Little Rock School District

Abstract Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is an inexorably progressive and degenerative disorder of motor neurons with no currently-known cure. Studies to determine the mechanism of neurotoxicity and the impact of ALS-linked mutations (SOD1, FUS, TARDP, C9ORF72, PFN1, TUBA4A and others) have greatly expanded our knowledge of ALS disease mechanisms and have helped to identify potential targets for ALS therapy. Cellular pathologies (e.g., aggregation of mutant forms of SOD1, TDP43, FUS, Ubiqulin2, PFN1, and C9ORF72), mitochondrial dysfunction, neuro­inflammation, and oxidative damage are major pathways implicated in ALS. Nevertheless, the selective vulnerability of motor neurons remains unexplained. The importance of tubulins for long-axon infrastructure, and the special morphology and function of motor neurons, underscore the central role of the cytoskeleton. The recent linkage of mutations to the tubulin α chain, TUBA4A, to familial and sporadic cases of ALS provides a new investigative opportunity to shed light on both mechanisms of ALS and the vulnerability of motor neurons. In the current study we investigate TUBA4A, a structural microtubule protein with mutations causal to familial ALS, using molecular-dynamic (MD) modeling of protein structure to predict the effects of each mutation and its overall impact on GTP binding, chain stability, tubulin assembly, and aggregation propensity. These studies predict that each of the reported mutations will cause notable structural changes to the TUBA4A (α chain) tertiary protein structure, adversely affecting its physical properties and function. Molecular docking and MD simulations indicate certain α chain mutations (e.g. K430N, R215C, and W407X) will cause structural deviations that impair GTP binding, and may prevent tubulin polymerization. Furthermore, several mutations (including R320C and K430N) confer a significant increase in predicted aggregation propensity of TUBA4A mutants relative to wild-type. Taken together, these in silico modeling studies revealed structural perturbations and disruption of GTP binding, culminating in failure to form the tubulin heterocomplex, which may account for an important mechanism and a trigger in initiation of motor neuron degeneration in ALS.

During the Trump era there was a significant rise of hate crimes, racial bullying, and violence against the LGBTQ+ community which can be explained by political polarization. Both major political parties were pushed to the far ends of the spectrum to counteract the influence of the other side. We tested how this polarization occurs at the level of individual political issues, and study the political factors under Trump that contributed to it. We used a survey research method to collect data on peoples’ beliefs over 5 different contentious political topics (abortion, climate change, gun control, healthcare, and immigration). This data was compared to data from studies performed in 2016 (pre-Trump). To ensure standardization of the data, our survey used the same questions as the previous surveys. Along with the questions gauging opinion, we also included an individual question per issue that gauged how the participant formed that opinion. Compared to 2016 there was a shift towards more government involvement and regulation in the areas of healthcare and gun control, respectively. There was a shift towards environmental protection, and less stringent immigration standards. More participants were in favor of abortion. Most participants said they formed ALL of their political opinions individually. However, social media and major news outlets had played a role in shaping opinions about abortion and environment, respectively. Compared to 2016 surveys there was a significant change in public opinion about various issues of contemporary importance, partly influenced by political polarization and by social media and news outlets.

In this article, the author, the founder and CEO of Little Kids Rock, describes how his early work as an elementary school teacher providing an extracurricular guitar club, evolved into him founding a music education non-profit organization. By inventing the term ‘modern band’ and joining nationwide leading efforts for systemic change in US American music education, the author tries to place popular music conceptually and pedagogically at the core of school music programmes. The author briefly describes the causes of the exclusion of popular music from school music programmes before arguing that modern band can help to democratize school music education by making it culturally relevant, student-centred and inclusive. The article concludes with the author’s hopes for the future of music education in the United States.

The City of Little Rock’s Neighborhood Alert Center program assessment focuses on understanding program functions, how these centers serve the respective neighborhoods, and the roles and responsibilities of neighborhood facilitators (program directors stationed at each location). A case study approach is used to provide a holistic, rigorous evaluation of the program. Though much has changed for these centers since the inception of the program, this assessment reveals that citizens appreciate the Neighborhood Alert Centers and their neighborhood facilitators. Assessment results show that these centers are key components to sustaining healthy, vibrant Little Rock neighborhoods. The project demonstrates the usefulness of an outside evaluation for providing recommendations to enhance a program and increase its capacity.

This article addresses the issue of bullying and harassment in the United States. The significance of the issue is critical. A historical perspective on the growing attention to and need to confront this social ill is presented. Seminal research related to the topic is interwoven throughout. Practical considerations in addressing the problem are reviewed. Finally, the current state of the bullying epidemic is explored, with implications for the future.

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