Exploring the Medieval Frontier: The Reconquista

This project focuses on material history, the study of objects and their role in history, and deriving meaning from artifacts in order to synthesize an applied historical thesis. The objects studied in this research project are of particular importance to the study of the Reconquista, a unique frontier conflict in the Iberian Peninsula between Christians and Muslims that lasted from the eighth through fifteenth centuries. The artifacts brought together in this digital exhibit bring into material focus the visible exchanges and borrowings between Christians and Muslims across the frontier of the Reconquista. In their material relationship, they demonstrate the unique blending of religion and culture that was a result of a prolonged period of conflict and exchange

Analysis of Botulinum Toxin A and Interacting Proteins in Skeletal Muscle Cells: An Investigation into the Mechanisms of Botulinum Toxin A as a Treatment for Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome

Background Chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS) is a condition in which muscle tissue expands against the surrounding fascia during activity and is compressed along with the nerves and blood vessels within the muscle compartment, leading to abnormally high intracompartmental pressure (ICP) and debilitating pain. Treatment typically includes fasciotomy, which results in significant levels of CECS recurrence; however, botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) injection has recently been seen to decrease both ICP and pain through an unknown mechanism with little to no recurrence. Methods In this study, PyRosetta was used to model the probability of docking interaction between BoNT-A light or heavy chain and enzymes cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), prostaglandin E2 receptor 4 (EP4), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Subsequently, myoblasts (HSkM) were treated with BoNT-A and assayed based on PyRosetta predicted interactions. Results The EP4/BoNT-A heavy chain combination was found to have reaction scores most comparable to known interactions of BoNT-A in neural cells. In accordance with this finding, levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), a downstream effector of EP4, consistently increased in myoblasts treated with BoNT-A. Conclusion Altogether, these data uncover an area of future research in determining the interaction of BoNT-A and the EP4 pathway in muscle cells, as well as the implications this may have on CECS and its treatment

Approachable Narratives in Game Design

Though video games have become mainstream in recent years, many game designers and developers continue to consider new players – unfamiliar with common game-design tropes and expectations – as an afterthought. The consequence is that people interested in trying video games may not be adequately introduced to the novel game design of a specific game, or the common gameplay elements of wider genres. Would-be players, frustrated by hastily constructed tutorials, might not complete a game and could miss out on the unique strengths of the medium. This paper considers the goals behind a strong tutorial and reviews many tutorial strategies on how well they meet those goals. It also considers the unique techniques games can use to add narratives, both linear and nonlinear. Some of these tutorial and narrative strategies have been incorporated into an original game, and this paper explains in detail how these strategies were implemented. Finally, a playtesting campaign was used to evaluate the game’s use of tutorial and narrative techniques through the feedback of multiple volunteers. Playtesting revealed the gaps between how players and developers perceive the game and how the game can be improved. This paper presents the techniques used in playtesting and discusses the effectiveness of the playtesting campaign in finding areas for improvement in the game’s design

Poster Session: ONU Engineering Freshman and Senior Design Projects

This poster session is held Friday, April 19, 4:45-6:15pm, with food served, in the Reed Hall of Science Tech Center. The capstone engineering senior design projects at Olivet Nazarene University involve interdisciplinary engineering teams completing real-life projects sponsored by companies, mission organizations, and professional society competitions. The engineering first-year design projects at Olivet Nazarene University involve interdisciplinary engineering teams proposing product improvement designs, using Computer Aided Design (CAD) software. Posters for both the senior and freshman engineering design projects will be presented during this poster session

Shang Yang and Skirmishes: Warfare and Philosophy in Warring States China

Ancient history is often complex. The 21st century is so far removed from the epoch that not only is understanding the sources a problem, but so is the quantity and quality of the sources themselves. However, what we have along with the archaeology is enough to determine at least some historicity of the epoch. Other questions are raised, however, when one starts to examine ancient history. For instance, what caused the philosophical upheaval during the political and social upheaval called the Warring States period in China? During this period in ancient China, when the states were in a struggle to determine which would come out on top, Chinese philosophy experienced a sudden boom. This link between warfare and philosophy in Warring States China was politics