Search

Aims The use of surgical mesh for female pelvic floor reconstruction has increased in recent years. However, there is paucity of information about the biological responses of host stroma cells to different meshes. This study was aimed to establish an in vitro experimental model to study the micro-environment of extracellular matrix (ECM) with embedded mesh and the stroma cell behaviors to different synthetic meshes. Methods Matrigel multi-cellular co-culture system with embedded mesh was used to evaluate the interaction of stroma cells and synthetic mesh in a simulated ECM environment. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and NIH3T3 fibroblasts were inoculated in the system. The established multi-cellular Matrigel co-culture system was used to detect stroma cell recruitment and tube formation ability for different synthetic meshes. Results HUVEC and NIH3T3 cells were recruited into the mesh interstices and organized into tube-like structures in type I mesh material from Perigee, Marlex and Prolift 24 hr after cell inoculation. On the contrary, there was little recruitment of HUVEC and NIH3T3 cells into the type III mesh of intra-vaginal sling (IVS). Conclusions The Matrigel multi-cellular co-culture system with embedded mesh offers a useful in vitro model to study the biological behaviors of stroma cells in response to different types of synthetic meshes. The system can help to select ideal mesh candidates before actual implantation into the human body. Neurourol. Urodynam. 33:449–454, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Cytotoxic effect of Discosoma sp., Isis hippuris and Nephthea chabrolii extracts on human oral squamous cell carcinoma SCC25 cells was investigated herein. The three marine extracts reduce the cell attachment and exhibit a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect. I. hippuris extract exhibited greater activity in inhibiting cell growth than Discosoma sp. and N. chabrolii. After cells were treated with three extracts, morphological alterations of cells such as rounding and membrane blebbing, nuclear condensation and apoptotic bodies are observed. The three extracts sensitized cells in the G0/G1 and S-G2/M phases with a concomitant significantly increased sub-G1 fraction, determined by flow cytometry. This apoptosis process was accompanied by up-regulation of Fas and activation of caspase-3 expression. These results imply that the three extracts caused apoptosis of SCC25 cells.

Titman and Wessels (1988) utilize a structural-equations model (LISREL) to find out the latent determinants of capital structure. Maddala and Nimalendran (1996) indicate that the problematic model specification causes the poor results in Titman and Wessels’ research. Chang, Lee, & Lee (2009) apply a Multiple Indicators and Multiple Causes (MIMIC) model to re-examine the same issue as Titman and Wessels did but found more convincing results. We extend Titman and Wessels’ research from using a single-equation approach to a multi-equations approach. In addition to the determinants of firms’ capital structure, those of stock returns are determined simultaneously. Literature indicates that a firm's capital structure may affect its stock returns ( Bhandari, 1988 ), and the reverse is true too ( Baker and Wurgler, 2002 , Lucas and McDonald, 1990 , Welch, 2004 ). Hence, a firm's determinants of its capital structure and those of its stock returns should be decided simultaneously, rather than independently. By solving the simultaneous equations, we examine the empirical relationship between the two endogenous variables: capital structure and stock returns and find out their common determinants as well. Our results show that stock returns, expected growth, uniqueness, asset structure, profitability, and industry classification are the main factors of capital structure, while the primary determinants of stock returns are leverage, expected growth, profitability, value and liquidity. The level of debt ratios and stock returns are mutually determined by the aforementioned factors and themselves.

We examine whether a firm's sensitivity of investments to cash flow changes when it switches from the NASDAQ to the NYSE over the period 1992–2002. Contrary views exist on the effect of listing switches on investment sensitivity to cash flow. Investment–cash flow sensitivity is a proxy for the degree of uncertainty of using internal funds to finance a firm's investments. We use a least square dummy variable model to analyze panel data before and after switching to determine the impact of switching. Based on pooled data, our evidence is consistent with the view that NASDAQ-to-NYSE switchers have significantly lower investment–cash flow sensitivity, which means that firms rely less heavily on internal financing after switching and find accessing external financing easier. Thus, firms may benefit from switching in terms of a lower cost of external capital due to such factors as increasing visibility, liquidity, and reputation.

The exchange-rate behavior of the Chinese yuan (RMB) and the Malaysian ringgit (MYR) indicates that the real exchange rate volatility of both the pegged currency/the anchor currency (the US dollar), and the pegged currency/the non-anchor currencies (Japanese yen and British pound) are lower under the pegged regime. The dynamic behavior of the pegged currencies' real exchange rates is consistent with the anchor currency as the speed of convergence of the Big Mac real exchange rates of the RMB, MYR, and the dollar against the floating currencies are almost identical during the pegged period. This may be due to similar inflation rate movements in the related economies. These results do not support the opinion that China has manipulated the value of its currency.

This study investigates whether there is a "China-concept factor", a common variation of stock returns, for firms that are listed in Taiwan stock markets and have real investments in China. We employ a methodology similar to that used by Lamont et al. (2001) in examining whether there is a financial-constraints factor. Listed firms in Taiwan stock markets for the period 1990–2004 are used to form portfolios of firms based on observable characteristics related to their real investments in China. We find that firms investing heavily in China have stock returns moving together over time, which suggests that firms investing in China are subject to common shocks. Firms investing heavily in China are found to exhibit higher average stock returns. There exists a China-concept factor for firms listed in Taiwan stock market and have real investments in China.

Enhanced index investing involves tracking a benchmark index closely and using risk-controlled strategies to add modest value to the index. The typical approaches to construction of such portfolios involve subjective management judgments. A new approach to enhanced indexing instead formulates the problem as a dual-criteria goal programming problem. Unlike the traditional approaches, which require a fund manager to buy and sell stocks actively in order to improve returns, the proposed approach is based on the passive management of a small number of stocks. Empirical results from tests in the Taiwan stock market suggest the new approach incurs lower transaction costs and produces sustainable risk-controlled enhanced returns.

Returns of the same companies' common stocks, both non-market-adjusted and market-adjusted, exhibit greater volatility, on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong where short selling is allowed than on the Shanghai Stock Exchange and Shenzhen Stock Exchange where short selling is restrained. This unique evidence indicates that short selling increases stock price volatility for the Chinese stocks in the Chinese stock markets.

We use a probit selection model to investigate whether the relation between stock returns and their fundamental determinants varies for China-concept and non-China-concept stocks. In addition, an ordered probit selection model is used as well to explore whether the determinants of stock returns change due to the different level of investments in China. There are a lot of reasons for Taiwanese firms to invest in China. The stock of a firm with capital investments in China is called China-concept stock. A firm can decide whether to go for its capital investments in China or not. It is interesting to investigate whether a firm's decision to invest in China affects the determination of stock returns or not. This investment decision should not be treated as exogenous in examining the determinants of stock returns. Hence, a two-stage selection model is employed for this purpose. We find that heavy-level-investment-in-China firms do exhibit a different relation between stock returns and their fundamental determinants. Book-to-market ratio is the most important determinant of stock returns for all firms.

A formal total synthesis of the iridoid monoterpene (′) -dimethyl secologanoside (6) is described. The Norrish 1 type fragmentation ofbicyclo[2.2.1]heptannone 9 is the key step.

In this paper we examine the price transmission effect between ADRs or GDRs and their respective underlying stocks. This linkage is investigated for Granger causality using difference form and VECM. Results reveal unidirectional causality from Taiwan's capital market to the foreign market. This asymmetry suggests the domestic market plays a dominant role in price transmission relative to the foreign market. Besides, the prices of both markets will make adjustment to establish a long run cointegrated equilibrium. An additional finding is that both the premium and net buy have significant impacts on international price transmission for over twenty percent samples. Empirical outcomes also provide the evidence that our model is quite robust.

The synthesis of cyclopentanoid natural products, iridoid monoterpenes and prostaglandins, was achieved from a common intermediate 2, which was obtained from 1 via photochemical rearrangement.

A formal total synthesis of 10-deoxygeniposide (4), Mussaenoside (5), and 8-epi-loganin (6) from a versatile diquinane 3 is described.

In the real world where the capital market is considered imperfect, firms are facing financing constraints due to the presence of asymmetric information and agency problems. Fazzari, Hubbar, and Petersen (FHP) (1988) propose the use of investment-cash flow sensitivity to investigate whether the firm has financing constraints. They find that the effect of cash flow on investment is larger for the low-pay-out firms. Later research such as Devereux and Schiantarelli (1989), Hoshi, Kashyap and Scharfstein (1991) and Kaplan and Zingales (1997) also followed FHP's method to do more research on financing constrains. FHP assume that the dividend policy of a firm is exogenous to the investment-cash flow relationship. We propose that the dividend policy of a firm is endogenous and use a two-stage Probit Selection model to deal with examination of the financing constraints of the firms. The empirical result shows that: 1) There exist some differences between the OLS model and Probit Selection Model, especially in the explanatory variable, Tobin's q. 2) In the long run, firms that pay no dividend are observed to have significant financing constraints, compared with firms that pay dividends frequently.

The chemoselectivity in the palladium-catalyzed intramolecular cyclization of 2-(o-bromoaryl)-alkenenitriles depends on the nature of α-substitutents. 2-(o-Bromoanilino)alkenenitriles attacked the cyano group, followed by the cyano group transposition and hydrolysis, to give o-(methylamino)benzonitrile. 2-(o-Bromobenzyl)alkenenitriles, 2-(o-bromophenylthio)alkenenitriles and 2-(o-bromophenoxy)-alkenenitriles attacked the olefinic double bonds and led to l-vinyl-2-indancecarbonitrile, 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene-2-carbonitriles, 3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[b]thiine-2-carbonitriles, and 3,4-dihydro-2H-benzo[b]oxine-2-carbonitriles. A general mechanism for the palladium-catalyzed arylations is proposed.

The main purpose of this paper is to provide a brief introduction to the current status and future prospects of capital markets in Taiwan. Annual summary statistics of stocks traded on the Taiwan Stock Exchange are presented. In addition, summary of statistics of stocks and bonds traded on OTC of Taiwan is also discussed, and ownership structure of the companies listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange is analyzed. Finally, future perspectives of equity markets in Taiwan are analyzed in some detail.

Both technical analysis and artificial intelligence are popular and promising approaches for the construction of intelligent financial application systems, but any particular method alone might not be sufficient. Instead of pursuing the construction of a perfect system using any one particular technique, this paper focuses on the study of the Intelligent Stock Selection Decision Support System (ISSDSS) that adopts both traditional technical analysis and artificial intelligence in dealing with the stock selection problem. ISSDSS analyzes the Taiwan stock market using various technical analysis techniques including technical indicators, charts analysis, Japanese candlesticks philosophy, and Dow theory, giving the basis for the evaluation of the price and trend of stocks, trading signals, and trading prices. AI techniques built upon fuzzy decision rules are employed to double-check the results from technical analysis. The performance of ISSDSS was evaluated by simulating the stock selection in the Taiwan stock market from January 1990 to April 1995. The result confirms that the synergy of technical analysis and artificial intelligence outperforms systems using any one particular technique alone.

α-(o-Bromoanilino)alkenenitriles 1a–f and 2a–e and α-(N-alkenylamino)-β-(o-bromophenyl)propanenitrile 7a–c< and 8a–c undergo palladium-catalyzed conversion into o-(methylamino)benzonitrile 12, o-[(alkenylamino)ethenyl]benzonitriles 24a–c, N-alkenylanilines 26b, 26c, 3-benzazepines 29a, 29c, 31a and 32a, γ-carbolines 36 and pyrrolo[3,2-b]indole 45. The reactions involve intramolecular additions of arylpalladium to the cyano group and subsequent processes such as cyano group transposition, hydrolysis, electrocyclization, ethyl group transfer and oxidative aromatization. A general mechanism for the palladium-catalyzed arylation of a cyano group is proposed.

The use of surgical mesh for female pelvic floor reconstruction has increased in recent years. However, there is paucity of information about the biological responses of host stroma cells to different meshes. This study was aimed to establish an in vitro experimental model to study the micro-environment of extracellular matrix (ECM) with embedded mesh and the stroma cell behaviors to different synthetic meshes.Matrigel multi-cellular co-culture system with embedded mesh was used to evaluate the interaction of stroma cells and synthetic mesh in a simulated ECM environment. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and NIH3T3 fibroblasts were inoculated in the system. The established multi-cellular Matrigel co-culture system was used to detect stroma cell recruitment and tube formation ability for different synthetic meshes.HUVEC and NIH3T3 cells were recruited into the mesh interstices and organized into tube-like structures in type I mesh material from Perigee, Marlex and Prolift 24 hr after cell inoculation. On the contrary, there was little recruitment of HUVEC and NIH3T3 cells into the type III mesh of intra-vaginal sling (IVS).The Matrigel multi-cellular co-culture system with embedded mesh offers a useful in vitro model to study the biological behaviors of stroma cells in response to different types of synthetic meshes. The system can help to select ideal mesh candidates before actual implantation into the human body.

This paper tests the conventional wisdom that short-term volatility and price changes spill over from developed to emerging markets, but not vice versa. We also investigate how degree of market openness affects return and volatility spillovers. Three developed markets, New York, Tokyo, and London, and two emerging markets, Taiwan and Hong Kong, are examined. Two most interesting findings are: first, the Tokyo market has less influence than the New York market over the Taiwanese and Hong Kong markets; and second, the Taiwanese market is more sensitive than the Hong Kong market to the price and volatility behavior of the advanced markets even though Taiwan is not as open as Hong Kong and the Taiwanese dollar is not linked to the U.S. dollar while the Hong Kong dollar is.

Oxidative photocyclizations of appropriate 2-anilino alkenenitriles (6) afforded a series of indole-2-carbonitriles (7) having bromoalkyl substituents at the C-3 positions. Upon treatment with Bu 3 -SnH, these indolecarbonitriles underwent intramolecular cyclizations either by attack at the C-3 positions of the indole rings to give the spiro-annelated indolinecarbonitriles or by attack at the cyano group to give carbazolone derivatives

Oxidative photocyclizations of appropriate 2-anilino alkenenitriles (6) afforded a series of indole-2-carbonitriles (7) having bromoalkyl substituents at the C-3 positions. Upon treatment with Bu 3 -SnH, these indolecarbonitriles underwent intramolecular cyclizations either by attack at the C-3 positions of the indole rings to give the spiro-annelated indolinecarbonitriles or by attack at the cyano group to give carbazolone derivatives

A pentadienyl anion 7a generated from 2-N-methylanilinohepta-3,5-dienenitrile reacted at the γ-site with halogenoalkanes to give predominantly the products 9γ–2γ having the 2Z,5E-configuration, while it reacted at the Iµ-site with conjugated aldehydes to give mainly the products 27Iµ–29Iµ having the 2Z,4E-configuration. An intermediate of the pentadienyl ion 7a having a lithium atom σ-bonded to the γ-carbon and chelated with the anilino group was proposed to account for the regio- and stereo-selectivities observed in the above reactions. The alkylation reactions in the presence of a dipolar co-solvent HMPA tended to enhance the 2Z-selectivity. The pentadienyl anions derived from the α-anilino dienenitriles 30–33 having different Iµ-substituents such as phenyl, phenylthio, benzyloxy and ethoxycarbonyl groups also reacted with halides and aldehydes both regio- and stereo-selectively.

α-(o-Bromoanilino)alkenenitriles 1a–f and 2a–e and α-(N-alkenylamino)-β-(o-bromophenyl)propanenitrile 7a–c< and 8a–c undergo palladium-catalyzed conversion into o-(methylamino)benzonitrile 12, o-[(alkenylamino)ethenyl]benzonitriles 24a–c, N-alkenylanilines 26b, 26c, 3-benzazepines 29a, 29c, 31a and 32a, γ-carbolines 36 and pyrrolo[3,2-b]indole 45. The reactions involve intramolecular additions of arylpalladium to the cyano group and subsequent processes such as cyano group transposition, hydrolysis, electrocyclization, ethyl group transfer and oxidative aromatization. A general mechanism for the palladium-catalyzed arylation of a cyano group is proposed.

A pentadienyl anion 7a generated from 2-N-methylanilinohepta-3,5-dienenitrile reacted at the γ-site with halogenoalkanes to give predominantly the products 9γ–2γ having the 2Z,5E-configuration, while it reacted at the Iµ-site with conjugated aldehydes to give mainly the products 27Iµ–29Iµ having the 2Z,4E-configuration. An intermediate of the pentadienyl ion 7a having a lithium atom σ-bonded to the γ-carbon and chelated with the anilino group was proposed to account for the regio- and stereo-selectivities observed in the above reactions. The alkylation reactions in the presence of a dipolar co-solvent HMPA tended to enhance the 2Z-selectivity. The pentadienyl anions derived from the α-anilino dienenitriles 30–33 having different Iµ-substituents such as phenyl, phenylthio, benzyloxy and ethoxycarbonyl groups also reacted with halides and aldehydes both regio- and stereo-selectively.

A formal total synthesis of (±)-verbenalol 1 and (±)-udoteatrial 2 is described. Tie key intermediate is diiodolactone 7.

We propose an intelligent stock trading decision support system that can forecast the buying and selling signals according to the prediction of short-term and long-term trends using rule-based neural networks. A rule-based neural network allows us to use domain knowledge in the form of inference rules to set up the initial structure of the neural network, and to extract refined domain knowledge from the trained network. With this information, users can understand why and how a decision is made by the system without the need to trust the output of the network blindly. The performance of the proposed system was evaluated by trading the TSEWPI (Taiwan Stock Exchange Weighted Price Index) from 1992 to 1995, and the result was encouraging.

The α-aminonitriles 2, prepared from aromatic, aliphatic, and α,β-unsaturated aldehydes, undergo autoxidation in the presence of potassium tert-butoxide to give the corresponding amides 3 in high yield. The α-sulfenyl-α-aminonitrile 4 (methylphenylamino(phenylthio)acetonitrile) is converted to the alkyl N-methyl-N-phenylcarbamates 6 by concurrent autoxidation and substitution with alkoxide ions.

The intramolecular free-radical cyclisations of a series of 2-(N-methylanilino)alka-2,5-dienenitriles 5–16 have been studied. These compounds have two alkenyl groups orientated in equal proximity to the radical centres. One alkenyl group contains both the cyano and the N-methylanilino substituents, while the other contains either an electron-withdrawing or an electron-donating group. Intramolecular free-radical cyclisations occur exclusively or predominantly on the amino-cyano substituted alkenyl group (C-3 attack). The radical cyclisation of 4-(2-bromobenzyl)methyl-3,5-dimethyl-2-(N-methylanilino)hepta-2,5-diene-1,7-dinitrile also occur exclusively at C-3.

Cycloadditions of 2-(N-methylanilino)hexa-2,4-dienenitrile with the dienophiles maleic anhydride, N-phenylmaleimide, benzoquinone, or dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate led to methyldiarylamines after loss of hydrogen cyanide and oxidative aromatisation.

Cycloadditions of 2-(N-methylanilino)hexa-2,4-dienenitrile with the dienophiles maleic anhydride, N-phenylmaleimide, benzoquinone, or dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate led to methyldiarylamines after loss of hydrogen cyanide and oxidative aromatisation.