Unitarity problems for an effective field theory description of early universe cosmology.

In the context of Effective Field Theory, the Hilbert space of states increases in an expanding universe. Hence, the time evolution cannot be unitary. The formation of structure is usually studied using effective field theory techniques.

Relaxing the TCC bound on inflationary cosmology?

We demonstrate that the strict upper bounds on the energy scale of inflation and on the tensor-to-scalar ratio can be somewhat relaxed if we assume that - after an initial period of slow rolling when scales probed today in CMB experiments exit the Hubble radius - the equation of state of the background changes to correspond to an almost marginally accelerating universe. Constructing an actual model in which this happens appears, however, to be unnatural.

Understanding the dynamics of condom use among female sex workers in China.

Objectives And Background: Condom use within the context of commercial sex work is a complex issue. Drawing on a hypothesized theoretical model that combines concepts from the health belief model and social cognitive theory, this study examines the complex relationships between multiple levels of determinant factors of condom use with clients among female sex workers in China.

Methods: Data were collected through the baseline survey of an HIV prevention project among 454 establishment-based female sex workers in a rural county of Guangxi, China in 2004.

Body mass index and health related quality of life in elementary school children: a pilot study.

Background: We investigated the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) indicated by baseline health status in elementary school children.

Methods: Data were obtained via parents whose children enrolled in an elementary school, kindergarten to fourth grade, in southern Mississippi in spring 2004. Parents completed the SF-10 for Children, a brief 10-item questionnaire designed to measure children's HRQOL on a voluntary basis.

Sexual attitudes, pattern of communication, and sexual behavior among unmarried out-of-school youth in China.

Background: In recent years, more adolescents are engaging in premarital sex in China. However, only a limited number of studies have explored out-of-school youth's sexual attitudes and behaviors, critical for prevention intervention development.

Methods: Using data from the baseline survey of a comprehensive sex education program that was conducted in a suburb of Shanghai in 2000-2002, this study describes sexual attitudes, patterns of communication on sexual matters, and premarital sexual behavior among 1,304 out-of-school youth.