Inferring the three-dimensional distribution of dust in the Galaxy with a non-parametric method: Preparing for Gaia

We present a non-parametric model for inferring the three-dimensional (3D) distribution of dust density in the Milky Way. Our approach uses the extinction measured towards stars at different locations in the Galaxy at approximately known distances. Each extinction measurement is proportional to the integrated dust density along its line-of-sight. Making simple assumptions about the spatial correlation of the dust density, we can infer the most probable 3D distribution of dust across the entire observed region, including along sight lines which were not observed. This is possible because our model employs a Gaussian Process to connect all lines-of-sight. We demonstrate the capability of our model to capture detailed dust density variations using mock data as well as simulated data from the Gaia Universe Model Snapshot. We then apply our method to a sample of giant stars observed by APOGEE and Kepler to construct a 3D dust map over a small region of the Galaxy. Due to our smoothness constraint and its isotropy, we provide one of the first maps which does not show the "fingers of god" effect.Comment: Minor changes applied. Final version accepted for publication in A&A. 15 pages, 17 figure

Feasibility study - 30 watt per pound roll-up solar array Quarterly technical report, 1 Jul. - 30 Sep. 1967

Configuration, rod tradeoff, and deployment parameter studies for design of solar panel arra

Torsion formulation of gravity

We make it precise what it means to have a connection with torsion as solution of the Einstein equations. While locally the theory remains the same, the new formulation allows for topologies that would have been excluded in the standard formulation of gravity. In this formulation it is possible to couple arbitrary torsion to gauge fields without breaking the gauge invariance.Comment: AMS-LaTeX, 25 pages. Appendices have been eliminated and the necessary concepts have been inroduced in the text. We have added some reference

The Regulation of Specialty Policies in Life Insurance

Every entrepreneur is vitally concerned with selling methods. Success depends upon sales. Sales depend upon desire for the product. Desire for most products, including life insurance, is not inherent but is created by the efforts of the entrepreneur. In the case of life insurance, an effective job of creating the desire, i.e., of selling, is usually necessary to convince a prospective insurance buyer that over a long period he should allocate a significant portion of his income to the purchase of an intangible such as life insurance

Signature Data Processing Study

Software used with signature data processing system for automatic extraction of spectral information from multispectral band scanners - Vol.

Measuring the LISA test mass magnetic proprieties with a torsion pendulum

Achieving the low frequency LISA sensitivity requires that the test masses acting as the interferometer end mirrors are free-falling with an unprecedented small degree of deviation. Magnetic disturbances, originating in the interaction of the test mass with the environmental magnetic field, can significantly deteriorate the LISA performance and can be parameterized through the test mass remnant dipole moment $\vec{m}_r$ and the magnetic susceptibility $\chi$. While the LISA test flight precursor LTP will investigate these effects during the preliminary phases of the mission, the very stringent requirements on the test mass magnetic cleanliness make ground-based characterization of its magnetic proprieties paramount. We propose a torsion pendulum technique to accurately measure on ground the magnetic proprieties of the LISA/LTP test masses.Comment: 6 pages, 3 figure

Lessons for Public Pensions from Utah’s Move to Pension Choice

This paper explores what happened when the state of Utah moved away from its traditional defined benefit pension. Instead, it offered new hires a choice between a conventional defined contribution plan, versus a hybrid plan option having both a guaranteed benefit component and a defined contribution plan shifting investment risk to employees. We show that some 60 percent of new hires failed to make any active choice and, as a result, they were automatically defaulted into the hybrid plan. Slightly more than half of those who made an active choice elected the hybrid plan. Interestingly, post-reform, employees who failed to actively elect a primary retirement plan were also far less likely to enroll in a supplemental retirement plan, compared to new hires who made an active plan choice. We also find that employees hired following the reforms were more likely to leave public employment, resulting in higher turnover rates than previously. This could reflect a reduction in the desirability of public employment under the new pension design. Our results imply that public pension reformers must consider employee responses, in addition to potential cost savings, when developing and enacting major pension plan changes

Semiconductor few-electron quantum dot operated as a bipolar spin filter

We study the spin states of a few-electron quantum dot defined in a two-dimensional electron gas, by applying a large in-plane magnetic field. We observe the Zeeman splitting of the two-electron spin triplet states. Also, the one-electron Zeeman splitting is clearly resolved at both the zero-to-one and the one-to-two electron transition. Since the spin of the electrons transmitted through the dot is opposite at these two transitions, this device can be employed as an electrically tunable, bipolar spin filter. Calculations and measurements show that higher-order tunnel processes and spin-orbit interaction have a negligible effect on the polarization.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure