Correlating galaxy shapes and initial conditions: an observational study
  Using data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey we study correlations between
directions of galaxy angular momenta determined from images of spiral galaxies
and various observables derived from the reconstructed initial conditions. We
find an apparent systematic effect consistent with galaxy-orientation-dependent
selection function. After restricting our attention to the brightest half of
the galaxies where this systematic effect is presumed to be absent, we find
hints of excess/deficit correlation for two observables. Interestingly, tidal
torque theory predicts excess/deficit correlation in exactly these two
observables. After correcting for the redshift space distortions, the
significance of these correlations drops below 3$\sigma$ threshold. We do not
find any other systematic issues, but a thorough systematic analysis goes
beyond the scope of this work.
