Exploring out galactic backyard

Humanity can learn much about our Universe without enduring the risks of spaceflight

What is the most effective treatment for external genital warts?

Podofilox (Condylox), imiquimod (Aldara), cryotherapy, and surgical options all seem reasonable alternatives that are superior to podophyllin. (Grade of recommendation: B, based on systematic review.) No studies of surgical options versus home use preparations have been reported. Trichloroacetic acid and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) have not been sufficiently studied

Does a high-fiber diet prevent colon cancer in at-risk patients?

There is no direct evidence of an effect of dietary fiber on colon cancer incidence. A diet high in fiber has not been shown to be effective in the short-term (2- to 4-year) prevention of recurrent colon polyps (strength of recommendation [SOR]=A, based on consistent randomized clinical trials). Furthermore, epidemiological evidence is inconsistent in demonstrating an association between dietary fiber consumption and the occurrence of colon cancer (SOR=C)

The Complex History of Trojan Asteroids

The Trojan asteroids provide a unique perspective on the history of Solar System. As a large population of small bodies, they record important gravitational interactions and dynamical evolution of the Solar System. In the past decade, significant advances have been made in understanding physical properties, and there has been a revolution in thinking about the origin of Trojans. The ice and organics generally presumed to be a significant part of Trojan compositions have yet to be detected directly, though low density of the binary system Patroclus (and possibly low density of the binary/moonlet system Hektor) is consistent with an interior ice component. By contrast, fine-grained silicates that appear to be similar to cometary silicates in composition have been detected, and a color bimodality may indicate distinct compositional groups among the Trojans. Whereas Trojans had traditionally been thought to have formed near 5 AU, a new paradigm has developed in which the Trojans formed in the proto-Kuiper Belt, and they were scattered inward and captured in the Trojan swarms as a result of resonant interactions of the giant planets. Whereas the orbital and population distributions of current Trojans are consistent with this origin scenario, there are significant differences between current physical properties of Trojans and those of Kuiper Belt objects. These differences may be indicative of surface modification due to the inward migration of objects that became the Trojans, but understanding of appropriate modification mechanisms is poor and would benefit from additional laboratory studies. Many open questions remain, and the future promises significant strides in our understanding of Trojans. The time is ripe for a spacecraft mission to the Trojans, to turn these objects into geologic worlds that can be studied in detail to unravel their complex history.Comment: Chapter for Asteroids IV book (UA Press), accepted for publication, 33 pages, 10 figure

Rotational Properties of Trojan Asteroid 5209

We present VR photometric observations of several Trojan asteroids and of asteroid 5209 1 989 CW1. Trojan Asteroids are found in the L4 and L5 stable Lagrange points of Jupiter\u27s orbit. These asteroids are farther away and generally more dim than Main Belt asteroids and have received less attention from observers in the past. By plotting the lightcurve of the asteroid, we were able to determine the rotation period and the lightcurve amplitude. The goal of this research is to eventually understand the collision history of the Trojan asteroids and to compare the asteroids to those in the Main Belt. Observations were made using the 3 I -inch telescope at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, AZ during the months of January and February of 20 11. Our results will be compared with previous work by other authors

An Examination of the Knowledge Management Process in the Emerging Chinese Hotel Industry

Since the Open-Door Reforms of the Chinese market to foreign investment in the late 1970s, numerous Western firms have sought to enter and establish their presence as a market leader in their particular industry. Establishing a presence and generating growth in the emergent Chinese market has proven challenging for Western firms; operating effectively and efficiently in this ‘new’ market environment (characterised by significant psychographic, cultural, legal and political differences) has highlighted a number of significant research opportunities. One such opportunity has manifest in a call to develop a finer-grained understanding of the knowledge management processes required by Western hotel chains attempting to enter and establish their operations in China. This chapter presents an exploratory analysis of the knowledge management issues and processes experienced by the Marriott Group during its entry and growth in the Chinese hospitality industry. This analysis is based on a series of semi-structured interviews with senior managers present during Marriott’s entry into China. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the managerial and theoretical implications emanating therefrom