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The multiple-unicast network coding conjecture states that for multiple unicast sessions in an undirected network, network coding is equivalent to routing. Simple and intuitive as it appears, the conjecture has remained open since its proposal in 2004, and is now a well-known unsolved problem in the field of network coding. Based on a recently proposed tool of space information flow, we present a geometric framework for analyzing the multiple-unicast conjecture. The framework consists of four major steps, in which the conjecture is transformed from its throughput version to cost version, from the graph domain to the space domain, and then from high dimension to 1-D, where it is to be eventually proved. We apply the geometric framework to derive unified proofs to known results of the conjecture, as well as new results previously unknown. A possible proof to the conjecture based on this framework is outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, nanoflower-shaped Mn-doped NiO nano-enzyme composites with high catalytic performance and excellent conductivity were grown on 3D flexible carbon fiber cloth (CFC) via hydrothermal and calcination methods to construct an efficient flexible glucose-sensitive detection electrode. For electrochemical-based sensors, high conductivity is a prerequisite for reliable data acquisition. To avoid the problems associated with using insulating Nafion or paraffin binders, we adopted a strategy of directly growing Mn-doped NiO onto the electrode surface, thereby avoiding interference due to the oxidization of species present in real samples at higher redox potentials, since Ni 2+ /Ni 3+ has low redox potential. Therefore, the electrode has a linear range of 3-5166 μM for glucose detection, with a detection limit as low as 0.28 μM, showing excellent selectivity and reproducibility. The composite-modified electrode provides accurate detection results with real human serum samples, which are in full agreement with those of commercial blood glucose meters. In addition, we tested the glucose content in tea and sorghum fermentation broth at different stages, further expanding the application range of the Mn-NiO sensors. The nano-enzyme sensor fabricated herein offers a new idea for further integration into wearable flexible electronic devices for accurate glucose detection.

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of tegaserod, 6 mg twice daily (b.i.d.), in men and women with chronic constipation (CC) from China., Methods: This was a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Following a 2-wk treatment-free baseline period, patients were randomized to receive either tegaserod (6 mg b.i.d.) or placebo (b.i.d.) for 4 wk. An analysis of covariance with repeated measures was used to determine the overall effect of treatment for the primary efficacy variable; the change from baseline in the number of complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBMs) during the 4-wk treatment period. Secondary efficacy endpoints included other measures of response in terms of CSBMs, and patients' daily and weekly assessment of bowel habits. Safety was also assessed, based on the incidence and severity of adverse events (AEs)., Results: A total of 607 patients were randomized to receive either tegaserod (n = 304) or placebo (n = 303). Tegaserod treatment resulted in a rapid and significant increase from baseline in the adjusted mean number of CSBMs per week over wk 1-4 compared with placebo (1.39 vs 0.91, P = 0.0002). A statistically significant difference in favor of tegaserod was also observed for a mean increase > or = 1 CSBM/wk over wk 1-4 (47.7% vs 35.0%, tegaserod vs placebo, respectively, P = 0.0018) and for the absolute number of > or = 3 CSBMs/wk over wk 1-4 (25.0% vs 14.5%, tegaserod vs placebo, respectively, P = 0.0021). Improvements in other symptoms of CC were also seen in the tegaserod group, including improved stool form and reduced straining. In addition, more patients in the tegaserod group reported satisfactory relief from their constipation symptoms. The frequency and severity of AEs was comparable between tegaserod and placebo groups, with the exception of a greater incidence of diarrhea in patients receiving tegaserod (3.6%) compared with placebo (1.7%)., Conclusion: Tegaserod treatment improved multiple symptoms of CC and was associated with a favorable safety profile.