Does Foreign Debt Contribute to Economic Growth?

We study the relationship between foreign debt and GDP growth using a panel dataset of 50 countries from 1997 to 2015. We find that economic growth correlates positively with foreign debt and that the relationship is causal in nature by using the sovereign credit default swap spread as an instrumental variable. Furthermore, we find that foreign debt increases investment and then GDP growth in subsequent years. Our findings suggest that lower sovereign default risks lead to higher foreign debt contributing to GDP growth more in OECD than non-OECD countries

Observation of Current-induced Nonlinear Spin Polarization in Pt-Py Bilayers

We experimentally observe nonlinear spin polarization in metallic bilayers of platinum and permalloy by means of spin-torque ferromagnetic resonance (ST-FMR) with the spin-Hall effects. The ST-FMR results under massive dc current injection contain striking features, which are not caused by extrinsic Joule heating, but by intrinsic nonlinear spin polarization. The emergence of nonlinear spin polarization is consistent with observation of unidirectional spin-Hall magnetoresistance due to magnon generation/annihilation. Moreover, the magnon generation (annihilation) leads to effective magnetization shrinkage (expansion) revealed by the ST-FMR measurements. The present study paves a way to spin-Hall effect based nonlinear spintronic devices as well as 6th-generation mobile communication light sources

Characteristics of pulmonary function of middle-aged and old persons from the viewpoint of sexes and ages

The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of pulmonary function of elderly persons from the viewpoint of sexes and ages. Eighty-nine subjects were classified into five groups, that is, 1) 40M (aged 40-49 years, male), 2) 50M (aged 50-59 years, male), 3) 60M (aged 60-69 years, male), 4) 40F (aged 40-49 years, female) and 5) 50F (aged 50-59 years, female). VCP (Vital Capacity Predicted), FVC (Forced Vital Capacity), %FVC (ratio of FVC to VCP), FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in one second), FEV1 % (ratio of FEV1 to FVC) and INDEX (ratio of FEV1 to VCP) were measured by Auto-Spirometer (AS-300, MINATO MEDICAL SCIENCE CO.). The results are summarized as follows: 1) VCP in male and female showed the decreasing tendency with the age increased. Sex difference of VCP was statistically significant. 2) FVC in male decreased slightly as the age increased. Sex difference of FVC was not statistically significant. 3) %FVC in male decreased slightly as the age increased. Sex difference was not founded in each age. 4) FEV1 in male decreased slightly as the age increased. Sex difference of FEV1 was statistically significant. 5) FEV1% in male decreased slightly as the age increased. Sex difference was not showed in each age. 6) FEV1 appeared to be the best item among the measurements of pulmonary functions

Microwave Spectroscopy of a Single Permalloy Chiral Metamolecule on a Coplanar Waveguide

We investigate the microwave spectroscopies of a micrometer-sized single permalloy (Py) chiral structure on coplanar waveguides (CPWs). Under an external dc magnetic field applied in a direction perpendicular to the microwave propagation, the Py chiral structure loaded on the center of the CPW signal line shows Kittel-mode ferromagnetic resonance. Contrastingly, the structure on the signal-line edge highlights two additional resonances: spin-wave resonance at a higher frequency, and unique resonance at a lower frequency of approximately 7.8 GHz. The resonance signal at 7.8 GHz originates from magnetically induced, geometry-driven resonance, although the resonance frequency does not depend on the external magnetic field. Moreover, the displacement of the Py structures on the signal line results in nonreciprocal microwave transmission, which is traced back to the edge-guide mode

Absence of surface mode in a visco-elastic material with surface tension

The surface waves in the visco-elastic media with the surface tension are studied using the Voigt-Kelvin model of the visco-elasticity. It is shown that the surface mode of oscillation does not exist in the parameter region where the effect of surface tension is larger than that of the elastic stress at the surface unless the viscous stress masks the elastic stress in the bulk. In the region, the surface oscillation is suppressed and the oscillation beneath the surface diffuses after the pulse goes into the bulk. The experimental relevance of the present results is also discussed.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figure

Successful Treatment of a Mixed Neuroendocrine-Nonneuroendocrine Neoplasm of the Colon with Metastases to the Thyroid Gland and Liver

Patients with mixed neuroendocrine-nonneuroendocrine neoplasms (MiNENs) of the colon have poor prognosis. Herein, we report a patient with MiNEN of the colon with metastases to the liver and the thyroid gland, with long-term survival. A 45-year-old man presented with anterior neck swelling. Histopathological examination of the thyroid tumor revealed neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC), suggesting that a primary NEC in another organ had metastasized to the thyroid gland. Computed tomography to identify a primary NEC revealed two tumors: one in the liver and one in the transverse colon. A biopsy revealed that the histopathology of the liver and colon tumors was NEC and adenocarcinoma, respectively. Thereafter, the patient underwent surgical resection of the colon tumor and was finally diagnosed as colon MiNEN with metastases to the thyroid and liver. The surgical resection of the metastatic liver tumor was performed after several courses of systemic chemotherapy, and the patient survives presently without any recurrence for approximately seven years after the diagnosis. Surgical resection of each metastatic lesion combined with systematic chemotherapy apparently improved the prognosis of MiNEN of the colon with distant metastases

Predicting the Route of Delivery in Women with Low-Lying Placenta Using Transvaginal Ultrasonography: Significance of Placental Migration and Marginal Sinus

Background/Aims: To examine the significance of placental migration and the presence of a placental marginal sinus to predict the eventual route of delivery in low-lying placenta. Methods: 49 women with a low-lying placenta after 30 weeks' gestation were studied. The distance between the internal os and leading edge of the placenta was measured weekly using transvaginal ultrasonography until 37 weeks' gestation. The relationship between the rate of placental migration, the presence of a placental marginal sinus and the eventual mode of delivery was investigated. Results: Although the cesarean section rate was 56.3% (9/16) in the 'slow' migration (0-2.0 mm/week) group, no patient (0/33) in the 'fast' (>2.0 mm/week) migration group underwent a cesarean section (p<0.01). The cesarean section rate was 71.4% (5/7) in patients with a placental marginal sinus, significantly greater than the rate of 9.5% (4/42) in patients without a marginal sinus (p<0.01). Conclusion:A decreased rate of placental migration until 37 weeks' gestation and the presence of a placental marginal sinus were associated with subsequent cesarean delivery because of antepartum vaginal bleeding. These parameters may be useful for predicting the route of delivery in women with a low-lying placenta.ArticleGYNECOLOGIC AND OBSTETRIC INVESTIGATION. 73(3):217-222 (2012)journal articl