A Multi-agent System for Autonomous Control of Game Parameters

International audienceControl of game parameters to reach domain-related objectives cannot be easily handled with classic control theory approaches. Given the dynamics and complexity of modern game engines, diversity of human players and their constantly changing nature, this paper advocates for means to tune game parameters in real time, with no use of game or users models. The proposed approach, based on a multi-agent system, is used to control two dynamic systems before analyzing the results

Impacts multi-échelles d'un échange (Mg, Ca)-Pb et ses conséquences sur l'augmentation de la perméabilité d'une bentonite.

The article addresses the structural effects of solutions of lead nitrate on a suspended or compacted bentonite. A permeability increase is observed on compacted clay. Investigating the composition of output solution, using X-Rays Diffusion at Small Angles and Scanning Electron Microscopy, this permeability increase is explained from structural variations at nanometric (reduction of particle size) and micrometric scales (microfissuration of aggregates)

Microsatellite and Mitochondrial Data Provide Evidence for a Single Major Introduction for the Neartic Leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus in Europe

Scaphoideus titanus, a leafhopper native to North America and invasive in Europe, is the vector of the Flavescence dorée phytoplasma, the causal agent of the most important form of grapevine yellows in European vineyards. We studied 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci and a 623 bp fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase II gene in native S. titanus from north-eastern America and introduced European populations, to elucidate the colonization scenario. Consistent with their recent history, invasive European populations were less genetically diverse than American populations for both types of markers, suggesting a recent bottleneck. Significant isolation by distance was detected between American populations but not between European populations. None of the European mitochondrial haplotypes was found in the American vineyards, from which they are assumed to have originated. The precise source of the invasive S. titanus populations therefore remains unclear. Nevertheless, the high heterozygosity of North-East American populations (which contained 92% of the observed alleles) suggests that this region is part of the native range of S. titanus. Clustering population genetics analyses with microsatellite and mitochondrial data suggested that European populations originated from a single introduction event. Most of the introduced populations clustered with populations from Long Island, the Atlantic Coast winegrowing region in which Vitis aestivalis occurs

Effects of mixed reality head-mounted glasses during 90 minutes of mental and manual tasks on cognitive and physiological functions

International audienceBackground: We evaluated the effects of a mixed reality (MR) head-mounted deviceon some cognitiveand physiological functions during 90 min tasks in an attempt to determine their safety for workers.Methods: A total of 12 volunteers performed 90-min intellectual and manual tasks with and without MR glasses. Balance, Stroop, and memory tests were conducted before, during and after these tasks. Heart rate and electromyographic activity of some muscles were recorded. A survey was used to determine subjective fatigue, pain, or discomfort.Results: Balance, heart rate, rate of perceived exertion, memory, and attention were unaffected by wearing MR glasses. Electromyographic activity increased with MR glasses for deltoid, biceps brachii, and soleus muscles. Few subjects reported discomfort, pain, or visual fatigue with MR glasses. Some participants reported they lost the notion of time and reality.Discussion: Accordingly, we concluded that the MR glasses under investigation (Hololens) can be used safely. An appropriate setup and familiarization are needed to optimize use

Nicotine enhances alcohol intake and dopaminergic responses through β2* and β4* nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.

International audienceAlcohol and nicotine are the most widely co-abused drugs. Both modify the activity of dopaminergic (DA) neurons of the Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) and lead to an increase in DA release in the Nucleus Accumbens, thereby affecting the reward system. Evidences support the hypothesis that distinct nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), the molecular target of acetylcholine (ACh) and exogenous nicotine, are also in addition implicated in the response to alcohol. The precise molecular and neuronal substrates of this interaction are however not well understood. Here we used in vivo electrophysiology in the VTA to characterise acute and chronic interactions between nicotine and alcohol. Simultaneous injections of the two drugs enhanced their responses on VTA DA neuron firing and chronic exposure to nicotine increased alcohol-induced DA responses and alcohol intake. Then, we assessed the role of β4 * nAChRs, but not β2 * nAChRs, in mediating acute responses to alcohol using nAChR subtypes knockout mice (β2-/- and β4-/- mice). Finally, we showed that nicotine-induced modifications of alcohol responses were absent in β2-/- and β4-/- mice, suggesting that nicotine triggers β2* and β4 * nAChR-dependent neuroadaptations that subsequently modify the responses to alcohol and thus indicating these receptors as key mediators in the complex interactions between these two drugs

Physicochemical characteristics that affect carbon dot safety: Lessons from a comprehensive study on a nanoparticle library

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Combined In Vitro and In Vivo Approaches to Propose a Putative Adverse Outcome Pathway for Acute Lung Inflammation Induced by Nanoparticles: A Study on Carbon Dots

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A Co-Culture Model of the Human Respiratory Tract to Discriminate the Toxicological Profile of Cationic Nanoparticles According to Their Surface Charge Density

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