The library would like to thank and congratulate the following staff and faculty members whose SDSU employment anniversaries took place during the 2012/2013 academic year:
Staff
10 Years of Service
Lynn Hawkes
15 Years of Service
Josephina T. Acevedo
20 Years of Service
Maureen V. Dotson
Brian D. Moore
25 Years of Service
Kathleen S. Taylor
Faculty
10 Years of Service
Gloria Rhodes
Linda Salem
Steve Savage
25 Years of Service
Carolyn Baber
Robert Carande
The library gave out four awards of $250 each (two undergraduate and two graduate) at the 6th Annual Student Research Symposium, for the best projects using library resources and collections. This includes, but is not limited to, printed resources, databases, primary resources, and materials in all media.
Thank you to everyone who participated!
The winners are:
Testing the Role of Physical Acceptance in the Exercise and Self-Esteem Model in College Students
Kayli Dalton, Exercise Physiology & Nutritional Sciences (Masters Student)
Objective: To examine the proposed mediating relationships of the exercise and self-esteem model (EXSEM) over time and the role of physical acceptance in the college population.
Participants: Eight-five freshmen undergraduate male (n = 25; M age = 18.0 years; SD = 0.5) and female (n = 60; M age = 17.8 years; SD = 0.4) students.
Methods: Participants completed valid and reliable self-report measures of exercise self-efficacy, physical competence, physical acceptance, and global self-esteem pre and-post an 8-week time period.
Results: Regression analyses supported the proposed mediating relationships of the EXSEM. An additional relationship was found to exist where physical acceptance mediated the influence of exercise self-efficacy on global self-esteem. Together, change in exercise self-efficacy and physical acceptance explained 23% of the variability in global
self-esteem. Conclusions: These findings support the inclusion of physical acceptance and its importance in the exercise and self esteem relationship in college students. Additional relationships than those first proposed within the EXSEM were found. Further study is needed to examine these additional relationships, as well as how exercise contributes to improvement in physical self-perceptions, especially in the college-aged population.
Is X-ray Florescence Imaging, a Valid Measure in Examining Differences in the Metal Concentrations of Postmortem and Resected Brain Tissue?
Laura Frutos, Psychology (Undergraduate)
The human brain is abundant in metals, which are essential for healthy cognitive function. Changes to the levels of metals may result in neurological conditions as seen in various disruptions to the central nervous system. In this project, Synchrotron x-ray fluorescence (SXRF) imaging was used to examine the metal concentration of postmortem and surgically resected brain tissue. The postmortem tissue was donated by individuals with Williams Syndrome (WS) and the resected tissue samples were obtained from individuals undergoing surgical resections to control pharmacoresistant epilepsy. SXRF imaging was conducted at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource. The technique has previously been used to study other human brain conditions including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer disease. This is the first study to examine WS and resected epilepsy tissue. We have previously shown that SXRF is a sufficiently sensitive technique to distinguish concentrations and co-localization of metals in brain structures. However, the method is still under development and additional studies are necessary to further validate its usage as a quantitative method that can be applied to a larger spectrum of brain conditions and tissue preparations. To this end, we analyzed
the concentration and distribution of metals in tissue samples over multiple trials to test whether the detection of metal levels is altered as a result of repeated exposure to the high energy x-rays used in the technique. We hypothesized that there will be no significant difference between the concentration of metals during trial runs when examined over a short period of time. Qualitative review of brain scans showed no marked differences and the quantification of endogenous metals using standards calibration is under investigation. The additional validation of this technique will enable us to better describe potential differences in metal concentrations in brain structures (e.g., frontal lobe, amygdala, hippocampus) associated with Williams Syndrome and epilepsy. The results could aid in identifying novel markers of pathology and provide insight into the relation between metals and brain structures in cognitive function. The research also aims at finding alternative, less invasive, and greener forms of identifying etiology of neurological conditions.
You can look but don’t touch: the real-time dynamics between infant visual and haptic behavior
Kristi Hendrickson, Speech, Language, and Hearing
Sciences (Doctoral)
The application of looking- and reaching-based measures as proxies for underlying cognitive abilities has a rich history in infant development research, and perhaps none more so than studies of early vocabulary comprehension. Both visual and haptic measures have long-term predictive value, though it remains unclear whether they are analogous and substitutable measures of lexical knowledge (Charles & Rivera, 2009). Additionally those who implement haptic methods are confronted with the challenge of interpreting the difference, if one exists, between representations that drive incorrect versus absent responses. Analyzing looking behavior concurrently with haptic response creates a ground for
determining differences between these two response types.
We investigated the real-time dynamics between two measures of word comprehension: one visually-based (Fernald et al. 2001, 2008), and one haptically-based (Friend et al., 2003, 2008, 2012). Fifty 16-18-month-old infants were seated in front of a touch sensitive screen and prompted to touch one of two images (target). Videos of infants’ looking and haptic responses were synced and coded frame-by-frame. Visual reaction time was operationalized as mean latency to shift to the target image. Haptic response was operationalized as number of target touches.
Reaction time significantly predicted haptic response, F(1,49) = 7.299, p < .009 accounting for ~13% of the variance. To further investigate this relation, we divided trials into three haptic types (target, distractor, and no touch). There was a significant effect of trial type, F(2,43) = 11.98, p < .001 such that mean reaction time for no touch trials (M = 1134.5, SD = 465.3) was significantly greater than for target (M = 742.8, SD = 324.0) and distractor touch trials (M = 903.1, SD = 309.6). However reaction times for target and distractor touch trials did not differ significantly.
In the current study we found that visual reaction time and haptic response are significantly related. Moreover, reaction time changes as a function of where and whether infants execute a haptic response suggesting that distractor touches reflect partial knowledge, whereas failure to touch appears to reflect an absence of knowledge. This research will help bridge the gap between different assessment approaches to measuring early language.
Synthesis and Toxicity of Silver Nanoparticles with Different Capping Agents and Shapes
Alyssa Deline, Chemistry (Undergraduate)
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are primarily exploited for their antimicrobial properties, and their increased use in consumer products has raised serious concerns over their potential impact to sensitive bacteria commonly found in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). AgNPs contain a capping agent (e.g. citrate, polyvinyl-pyrrolidone (PVP) or tannic acid) to prevent aggregation and come in a variety of shapes (e.g. spherical to triangular platelet). Each of these factors may greatly influence the toxicity of the AgNPs. We investigated the toxicity of AgNPs synthesized with various capping agents and shapes to Nitrosomonas europaea, a model ammonia oxidizing bacteria commonly found in WWTPs that is responsible for the conversion of ammonia (NH3) to nitrite (NO2- ).
Spherical AgNPs were synthesized through the reduction of silver nitrate with sodium borohydride in the presence of a capping agent. To create triangular shaped AgNPs, citrate-capped AgNPs were exposed to either a blue light (420 nm), green light (522 nm), or red light (690 nm) for a period of two weeks with daily addition of additional citrate. The size and shape of AgNPs were confirmed with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The influence of AgNP capping agents (e.g. citrate, PVP, and tannic acid), and shape (e.g. spherical vs. triangular) on the toxicity to N. europaea was determined by monitoring their nitrification activity during 3-hour batch bioreactor experiments. During these experiments, N. europaea was exposed to the various AgNPs and the NO2- production was measured colorimetrically every 45 minutes over the course of 3-hours.
Synthesis of triangular silver platelets ranging from 50-300 nm and pentagonal AgNPs ranging from 40-60nm were confirmed by TEM imaging after two weeks of exposure to red light (690 nm) and blue light (420 nm), respectively. Green light (522 nm) did not elicit noticeable changes in shape when compared to spherical AgNPs not exposed to light. The results from the toxicity experiments suggest that the capping agents (i.e. citrate, PVP and tannic acid) did not influence the toxicity of the AgNPs towards N. europaea. Further work is needed to size fractionate and purify the triangular AgNPs for future toxicity studies.
Dr. Seth Mallios, chair of SDSU's Anthropology Department and author of "Hail Montezuma! The Hidden Treasures of San Diego State," has compiled his picks for the 20 most important rock 'n' roll concerts at SDSU over the past 50 years.
He includes a wide range of concerts at venues such as Peterson Gym, Aztec Bowl, the Open Air Theater, the Backdoor, and Montezuma Hall. Plus a bonus section of "25 Other San Diego State Concerts You Should Tell Your Friends You Saw—Even If You Didn’t."
This list was prompted by the Library's efforts to restore the student-created "Backdoor mural" that was in the now-demolished Aztec Center. As Dr. Mallios says, this mural "is one of San Diego State’s most distinctive and expressive hidden treasures, one that we hope will be fully restored and on display in the Dome Library for all to see for generations to come."
Read about efforts to save the Rock 'n' Roll Mural and learn how you can help.
Last month the library’s "San Diego Fishing Industry" mural project received the Excellence in Historic Preservation Award from the City of San Diego Historical Resources Board. This is the second time one of the library’s mural projects has been recognized. The first mural restoration - "NRA Packages" - received the Governor’s Historic Preservation Award in 2008.
"San Diego Fishing Industry" is one of several murals painted by SDSU art students during the mid-1930s. Originally painted on the basement walls of Hardy Tower, it was lost for decades before being rediscovered during routine maintenance in August 2004. It was restored and moved to its new location—the Reference Services Area—in 2010.
If you’ve visited the library recently, you’ve probably noticed a few changes in progress. Some of our transformations will be more subtle; since we don’t want them to go unnoticed, here’s some of the changes that will take place in the library during the summer:
- On May 31, the library will no longer participate in Link+, a service that allows library patrons from member libraries to electronically request a book that is not available in their own libraries. SDSU Library patrons wishing to borrow books are now encouraged to use Circuit, WorldCat, or Interlibrary Loan.
- The Reference Services Area is undergoing renovations in order to increase student seating, add additional group and individual study spaces, replace the carpeting, and move the Reference Desk to a more visible location. The map collection already has been relocated to the Current Periodicals and Microforms Center, which is located on the first floor of Love Library. The Reference Services Area will reopen in early July.
- We’ll be saying good-bye to the following librarians, who will be retiring over the summer months: Phillip White, Cecilia Puerto, Robert Fikes, and Patrick Sullivan. Robert Fikes will be staying on in FERP capacity until July 1 and then back with us in August. Our very best wishes go with each of you. You will be missed!
Are you ready to burn the midnight oil?
The SDSU Library is ready to help you by offering extended hours and study space.
Hours for the entire building:
- Friday May 4: 7 am - 1 am
- Saturday May 5: 10 am - 1 am
- Sunday May 6: 10 am - 1 am
- Friday May 11: 7 am - 1 am
- Saturday May 12: 8 am - 1 am
- Sunday May 13: 8 am - 1 am
From May 10 to May 15, the following areas will be available for late-night study from 1 am to 7 am:
- 2nd floor of the Library Addition, 24/7 Study Area
- 1st floor of the LIbrary Addition, Reference Services Area
- Room LL108 (Quiet Study) and the Donor Hall
- The Laptop Lounge on the basement level
To ensure the safety of our students, a Red ID will be required of anyone wishing to use the library from 1 am to 7 am. The extended study hours will end at 7 am on Tuesday, May 15.
Library Advisory Committee (LAC)
The Library Advisory Committee (LAC) advises the Library Administration on how to allocate the SDSU Library Student Use Fee and advocates the students’ interests and initiatives within the SDSU Library & Information Access.The committee provides feedback and ideas on how to enhance the SDSU Library & Information Access on matters such as safety, innovative usage of space, improvements (such as upgrades to furnishings), etc. The committee consists of a core group of students and individuals from the Library Advisory Committee who make a positive impact on the experience of students within the SDSU Library & Information Access.
Purpose
In February 2011, the Library Advisory Committee conducted a survey over the course of two weeks to observe what changes SDSU students wanted to see in the Library. The purpose of the survey was to record and measure where their student use fee should be allocated.
Survey Response
A total of 1,736 students participated.
Survey Conclusions
The five main findings from the survey where.
- Café: 86.7% of individuals who completed the survey would utilize a café in the Library.
- Safety: Safety is an important issue and 73.9% of students agreed that exterior lighting would help improve safety of the Library.
- Upgrades: Facility improvements to enhance the Library environment and furnishings are in high demand.
- Special Collections: 27% of individuals, who responded, have used the Special Collections section.
- Sustainability: 82% of students agreed installing refillable, water-bottle machines would improve the sustainability of the Library.
What We Are Doing
The following is a brief outline of how the Library Advisory Committee (LAC) is responding to the survey:
- Security: Advocating to increase security in the Library through:
- Brighter, exterior lighting
- SDSU Police Department satellite desk in the library
- A closer pick-up station to the SDSU Library for SDSU Escort Service
- Café: Supporting the installation of a café in the SDSU Library:
- Initial plans are to provide a coffee cart in the 24/7 Area until a café is built on the 2nd floor of the Love Library.
- Facility Improvements: Looking into facility enhancements and upgrades:
- Initial plans are to renovate and revamp the Reference section of the Library. These plans include: adding additional seating, creating a more Aztec-friendly atmosphere, re-carpeting, and upgrading furniture.
- Collection: Reducing the amount of paper books and increasing the number of electronic books in an effort to create more space for additional seating and study areas.
- Sustainability: Installing a refillable, water-bottle machine by the 24/7 Area.
Prepared by the 2011-2012 Associated Students Library Advisory Committee
Congratulations to Joan Goodwin, head of Circulation/Course Reserves, for receiving the 2012 Connie Vinita Dowell Outstanding Staff Award! The award was created through an endowment established in 2009 from the library’s former dean, Connie Vinita Dowell, to honor special achievements by a staff member.
The library would like to thank and congratulate the following library staff members who were recognized at the 38th Annual Staff Awards held at Viejas Arena on Friday, November 18, 2011. A complete list of SDSU staff recognized at this event can be found at http://hr.sdsu.edu/pdf/CHR/2011StaffAwardsList.pdf.
Honored 10-Year Awardees
- Roberta A. Niederjohn
- Lorraine Y. Quintero
- Dennis R. Shannon
Honored 15-Year Awardees
- Brian J. Lenz
- Toni E. Whitley
Honored 20-Year Awardees
- J.S. Voelker
Honored 25-Year Awardees
- Rasmina A. Muessigmann
- Susan E. Soto
Honored 30-Year Awardees
- Ronald E. Nash
Honored 35-Year Awardees
- Sandra A. Neer
The website for SDSU’s Library & Information Access is the virtual face of the Library’s services and resources.
As one of the largest, most comprehensive libraries in the CSU system, the SDSU Library offers 2+ million print volumes, including a rich collection of rare books and archival materials, 400 databases covering a wide range of subjects, many with full text articles, as well as more than 7,000 DVDs, VHS tapes, and CDs.
Today’s research libraries are defined by the quality and innovations in services. As one of the most important learning spaces outside of the classroom, I hope the Library will become your academic home. SDSU’s Library & Information Access is your gateway to computer and knowledge resources of all formats. The Library offers access to the computing resources of the University, providing more than 800 public computers, group study spaces, practice presentation rooms, a new tutoring center, literary readings, exhibits, and events, and most importantly, expert, friendly assistance with your research and technology needs. The Library facilitates your access to information in all formats, and the first step is obtaining your Library PIN at one of the convenient Library PIN terminals located in Reference Services, the Student Computing Center or in the 24/7 Study Area.
I hope you will learn to think of the Library as your center for learning and academic success.
Sincerely, Gale S. Etschmaier, Ed.D., Dean
