Observation and Control of Laser-Enabled Auger Decay.

Single-photon laser-enabled Auger decay (spLEAD) is predicted theoretically [B. Cooper and V. Averbukh, Phys. Rev. Lett. 111, 083004 (2013)PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.111.083004] and here we report its first experimental observation in neon. Using coherent, bichromatic free-electron laser pulses, we detect the process and coherently control the angular distribution of the emitted electrons by varying the phase difference between the two laser fields. Since spLEAD is highly sensitive to electron correlation, this is a promising method for probing both correlation and ultrafast hole migration in more complex systems.

Supersensitive platelet glutamate receptors as a possible peripheral marker in schizophrenia.

Hypoglutamatergic function is implicated in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to examine the platelet intracellular calcium response to glutamate using spectroflourometry in 15 schizophrenic patients and 15 matched control individuals as an index of platelet glutamate receptor sensitivity. Patients with schizophrenia had significantly lower baseline intracellular calcium levels than matched control individuals (P = 0.03). The percentage response of the schizophrenic individuals to glutamate stimulation was significantly greater than control individuals (P < 0.001). These data suggest that platelet glutamate receptors may be supersensitive in schizophrenia. Furthermore, the platelet may be a possible peripheral marker of glutamate function in schizophrenia.

Perceptions and knowledge about the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome among students in university residences.

Using an anonymous questionnaire to obtain baseline data on sexual behaviour and knowledge of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) among students in university residences, the following information was obtained: Knowledge of AIDS was found to be high, although misconceptions regarding transmission of the virus were prevalent. Mosquito bites (15%) and the donating of blood (31%) were incorrectly identified as methods of transmission of the virus. Deep kissing was recognised by only 27% of the students as a possible method of transmission while 22% and 13% of the students, respectively, failed to identify the sharing of razor blades and blood transfusions as possible means of contracting HIV infection. The students' knowledge had not greatly affected sexual behaviour. Two-thirds of the respondents had previously had sexual contact; 38% were sexually active at the time of the study, and of these 74% had engaged in unprotected intercourse with casual partners in the previous 6 months. There was a negative attitude towards condom use and over 80% of sexually active students did not perceive themselves to be at risk of contracting AIDS. Campus Health (82%), State health services (51%), and public advertisements (60%) were preferred sources of AIDS information. Newspapers/magazines (80%) and leaflets (69%) were identified as the preferred media. In reality, significantly fewer students obtained their information from Campus Health (15%; P less than 0.05), State health services (19%, P less than 0.05) and leaflets (44%; P less than 0.05). It can be concluded that education programmes should be developed by credible organisations to ensure that an awareness of AIDS results in appropriate sexual behaviour.