Causes As Difference‐Makers For Processes

It is natural to think of causes as difference-makers. What exact difference causes make, however, is an open question. In this paper, I argue that the right way of understanding difference-making is in terms of causal processes: causes make a difference to a causal process that leads to the effect. I will show that this way of understanding difference-making nicely captures the distinction between causing an outcome and helping determine how the outcome happens and, thus, explains why causation is not transitive. Moreover, the theory handles tricky cases that are problematic for competing accounts of difference-making

Particle Identification for Physics beyond the LHC

Accelerator physics beyond the LHC is expected to provide precision in the study of new physics processes which the LHC may have already unveiled and to extend the high energy frontier beyond its reach, in the multi-TeV domain. In this paper I review the anticipated needs in terms of particle identification of this physics program in relation to the experimental conditions.Comment: 6 pages, 4 figures, invited contribution to the Second Workshop on advanced Transition Radiation Detectors for accelerators and space applications, Bari, September 200

Injury in D III Volleyball Players is Associated with Preseason Jump and Hop Measures

Collegiate volleyball (VB) players are at risk for sports injuries. Reported time-loss injury rates for female Division III (D III) collegiate VB players range from 4.0 to 5.4 injuries per 1000 athletic exposures (AEs). Identifying risk factors in this population may help coaches to reduce injury rates via targeted training programs. The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to determine the ability of 2 functional performance tests (FPTs) [the standing long jump (SLJ) and/or the single-leg hop (SLH) for distance] to identify female D III VB players who may be at an increased risk for a non-contact time-loss lower quadrant (LQ = low back and lower extremities) injury

Coherent Modulation of the YBa2Cu3O6+x Atomic Structure by Displacive Stimulated Ionic Raman Scattering

We discuss the mechanism of coherent phonon generation by Stimulated Ionic Raman Scattering, a process different from conventional excitation with near visible optical pulses. Ionic Raman scattering is driven by anharmonic coupling between a directly excited infrared-active phonon mode and other Raman modes. We experimentally study the response of YBa2Cu3O6+x to the resonant excitation of apical oxygen motions at 20 THz by mid-infrared pulses, which has been shown in the past to enhance the interlayer superconducting coupling. We find coherent oscillations of four totally symmetric (Ag) Raman modes and make a critical assessment of the role of these oscillatory motions in the enhancement of superconductivity.Comment: 12 pages, 4 figure