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Recent continuous task studies, such as narrative speech comprehension, show that fluctuations in brain functional connectivity (FC) are altered and enhanced compared to the resting state. Here, we characterized the fluctuations in FC during comprehension of speech and time-reversed speech conditions. The correlations of Hilbert envelope of source-level EEG data were used to quantify FC between spatially separate brain regions. A symmetric multivariate leakage correction was applied to address the signal leakage issue before calculating FC. The dynamic FC was estimated based on a sliding time window. Then, principal component analysis (PCA) was performed on individually concatenated and temporally concatenated FC matrices to identify FC patterns. We observed that the mode of FC induced by speech comprehension can be characterized with a single principal component. The condition-specific FC demonstrated decreased correlations between frontal and parietal brain regions and increased correlations between frontal and temporal brain regions. The fluctuations of the condition-specific FC characterized by a shorter time demonstrated that dynamic FC also exhibited condition specificity over time. The FC is dynamically reorganized and FC dynamic pattern varies along a single mode of variation during speech comprehension. The proposed analysis framework seems valuable for studying the reorganization of brain networks during continuous task experiments.

This study applies imperfect production processes to obtain in-control state by production correction and reorganization. Production processes are classified into two types of state: one is the type I state (out-of-control state) and the other is the type II state (in-control state). The type I state involves adjustment of the production mechanism. Production correction is either imperfect; worsening a production system, or perfect, returning it to "in-control" conditions. After N type I states, the operating system must be reorganized and returned to the beginning condition. At the beginning of the production of the each renewal cycle, the state of the process is not always to be restored to "in-control". The mean loss cost until "in-control" state, is determined. The existence of a unique and finite optimal N for an imperfect process under certain reasonable conditions is shown. A numerical example is presented.

INDONESIA – Quintiles expands patient access for clinical trials to Indonesia.

JAPAN – Legacy Healthcare announces breakthrough clinical results in hair re-growth.

SINGAPORE – iNova Pharmaceuticals relocates Regional HQ to Singapore as part of Asia-centric reorganization.

AUSTRALIA – Silencing the bird flu gene: scientists prep live hen trials.

AUSTRALIA – Helsinn grants Specialised Therapeutics Australia (STA) rights to Anamorelin, treat cachexia-anorexia.

NORTH AMERICA – To survive, genes pick up new skills.

NORTH AMERICA – Phase III study evaluates two investigational hormone-releasing IUDs for prevention of pregnancy for up to three years.

NORTH AMERICA – Agilent Technologies introduces SureDesign.

NORTH AMERICA – Progress made towards production of biosimilar products in tobacco plants.

NORTH AMERICA – FDA approves Aerospan for asthma.

EUROPE – New technology offers improved chances for couples undergoing IVF.

EUROPE – Phase IIa Laquinimod trial results show positive data for potential use in active Crohn's Disease.

EUROPE – Pfizer donates vials of Factor IX to the World Federation of Hemophilia.

EUROPE – nViso gets research grant to study 3D facial imaging technology for healthcare applications.

EUROPE – New evidence-based 3D cell culture web portal launched by Reinnervate Ltd.

EUROPE – The social side of vaccine effectiveness.

This paper analyzes the reorganization procedure introduced into the Chinese bankruptcy system in 2007. It shows that managers devote more effort during the reorganization than before the bankruptcy when the emergence value of the bankrupt firm is substantial. In addition, in the pre-bankruptcy period, managers were shown to input less effort under the new law than under the old law. Finally, the paper demonstrates that the market interest rate under the new bankruptcy law is not necessarily lower than that under the old law. These results call attention to the potential costs of the reorganization procedure.

This paper explores the empirical performances of the workout companies with special interests in the effectiveness of corporate reorganizing tools on their revitalization. In the empirical analysis it considers the criteria of success or failure in restructuring from both creditors' and debtors' perspectives in a separate manner. The key results are summarized as follows. First, the initial conditions on the debt structure of the workout companies are significantly related to the revitalization from both creditors' and debtors' point of view. Second, the debt restructuring instruments are insignificant in the success of corporate turnarounds, but the debt-to-equity conversion has been a relatively effective tool. Third, the self-restructuring efforts, employment downsizing, and governance reshuffling do not affect the performances significantly.