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Efficient rare earth element (REE) separations are becoming increasingly important to technologies ranging from renewable energy and high-performance magnets to applied radioisotope separations. These separations are made challenging by the extremely similar chemical and physical characteristics of the individual elements, which almost always occupy the 3+ oxidation state under ambient conditions. Herein, we discuss the development of a novel REE separation aimed at obtaining purified samples of neodymium (Nd) on a multi-milligram scale using high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC). The method takes advantage of the subtle differences in ionic radii between neighboring REEs to tune elution rates in dilute acid through implementation of the di-(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (HDEHP)-infused stationary phase (SP) of the column. A La/Ce/Nd/Sm separation was demonstrated at a significantly higher metal loading than previously accomplished by HSCCC (15 mg, R Nd/REE > 0.85), while the Pr/Nd separation was achieved at lower metal loadings (0.3 mg, R Nd/Pr = 0.75 - 0.83). The challenges associated with scaling REE separations via HSCCC are presented and discussed within., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

With the wide application of neodymium oxide nanoparticles (NPs-Nd 2 O 3 ) in various fields, their health hazards have aroused public concern in recent years. However, data regarding the cytotoxicity of NPs-Nd 2 O 3 is limited. In this study, we investigated the function and mechanism of long-chain non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in NPs-Nd 2 O 3 -induced airway inflammation. Treatment with NPs-Nd 2 O 3 induced an inflammatory response in human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE) by upregulating the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8). The levels of LDH and intracellular ROS in the cells treated by various doses of NPs-Nd 2 O 3 also increased significantly. After treatment with 10 μg/ml NPs-Nd 2 O 3 , RNA microarray and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) showed a significant upregulation of lncRNA loc105377478. Functional experiments suggested lncRNA loc105377478 enhanced the expression of IL-6, IL-8 and ROS in NPs-Nd 2 O 3 -treated 16HBE cells, and it was further demonstrated that lncRNA loc105377478 promoted the activation of NF-κB by negatively regulating ADIPOR1 expression. Moreover, the expression of IL-6 and IL-8 in NPs-Nd 2 O 3 -treated 16HBE cells was regulated by lncRNA loc105377478, which was mediated by the NF-κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, lncRNA loc105377478 promotes NF-κB activation by negatively regulating ADIPOR1 expression, thereby upregulating the expression of IL-6 and IL-8 in 16HBE cells treated with NPs-Nd 2 O 3 ., (Copyright © 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Neodymium hydroxide (Nd(OH) 3 )-surface modified mesoporous silica micro-cocoon microstructures were prepared using a facile single-step sol-gel chemical process. XRD revealed the semi-crystalline nature of the as-prepared materials. TEM and SEM micrographs exhibited highly monodisperse, non-aggregated, typical ordered mesoporous, and irregular sized cocoon-shaped micro-structures with a narrow size distribution. Optical properties, that were examined in the aqueous media, revealed a high colloidal stability and the formation of a semi-transparent colloidal solution. The colloidal solution of Nd(OH) 3 -surface functionalized micro-structures revealed well characteristics absorption bands of Nd 3+ ions in the visible region. thus validating the successful coating of SiO 2 @Nd(OH) 3 layer over the surface silica forming core-shell structures. Zeta potential, 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium) bromide, and neutral red uptake assays were applied in a dose-dependent manner to investigate the biocompatibility and toxic potential of the designed cocoon-shaped microstructures. Both the assays and the high zeta potential value demonstrated good cell viability even at high concentrations and hydrophilic conditions, indicating excellent biocompatibility and non-toxicity. These highly hydrophilic, optically active, mesoporous, biocompatible, and non-toxic cocoon-shaped microstructures could be potentially suitable candidates for optical bio-probes and drug delivery applications., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The author reports no conflicts of interest in this work., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

In this paper the poly-dopamine (PDA)/hyaluronic acid (HA) coatings with different HA molecular weight (MW, 4 × 10 3 , 1 × 10 5 , 5 × 10 5 and 1 × 10 6  Da) were prepared onto the NaOH passivated Mg-Zn-Y-Nd alloy aiming at potential application of cardiovascular implants. The characterization of weight loss, polarization curves and surface morphology indicated that the coatings with HA MW of 1 × 10 5 (PDA/HA-2) and 1 × 10 6  Da (PDA/HA-4) significantly enhanced the corrosion resistance of Mg-Zn-Y-Nd. In vitro biological test also suggested better hemocompatibility, pro-endothelialization, anti-hyperplasia and anti-inflammation functions of the PDA/HA-2- and PDA/HA-4-coated Mg-Zn-Y-Nd alloy. Nevertheless, the in vivo implantation of SD rats' celiac artery demonstrated that the PDA/HA-2 had preferable corrosion resistance and biocompatibility., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Biodegradable magnesium alloys are promising candidates for use in biomedical applications. However, degradable particles (DPs) derived from Mg-based alloys have been observed in tissue in proximity to sites of implantation, which might result in unexpected effects. Although previous in vitro studies have found that macrophages can take up DPs, little is known about the potential phagocytic pathway and the mechanism that processes DPs in cells. Additionally, it is necessary to estimate the potential bioeffects of DPs on macrophages. Thus, in this study, DPs were generated from a Mg-2.1Nd-0.2Zn-0.5Zr alloy (JDBM) by an electrochemical method, and then macrophages were incubated with the DPs to reveal the potential impact. The results showed that the cell viability of macrophages decreased in a concentration-dependent manner in the presence of DPs due to effects of an apoptotic pathway. However, the DPs were phagocytosed into the cytoplasm of macrophages and further degraded in phagolysosomes, which comprised lysosomes and phagosomes, by heterophagy instead of autophagy. Furthermore, several pro-inflammatory cytokines in macrophages were upregulated by DPs through the induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to show that DPs derived from a Mg-based alloy are consistently degraded in phagolysosomes after phagocytosis by macrophages via heterophagy, which results in an inflammatory response owing to ROS overproduction. Thus, our research has increased the knowledge of the metabolism of biodegradable Mg metal, which will contribute to an understanding of the health effects of biodegradable magnesium metal implants used for tissue repair. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Biomedical degradable Mg-based alloys have great promise in applied medicine. Although previous studies have found that macrophages can uptake degradable particles (DPs) in vitro and observed in the sites of implantation in vivoin vivo, few studies have been carried out on the potential bioeffects relationship between DPs and macrophages. In this study, we analyzed the bioeffects of DPs derived from a Mg-based alloy on the macrophages. We illustrated that the DPs were size-dependently engulfed by macrophages via heterophagy and further degraded in the phagolysosome rather than autophagosome. Furthermore, DPs were able to induce a slight inflammatory response in macrophages by inducing ROS production. Thus, our research enhances the knowledge of the interaction between DPs of Mg-based alloy and cells, and offers a new perspective regarding the use of biodegradable alloys., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest All authors declared no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2020 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Although neodymium vanadate (NdVO 4 ) has been investigated and applied in some fields owing to its intensive ultraviolet (UV) light absorption, weak absorption in visible (Vis) and near infrared (NIR) regions constrains its environmental remediation and biomedical applications. Herein, plasmonic precious metal Au as light trapping agent is deposited onto NdVO 4 to form metal/semiconductor hybrid nanostructure for improving the Vis/NIR light absorption. NdVO 4 /Au heterojunction nanocrystals (NCs) were synthesized by NdVO 4 nanorods (NRs) and plasmonic Au nanoparticles (NPs), followed by introducing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) to enhance stability and biocompatibility, which exhibit elevated photocatalytic performance for organic dye degradation, photothermal conversion effect as high as 32.15% and cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) production ability. NdVO 4 /Au can be internalized efficiently via endocytosis and cause apparent phototoxicity on HeLa cells. In vivo experiments further show that NdVO 4 /Au can act as a high-efficiency NIR light-triggered anticancer agent with excellent tumor inhibition effect. In addition, based on outstanding light-to-heat conversion performance and thermal expansion effect under NIR irradiation, NdVO 4 /Au provides photothermal (PT) and photoacoustic (PA) dual-modal imaging platform for precise cancer diagnosis and treatment. STATEMENTS OF SIGNIFICANCE: It's the first report on integrating precious metal Au and rare earth orthovanadates semiconductor into NdVO 4 /Au heterojunction NCs. The as-prepared NdVO 4 /Au heterojunction NCs exhibits improved absorption in Vis/NIR region and increased generation efficiency of photo-induced electron/hole pairs due to the LSPR effect, which results in enhanced photothermal conversion efficiency and the production ability of cytotoxic O 2 - and OH in comparison with pristine NdVO 4 . For further clinical application, NdVO 4 /Au heterojunction NCs could be served as anticancer therapeutic agent for PA/PT dual-modal imaging guided and NIR-triggered photothermal/photodynamic synergistic anticancer treatment., (Copyright © 2019 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In the present study we analyzed the effect of structural distinction in neodymium nanostructures for modulating angiogenic process as the strategy for identifying biocompatible Nano therapeutics for biomedical applications. We observed structural dependence of Nd nanoparticles on biocompatibility, the spherical polymorphs showed better biocompatibility when compared with cuboidal and nanorod shaped polymorphs of neodymium. The Nd nanopolymorphs in spherical morphology exhibited least redox modulating effect compared to cuboidal shaped that was higher when compared to Nd nanorods. The efficacy of the Nd Nanopolymorphs to induce biological effect in particular on angiogenic process was observed to be directly related to the polymorphs ability to modulate redox signaling. The redox signaling was observed to be via PKM2-NOX4 signaling pathways. Further the results demonstrated that ROS generated by cuboid and rod shaped nanopolymorphs activated the pro-angiogenic factors namely VE-cadherin, HIF 1α, VEGF and VEGFR-2 to facilitate the angiogenic process. The manuscript highlights the importance of rare earth metal nanoparticles in modulating biological process for therapeutic interventions. The present study opens up a new domain in developing novel biocompatible therapeutics based on rare earth metal nanoparticles for regulating disease pathophysiology., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Polymeric nanocomposites polyaniline-polyvinylpyrrolidone (PAPV) and polyaniline-polyvinylpyrrolidone-neodymium/zinc oxide (PAPV-NZO) were synthesized for the effective dye removal through adsorption process. Neodymium doped zinc oxide (NZO) with various proportions of neodymium were prepared by chemical co-precipitation method and incorporated into the copolymer matrix via oxidative polymerization technique. NZO nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the morphological features, and functional group linkages of the PAPV-NZO were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses. Acid red 52 dye was chosen as a synthetic toxic effluent to study the removal efficiency of the nanocomposites with different parameters viz. time, concentration, adsorbent dosage and pH. The studies were performed under visible light irradiation and the residual dye concentration was analyzed by UV-visible spectrophotometer. PAPV-NZO exhibited greater dye removal rate than PAPV due to the incorporation of NZO that enhanced the conducting nature, stability and surface area of PAPV-NZO. The optimum concentration of the dye and the adsorbent dosage of the PAPV-NZO were determined to be 80 ppm and 50 mg, respectively. At acidic condition of pH 2, the removal capacity of PAPV-NZO was found 99.6%. Kinetic and isotherm models have been studied on the optimum parameters to investigate the nature of the adsorption process. The process followed pseudo second order kinetics and was best suited to the Langmuir model. The maximum dye adsorption capacity of PAPV-NZO was estimated to be 159.36 mg g -1 . From the results, it can be assured that the PAPV-NZO can be effectively used for the removal of dye pollutants in water., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Mg-based stent is a promising candidate of the next generation fully degradable vascular stents. The latest progress includes the CE approval of the Magmaris ® WE43 based drug eluting stent. However, so far, the long term (more than 1 year implantation) in vivo degradation and the physiological effects caused by the degradation products were still unclear. In this study, a 20 month observation was carried out after the bare Mg-Nd-Zn-Zr (abbr. JDBM) stent prototype was implanted into the common carotid artery of New Zealand white rabbit in order to evaluate its safety, efficacy and especially degradation behavior. The degradation of the main second phase Mg 12 Nd was also studied. Results showed that the bare JDBM stent had good safety and efficacy with a complete re-endothelialization within 28 days. The JDBM stent struts were mostly replaced in situ by degradation products in 4 month. The important finding was that the volume and Ca concentration of the degradation products decreased in the long term, eliminating the clinicians' concern of possible vessel calcification. In addition, the alloying elements Mg and Zn in the stent could be safely metabolized as continuous enrichment in any of the main organs were not detected although Nd and Zr showed an abrupt increase in spleen and liver after 1 month implantation. Collectively, the long term in vivo results showed the rapid re-endothelialization of JDBM stent and the long term safety of the degradation products, indicating its great potential as the backbone of the fully degradable vascular stent., Statement of Significance: Mg-based stent is a promising candidate of the next generation fully degradable stents, especially after the recent market launch of one of its kind (Magmaris). However the fundamental question about the long term degradation and metabolic mechanism of Mg-based stent and its degradation products remain unanswered. We implanted our patented Mg-Nd-Zn-Zr bare stent into the common carotid artery of rabbits and conducted a 20 months observation. We found that the Ca containing degradation products could be further degraded in vivo. All the alloying elements showed no continuous enrichment in the main organs of rabbits. These findings eliminate the clinicians' concern of possible vessel calcification and element enrichment after the implantation of Mg alloy based stents to some extent., (Copyright © 2018 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

An efficient method for rare metal recovery from environmental water and urban mines is in high demand. Toward rapid and high-resolution rare metal ion separation, a novel bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (HDEHP)-impregnated graft-type particle as a filler for a chromatography column is proposed. To achieve rapid and high-resolution separation, a convection-flow-aided elution mode is required. The combination of 35 μm non-porous particles and a polymer-brush-rich particle structure minimizes the distance from metal ion binding sites to the convection flow in the column, resulting in minimized diffusional mass transfer resistance and the convection-flow-aided elution mode. The HDEHP-impregnated graft-type non-porous-particle-packed cartridge developed in this study exhibited a higher separation performance for model rare metals, neodymium (III) and dysprosium (III) ions, and a narrower peak at a higher linear velocity, than those of previous HDEHP-impregnated fiber-packed and commercially available Lewatit ® VP OC 1026-packed cartridges., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

A direct reaction is described to prepare hydrophobic α-aminomethylphosphonic acid as a novel chitosan-based material. It exhibits chelating properties for polyvalent metal ions such as U(VI) and Nd(III) ions. The new sorbent was fully characterized using Elemental analysis, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and FTIR spectra. Different parameters were examined in order to evaluate the optimum conditions for U(VI) and Nd(III) ions biosorption. Sorption mechanisms of metal ions were investigated using kinetic and isotherm models. In addition, the sorbent selectivity was tested for both metal ions together in a binary solution., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

A novel organic magnetic ionic liquid based on guanidinium cation was synthesized and characterized. A new method of magnetic ionic liquid aqueous two-phase system (MILATPs) coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was established to preconcentrate and determine trace amount of chloramphenicol (CAP) in water environment for the first time. In the absence of volatile organic solvents, MILATPs not only has the excellent properties of rapid extraction, but also exhibits a response to an external magnetic field which can be applied to assist phase separation. The phase behavior of MILATPs was investigated and phase equilibrium data were correlated by Merchuk equation. Various influencing factors on CAP recovery were systematically investigated and optimized. Under the optimal conditions, the preconcentration factor was 147.2 with the precision values (RSD%) of 2.42% and 4.45% for intra-day (n=6) and inter-day (n=6), respectively. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) were 0.14ngmL -1 and 0.42ngmL -1 , respectively. Fine linear range of 12.25ngmL -1 -2200ngmL -1 was obtained. Finally, the validated method was successfully applied for the analysis of CAP in some environmental waters with the recoveries for the spiked samples in the acceptable range of 94.6%-99.72%. Hopefully, MILATPs is showing great potential to promote new development in the field of extraction, separation and pretreatment of various biochemical samples., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Theranostic nanoplatforms integrate therapeutic payloads with diagnostic agents, and help monitor therapeutic response. In this regard, stimuli responsive nanoplatforms further favour combinatorial therapeutic approach that can considerably improve efficacy and specificity of treatment. Herein, we present the engineering of a smart theranostic nanoplatform based on neodymium doped hydroxyapatite (HAN). The presence of neodymium endows the HAN nanoplatforms with near-infrared fluorescence capability. These HAN nanoparticles were then subsequently modified with alginic acid (HANA) to confer pH responsiveness to the synthesized nanoplatforms delivering them to the colon after oral administration. These nanoplatforms possessing optimum size, needle shaped morphology and negative zeta potential, are conducive to cellular internalization. On excitation at 410nm they exhibit near infrared emission at 670nm unraveling their theranostic capabilities. Cytotoxic effects systematically assessed using MTT and live dead assays reveal excellent viability. Raman microscopic imaging technique used to visualize uptake in HeLa cells demonstrate increased uptake from 4 to 16h, with growing cluster size and localization in the cytoplasm. Moreover the concomitant presence of alginic acid manifested advantages of augmented loading and pH dependent release profiles of the model drug, 4 acetyl salicylic acid (4ASA). We could thus establish a theranostic system for early tumour detection, targeted tumour therapy and monitoring of colon cancer that can be administered via the oral route., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Staphylococcus aureus plasmids are the main factor in the spreading of antibacterial resistance among bacterial strains that has emerged on a worldwide scale. Plasmids recovered from 12 clinical and food isolates of S. aureus were treated with 10 mM free lanthanide Nd(3+) ions (non-enzymatic cleavage agent) in Hepes buffer (pH 7.5) at 70 °C. Topological forms of plasmids-closed circular (ccc), open circular (oc), and linear (lin)-produced by cleavage at different times were separated using pulsed-field agarose gel electrophoresis. The method is proposed to detect and differentiate several plasmids in the same bacterial strain according to their size., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Magnetic nanoparticles of cobalt ferrite with oleic acid as the surfactant (CoFe2O4/oleic acid) were used as sorbent material for the determination of alkylphenols in fruit juices. High sensitivity and specificity were achieved by liquid chromatography and detection using both diode-array (DAD) and electrospray-ion trap-tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-IT-MS/MS) in the selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mode of the negative fragment ions for alkylphenols (APs) and in positive mode for ethoxylate APs (APEOs). The optimized conditions for the different variables influencing the magnetic separation procedure were: mass of magnetic nanoparticles, 50mg, juice volume, 10mL diluted to 25mL with water, pH 6, stirring for 10min at room temperature, separation with an external neodymium magnet, desorption with 3mL of methanol and orbital shaking for 5min. The enriched organic phase was evaporated and reconstituted with 100µL acetonitrile before injecting 30µL into a liquid chromatograph with a mobile phase composed of acetonitrile/0.1% (v/v) formic acid under gradient elution. Quantification limits were in the range 3.6 to 125ngmL(-1). The recoveries obtained were in the 91-119% range, with RSDs lower than 14%. The ESI-MS/MS spectra permitted the correct identification of both APs and APEOs in the fruit juice samples., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Porous Mg scaffolds are considered as potential bone growth promoting materials. Unfortunately, the high rate of biocorrosion inherent to Mg alloys may cause a premature loss of mechanical strength, excessive evolution of hydrogen gas, and a rapidly shifting surface topography, all of which may hinder the ability of native cells to attach and grow on the implant surface. Here we investigated the cell cytotoxicity effects during corrosion of a novel magnesium alloy, EW10X04 (Mg-1.2%Nd-0.5%Y-0.5%Zr-0.4%Ca), following diffusion coating (DC) and heat treatment to reduce the corrosion rate. Cells were exposed either to corrosion products or to the corroding scaffold surface, in vitro. The microstructure characterization of the scaffold surface was carried out by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with a Noran energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). Phase analyses were obtained by X-ray diffraction (XRD). We found that cell viability, growth, and adhesion were all improved when cultured on the EW10X04+DC surface or under corrosion product extracts due to lower corrosion rates relative to the EW10X04 control samples. It is therefore believed that the tested alloy after Nd coating and heat treatment may introduce a good balance between its biodegradation characteristics and cytotoxic effects towards cells., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

To improve the antibacterial activity of Cu(2+), a series of Cu(2+) and/or Nd(3+)-modified layered α-zirconium phosphate (ZrP) was prepared and characterized, and the antibacterial activities of the prepared Cu(2+) and/or Nd(3+)-modified ZrP on Gram-negative Escherichia coli were investigated. The results showed that the basal spacing of ZrP was not obviously affected by the incorporation of Cu(2+), but the basal spacing of the modified ZrP changed into an amorphous state with increasing additions of Nd(3+). An antibacterial mechanism showed that Cu(2+) and Nd(3+) could enter into E. coli cells, leading to changes in ion concentrations and leakage of DNA, RNA and protein. The Cu(2+)- and Nd(3+)-modified ZrP, combining the advantages of Cu(2+) and Nd(3+), displayed excellent additive antibacterial activity and lower cytotoxicity, suggesting the great potential application as an antibacterial powder for microbial control., (Crown Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Trivalent lanthanide complexes of the type [Ln(L)Cl(H2O)2] (where Ln=Nd(III) or Sm(III) and LH2=Schiff bases derived by the condensation of 3-(phenyl/substitutedphenyl)-4-amino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole with diacetyl/benzil) have been synthesized by the reactions of anhydrous lanthanide(III) chloride with Schiff bases in methanol. The structures of the complexes have been proposed on the basis of elemental analysis, electrical conductance, magnetic moment, spectroscopic measurements (IR, 1H, 13C NMR and UV-vis spectra) and X-ray diffraction studies. The spectral data reveal that the Schiff base ligands behave as dibasic tetradentate chelating agents having coordination sites at two thiol sulfur atoms and two azomethine nitrogen atoms. The presence of coordinated water in metal complexes was confirmed by thermal and IR data of the complexes. All the Schiff bases and their metal complexes have also been screened for their antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and antifungal activities against Aspergillus niger, Curvularia pallescens and Colletotrichum capsici., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Lead free ferroelectric ceramics in the form of Ba(1-3x)Nd(2x)Ti(1-y)ZryO3 ((where x=0.025, y=0 (BT1), 0.025 (BT2), 0.05 (BT3)) were prepared using sol-gel method. The surface morphology and the orientation of grains of the present ceramics were examined using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) images. The effect of Nd(3+), Zr(4+) ions content on the BaTiO3 was studied using Raman and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies. From the Raman analysis the band observed at ∼838 cm(-1) was attributed due to the presence of Nd(3+)-barium vacancy pairs. The FTIR studies suggested that the addition of Nd(3+) ions in A-site of BaTiO3 (ABO3) perovskite create lattice distortion by forming A-site vacancies and Zr(4+) ions in B-site of BaTiO3 induce the lattice distortion by forming ZrO6 octahedra in the place of TiO6 octahedra. Dielectric measurements of the samples were done at different frequencies from RT-150°C. Charge transportation phenomenon is explained using DC conductivity, which is found to increase with temperature., (Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Ce(3+)-Nd(3+) co-doped Y3Al5O12 (YAG) nanoparticles, an average size of 20-30 nm clusters aggregated by 8-10 nm YAG nanoparticles, were synthesized by a solvothermal method. When excited by blue irradiation source, strong and broad yellow luminescence (centered at 526 nm) from Ce(3+) as well as near-infrared (NIR) luminescence (890, 1066 and 1335 nm) of Nd(3+) was observed simultaneously. It occurred by the effective dipole-dipole energy transfer from Ce(3+) to Nd(3+). Energy transfer efficiency from Ce(3+) to Nd(3+) was also calculated to be 50%. The optical property suggests that Ce(3+)-Nd(3+) co-doped YAG nanoparticles can be used as an efficient fluorescence imaging agent for not only visual but also near-infrared imaging., (Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Glasses with compositions of (100-x) (Bi2ZnOB2O6) -x Nd2O3 (where x=0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1 and 2 mol%) were prepared by melt quenching method and characterized through optical absorption, emission and decay curve measurements. Optical absorption spectra have been analyzed using Judd-Ofelt theory. The emission spectra exhibit three peaks at 919, 1063 and 1337 nm corresponding to (4)F3/2 to (4)I9/2, (4)I11/2 and (4)I13/2 transitions in the near infrared region. The emission intensity of the (4)F3/2 to (4)I11/2 transition increases with increase of Nd(3+) concentration up to 1 mol% and then concentration quenching is observed for 2 mol% of Nd(3+) concentration. The lifetimes for the (4)F3/2 level are found to decrease with increase in Nd2O3 concentration in the glasses. The decay curves of the glass up to 0.3 mol% of Nd(3+) exhibit single exponential nature and thereafter the curves become nonexponential nature (0.5, 1 and 2 mol%). The nonexponential curve has been fitted to the Inokuti-Hirayama model to understand the nature of energy transfer process., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

MgO-PbO-B2O3-SiO2-Nd2O3-Dy2O3 glasses are prepared by melt-quenching technique. The samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical absorption, luminescence and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectral studied. XRD analysis evidently indicates that the prepared samples are fully amorphous nature. From the optical absorption spectra, the bonding environment surrounding the Dy(3+) and their energy level scheme in glass network is analyzed. Enhancement of Dy(3+) emission by non-radiative energy transfers from Nd(3+) has been observed here. The samples emits intensive bluish yellow color from the (4)F9/2→(6)H15/2, (6)H13/2 transition of Dy(3+) ions in these glasses which are nearer to white light and it is also supported by the chromaticity color coordinates. The FT-IR spectra reveal that network connectivity is increased with replacement of bonds B-O-B, Si-O-Si by more resistant B-O-Si bonds with gradually increasing the content of Dy(3+) ions in the glass network. Along with spectroscopic parameters some physical parameters like density, refractive index etc. are measured for the glasses., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The radial expectation values 4f,k=2, 4, 6, for oxygen- or halogen- coordinated Nd(3+) ions in 25 crystals have been obtained from experimental Slater parameter shifts ΔFk=Fk (free ion) - Fk (crystal) by means of the dielectric screening model. The 4f values found by this new approach are compatible with those computed by relativistic 4f wave functions. The nephelauxetic ratios βk in respect to the free ion Nd IV have been also determined and related to covalency and bonding parameters., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The 4f-4f absorption spectra of the simultaneous heterobimetallic complexation of trivalent neodymium ion with l-tryptophan and divalent zinc ion in aquated DMF (50%, v/v) at pH 6.0 was recorded at the time interval of 1h. From the observed absorption spectra, the values of intensity parameters such as oscillator strength (P) and Judd-Ofelt intensity (Tλ) parameters, kinetics and thermodynamics parameters were evaluated. The rate constant increases with an increase in the temperature along with the oscillator strengths and Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters. The positive values of the change in the standard enthalpy (ΔH°) and entropy (ΔS°) indicate that the complexation is endothermic. The negative values of the change in the standard free energy (ΔG°) in the range from 293.15 K to 308.15 K, indicate that the reaction occurs spontaneously and hence the formation of heterobimetallic complex in the solution is favored kinetically and thermodynamically., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

During the past decade the interactions of fluorophores with metallic particles and surfaces has become an active area of research. These near-field interactions of fluorophores with surface plasmons have resulted in increased brightness and directional emission. However, using metals has some disadvantages such as quenching at short fluorophore-metal distances and increased rates of energy dissipation due to lossy metals. These unfavorable effects are not expected in dielectrics. In this article, we describe the interactions of fluorophores with one-dimensional (1D) photonic crystals (PCs), which have alternating layers of dielectrics with dimensions that create a photonic band gap (PBG). Freely propagating light at the PBG wavelength will be reflected. However, similar to metals, we show that fluorophores within near-field distances of the 1DPC interacts with the structure. Our results demonstrate that these fluorophores can interact with both internal modes and Bloch surface waves (BSWs) of the 1DPC. For fluorophores on the surface of the 1DPC, the emission dominantly occurs through the 1DPC and into the substrate. We refer to these two phenomena together as Bragg grating-coupled emission (BGCE). Here we describe our preliminary results on BGCE. 1DPCs are simple to fabricate and can be handled and reused without damage. We believe that BGCE provides opportunities for new formats for fluorescence detection and sensing., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The concentration dependent luminescence properties of Nd(3+) ions doped lead calcium zinc sodium fluoroborate (LCZSFB) glasses were prepared via a melt quenching technique and reported through optical absorption, NIR luminescence and lifetime measurements. The optical transition properties of Nd(3+) ions have been analyzed using Judd-Ofelt theory. The present glasses have high stimulated emission cross - sections, entail that they have high potential laser applications. The decay curves of all the glasses show single exponential behavior. The discrepancy between the experimental and calculated lifetimes of emitting level was ascribed to energy transfer through cross-relaxation. The estimated values of radiative and saturation intensity of (4)F3/2→(4)I11/2 transition indicates the favorable lasing action at 1.06μm., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Nanosized (8-9 nm) Nd doped and Ag coated TiO(2) nanoparticles have been synthesized by sol-gel method. The physicochemical properties of these particles were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance UV-visible (DRUV) spectra and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis. The antibacterial activities of the samples were studied for Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) both, under the light and dark conditions. The results reveal that the extent of activity shows the order as undoped TiO(2)

The europium and neodymium oxides doped nano-structured calcium aluminate phosphor samples have prepared through combustion technique and their luminescence properties are studied using laser excitations. Samples prepared in open atmosphere showed the presence of both Eu(3+) and Eu(2+) states and their ratio changes with calcination temperature. Single Eu(3+)/Eu(2+) ions doped sample has found to give broad emission at 450 nm without the persistence glow while the Eu(3+)+Nd(3+) ions codoped sample has shown persistence glow at 450 nm (Eu(2+)) on 355 nm laser excitation. Wavelength selective excitations show that 266 nm excitation gives the intense emissions from both Eu(3+) and Eu(2+) states with no afterglow but 355 nm excitation gives negligible emission from Eu(3+) ions and a strong afterglow at 450 nm wavelength. The mechanism of wavelength dependent phosphorescence has been discussed. Studies on Stark splittings and their relative intensities in emission spectra of Eu(3+) ions have shown that Eu(3+) ion can be used as excellent probe of crystal structure., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Fluorophosphate glass doped with Nd(3+) has been synthesized with low OH content. Near infrared emissions centered around 0.9, 1.06, and 1.3 μm have been successfully obtained in present glass excited by a conventional 800 nm laser diode. Based on the absorption spectrum, radiative properties were calculated and discussed using the Judd-Ofelt theory. The luminescence characteristics and energy transfer mechanism were investigated. Desirable low OH(-) concentration and spectroscopic characteristics of Nd(3+)-doped fluorophosphate glass indicate that it is a promising material for near-infrared lasers., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The Y(2)O(3) phosphor powder codoped with Nd(3+):Yb(3+) ions have been synthesized through optimized combustion route. Crystalline structures of the prepared samples have been investigated by powder X-ray diffraction technique. Efficient upconversion emission in the green region upon 980 nm NIR CW diode laser excitation has been reported. The maximal enhancement in the intensity of the green upconversion emission band has been observed on codoping with Zn(2+) ions in the Nd(3+):Yb(3+) codoped sample. The processes responsible for such an enhancement in the green upconversion emission band which can be used for the localization and diagnosis of cancer has been explained in detail., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Intrinsic as well as rare earth (Neodymium) doped silica glasses with various molar ratio of dopant and a metallic (Nickel) co-dopant is prepared via sol-gel route. The structural characterization of the sample is carried out using X-ray diffraction and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. The influence of dopant and doping concentration on the optical properties of silica matrix is investigated via UV-VIS absorption spectroscopy. Effect of dopant on thermal effusivity value of the host matrix is carried out by laser induced open cell photoacoustic technique. Analysis of the results showed that doping affect the thermal effusivity value and results are interpreted in terms of structural modification of the lattice and phonon assisted heat transport mechanism., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

With the compound [Zn(HL(1))(2)(Py)] (H(2)L(1)=2-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-6-methoxyophenol), Py=pyridine) or [Zn(HL(2))(2)(Py)] (H(2)L(2)=2-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)-4-bromo-6-methoxyphenol) as the precursor, complexes [ZnLn(HL(1))(2)(Py)(NO(3))(3)] (Ln=Nd, 1; Ln=Gd, 2) or [ZnLn(HL(2))(2)(Py)(NO(3))(3)] (Ln=Nd, 3; Ln=Gd, 4) were obtained by the further reaction with Ln(NO(3))(3)·6H(2)O (Ln=Nd or Gd). The result of their photophysical properties shows that the strong and characteristic near-infrared (NIR) luminescence of Nd(3+) ions for complexes 1 and 3 with emissive lifetimes in microsecond range, has been sensitized from the excited state ((1)LC and (3)LC) of the benzimidazole-based ligands, and the involvement of heavy atoms (Br) at the ligand endows the enhanced NIR luminescent property., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Spectroscopic investigations on different concentrations (0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0mol%) of Pr(3+) and Nd(3+) doped strontium lithium bismuth borate glasses have been done. X-ray diffraction, SEM with EDS, absorption and luminescence spectra were recorded for all the glass matrices and analyzed. X-ray diffraction profiles and SEM images conformed amorphous nature of investigated glass samples. EDS spectra of host glass and Pr(3+)doped glass matrices gave information about the chemical composition of glass samples. From the absorption spectra of Pr(3+) and Nd(3+) ions, Judd-Ofelt (J-O) intensity parameters (Ω(λ),λ=2, 4 and 6) have been calculated and compared with other glass matrices. The emission characteristics such as radiative lifetimes (τ(R)), measured and calculated branching ratios (β) and stimulated emission cross-sections (σ(P)) have been obtained for the observed emission transitions of Pr(3+) and Nd(3+) ions in the above glass matrix for all the concentrations. From the emission spectra of Pr(3+) and Nd(3+) doped glass matrices, the effect of concentration on the quenching of intensity of (1)D(2)→(3)H(4) transition of Pr(3+) ion and (4)F(3/2)→(4)I(9/2), (4)I(11/2) and (4)I(13/2) transitions of Nd(3+) have been studied and discussed., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The interaction of gly-gly with Pr(III) and Nd(III) have been studied in different aquated organic solvents like CH(3)OH, CH(3)CN, dioxane and DMF by using 4f-4f transitions spectra. Various energy interaction parameters like Slater Condon (F(k)), Racah (E(k)), Lande (ξ(4f)), nephelauxetic effect (β), bonding (b(1/2)) and percent covalency (δ) parameters have been calculated to explain the nature of complexation. The intensity parameters like oscillator strength (P) and Judd-Ofelt parameters (T(λ), λ=2, 4, 6) also support the mode of binding of gly-gly to metal ions. The results show that Pr(III) and Nd(III) with gly-gly form complexes by ionic linkages with carboxylate anion with weak covalency. The protonation constants and metal-ligand stability constants have also been determined by potentiometric measurements in aqueous medium at different temperatures (290, 300 and 310 K) at constant ionic strength, 0.1 mol dm(-1). The results show the formation of metal-ligand complexes in the stoichiometric ratio 1:1. The stability of complexes is more in Nd(III) complexes as compared to Pr(III) complexes. Thermodynamic parameters (ΔG, ΔH and ΔS) of complexes were also calculated and the negative values of ΔG and ΔH show that the complex reactions are spontaneous and exothermic. The positive values of ΔS indicate high stability of complex reactions which are enthalpy-driven., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study is to investigate and demonstrate the mechanical and corrosive characteristics of the neodymium-containing magnesium alloy MgNd2 (Nd2), which can be used as a resorbable implant material, especially in the field of stenting applications. To determine the mechanical characteristics of Nd2, tensile and compression tests were initially carried out in the hot extruded state. Here a unique elongation ratio (~30%) of the alloy could be observed. Subsequent T5 and T6 heat treatments were arranged to reveal their effect on the alloy's strengths and elongation values. The general degradation behaviour of Nd2 in a 0.9% NaCl solution was investigated by means of polarization curves and hydrogen evolution. In addition to this, by using various in vivo parameters, a corrosion environment was established to determine the alloy's degradation in vitro. Here, the mass loss per day in (MgF(2) and Bioglass)-coated and uncoated states and the corresponding maximum forces resulting from subsequent three-point bending tests revealed slow and steady corrosion behaviour. The cell viability and proliferation tests carried out on L-929 and MSC-P5 cells also showed good results. The mechanical and corrosive characteristics determined, as well as the in vitro test results obtained within the scope of this study, led to the development and successful in vivo testing of an MgF(2)-coated Nd2 mucosa stent which was introduced as an appropriate resorbable application., (Copyright © 2012 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Neodymium (Nd(3+)) doped nanomaterials exhibited the unique near infrared (NIR) luminescence properties. However, the application of Nd-doped nanomaterials to chemosensors was rarely explored. Herein, the water-soluble 2-aminoethyl dihydrogen phosphate stabilized Nd-doped LaF(3) (ADP-Nd-LaF(3)) nanoparticles were explored as the NIR probe for chemosensors. The NIR emission intensity at 1061 nm of ADP-Nd-LaF(3) nanoparticles kept stable in the aqueous solution of various pH and coexisting of most common metal ions except copper ion, consequently, the ADP-Nd-LaF(3) nanoparticles were developed as a high selective NIR probe for Cu(II). The NIR emission of ADP-Nd-LaF(3) exhibits a linear quenching response to Cu(II) in the range 5-100 μM, with a detection limit of 0.8 μM. The precision of eleven replicate detections of 5 μM Cu(II) was 0.5% (RSD). The recovery of spiked Cu(II) in human urine and waste water samples ranged from 102 to 109%. The possible mechanism of Cu(II)-induced fluorescence quenching of ADP-Nd-LaF(3) nanoparticles was also discussed., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Nanocrystalline Nd(2)O(3):Cu(2+) (2mol %) phosphors have been prepared by a low temperature solution combustion technique. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) results confirm that hexagonal A-type Nd(2)O(3) (900°C, 3h) and the lattice parameters have been evaluated by Rietveld refinement. Surface morphology of as-formed and Cu(2+) doped Nd(2)O(3) phosphors show that the particles are irregular in shape and porous in nature. TEM results also confirm the nature and size of the particles. The EPR spectrum exhibits two resonance signals with effective g values at g(ǀǀ)≈2.12 and g(⊥)≈2.04. The g values indicate that the site symmetry of Cu(2+) ions is octahedral symmetry with elongated tetragonal distortion. Raman studies show major peaks, which are assigned, to F(g) and combination of A(g)+E(g) modes. It is observed that the Raman peaks and intensity have been reduced in Cu(2+) doped samples. UV-Visible absorption spectra exhibit a strong and broad absorption band at ∼240nm. Further, the absorption peak shifts to ∼14nm in Cu(2+) doped samples. The optical band gap is estimated to be 5.28eV for Cu doped Nd(2)O(3) nanoparticles which are higher than the bulk Nd(2)O(3) (4.7eV). This can be attributed to the quantum confinement effect of the nanoparticles., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Nanocrystalline Nd(2)O(3):Ni(2+) (2 mol%) phosphor has been prepared by a low temperature (∼400°C) solution combustion method, in a very short time (<5 min). Powder X-ray diffraction results confirm the single hexagonal phase of nanopowders. Scanning electron micrographs show that nanophosphor has porous nature and the particles are agglomerated. Transmission electron microscopy confirms the nanosize (20-25 nm) of the crystallites. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum exhibits a symmetric absorption at g≈2.77 which suggests that the site symmetry around Ni(2+) ions is predominantly octahedral. The number of spins participating in resonance (N) and the paramagnetic susceptibility (χ) has been evaluated. Raman study show major peaks, which are assigned to F(g) and combination of A(g)+E(g) modes. Thermoluminescence (TL) studies reveal well resolved glow peaks at 169°C along with shoulder peak at around 236°C. The activation energy (E in eV), order of kinetics (b) and frequency factor (s) were estimated using glow peak shape method. It is observed that the glow peak intensity at 169°C increases linearly with γ-dose which suggest that Nd(2)O(3):Ni(2+) is suitable for radiation dosimetry applications., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Recently, commercial magnesium (Mg) alloys containing Al (such as AZ31 and AZ91) or Y (such as WE43) have been studied extensively for biomedical applications. However, these Mg alloys were developed as structural materials, not as biomaterials. In this study, a patented Mg-Nd-Zn-Zr (denoted as JDBM) alloy was investigated as a biomedical material. The microstructure, mechanical properties, biocorrosion behavior, and cytotoxicity of the alloy extruded at 320 °C with extrusion ratios of 8 and 25 were studied. The results show that the lower extrusion ratio results in finer grains and higher strength, but lower elongation, while the higher extrusion ratio results in coarser grains and lower strength, but higher elongation. The biocorrosion behavior of the alloy was investigated by hydrogen evolution and mass loss tests in simulated body fluid (SBF). The results show that the alloy extruded with lower extrusion ratio exhibits better corrosion resistance. The corrosion mode of the alloy is uniform corrosion, which is favorable for biomedical applications. Aging treatment on the as-extruded alloy improves the strength and decreases the elongation at room temperature, and has a small positive influence on the corrosion resistance in SBF. The cytotoxicity test indicates that the as-extruded JDBM alloy meets the requirement of cell toxicity., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The glasses with composition 75TeO2-10ZnO-(15-x)Nb2O5-xNd2O3 (0≤x≤9 mol%) were prepared using melt quenching method and their physical properties such as density (ρ), molar volume (VM), average crosslink density (nc¯), oxygen packing density (OPD) and number of bonds per unit volume (nb) were determined. Raman spectroscopic studies showed that the glass network consists of TeO4, TeO3+1, TeO3 and NbO6 units as basic structural units. The glass transition temperature (Tg), crystallization onset (To) and thermal stability (ΔT) were determined from DSC thermograms. The Raman and DSC results were found to be correlated with the physical properties. In the optical absorption spectra six absorption bands were observed with different relative intensities at around 464, 522, 576, 742, 801 and 871 nm which are assigned to the transition of electrons from (ground state) 4I9/2→G11/2; 4I9/2→2K3/2, 2G7/2; 4I9/2→4G5/2, 4G7/2; 4I9/2→4S3/2; 4F7/2→2H9/2, 4F5/2 and 4I9/2→2F3/2 respectively. From optical absorption data the energy band gap (Eopt) and Urbach energy (ΔE) were calculated., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Magnesium alloys are promising candidate materials for cardiovascular stents due to their good biocompatibility and degradation properties in the human body. However, in vivo tests also show that improvement in their mechanical properties and corrosion resistance is necessary before wide application. In this study, cyclic extrusion compression (CEC) was used to enhance the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of Mg-Zn-Y-Nd alloy. The results show that the grain size was greatly refined to 1 μm after CEC treatment. The second phase distributed along the grain boundaries with grid shape and nano-sized particles uniformly distributed in grains. The elongation (δ), ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and yield strength (YS) of the CEC treatment samples were 30.2%, 303 MPa and 185 MPa respectively. The CEC treated samples showed homogeneous corrosion because of the grain refinement and the homogeneous distribution of nano-sized second phase. The corrosion current density of the alloy decreased from 2.8×10(-4) A/cm(2) to 6.6×10(-5) A/cm(2) after CEC treatment. Therefore, improved mechanical properties, uniform corrosion and reduced corrosion rate could be achieved by CEC., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Mechanical properties at room temperature and biocorrosion behaviors in simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37 °C of a new type of patented Mg-3Nd-0.2Zn-0.4Zr (hereafter, denoted as JDBM) alloy prepared at different extrusion temperatures, as well as heat treatment, were studied. The mechanical properties of this magnesium alloy at room temperature were improved significantly after extrusion and heat treatment compared to an as-cast alloy. The results of mechanical properties show that the yield strength (YS) decreases with increasing extrusion temperature. The tensile elongation decreases a little while the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) has no obvious difference. The yield strength and ultimate tensile strength were improved clearly after heat treatment at 200 °C for 10 h compared with that at the extrusion state, which can be mainly contributed to the precipitation strengthening. The biocorrosion behaviors of the JDBM alloy were studied using immersion tests and electrochemical tests. The results reveal that the extruded JDBM alloy and the aging treatment on the extruded alloy show much better biocorrosion resistance than that at solid solution state (T4 treatment), and the JDBM exhibited favorable uniform corrosion mode in SBF., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Spectral analysis of Nd(III) complexes with some amino acids viz.; glycine, l-alanine, l-phenylalanine and l-aspartic acid in the presence and absence of Ca(2+) was carried out in some organic solvents; CH(3)OH, CH(3)CN, DMF and dioxane using comparative absorption spectra of 4f-4f transitions. The study was carried out by evaluating various energy interaction parameters like Slator-Condon (F(k)), Lande factor (ξ(4f)), nephelauxetic ratio (β), bonding parameter (b(1/2)), percent-covalency (δ) by applying partial and multiple regression analysis. The values of oscillator strength (P(obs)) and Judd-Ofelt electric dipole intensity parameter T(λ) (λ=2, 4, 6) for different 4f-4f transitions have been calculated. On analysis of the variation of the various energy interaction parameters as well as the changes in the oscillator strength (P(obs)) and T(λ) values, reveal the mode of binding with the different ligands. Kinetic studies for the complexation of Nd(III):glycine:Ca(II) have also been discussed at different temperatures in DMF medium and from it the values of activation energy (E(a)) and thermodynamic parameters like ΔH°, ΔS° and ΔG° for the complexation are evaluated., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The available experimental energy levels of Nd(3+) ions doped into single crystals of BaY(2)F(8), LiKYF(5), and K(2)YF(5), which exhibit low site symmetry, are reanalyzed. A combined approach based on the ascent/descent in symmetry (ADS) method, the superposition model (SPM) analysis, and the pseudosymmetry axes method (PAM) is utilized to extract the crystal field (CF) parameters, B(kq), from experimental spectra. Corresponding sets of the free-ion parameters are also fitted. The crystallographic data are used to establish the axis systems most appropriate for approximation of the actual monoclinic C(2) site symmetry to higher orthorhombic D(2) and tetragonal D(4) symmetry used in CF calculations for BaY(2)F(8). Similarly, for triclinic C(1) site symmetry in LiKYF(5) and K(2)YF(5) approximation to monoclinic C(2) and orthorhombic D(2) symmetry for LiKYF(5), whereas the monoclinic C(s) symmetry for K(2)YF(5), are considered. It is shown that the C(2v) approximation used previously for K(2)YF(5):Nd(3+) is not suitable. SPM enables to calculate for the unapproximated and idealized polyhedrons YF(8) in a given ion-host system of the combined coordination factors Sg(k,q) expressed in the modified crystallographic axis system CAS* and approximated symmetry adapted axis systems, respectively. The quantities Sg(k,q) serve as input for PAM calculations for independent determination of the axis system appropriate for higher symmetry approximations. The pseudosymmetry axes represent the axis system that reflects most closely the approximated higher symmetry of the nearest ligands in a paramagnetic complex embodied in the 4th-rank CF parameters. The combined ADS/SPM/PAM approach provides sets of starting CF parameters (CFPs) in well-defined axis systems. Multiple fittings starting from different points in the CF parameter space yield converging solutions, thus increasing the reliability of the final optimized solutions, which may be then considered as the global minima. The present CF analysis, unlike the previous ones, takes into account the low symmetry aspects inherent in the CF Hamiltonian and optical spectra. The improved and more reliable sets of CFPs are generated as well as modified assignments of the CF energy levels are proposed for BaY(2)F(8):Nd(3+). The present considerations enable also clarification of some ambiguous points occurring in previous studies., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Silica surface-modified NdF(3) core-shell nanoparticles were prepared by sol-gel route. The prepared core-shell nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-vis absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy studies. Phase identification of the NdF(3) and silica-coated NdF(3) core-shell nanoparticles which was carried-out by XRD, confirms the formation of a well-crystallized hexagonal phase structure. Due to the silica-surface modification, the nanoparticles were not found to be well-separated (agglomerated) in ethanol solvent as scanned by TEM. The results of the FTIR studies conducted on these core-shell reveal the binding of silica with the NdF(3) nanoparticles. The largest intensity and shape variation were observed in all transitions as compared to non-silica modified NdF(3) nanoparticle spectra, and were attributed to the environment around the Nd(III) ion due to coordination of silica molecule(s). A significant enhancement in the emission intensity was measured in silica surface modified NdF(3) core-shell nanoparticles due to the successful silica coating on the surface of nanoparticles. The results of these studies suggest that these nanoparticles may find potential applications in the areas of bioimaging, protein-labeling, optical biosensors and drug delivery, etc., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The absorption spectra of trivalent neodymium ion with 1,2,4-1H-triazole and 1,2,3-benzotriazole in absence and presence of calcium(II) ion in aqueous and some selected different aquated organic solvents have been recorded in the visible and near infrared regions. From the data available in the absorption spectra, various spectroscopic parameters such as Slator-Condon (F(k)), Lande spin-orbit coupling constant (ξ(4f)), nephelauxetic ratio (β), bonding parameter (b(1/2)), percent covalency (δ), oscillator strength (P) and Judd-Ofelt intensity (T(λ)) parameters have been evaluated. The Judd-Ofelt intensity, T(λ) (λ=2, 4, 6) parameters are utilized in evaluating the P(cal) from various excited states of trivalent neodymium ions and ratifying as an inner sphere complexations., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The interaction of uracil with Nd(III) has been explored in presence and absence of Zn(II) using the comparative absorption spectroscopy involving the 4f-4f transitions in different solvents. The complexation of uracil with Nd(III) is indicated by the change in intensity of 4f-4f bands expressing in terms of significant change in oscillator strength and Judd-Ofelt parameters. Intensification of this bands became more prominent in presence of Zn(II) suggesting the stimulative effect of Zn(II) towards the complexation of Nd(III) with uracil. Other spectral parameters namely Slator-Condon (F(k)'s), nephelauxetic effect (β), bonding (b(1/2)) and percent covalency (δ) parameters are computed to correlate their simultaneous binding of metal ions with uracil. The sensitivities of the observed 4f-4f transitions towards the minor coordination changes around Nd(III) has been used to monitor the simultaneous coordination of uracil with Nd(III) and Zn(II). The variation of intensities (oscillator strengths and Judd-Ofelt parameters) of 4f-4f bands during the complexation has helped in following the heterobimetallic complexation of uracil. Rate of complexation with respect to hypersensitive transition was evaluated. Energy of activation and thermodynamic parameters for the complexation reaction were also determined., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The complexation of thiosemicarbazide with Pr(III) and Nd(III) in absence and presence of Zn(II), a soft metal ion in aqueous and organic solvents like CH(3)OH,CH(3)CN, dioxane (C(4)H(8)O(2)) and DMF (C(3)H(7)NO) and their equimolar mixtures are discussed by employing absorption difference and comparative absorption spectrophotometry. Complexation of thiosemicarbazide with Pr(III) and Nd(III) is indicated by the changes in the absorption intensity following the subsequent changes in the oscillator strength of different 4f-4f bands and Judd-Ofelt intensity (T(λ)) parameters. The other spectral parameters like energy interaction parameters namely Slater-Condon (F(k)), Racah (E(k)), Lande (ξ(4f)), Nephelauxetic ratio (β) and bonding parameters (b(1/2)) are further computed to explain the nature of complexation. The difference in the energy parameters with respect to donor atoms and solvents reveal that the chemical environment around the lanthanide ions has great impact on f-f transition and any change in the environment result in modification of the spectra. Various solvents and their equimolar mixtures are also used to discuss the participation of solvents in the complexation., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Li(2)O-ZrO(2)-SiO(2):Nd(3+) glasses mixed with Nb(2)O(5), Ta(2)O(5) and La(2)O(3) were prepared. Optical absorption and photoluminescence spectra of these glasses have been recorded at room temperature. The Judd-Ofelt theory was successfully applied to characterize Nd(3+) spectra of all the three glasses. From this theory, various radiative properties like transition probability A, branching ratio β(r), the radiative lifetime τ(r), for (4)F(3/2) emission level in the spectra of these glasses has been evaluated. The radiative life time for (4)F(3/2) level of Nd(3+) ions has also been measured and quantum efficiencies were estimated. Among the three glasses studied, the La(2)O(3) mixed glass has exhibited the highest quantum efficiency. The reasons for such higher value have been discussed based on the relationship between the structural modifications taking place around the Nd(3+) ions., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The binding of neodymium(III) and praseodymium(III) complexes containing 1,10-phenanthroline, [M(phen)2Cl3·OH2] (M=Nd (1), Pr (2)), to DNA has been investigated by absorption, emission, and viscosity measurements. The complexes show absorption decreasing in charge transfer band, fluorescence decrement when bound to DNA. The binding constant Kb has been determined by absorption measurement for both complexes and found to be (6.76±0.12)×10(4) for 1 and (1.83±0.15)×10(4)M(-1), for 2. The fluorescence of [M(phen)2Cl3·OH2] (M=Nd (1), Pr (2)) has been studied in detail. The results of fluorescence titration reveal that DNA has the strong ability to quenching the intrinsic fluorescence of Nd(III) and Pr(III) complexes through the static quenching procedure. The binding site number n, apparent binding constant Kb and the Stern-Volmer constant kSV are determined. Thermodynamic parameters, enthalpy change (ΔH°) and entropy change (ΔS°), are calculated according to relevant fluorescent data and Van't Hoff equation. The experimental data suggest that the complexes bind to DNA by non-intercalative mode. Major groove binding is the preferred mode of interaction for [M(phen)2Cl3·OH2] (M=Nd (1), Pr (2)) with DNA., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)