Explorations in double-stops: Three new pieces for expanding the role of the double bass in the jazz ensemble

This dissertation investigates the potential for using double-stops - the sounding of two or more simultaneous notes - as a means for extending the traditional role of the double bass, within compositions for a small jazz ensemble. It is the contention of this dissertation that it is possible to use double-stops to perform a more advanced function within the jazz ensemble, without compromising the double bass’ primary harmonic and rhythmic duties. A historical overview of the history of the double bass within western classical and jazz music will be provided, as to outline and define what the double bass’ role in jazz is. This shall occur with reference to seminal artists who furthered the development of the double bass conceptually. Research on double -stop techniques is documented, including specific technical information, conceptual usage, and potential limitations of the techniques, as well as recorded examples of their performance. Through undertaking this research process, three new pieces will be produced for jazz ensemble, which incorporate double-stops into the composed material, as a means for extending the role of the double bass. The process of producing these pieces will be documented with reference to the specific difficulties associated with double-stop performance, and how these are overcome, as to allow for successful and effective performance of these techniques. The dissertation will conclude with an evaluation of the success of the compositions in extending the role of the double bass, as determined by an analysis of a performance of the material

Design principles for shift current photovoltaics

While the basic principles and limitations of conventional solar cells are well understood, relatively little attention has gone toward maximizing the potential efficiency of photovoltaic devices based on shift currents. In this work, we outline simple design principles for the optimization of shift currents for frequencies near the band gap, derived from the analysis of a general effective model. The use of a novel sum rule allows us to express the band edge shift current in terms of a few model parameters and to show it depends explicitly on wavefunctions via Berry connections in addition to standard band structure. We use our approach to identify two new classes of shift current photovoltaics, ferroelectric polymer films and single-layer orthorhombic monochalcogenides such as GeS. We introduce tight-binding models for these systems, and show that they exhibit the largest shift current responsivities at the band edge reported so far. Moreover, exploring the parameter space of these models we find photoresponsivities that can exceed $100$ mA/W. Our results show how the study of the shift current via effective models allows one to improve the possible efficiency of devices based on this mechanism and better grasp their potential to compete with conventional solar cells.Comment: 10 pages, 4 figures, AC and BMF share equal contributions. Published in Nature Communication

Is Bevacizumab (Avastin) Safe and Effective as Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Adult Patients With Stage IIIb or IV Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (NSCLC)?

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not bevacizumab (avastin) is safe and effective as adjuvant chemotherapy for adult patients with stage IIIb or IV non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). STUDY DESIGN: Review of three randomized controlled trials (RCT) published in 2006, 2009, and 2011, all English language. DATA SOURCES: Two randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials comparing bevacizumab to placebo as adjunctive chemotherapy, and one RCT comparing bevacizumab as adjunctive chemotherapy versus the use of no adjunctive chemotherapy. All articles were found using PubMed, Medline, and OVID. OUTCOMES MEASURED: Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were measured. OS was defined as time from randomization to death from any cause. PFS was defined as time from randomization to first documented disease progression or death on study treatment, whichever occurred first. Event-time distributions were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Herbst et al2 and Reck et al6 compared traditional chemotherapy plus bevacizumab to traditional chemotherapy plus placebo, and Sandler et al3 compared traditional chemotherapy plus bevacizumab to traditional chemotherapy alone. Herbst et al2 failed to find a significant difference in OS or PFS between subjects using adjuvant bevacizumab and those using traditional chemotherapy. Reck et al6 was unable to assess OS; however, the investigators reported that PFS was significantly improved with the addition of bevacizumab to traditional chemotherapy. Sandler et al3 established that the addition of bevacizumab to traditional chemotherapy has statistically significant survival benefits in patients with NSCLC. CONCLUSIONS: From the research performed and results obtained, the evidence is inconclusive and conflicting to support the use of bevacizumab as adjuvant chemotherapy for stage IIIb or IV NSCLC. With inconsistencies and differing results among the three RCTs, further research would be helpful to confirm or negate the question of whether bevacizumab is actually beneficial as adjuvant therapy. In addition to researching the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab as adjuvant chemotherapy, it would be advantageous to study the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab as monotherapy. Further research is warranted to obtain more conclusive data

An Exploration of Moises Kaufman\u27s 33 Variations through Scenic Design

In partial fulfillment of a Master of Fine Arts degree, this thesis paper will document the scenic design process of Moises Kaufman\u27s 33 Variations, performed at the University of Arkansas in September of 2012. This paper will map the collaborative journey taken by the design team, highlighting the dialogue between the scenic designer and director. It will also touch upon the construction and rehearsal process and how both contributed to the final design. This thesis will attempt to answer the question: How do you create a fluid and evocative space for two separate, yet coexisting time periods joined through the rhythm of Beethoven\u27s music? I will begin with a condensed analysis of the play, followed by the design process and ending with a self-evaluation of the process and final design product

View from the Green Line: A Photographic Essay of University Avenue’s Linguistic Landscape

Within the discipline of sociolinguistics is a new area of study referred to as linguistic landscapes. The publicly displayed words and images that compose a linguistic landscape are able to tell us about a specific environment’s demographics such as the languages spoken by its community members, the countries where the speakers have originated from, and how these immigrant groups identify themselves within wider English-speaking society. In a linguistic landscape where English is the dominant language, St. Paul, Minnesota’s University Avenue presents numerous languages representative of the local immigrant groups. A survey of the avenue’s linguistic landscape reveals public signs displayed in Tagalog, Vietnamese, Chinese, African languages, Somali, Spanish, Cambodian, and Arabic. Commentary provided on these signs offers insight as to how local immigrant groups have navigated the relationship between language, culture, and identity