Anisotropic magnetization and resistivity of single crystalline   RNi1-xBi2+-y (R = La-Nd, Sm, Gd-Dy)
  We present a detailed study of RNi1-xBi2+-y (R = La-Nd, Sm, Gd-Dy) single crystals by measurements of stoichiometry and temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility, magnetization, and electrical resistivity. This series forms with partial Ni occupancy as well as a variable Bi occupancy. For R = Ce-Nd, Sm, Gd-Dy, the RNi1-xBi2+-y compounds show local-moment like behavior and order antiferromagnetically at low temperatures. Determination of anisotropies as well as antiferromagnetic ordering temperatures for RNi1-xBi2+-y (R = Ce-Nd, Sm, Gd-Dy) have been made. Although crystalline samples from this family exhibit minority, second phase superconductivity at low temperatures associated with Ni-Bi and Bi contamination, no evidence of bulk superconductivity has been observed. 
Xiao Lin, Warren E. Straszheim, Sergey L. Bud'ko, Paul C. Canfield
cond-mat.str-el cond-mat.supr-con