Abstract: In one embodiment, data segments routed through a switch fabric are identified as being either a first or a second type. First and second counters are maintained for a destination node to characterize the transmission of data segments of the corresponding type within the switch fabric. For each first-type time period, all transmitted data segments are identified as being the first type. For each second-type time period, all transmitted data segments are identified as being the second type. The first- and second-type time periods are interleaved. The first counter is reset after termination of each first-type time period and the second counter is reset after termination of each second-type time period to correct for a possible error in characterizing the transmission of the data segments within the switch fabric during the corresponding time period.

Abstract: An improvement to the coated wire electrode has been accomplished via inclusion of a fortiophore into a sensor device. Sensor devices of the present invention include: an internal reference element; a membrane; and a fortiophore. Fortiophores are neutral charge carriers, which complex reversibly a corresponding ion of the conductive material used as the internal reference element. The fortiophore provides an electrochemically defined and reproducible solid internal contact between the membrane and the internal reference element. This solid internal contact, for example, in ion selective sensors, provides more reproducible potential offsets and better precision, and faster wet up. The fortiophores can be utilized in other electrochemical devices.

Abstract: A method for determining the concentrations of total calcium and at least one monovalent ion in a sample includes the steps of mixing the sample with a diluent that has a pH within the range pH 6.5 to 7.0 and includes 2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol phosphate and is free of the monovalent ion. An aliquot of the diluted sample is concurrently contacted with a calcium-specific ion selective electrode and an ion selective electrode specifically responsive to the monovalent ion, the response of the calcium-specific ion selective electrode is measured as an indication of the concentration of total calcium in the sample, and the response of the monovalent ion specific ion selective electrode is measured as an indication of the concentration of the monovalent ion in the sample.