High Order Cut Finite Element Methods for the Stokes Problem

We develop a high order cut finite element method for the Stokes problem based on general inf-sup stable finite element spaces. We focus in particular on composite meshes consisting of one mesh that overlaps another. The method is based on a Nitsche formulation of the interface condition together with a stabilization term. Starting from inf-sup stable spaces on the two meshes, we prove that the resulting composite method is indeed inf-sup stable and as a consequence optimal \emph{a~priori} error estimates hold

Confusion of Diffuse Objects in the X-ray Sky

Most of the baryons in the present-day universe are thought to reside in intergalactic space at temperatures of 10^5-10^7 K. X-ray emission from these baryons contributes a modest (~10%) fraction of the ~ 1 keV background whose prominence within the large-scale cosmic web depends on the amount of non-gravitational energy injected into intergalactic space by supernovae and AGNs. Here we show that the virialized regions of groups and clusters cover over a third of the sky, creating a source-confusion problem that may hinder X-ray searches for individual intercluster filaments and contaminate observations of distant groups.Comment: accepted to ApJ Letters, 7 pages, 3 figure

Hybridization at superconductor-semiconductor interfaces

Hybrid superconductor-semiconductor devices are currently one of the most promising platforms for realizing Majorana zero modes. Their topological properties are controlled by the band alignment of the two materials, as well as the electrostatic environment, which are currently not well understood. Here, we pursue to fill in this gap and address the role of band bending and superconductor-semiconductor hybridization in such devices by analyzing a gated single Al-InAs interface using a self-consistent Schrodinger-Poisson approach. Our numerical analysis shows that the band bending leads to an interface quantum well, which localizes the charge in the system near the superconductor-semiconductor interface. We investigate the hybrid band structure and analyze its response to varying the gate voltage and thickness of the Al layer. This is done by studying the hybridization degrees of the individual subbands, which determine the induced pairing and effective $g$-factors. The numerical results are backed by approximate analytical expressions which further clarify key aspects of the band structure. We find that one can obtain states with strong superconductor-semiconductor hybridization at the Fermi energy, but this requires a fine balance of parameters, with the most important constraint being on the width of the Al layer. In fact, in the regime of interest, we find an almost periodic dependence of the hybridization degree on the Al width, with a period roughly equal to the thickness of an Al monolayer. This implies that disorder and shape irregularities, present in realistic devices, may play an important role for averaging out this sensitivity and, thus, may be necessary for stabilizing the topological phase.Comment: 10 Figures. 16 pages. Published versio

Louetta Road Phase 1 Archeological Survey Harris County, Texas

From May 1st to of 2018, Moore Archeological Consulting, Inc., conducted an intensive pedestrian cultural resources survey of a project area (totaling approximately 21.8 acres) on both banks of Little Cypress Creek in northwestern Harris County, Texas. This project precedes anticipated development in the form of roadway, bridge, and detention basin construction sponsored by Harris County Precinct 3 (HCP3) and Precinct 4 (HCP4). This development will connect Louetta Road from its existing termini of Telge Road to the east and Stablewood Farms Drive to the west. Depth of impact due to construction within the project area is likely to be deeper than one meter in many areas. This along with the perceived potential for deeply buried archeosediments along Little Cypress Creek necessitated deep testing via backhoe trenching. Our project goals were to locate and identify cultural materials, sites, or historic properties within the proposed area of potential effects (APE), and to prepare management recommendations regarding any identified resources. This work was conducted for Spirit Environmental and Harris County Engineering Department under Texas Antiquities Permit Number 8388. Field investigations were conducted by Principal Investigator August G. Costa and Project Archeologist Stephanie Orsini, with assistance from Michael Hogan and Cassady Holt. These investigations consisted of surface and sub-surface (shovel testing and backhoe trenching) examination. Thirty-three shovel tests (n=33) and six backhoe trenches were excavated during this work. All sub-surface probes were negative for material culture. No standing structures or cultural resources of import were observed during these investigations. No archeological sites were observed during these investigations. No further archeological work is recommended. Paper records will be curated at the Center for Archaeological Research at the University of Texas-San Antonio. In the event that archeological deposits or features should be encountered during construction, work should cease in the immediate vicinity and the Archeology Division of the Texas Historical Commission contacted for further consultation

Gattungen und Arten der Schwämme

Enthält: [Hauptbd.] Accedvnt Icones LVII Fvngorvm Nonnvllorvm Agri Jenensis, Secvndvm Natvram Ab Avtore Depictae; Aeri Incisae Et Vivis Coloribvs Fvcatae a I. S. Capievx = Nebst 57 vom Verfasser nach der Natur gemahlten und von Herrn Capieux gestochenen und illuminirten Abbildungen einiger Schwämme aus der Gegend von Jena, 1783 1. Continuatio prima Describens CXXV Species Et Varietates Totidem Iconibus LIX - CLXXXIII Repraesentatas, 1786 2. Continuatio secunda Describens XLIX. Species et Varietates, Totidem Iconibus CLXXXIV - CCXXXII. Repraesentatas, 178

Mechanical Excavation at 41LB42, Luce Bayou Interbasin Transfer Project (LBITP), Liberty County, Texas

In early 2017, Moore Archeological Consulting, Inc. (MAC) conducted archeological monitoring of mechanical scraping at site 41LB42 located on Capers Ridge in Liberty County, Texas. This action was done to offset adverse effects associated with impending pipeline installation as part of the larger Luce Bayou Interbasin Transfer Project (LBITP), a Coastal Water Authority (CWA) infrastructure undertaking that will transport freshwater from the lower Trinity River to Lake Houston. Previously survey, testing and data recovery by MAC identified high density, high integrity finds situated on the summits of three small knolls found within 41LB42. The CWA subsequently repositioned the LBITP pipeline alignment further north, but within the site boundaries to largely avoid these archeological deposits. From February 28th to March 23rd, 2017, MAC archeologists monitored systematic removal of topsoil archeosediments at site 41LB42 within the revised pipeline alignment. A total of 3.2 acres (12,977 m3 ) and 514 linear meters (1686 ft.) by 24.4 meters (80 ft.) were excavated to subsoil at depths ranging from 25 to 250 cm. Four features were observed and documented during this work. No culturally significant finds were discovered. All materials collected and records generated have been prepared by MAC for permanent curation at Sam Houston Memorial Museum, Huntsville. It appears that the revised pipeline alignment was largely successful in avoiding and preserving high value archeosediments at 41LB42. Additional monitoring of deep excavations associated with pipeline installation are recommended. Diligent archeological monitoring is recommended for any ground disturbance in the remaining, preserved high contours areas at 41LB42