Mountain Scholar
Mountain Scholar is an open access repository service that collects, preserves, and provides access to digitized library collections and other scholarly and creative works from Colorado State University and the University Press of Colorado. It also serves as a dark archive for the Open Textbook Library.
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- Explore the Colorado State University community’s scholarly output as well as items from the University at large and the CSU Libraries.
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- Access is limited to University Press of Colorado members. Non-members: to purchase books, please visit https://upcolorado.com/.
Recent Submissions
A comparison of canine and avian skeletal and respiratory systems and diseases
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Ryann, Autumn, author; Martin, Jason, adivsor; Svec, Paulina, committee member
Utilizing comparative anatomy, we aim to expand anatomical knowledge of canine and avian species in those with basic understanding of the skeletal and respiratory systems. The canine is utilized as a model for comparison to establish general anatomical principles before introducing the evolutionary adaptations of the avian skeletal and respiratory systems, supporting the idea that form follows function. Additionally, variations in anatomy create a divergence in presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of various pathologies of these systems. The canine skeletal system is largely unfused, with many joints and flexibility, allowing efficient terrestrial locomotion and maneuverability. The avian skeletal system has many aspects of fusions in the vertebrae and appendages, providing rigidity that assist in flight stability and lowering mass. Canine respiration is bidirectional, requiring one inhale and one exhale for a full respiratory cycle. Avian respiration is unidirectional, requiring two inhales and two exhales for a full respiratory cycle, maximizing gas exchange for flight at altitudes with lower oxygen levels. Fractures cause problems in the skeleton's structural integrity, no matter the species. Canine rib fractures can be deadly, decreasing respiratory efficiency and increasing risk for secondary infections. Avian fractures impact the respiratory system in pneumatic bones, which often contain air sacs. Rupture of air sacs through fractures can increase risk of respiratory and bone infections, and often require surgical intervention. A fungal infection like aspergillosis primarily affects avian species, though it can present as sinonasal aspergillosis or disseminated aspergillosis in canines. Avian influenza (AI) affects both avians and canines, and can present as low or high pathogenicity in avian species. Generally, canines infected with AI have mild symptoms, though it can mutate in canines and establish a lineage of canine influenza.
Early motor development and co-occurring biomedical conditions in toddlers with Down syndrome
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Despradel, Maria, author; Fidler, Deborah, advisor; Graham,James, committee member
Down syndrome (DS) is a neurogenetic condition present in 1:800 live births (Bull, 2020). DS is caused by the presence of a third copy of chromosome 21, known as trisomy 21. Trisomy 21 and the overexpression of genes on chromosome 21 are associated with intellectual disability (ID) and a variety of distinct physical characteristics (Bull, 2020). DS is the most common chromosomal cause of ID, typically presenting with mild to moderate severity (National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 2023). Individuals with DS are also at a higher risk of developing co-occurring biomedical conditions, including congenital heart defects (CHD), neurological disorders, such as infantile spasms and seizure disorders, and vision problems (Bull, 2020). Evidence to date suggests that motor skills are a key area of developmental vulnerability in DS (Sacks & Buckley, 2003). Characterizing early motor skill acquisition in infants with DS is critical to better tailor interventions and therapies to optimize outcomes. This study aims to characterize the range of motor skill presentations within a large sample of infants with DS, and the association between motor skills and co-occurring biomedical conditions.
Rethinking the scale: inclusive assessment of social-emotional development for autistic preschool children
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) VonLunen, Mia, author; Daunhauer, Lisa, advisor; Simpson, Erica, committee member
Assessment in early childhood ensures children receive adequate challenges and scaffolding to support development. Formative, norm-based assessment measures are used to guide instruction; however, normed assessments are often not reflective of neurodivergent populations. For autistic preschoolers in particular, demonstrating social-emotional growth on a norm-referenced scale is challenging, as students with developmental disorders are underrepresented in the creation of the scale. As such, the present project modifies the Teaching Strategies GOLD, a widely used early childhood assessment tool, to include descriptions of levels and example behaviors that are developmentally appropriate for autistic children ages three to five. Through the inclusion of verbal and non-verbal example behaviors, a wide variety of learners are represented. Additionally, revisions focus on breaking apart levels into smaller progressions. By providing early childhood educators with an inclusive tool of assessment, neurodiverse students have access to accurate progress monitoring.
Balancing conservation and cultural rights: how the International Whaling Commission's policies shape Indigenous and commercial whaling practices
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Tomlinson, Emma, author; Berg, Marni, advisor; Seidl, Andy, committee member
The International Whaling Commission (IWC), established by the 1946 International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling, creates international rules that distinguish among commercial, scientific, and aboriginal subsistence whaling. Since the 1982 moratorium on commercial whaling, which entered into force in 1986, the IWC has continued to recognize and manage Indigenous subsistence hunts with the explicit objectives of maintaining whale populations at healthy levels while enabling Indigenous peoples to continue culturally and nutritionally necessary hunts. Each form of whaling has its own unique regulations and enforcement mechanisms, binding states and communities under international law. These regulatory arrangements establish a legal and management framework that must strike a balance between species conservation and Indigenous rights and cultural survival. This paper explores the complicated relationship between Indigenous self-determination, the limitations of international law, and conservation challenges.
Exploration of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphisms and preliminary links to neurodevelopmental disorders
(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2025) Gibson, Ronan L., author; Anderson-Noell, Tori, advisor; Rosenberg, Corey, committee member
The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene encodes an enzyme involved in folate metabolism, specifically the production of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate — the metabolically active form of folate, a crucial nutrient for fetal development. Mutations in the MTHFR gene lead to folate deficiency, which contributes to multiple developmental complications, such as neural tube development deficits. Preliminary research shows a correlation between MTHFR polymorphisms and the onset of neurodevelopmental disorders, more specifically Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These disorders can impact an individual's ability to perform daily activities, such as work and maintaining social relationships. This thesis explores the biochemical, genetic, and physiological mechanisms for MTHFR polymorphisms, as well as directing future research towards investigating a causal relationship through transgenic models in mice as well as the possible therapeutic benefits of 5-MTHF supplementation. Continued investigation into the relationship between MTHFR polymorphisms and neurodevelopmental disorders can further inform targeted interventions.