M protein of the group A streptococcus is an elongated, alpha-helical coiledcoil molecule that extends from the bacterial cell surface as a flexible fibrillar structure (1, 2). It is a major virulence factor for the bacteria, by virtue of its property of impeding the phagocytosis of the organisms (3). >75 serologically distinct variants of the M protein have been recognized over the years and, ...

Piscivorous wildlife, such as mink (Mustela vison), routinely are exposed to mercury (Hg) in their natural environment at levels that may cause adverse behavioral outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine if a correlation exists between neurochemical receptors and concentrations of Hg in the brains of wild mink. Specifically, receptor-binding assays were conducted to characterize the...

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) provides loans to countries in economic crises as a lender of last resort. IMF loan approvals are tied policy reforms and quantitative targets that reflect the IMF’s crisis assessment. An extensive literature scrutinizes efficacy programs, instead, we examine accuracy assessments (nowcasts) predicate program designs. Analyzing an unprecedented 602 programs ...