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The medicinal use of vinegar dates to ancient times, and empirical evidence has mounted over the past several decades supporting health benefits from vinegar ingestion, including reductions in blood glucose, blood pressure, and blood cholesterol. Additionally, although clinical trial data are mixed, there are several reports demonstrating reductions in body

The medicinal use of vinegar dates to ancient times, and empirical evidence has mounted over the past several decades supporting health benefits from vinegar ingestion, including reductions in blood glucose, blood pressure, and blood cholesterol. Additionally, although clinical trial data are mixed, there are several reports demonstrating reductions in body mass and fat mass with daily vinegar ingestion. This blinded, randomized placebo-controlled trial examined the impact of daily vinegar ingestion on anthropometric measures in healthy young adults recruited from a campus population. Participants (n=28; aged 25.8±7.0 y; body mass index [BMI] > 23 kg/m2) were stratified by age, sex, and BMI and randomly assigned to the liquid [VIN] or pill [CON] groups. VIN participants diluted 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar (750 mg acetic acid; Pompeian Inc.) in 8-12 ounces of water to drink with food at mealtime twice daily. CON participants consumed 1 vinegar pill daily (22.5 mg acetic acid; Spring Valley). All participants provided written consent for this IRB approved trial. The study lasted four weeks, and anthropometric measurements were conducted in a fasted state at weeks 0 and 4. Study adherence varied slightly (90±17% and 100±14% for VIN and CON respectively, p=0.029); hence, adherence was controlled for in all analyses. Changes in BMI (-0.1±0.5 and +0.1±0.3 kg/m2, p=0.127) and body weight (-0.3±1.4 and +0.1±1.1 kg, p=0.158) did not differ significantly between VIN and CON groups, respectively. However, both waist circumference and percent body fat were reduced significantly for VIN participants in comparison to CON participants (-0.5±1.3 vs. +0.6±2.4 cm [p=0.026]and -0.4±0.7 vs. +0.3±1.0% [p=0.045]. Although the observed differences between groups are modest, the study was short in duration and this protocol did not apply energy restriction or exercise interventions, suggesting a possible benefit of vinegar ingestion on adiposity.
ContributorsMeyer, Lexie Rae (Author) / Johnston, Carol (Thesis advisor) / Alexon, Christy (Committee member) / Grant, Shauna (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2024
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Description
Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death globally. In 2018, 34.2 million Americans had type 2 diabetes. Many symptoms of diabetes are similar to those of scurvy or vitamin C deficiency. Vitamin C marginality and inadequacy are more prevalent in Type 2 Diabetes/prediabetes than with normal glucose tolerance. Intracellular

Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death globally. In 2018, 34.2 million Americans had type 2 diabetes. Many symptoms of diabetes are similar to those of scurvy or vitamin C deficiency. Vitamin C marginality and inadequacy are more prevalent in Type 2 Diabetes/prediabetes than with normal glucose tolerance. Intracellular vitamin C inadequacy is suspected due to competition between dehydroascorbic acid and glucose at GLUT 1 and 3 cellular receptors. Erythrocyte osmotic fragility is noted in Gulo -/- knockout mice unable to synthesize endogenous vitamin C. The ascorbate deficient red blood cells presented with low cytoskeletal B-spectrin, spherocyte appearance, and impaired deformability. This cross-sectional study investigated the relationships between diabetes status, erythrocyte osmotic fragility, and serum vitamin C status. Participants were aged 18-65, non-smoking, reported no unresolved health complications, and denied prior vitamin C supplementation. Those with T2D indicated diagnosis of >1 year. All participants provided written informed consent and the study was approved by the local Institutional Review Board in January 2021. Participants provided one fasted blood sample. Erythrocyte osmotic fragility was measured via UV/Vis spectrophotometry with various concentrations of sodium chloride (0.85% - 0.10%) to induce osmotic stress. In addition, plasma was extracted and mixed 1:1 with 10% (w/v) metaphosphoric acid in 2 mmol/L disodium EDTA and centrifuged. The supernatant was stored at -80°C until analysis with isocratic reverse-phase UV-HPLC separation. Participant characteristics did not differ significantly between groups apart from age (p< 0.01) and HbA1c (p=0.002). Data are presented for adults with T2D (n=14; 36% female; 55.5±8.2 y; 31.5±9.0 kg/m2; HbA1c: 7.4±1.9%; plasma vitamin C: 36.0±12.2 uM) and without T2D (n=16; 69% female; 38.7±13.5 y; 26.8±6.6 kg/m2; A1c: 5.4±0.3%; plasma vitamin C: 34.8±10.9uM). Erythrocyte osmotic fragility was significantly elevated (+4.4% hemolysis) in adults without T2D at 0.35% saline (p=0.039). Greater VC status (>30 uM) was associated with lower hemolysis at 0.35% NaCl (p=0.031). Erythrocyte osmotic stability was linked to greater vitamin C intake at 0.20% saline in those without T2D (p =0.019). In this pilot study, vitamin C status did not differ significantly by diabetes status. Vitamin C status was directly linked to erythrocyte osmotic stability in adults without T2D.
ContributorsLundy, Ciara Cheyanne (Author) / Johnston, Carol (Thesis advisor) / Sweazea, Karen (Committee member) / Alexon, Christy (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2022
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Description
Objective: This research examined the impact of daily ingestions of commercial high protein nutrition bars (with or without added fiber) on 24-h energy intake and satiety for one week among free-living young healthy adults. Design: In a 4-week double-blind, randomized crossover trial, 21 normal and overweight participants (Mean BMI 23.9

Objective: This research examined the impact of daily ingestions of commercial high protein nutrition bars (with or without added fiber) on 24-h energy intake and satiety for one week among free-living young healthy adults. Design: In a 4-week double-blind, randomized crossover trial, 21 normal and overweight participants (Mean BMI 23.9 ± 2.7 kg/m²), free of chronic diseases, were randomized assigned to HP (high protein: 21 g protein) or HPHF (high protein high fiber: 20g, 14 g fiber) nutrition bars. Participants were included in the trial if they meet the criteria for non-smoking, and not taking prescribed medication for chronic diseases. Participants were instructed to consume commercial nutrition bars daily for seven consecutive days. Body composition was measured with a bioelectrical impedance scale at weeks 1, 3, and 5. Dietary data was recorded by the MyFitnessPal app on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday of each week. Results: The mean energy intake for the weeks HPHF bars were consumed is significantly higher compared to baseline (1998 ± 534 vs. 1806 ± 537 respectively; p = 0.035). The mean fat mass following one week of HPHF bar consumption was significantly higher than the baseline value (18.8 ± 6.8 vs. 18.3 ± 6.7 respectively; p = 0.023) and trended higher (18.8 ± 6.8 vs. 18.3 ± 6.7 respectively; p = 0.057) in comparison to the value following one week of HP bar consumption. For the high physical activity level group (n = 10), the mean energy intakes for the baseline week and the weeks the HP and HPHF bars were consumed were 1883 ± 597 kcal, 2154 ± 712 kcal, and 2099 ± 603 kcal respectively (p ˂ 0.04; energy intakes for both bars were significantly different from baseline). Nutrient intakes differed significantly mirroring the nutrient profile for each specific bar. There are significant effects after both bars on satiety, but there were no differences between each bar. Conclusions: Sales of nutrition bars gained rapid growth and may represent a unique source for specific nutrients. However, ingestion of commercial high protein nutrition bars may increase the risk of gaining fat mass and eventual body mass over time.
ContributorsPang, Minghan (Author) / Johnston, Carol (Thesis advisor) / Shepard, Christina (Committee member) / Alexon, Christy (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2022
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The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of improved hydration on endurance performance and mood in physically active adults. Participants (n = 72; age, 21.0 ± 3.0; 22.2% female) completed two two-mile run trials separated by exactly a week. Before each trial, participants provided a urine sample

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of improved hydration on endurance performance and mood in physically active adults. Participants (n = 72; age, 21.0 ± 3.0; 22.2% female) completed two two-mile run trials separated by exactly a week. Before each trial, participants provided a urine sample from the day before the run and a sample from the morning of the run. These samples were analyzed for urine osmolality (UOsm), urine specific gravity (USG), and urine color (Ucol). UOsm and USG levels determined if the participants were placed in either the euhydrated or underhydrated group after the first trial. Those assigned to the euhydrated group were instructed to maintain their current fluid intake levels and those in the underhydrated group were instructed to increase fluid intake levels before the second trial. However, results were grouped by if they improved or maintained their hydration or not. The subjects also completed a Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire before and after each trial to determine mood. Based on conditioning requirements for group assignment, 38% of subjects were classified as underhydrated. There were significant differences between the two trials for both subjects that improved and worsened their hydration in UOsm, USG, Ucol, and thirst (P < 0.05). The group with improved hydration ran -15 ± 67 sec faster in the second trial, while the group that worsened hydration ran 4 ± 26 sec slower in the second trial. When these differences were compared between the two groups with a t-test, there was a trend for statistical differences with a one-way t-test analysis (P = 0.06). When results were split by sex no statistically significant differences were observed (male: -10.8 ± 63.6 sec; female: -29.4 ± 94.8 sec; P > 0.05). Improved hydration did not result in statistically significant difference in TMD or any of the individual mood sub-scales for either group for both males and females (P > 0.05). In conclusion, increased fluid intake to optimize hydration status may affect endurance exercise in young, healthy adults in a two-mile run, but no effect was seen on mood.
ContributorsDoyle, Amanda Ann (Author) / Kavouras, Stavros (Thesis advisor) / Alexon, Christy (Committee member) / Wardenaar, Floris (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2022
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Description
Vitamin D is a nutrient that is obtained through the diet and vitamin D supplementation and created from exposure to Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. While there are many factors that determine how much serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration is in the body, little is known about how genetic variation in

Vitamin D is a nutrient that is obtained through the diet and vitamin D supplementation and created from exposure to Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. While there are many factors that determine how much serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration is in the body, little is known about how genetic variation in vitamin D-related genes influences serum 25(OH)D concentrations resulting from daily vitamin D intake and exposure to direct sunlight. Previous studies show that common genetic variants rs10741657 (CYP2R1), rs4588 (GC), rs228678 (GC), and rs4516035 (VDR) act as moderators and alter the effect of outdoor time and vitamin D intake on serum 25(OH)D concentrations. The objective of this study is to analyze the associations between serum 25(OH)D concentrations resulting from outdoor time and vitamin D intake, and genetic risk scores (GRS) established from previous studies involving single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) located on or near genes involving vitamin D synthesis, transport, activation, and degradation in 102 Hispanic and Non-Hispanic adults in the San Diego County, California. This study is a secondary analysis of data from the Community of Mine study. Global Positioning System (GPS) data collected by the Qstarz GPS device worn by each participant was used to measure outdoor time, a proxy measurement for sun exposure time. Vitamin D intake was assessed using two 24-hour dietary recalls. Blood samples were measured for serum 25(OH)D concentrations. DNA was provided to assess each participant for the various genetic variants. Adjusted analyses of the GRS and serum 25(OH)D concentrations showed that individuals with high GRS (3-4) had lower serum 25(OH)D concentrations than individuals with low GRS (0-2) for both Nissen GRS and Rivera-Paredez GRS.
ContributorsAnderson, Heather Ray (Author) / Sears, Dorothy (Thesis advisor) / Alexon, Christy (Committee member) / Dinu, Valentin (Committee member) / Jankowska, Marta (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2022
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Description
Depression has been linked to a significant burden of disease, loss of life, and decreased efficacy of treatment for its comorbidities. Empirical evidence has mounted over the past several decades supporting health benefits from vinegar ingestion, including improvements in blood glucose management, blood cholesterol levels, and inflammation indicators. To date,

Depression has been linked to a significant burden of disease, loss of life, and decreased efficacy of treatment for its comorbidities. Empirical evidence has mounted over the past several decades supporting health benefits from vinegar ingestion, including improvements in blood glucose management, blood cholesterol levels, and inflammation indicators. To date, there have not been any studies in human populations that explore the potential relationship between daily vinegar ingestion and changes in depression indicators and blood metabolomics. This blinded, randomized controlled trial examined the impact of twice-daily vinegar ingestion on mental health measures in healthy young adults recruited from a metropolitan setting. Participants (n=28; aged 25.8±7.0 y; body mass index [BMI] >23 kg/m2) were stratified by age, gender, and BMI and randomly assigned to the liquid (VIN) or pill (CON) groups. VIN participants ingested 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar (~1550 mg acetic acid; Pompeian Inc., Appendix J) diluted in 8-12 ounces of water, consumed with food at mealtimes twice daily (total ~3100mg acetic acid daily). CON participants consumed 1 vinegar pill daily (22.5 mg acetic acid; Spring Valley, Appendix J). The study lasted four weeks, and anthropometric measurements were conducted in a fasted state at weeks 0 and 4. Study adherence varied slightly (90±17% and 100±14% for VIN and CON respectively, p=0.084); hence, adherence was controlled for in all subsequent analyses. Changes in L-tryptophan (p=0.777, η2=0.003), peripheral serotonin levels (p=0.348, η2=0.035), GABA (p=0.403, η2=0.028), and gut-mediated short-chain fatty acids acetic acid (p=0.355, η2=0.034), and propionic acid (p=0.383, η2=0.031), did not differ significantly between VIN and CON groups respectively with the exception of isobutyric acid (p=0.0374, q=0.0473). However, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) depression scores improved significantly for VIN participants in comparison to CON participants (-0.5±1.3 vs. +0.7±2.4 cm [p=0.026] and -0.4±0.7 vs. +0.3±1.0% [p=0.045]. Although these differences between groups are modest, which would be expected given the short study duration, changes were not driven by pharmacological or lifestyle interventions, suggesting the benefits of vinegar ingestion on mental health symptomology and the blood metabolome.
ContributorsBarrong, Haley (Author) / Johnston, Carol (Thesis advisor) / Alexon, Christy (Committee member) / Roberts, Nicole (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2024
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Description
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is characterized by impaired vasodilation and the development of atherosclerosis.78 A diet high in saturated fat, such as palmitate, contributes to this by promoting inflammation and oxidative stress in human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). 11,12,84,88 The inflammation cascade that occurs increases pro-inflammatory cytokines, like tumor necrosis

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is characterized by impaired vasodilation and the development of atherosclerosis.78 A diet high in saturated fat, such as palmitate, contributes to this by promoting inflammation and oxidative stress in human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). 11,12,84,88 The inflammation cascade that occurs increases pro-inflammatory cytokines, like tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and increases proinflammatory enzymes like cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) contributing to inflammation, oxidative stress, blood pressure shifts, and atherosclerosis.11,12,69,84 Palmitate has been found to upregulate TNF-alpha,85 and COX-2. 11,12, 84

In various studies, sumac, a Mediterranean spice and known antioxidant,39,7,66,67 has been shown to have antioxidant properties through its ability to inhibit reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide.39,7,66,67 Sumac has also been found to reduce TNF-alpha.100 Results from a study of hypertensive human subjects fed a sumac supplement showed a decrease in blood pressure.59

In the current study, COX-2 levels were determined to evaluate the level of inflammation in response to palmitate when primary aortic human vascular smooth muscle cells (HAoVSM) were treated with sumac. The treatments included: vehicle (bovine serum albumin), 100 µM palmitate, and 10, 20, 40, 60, and 80 µg/mL sumac. Sumac did not alter COX-2 protein levels between vehicle and sumac groups. Additional studies were designed to examine whether 80 µg/mL sumac could reverse impaired vasodilation caused by 10 weeks of high fat intake, consisting of 60% of total calories from fat, in Sprague-Dawley rats. Mesenteric arteries were isolated and exposed to sumac. High fat diet (HFD) arteries had impaired vasodilation compared to arteries from chow-fed fats. HFD arteries exposed to sumac had similar endothelium-dependent vasodilation responses as those not exposed to sumac, however, there were trends for improved vasodilation. I suggest that sumac likely exhibits antioxidant capabilities that prevent superoxide from decreasing the bioavailability of nitric oxide in the vasculature, thus promoting endothelium-dependent vasodilation and preventing the creation of more harmful reactive oxygen species. Isolated arteries from chow fed rats developed irreversible vasodilation when exposed to sumac and were therefore not responsive to pre-constriction with phenylephrine (PE) likely related to nitrates and gallic acid naturally present in sumac whereby inhibiting PE.
ContributorsBarberes, Julia (Author) / Sweazea, Karen (Thesis advisor) / Gonzales, Rayna (Committee member) / Alexon, Christy (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2018
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Description
Background. Despite extensive research in the literature aimed at understanding the role of hypertension as a major risk factor for numerous leading causes of death in the United

States, rates of this disease continue to rise. Recent findings suggest that antiseptic mouthwash use may increase blood pressure through elimination of oral

Background. Despite extensive research in the literature aimed at understanding the role of hypertension as a major risk factor for numerous leading causes of death in the United

States, rates of this disease continue to rise. Recent findings suggest that antiseptic mouthwash use may increase blood pressure through elimination of oral bacteria that facilitate the enterosalivary nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide pathway.

Objective. The purpose of this randomized, controlled, crossover trial was to examine the effects of antiseptic mouthwash use and sodium intake on blood pressure and salivary nitrate levels in prehypertensive adults.

Methods. Healthy adults (n=10; 47.3±12.5) with mildly elevated blood pressure (average baseline blood pressure of 114.9/75.2 mmHg) were recruited and were randomly assigned to a control condition, antiseptic mouthwash use, or antiseptic mouthwash use + consumption of three pickles per day (~6000 mg/day of sodium) for a total of 7 days. Given the crossover design of this study, participants adhered to a 1-week washout period between each condition and all participants received all three treatments. Findings were considered significant at a p-value of <0.05 and a repeated measures ANOVA test was used to compare change data of each condition.

Results. Changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were not statistically significant (p=0.469 and p=0.859, respectively). Changes in salivary nitrite levels were not statistically significant (p=0.493). Although there appeared to be fluctuations in sodium intake between interventions, differences in sodium intake were not statistically significant when pickles were not accounted for (p=0.057).

Conclusion. Antiseptic mouthwash use did not appear to induce significant changes in systolic or diastolic blood pressure in this population.
ContributorsShaw, Karrol (Author) / Johnston, Carol (Thesis advisor) / Alexon, Christy (Committee member) / Sweazea, Karen (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2019
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Most American children consume less than the recommend amount of fruits and vegetables (F&V), 74% and 84%, respectively. Eating too few F&V in childhood is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, respiratory symptoms, and some cancers later in life. Adequate F&V consumption favorably impacts antioxidant status, gut flora,

Most American children consume less than the recommend amount of fruits and vegetables (F&V), 74% and 84%, respectively. Eating too few F&V in childhood is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, respiratory symptoms, and some cancers later in life. Adequate F&V consumption favorably impacts antioxidant status, gut flora, mood, and cognitive functioning. Nutrients such as vitamin C and fiber are only naturally occurring in plant foods. For many children, school lunches are an important source of F&V. This pilot study assessed the feasibility of providing condiments to increase children’s consumption of salad bar F&V in an elementary school cafeteria at lunchtime. The trial site was a single Title 1 elementary school in a large, urban district in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. Taste tests were conducted on three convenience samples of children in grades 3 – 7, aged 8 – 12 years (n=57) to identify the most popular condiment flavors. The five highest rated flavors were made available daily at a “flavor station” in the school’s lunchroom for three consecutive weeks during the Fall 2018 semester. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze data. A cost analysis was conducted for capital outlays related to the flavor station. School employee perceptions of F&V and the flavor station were assessed via posttest online surveys. Peanut butter was rated the best tasting condiment by children and was the only condiment that increased in popularity throughout the intervention. Overall, daily F&V consumption increased 17 g per child. There was a linear increase in F&V consumption during the study (r=0.986; P=0.014). As a proportion of the total F&V selected, F&V waste decreased by nearly 3%. The average daily cost of providing the flavor station was $0.09 per student. Sixty-five percent of school staff felt that the flavor station should continue at their school. Peanut butter is an affordable, nutrient-dense food that accommodates the USDA Food and Nutrition Service meal patterns and nutrition standards, and thus, is a viable strategy for increasing F&V consumption and decreasing F&V waste. The results herein inform the development of future interventions to improve the palatability of F&V for children.
ContributorsScholtz, Cameron (Author) / Johnston, Carol (Thesis advisor) / Alexon, Christy (Committee member) / Hooker, Steven (Committee member) / Schwake, David (Committee member) / Swan, Pamela (Committee member) / Wharton, Christopher (Christopher Mack), 1977- (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2019
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Description
Background: Nearly 95% of Americans will develop hypertension, and 67% will not seek treatment. Furthermore, hypertension is the leading risk factor for coronary heart disease. While previous studies have increased the use of blood pressure medication among patients that have received hypertension education, medications may not work for everyone.

Background: Nearly 95% of Americans will develop hypertension, and 67% will not seek treatment. Furthermore, hypertension is the leading risk factor for coronary heart disease. While previous studies have increased the use of blood pressure medication among patients that have received hypertension education, medications may not work for everyone. Due to the life-threatening nature of this condition, it is essential to find an effective alternative for treatment. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of organometallic complex supplementation on hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy in 6-week old male Sprague-Dawley rats that were fed either standard rodent chow or a high fat diet for 10 weeks at a university in Arizona.

Methods: Forty-two healthy six-week old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of three groups: plain water control, 0.6 mg/ml organometallic complex or 3.0 mg/ml organometallic complex as soon as they arrived. Each rat was then housed individually to prevent the sharing of microbiota through coprophagia. Rats in each treatment group were further divided into two dietary groups that were fed either a high fat diet containing 60% kcal fat that was changed every three days or standard rodent chow. Researchers were not blind to which rat was in each group. At the end of the 10-week study, rats were euthanized with an overdose of sodium pentobarbital (200 mg/kg, i.p.). Heart, left ventricle of the heart, liver, and spleen masses were recorded for each animal. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA using SigmaPlot 10.0 software.

Results: At the conclusion of this study, the left ventricle mass of the rats in the high fat diet group were significantly larger than those in the chow group. Neither dose of the organometallic complex supplement prevented these effects induced by high fat feeding.

Conclusion: The organometallic complex supplement was not effective at mitigating the effects of a high fat diet on cardiac hypertrophy in rats. Therefore, this supplement should not be used to treat cardiac hypertrophy.
ContributorsMcCormick, Kelly Ann (Author) / Sweazea, Karen L (Thesis advisor) / Whisner, Corrie M (Committee member) / Alexon, Christy (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2019