significantly (9.23–10.9 per 100,000 inhabitants and 7.12–7.47 per 100,000 inhabitants). Hospital stay was similar among type 1 diabetic and type 2 diabetic subjects, according to the type of LEA. Only in-hospital mortality for minor LEAs among type 1 diabetic subjects decreased significantly (4.0% in 2001 vs. 1.6% in 2008).

CONCLUSIONS

Our national data show a decrease in the incidence of major and minor LEAs in patients with type 1 diabetes and an increase among patients with type 2 diabetes. Further improvement is necessary in the preventive care and early treatment of patients with diabetes. The management of foot lesions, especially among type 2 diabetic patients, is particularly urgent.
Insulin Detemir Reduces Weight Gain as a Result of Reduced Food Intake in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Zachariah Sunil , Sheldon Ben , Shojaee-Moradie Fariba , Jackson Nicola C. , Backhouse Katharine , Johnsen Sigurd , Jones Richard H. , Umpleby A. Margot , Russell-Jones David L.
Published: May 2011

OBJECTIVE

Insulin detemir lacks the usual propensity for insulin to cause weight gain. We investigated whether this effect was a result of reduced energy intake and/or increased energy expenditure.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A 32-week, randomized crossover design trial was undertaken in 23 patients with type 1 diabetes. Patients on a basal-bolus regimen (with insulin aspart as the bolus insulin) were randomly assigned to insulin detemir or NPH insulin as a basal insulin for 16 weeks, followed by the other basal insulin for 16 weeks. At the end of each 16-week period, total energy expenditure, resting energy expenditure, diet-induced thermogenesis, activity energy expenditure, energy intake, weight change, glycemic control, hypoglycemic episodes, and hormones that affect satiety and fuel partitioning were measured.

RESULTS

After 16 weeks, weight change was −0.69 ± 1.85 kg with insulin detemir and +1.7 ± 2.46 kg with NPH insulin (P < 0.001). Total energy intake was significantly less with insulin detemir (2,016 ± 501 kcal/day) than with NPH insulin (2,181 ± 559 kcal/day) (P = 0.026). There was no significant difference in any measure of energy expenditure, HbA1c percentage, or number of hypoglycemic episodes. Leptin was lower and resistin was higher with insulin detemir compared with NPH insulin (P = 0.039, P = 0.047). After the meal, ghrelin and pancreatic polypeptide levels (P = 0.002, P = 0.001) were higher with insulin detemir.

CONCLUSIONS

The reduced weight gain with insulin detemir compared with NPH insulin is attributed to reduced energy intake rather than increased energy expenditure. This may be mediated by a direct or indirect effect of insulin detemir on the hormones that control satiety.
The Ipswich Touch Test
Authors: Rayman Gerry , Vas Prashanth R. , Baker Neil , Taylor, Charles G. , Gooday Catherine , Alder Amanda I. , Donohoe Mollie
Published: May 2011

OBJECTIVE

To promote foot screening of inpatients with diabetes, we simplified sensory testing to lightly touching the tips of the first, third, and fifth toes (the Ipswich Touch Test [IpTT]).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Respective performances of the IpTT and 10-g monofilament (MF) were compared with a vibration perception threshold of ≥25 V indicating at-risk feet in 265 individuals. The IpTT and MF were also directly compared.

RESULTS

With ≥2 of 6 insensate areas signifying at-risk feet, sensitivities and specificities, respectively, were IpTT (77 and 90%), MF (81 and 91%); positive predictive values were IpTT (89%), MF (91%); and negative predictive values were IpTT (77%), MF (81%). Directly compared, agreement between the IpTT and MF was almost perfect (κ = 0.88, P < 0.0001). Interrater agreement for the IpTT was substantial (κ = 0.68).

CONCLUSIONS

The IpTT performs well against a recognized standard for ulcer prediction. Simple to teach, reliable, without expense, and always at hand, it should encourage uptake of screening and detection of high-risk inpatients requiring foot protection.