Start Small: Training Game Level Generators from Nothing by Learning at Multiple Sizes

A procedural level generator is a tool that generates levels from noise. One approach to build generators is using machine learning, but given the training data rarity, multiple methods have been proposed to train generators from nothing. However, level generation tasks tend to have sparse feedback, which is commonly mitigated using game-specific supplemental rewards. This paper proposes a novel approach to train generators from nothing by learning at multiple level sizes starting from a small size up to the desired sizes. This approach employs the observed phenomenon that feedback is denser at smaller sizes to avoid supplemental rewards. It also presents the benefit of training generators to output levels at various sizes. We apply this approach to train controllable generators using generative flow networks. We also modify diversity sampling to be compatible with generative flow networks and to expand the expressive range. The results show that our methods can generate high-quality diverse levels for Sokoban, Zelda and Danger Dave for a variety of sizes, after only 3h 29min up to 6h 11min (depending on the game) of training on a single commodity machine. Also, the results show that our generators can output levels for sizes that were unavailable during training.Comment: 26 pages, 7 tables, 7 figures. Code: https://github.com/yahiaetman/ms-level-ge

Polythelia associated with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in young male: A case report

Polythelia is a congenital anomaly in which there is a third or more nipples. Although it is a relatively rare condition, it is frequently associated with other congenital malformations including the cardiovascular, urogenital, and skeletal systems. It may occur sporadically or with a familial tendency with some genetic factors. We report an association of polythelia with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) in a young male. The patient was complaining of delayed puberty. He was short in stature and had hypogonadism. On physical examination, a third nipple was found below the normal left nipple along the left mammary line. The case was carefully evaluated to exclude other disorders. It has been suggested that every newborn can be checked for the presence of accessory nipples which could indicate another internal problem in its body. We report the association of accessory nipple and right-sided hydronephrosis in a female term newborn

Role of Host Genetic Factors in the Outcome of Hepatitis C Virus Infection

The natural history of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is determined by a complex interplay between host genetic, immunological and viral factors. This review highlights genes involved in innate and adaptive immune responses associated with different outcomes of HCV infection. For example, an association of HCV clearance with certain HLA alleles has been demonstrated. The mechanisms responsible for these associations have been linked to specific T cell responses for some particular alleles (e.g., HLA-B27). Genetic associations involved in T cell regulation and function further underline the role of the adaptive immune response in the natural history of HCV infection. In addition, some genes involved in innate NK cell responses demonstrate the complex interplay between components of the immune system necessary for a successful host response to HCV infection

Frontal-view Face Detection in The Presence of Skin-Tone Regions Using a New Symmetry Approach

In this paper, an efficient algorithm for detecting frontalview faces in color images is proposed. The proposed algorithm has a special task; it detects faces in the presence of skin-tone regions such as human body, clothes, and background. Firstly, a pixel based color classifier is applied to segment the skin pixels from background. Next, a hybrid cluster algorithm is applied to partition the skin region. It is well known that the frontal face is symmetrical; therefore we introduce a new symmetry approach, which is the main distinguishing feature of the proposed algorithm. It measures a symmetrical value, searches for the real center of the region, and then removes the extra unsymmetrical skin pixels. The cost functions are adopted to locate the real two eyes of the candidate face region. Finally, a template matching process is preformed between an aligning frontal face model and the candidate face region as a verification step. We have tested our algorithm on 200 images from different sets. Experimental results reveal that our algorithm can perform the detection of faces successfully under wide variations of captured images.Facultad de Informátic

Evaluating luteinizing hormone receptor signaling using the cyclic AMP reporter ICUE3

2018 Summer.Includes bibliographical references.The luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor is a member of the G protein-coupled receptor family and the subfamily of glycoprotein hormone receptors. The LH receptor plays a vital role in normal development and in the function of the gonads. The LH receptor is expressed in interstitial cells, thecal cells, and granulosa cells and in cells making up the corpus luteum. Signal transduction by LH receptors is dependent on hormone activation of LH receptors and subsequent activation of G proteins. Evaluating the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) level in response to binding of ligand to LH receptors depends on activation of adenylyl cyclase by G proteins and production of cAMP. In this project, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) methods were used to evaluate cAMP levels in individual cells in response to binding of ligand to LH receptors. These studies used ICUE3, an EPAC-based reporter molecule for cAMP in cells. ICUE3 is an engineered molecule that contains a FRET donor and acceptor pair as well as a membrane-targeting sequence. FRET occurs when the donor fluorophore in an excited electronic state transfers its excitation energy to a nearby acceptor chromophore. In the absence of bound cAMP, the fluorescence donor in ICUE3 transfers energy to the fluorescence acceptor. When ICUE3 binds cAMP, the donor-acceptor distance increases and the FRET signal is reduced. cAMP levels were evaluated in individual cells expressing ICUE3 and LH receptor under different conditions including exposure of cells to human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). In some experiments, CHO cells co-expressing ICUE3 and constitutively-active LH receptors, LH receptors yoked to a single-chain modified form of hCG (yLHR), were used to determine whether the presence of a constitutively-active receptor increased basal cAMP levels in CHO cells. Our results show that ICUE3 is a reliable reporter molecule that measures basal cAMP levels in untreated cells and is responsive to changes in intracellular cAMP levels in response to forskolin treatment or, in the presence of a functioning LH receptor, to hCG