Abstract: A variation of Texas Hold'em is disclosed, where the players are allowed to make a side bet before the game. If the five community cards dealt in the conventional Texas Hold'em game constitute a winning hand in the side bet game, the side bet players win an award generally proportional to the odds of obtaining that winning hand. Thus, even players that fold during the underlying game remain excited about winning in the side bet game. The side bet game does not affect the underlying, conventional game in any way. If the game ends before five community cards are dealt, the side bets carry over for the next game. The house profits from the side bets since the house keeps the side bets if the community cards do not form a winning hand. The game may be played in a casino or on-line. Non-players may also make the side bet.

Abstract: An integrated sensor is capable of detecting analytes using electrochemical (EC), electrical (E), and optical (O) signals or EC and O signals. The sensor introduces synergetic new capabilities and enhances the sensitivity and selectivity for real-time detection of an analyte in complex matrices, including the presence of high concentration of interferences in liquids and in gas phases.

Abstract: An integrated sensor is capable of detecting analytes using electrochemical (EC), electrical (E), and optical (O) signals or EC and O signals. The sensor introduces synergetic new capabilities and enhances the sensitivity and selectivity for real-time detection of an analyte in complex matrices, including the presence of high concentration of interferences in liquids and in gas phases.

Abstract: The technique for analyzing a live wireless network (20) includes repeatedly alternating (54, 60) between a baseline network configuration (52, 58, 64) and a trial network configuration (56, 62) a plurality of times within a twenty-four hour period. A disclosed example includes repeatedly alternating between the baseline network configuration and the trial network configuration such that each network configuration is used for a sample period that lasts about one hour. In one example, the pattern of alternating between the trial and baseline network configurations is determined randomly while in another example each network configuration is used in a preselected pattern such as every other hour.

Abstract: In the method, system conditions may be monitored for at least a first time period within a periodic time interval, and network parameters for optimizing a wireless network may be determined. The determined network parameters may be implemented during a first time period within the at least one subsequent periodic time interval.