The strength of electron electron correlation in Cs3C60.

Cs3C60 is an antiferromagnetic insulator that under pressure (P) becomes metallic and superconducting below Tc = 38 K. The superconducting dome present in the T - P phase diagram close to a magnetic state reminds what found in superconducting cuprates and pnictides, strongly suggesting that superconductivity is not of the conventional Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) type We investigate the insulator to metal transition induced by pressure in Cs3C60 by means of infrared spectroscopy supplemented by Dynamical Mean-Field Theory calculations. The insulating compound is driven towards a metallic-like behaviour, while strong correlations survive in the investigated pressure range. The metallization process is accompanied by an enhancement of the Jahn-Teller effect. This shows that electronic correlations are crucial in determining the insulating behaviour at ambient pressure and the bad metallic nature for increasing pressure. On the other hand, the relevance of the Jahn-Teller coupling in the metallic state confirms that phonon coupling survives in the presence of strong correlations.

NMR study of the Mott transitions to superconductivity in the two Cs3C60 phases.

We report a NMR and magnetometry study on the expanded intercalated fulleride Cs3C60 in both its A15 and face centered cubic structures. NMR allowed us to evidence that both exhibit a first-order Mott transition to a superconducting state, occurring at distinct critical pressures p{c} and temperatures T{c}. Though the ground state magnetism of the Mott phases differs, their high T paramagnetic and superconducting properties are found similar, and the phase diagrams versus unit volume per C60 are superimposed. Thus, as expected for a strongly correlated system, the interball distance is the relevant parameter driving the electronic behavior and quantum transitions of these systems.

Superionic conductivity in the Li4C60 fulleride polymer.

We report on the extraordinary superionic conductivity in the fulleride polymer Li4C60, a crystalline material with no disorder. 7Li, NMR, and dc frequency dependent conductivity show uncorrelated ionic hopping across small energy barriers (DeltaE_{a} approximately 200 meV) and an ionic conductivity of 10;{-2} S/cm at room temperature, higher than in "standard" ionic conductors. Ab initio calculations of the molecular structure find intrinsic unoccupied interstitial sites that can be filled by Li+ cations in stoichiometric Li4C60 even at low temperatures. The low energy required for the occupation of these sites allows a sizable Li+ diffusion above 130 K. The results suggest novel application of lithium intercalated fullerides as electrodes in Li ions batteries.

Weight loss and menstrual cycle: clinical and endocrinological evaluation.

This study explores the clinical and endocrine implications of weight loss. The frequency of menstrual abnormalities was found to be greatly influenced by reduction in body weight. The occurrence of amenorrhea appeared to be proportional to the rate of weight loss, while regular cycles and luteal phase deficiency were inversely correlated to weight loss. Endocrine variations were noted. Significant decreases in luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone levels occurred only in amenorrheic patients with a weight loss higher than 20%. The estradiol level decreased in proportion to the reduction in body weight. Cortisolemia increased in all patients, with higher values apparent in amenorrheic women presenting with a weight loss higher than 20%. The prolactin values were normal except in amenorrheic patients who had lower levels. A reduction of insulin levels occurred in all groups, with a significant difference found only in amenorrheic women in Group C (weight loss higher than 20%). The data suggest that weight loss in young women causes alterations in the menstrual cycle mainly through two mechanisms involving both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and ovarian steroidogenesis together with estrogen catabolism.

Presurgical treatment of uterine fibroids by using gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists.

Evaluation of clinical intra- and post-operative benefits of pre-myomectomy therapy with a Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonist (GnRH-A) (Goserelin) in anemic and non-anemic patients suffering from uterine leiomyomas. Evaluation of ultrasound, estradiol (E2) and hematological measurements before and during treatment with a GnRH-a in thirty women with uterine leiomyomas, comparing pre-treated patients operative time, total intraoperative blood loss, blood counts and febrile morbidity with of thirty-five control women. GnRH-A pre-treatment cures, iron-deficiency anemia, significantly reduces myoma and uterine volume (p < 0.01), total intra-operative blood loss (p < 0.001), decreases post-operative febrile morbidity, though it does not reduce operative time. GnRH-A pre-treatment over a period no longer than two months should be suggested in anemic patients suffering from uterine leiomyomas who have to undergo myomectomy.