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April 20 to April 24, 2009

The NIST Technicalendar is issued each Friday. All items MUST be submitted electronically from this web page by 12:00 NOON each Wednesday unless otherwise stated in the NIST Technicalendar. The address for online weekly editions of the NIST Technicalendar and NIST Administrative Calendar is: http://www.nist.gov/tcal.

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AT A GLANCE - MEETINGS AT NIST

MONDAY - 4/20
11:00 AM - A Rules Based Statistical Algorithm for Keystroke Detection
TUESDAY - 4/21
10:00 AM - Nanoscale Mechanical Properties with Quantitative AFM Methods
10:30 AM - Visual Analytics
10:30 AM - Phase space dynamics and quantum phase transitions in a spinor Bose-Einstein condensate
3:00 PM - Fast Methods to Find Optimal Shapes in Images
WEDNESDAY - 4/22
1:30 PM - NIST Town Hall Meeting
THURSDAY - 4/23
10:30 AM - Coherence, Correlation, and Control in a Quantum Dot Molecule
11:00 AM - Aluminum Sustainability
FRIDAY - 4/24
1:00 PM - Advances in Coverage-based Test Suite Reduction

MEETINGS AT NIST

4/20 -- MONDAY

11:00 AM - STATISTICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION SEMINAR: A Rules Based Statistical Algorithm for Keystroke Detection
A rules-based statistical algorithm (RBSA) identifies packets in any TCP connection that are client keystrokes of an ssh login. The input data of the algorithm are the packet arrival times and TCP/IP headers of the connection packets at a point along the path of the connection. The algorithm is applied to all connections seen by a network monitor; ssh port 22 connections are classified as client-keystrokes or scp file transfers, and ssh keystroke connections are discovered for all other ports. This forms a network login database that can be further analyzed for network security monitoring and forensics. One application is to an ``inside' network in which the monitor sees all connections between the inside and outside. The model --- which uses the packet sizes, flags, and interarrivaltimes --- first goes through the packets identifying epochs of different activities, and then goes back and uses more detailed information for the classification. Performance from three types of packet traces is excellent. Previous work has proceeded by forming connection summary statistics from the headers and timestamps, and classifying the connection as one with keystrokes or not using the statistics. The RBSA takes on a muchmore ambitious task of classifying each packet as a client keystroke packet or not, but in the end the classification of the connection has extremely low false positives and false negatives. One important property of the RBSA is that it does not employ packetpayload, as is done in some connection-level surveillance methods, so it cannot be defeated by an attacker through payload encryption. A second important property is that the inside network can be a large enterprise, allowing monitoring and forensics across a very large number of hosts from a single device
Paul Kidwell , Department of Statistics, Purdue University.
Building 222, Rm. A326. (NIST Contact: Charles Hagwood, 301-975-2846, hagwood@nist.gov)



4/21 -- TUESDAY

10:00 AM - CERAMICS DIVISION SEMINAR: Nanoscale Mechanical Properties with Quantitative AFM Methods
MSEL NANOMECHANICS SEMINAR The superb spatial resolution and imaging capability of the atomic force microscope (AFM) make it an attractive tool for investigating nanoscale mechanical properties. One AFM method that shows promise for quantitative property data is contact resonance force microscopy (CR-FM). In this approach, the cantilever's resonant frequencies are measured while the tip is in contact in order to determine the local contact stiffness. Nanomechanical information is obtained from the contact stiffness with a suitable contact mechanics model. We will describe our work to develop CR-FM metrology and apply it to material systems. We explain the basic theoretical and experimental concepts, and show ways to implement them for accurate, reliable measurements in specific applications. New extensions of the original approach are also presented, for instance to enable measurement of viscoelastic properties. Work on quantitative imaging is also discussed. CR-FM images enable maps of the spatial distribution in properties, for instance to characterize the interphase region of a fiber-reinforced composite and to examine the adhesion of buried interfaces. Such mapping capabilities facilitate new studies of nanoscale mechanical behavior in a variety of emerging applications.
Donna Hurley , Materials Reliability Division, NIST/MSEL.
Materials Bldg, Rm. A250. (NIST Contact: Robert Cook, 301-975-3207, robert.cook@nist.gov)


10:30 AM - ITL SEMINAR SERIES: Visual Analytics
"Visual Analytics" an interactive, thought compelling presentation on the use of various visualization and representation techniques for understanding a variety of domains ranging from financial crimes and money laundering to narcotics-trafficking and counter-terrorism. The presentation will provide a number of real-world scenarios that challenge the audience participants to try and interpret the results and explain the outcomes. Mr. Westphal emphasizes there are no "right answers" and there are no "wrong answers" only subjective interpretation within the context of the analysis/data. The goal of this presentation is to offer alternative interpretations for obvious situations and complex analytical scenarios. Much of the content presented is based on Mr. Westphal's recent book, "Data Mining for Intelligence, Fraud & Criminal Detection: Advanced Analytics & Information Sharing Technologies" (CRC Press, December 2008). Bio: Chris Westphal is co-founder and CEO of Visual Analytics Inc. (VAI), a provider of visualization software, information sharing systems, and advanced analytical training. His clients include federal and state/local law enforcement including fusion centers, all major intelligence agencies, the U.S. Department of Defense, and international Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs). Mr. Westphal has authored numerous publications and several books including Data Mining for Intelligence, Fraud & Criminal Detection: Advanced Analytics & Information Sharing Technologies (Westphal, CRC Press, 2008); Data Mining Solutions: Methods and Tools for Solving Real World Problems (Westphal/Blaxton, Wiley, 1998); and Readings in Knowledge Acquisition: Current Practices and Trends (McGraw/Westphal, Ellis Horwood Limited, 1990). He also authored the "Analyzing Intelligence Data: Next Generation Technologies for Connecting the Dots" chapter in Net-Centric Approaches to Intelligence and National Security (Ladner/ Petry, Springer 2005).
Chris Westphal , Co-Founder and CEO, Visual Analytics Inc..
Administration Bldg, Lecture Rm. D. (NIST Contact: Larry Reeker, 301-975-5147, larry.reeker@nist.gov)


10:30 AM - ATOMIC PHYSICS DIVISION SEMINAR: Phase space dynamics and quantum phase transitions in a spinor Bose-Einstein condensate
An atomic Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) is a state where all of the 100,000 atoms have a single collective wavefunction for their external (spatial) degrees of freedom. A spinor condensate is a BEC for which there is, in addition, a vector that describes the internal states of the atoms. It is a fascinating collective quantum system that can be poked and prodded to reveal both something of its inner workings and the remarkable sensitivity of the experimental techniques. The interesting interactions in the system are collisions between the atoms and the magnetic field interactions characterized by the quadratic Zeeman effect. Such a system can be described with a simple two-dimensional phase space that we can manipulate to some degree by changing the magnetic field present. The system (its spin populations and phases) is found to evolve in time, due to an unknown dissipative mechanism. In recent experiments we have been able to track and observe this evolution, uncovering interesting properties of the interactions and hopefully leading us toward an understanding of the dissipation mechanism. A number of quantum (zero-temperature) phase transitions of the ground state have been observed.
Paul Lett , Atomic Physics Division, NIST and NIST/UMD Joint Quantum Institute.
Physics Building, Room B145. (NIST Contact: Gail Newrock, 301-975-3200, gail.newrock@nist.gov)


3:00 PM - MATHEMATICAL AND COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCES DIVISION SEMINAR: Fast Methods to Find Optimal Shapes in Images
Gunay Dogan , Guest Researcher, Mathematical and Computational Sciences Division.
Administration Bldg, Lecture Rm. C. (NIST Contact: Stephen Langer, 301-975-5423, stephen.langer@nist.gov) http://math.nist.gov/mcsd/Seminars/2009/2009-04-21-Dogan.html



4/22 -- WEDNESDAY

1:30 PM - OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR, NIST SEMINAR: NIST Town Hall Meeting
Dr. Gallagher will provide staff with an update on safety, budget, and priority issues.
Patrick Gallagher , NIST, Deputy Director.
Administration Bldg, Red Auditorium. (NIST Contact: Denise Herbert, 301-975-2300, dherbert@nist.gov)
Special Assistance Available



4/23 -- THURSDAY

10:30 AM - SIGMA XI COLLOQUIUM: Coherence, Correlation, and Control in a Quantum Dot Molecule
A semiconductor quantum dot is like an artificial solid state "atom". Two dots separated by a thin tunneling barrier form a "molecule".  Moreover, the spin of a single electron in a quantum dot provides a coherent quantum memory – one that can be controlled and measured optically. I will present our efforts to develop the singly charged InAs/GaAs quantum dot as a qubit, and our recent results on coupling two spins in a self-assembled quantum dot molecule.
Dan Gammon , Naval Research Laboratory.
Administration Bldg, Lecture Rm. A. (NIST Contact: Dave Holbrook, 301-975-5202, dave.holbrook@nist.gov)
Special Assistance Available


11:00 AM - MSEL SUSTAINABILITY SEMINAR SERIES: Aluminum Sustainability
John Green , Consultant, JASG Consulting.
223 Bldg, Rm. B307. (NIST Contact: Richard Ricker, 301-975-6023, richard.ricker@nist.gov)



4/24 -- FRIDAY

1:00 PM - MATHEMATICAL AND COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCES DIVISION SEMINAR: Advances in Coverage-based Test Suite Reduction
Scott McMaster , Univ. of Maryland, College Park, MD.
Administration Bldg, Lecture Rm. A. (NIST Contact: Raghu Kacker, 301-975-2109, raghu.kacker@nist.gov) http://math.nist.gov/mcsd/Seminars/2009/2009-04-24-McMaster.html



ADVANCE NOTICE

4/27/09 12:00 PM - OPTICAL TECHNOLOGY DIVISION SEMINAR: Spectrophotometry Workshop
The Spectrophotometry Workshop, sponsored by the Optical Technology Division at NIST, targets engineers, scientists, technicians, managers, or others involved in the design or use of optical instrumentation, optical testing, or physical sciences in which optical properties of materials are important. The format of the workshop includes lectures and closely-related laboratory exercises. The purpose of the workshop is to familiarize the students with the fundamentals of science and technology related to the accurate measurement of optical properties of materials. Upon completion of the workshop, the student should have a good understanding of the theory and practice of spectrophotometry using dispersive and Fourier-transform techniques, as well as optical scatterometry. Particular emphasis is placed on the evaluation of uncertainties in transmittance, reflectance, and Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) measurements. To register, go to http://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/confpage/090427.htm and follow the instructions.
Simon Kaplan , Physicist. David W. Allen, Thomas A. Germer, Leonard M. Hannsen, Maria E. Nadal, Eric L. Shirley, Howard W. Yoon
Metrology Building, Room B343. (NIST Contact: Simon Kaplan, 301-975-2336, simon.kaplan@nist.gov) http://physics.nist.gov/Divisions/Div844/spsc.html


4/29/09 10:30 AM - BIOCHEMICAL SCIENCE DIVISION SEMINAR: Instrumentation for a New Realm of Imaging Using Neutron Radiation
Neutrons are an effective radiation for investigating material properties and kinetic phenomenon. Neutron radiography leverages many attributes of the neutron to visualize properties that are otherwise hidden from visible, x-ray, or charged particle imaging. Of special note is the highly penetrating nature of neutrons through most high-Z materials regardless of electrical or chemical structure. Although hydrogenous structures and several other elements of interest produce strong contrast in imaging studies, substitution of different isotopes of hydrogen makes possible system dynamics studies. Quantitative distributions of hydrogen are determined in near real-time, even when the areas of study are concealed in massive environmental containment. However the progress and application of neutron radiography in the submicrometer dimensions has been prevented by limited spatial resolution from neutron detectors, inadequate by several orders of magnitude or more in some cases. Today the best neutron detector resolution for imaging is about 20 µm square and real-time position sensitive detectors are less capable to at 30 µm to 130 µm. In this talk a new detection system under development is described that could capture images with linear resolutions of less than 0.1 µm. Possible applications will be presented with discussion of ideas solicited from the audience on research from nanoparticles to health and energy for guidance on instrument construction.
Greg Downing , Analytical Chemistry Division, NCNR.
227 Bldg, Rm. A202. (NIST Contact: Jayne Morrow, 301-975-6722, jayne.morrow@nist.gov)


4/29/09 10:30 AM - CHEMICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY LABORATORY OFFICE SEMINAR: CSTL Colloquium: "Measuring the Microbial World"
"Measuring the Microbial World" The Human Genome Project provided a number of unanticipated benefits to the life sciences research community. For example, the cost of sequencing dropped precipitously, and sophisticated computational tools were developed to analyze large sequence data bases. Together, these two developments made it possible to extend genomic analysis to many organisms in addition to humans. No part of the living world was more affected by this new capability than the world of microbes. Woese's analysis of highly conserved genes by PCR had already revealed that microbes were much more diverse than previously imagined, but the ability to sequence the DNA of entire microbial communities––an approach called metagenomics––has made this diverse microbial world amenable to in-depth study for the first time. Two recent reports by the Board on Life Sciences at the National Academies highlighted some of the implications of this capability. The New Science of Metagenomics discusses the emergence of this new approach to microbial communities, and provides recommendations about measures federal agencies can take to ensure that the field reaches its full potential. Treating Infectious Diseases in a Microbial World discusses the role of microbial communities in human health and the possibility that better understanding of the human 'microbiome' could lead to more effective antimicrobial therapeutics.
Ann Reid , Sr. Program Office, NAS, Board on Life Sciences, Washington, DC.
Administration Bldg, Red Auditorium. (NIST Contact: Mike Amos, 301-975-8631, mamos@nist.gov)


4/30/09 10:30 AM - CNST NANOFABRICATION RESEARCH GROUP SEMINAR: Materials Challenges in Nanostructured ZnO-Conjugated Polymer Photovoltaic Devices
It has been widely recognized that increasing the sources of clean energy is absolutely critical for maintaining living standards while halting environmental degradation. Solar energy holds a great promise as a clean energy source, but current technologies are too expensive for wide usage. In addition to traditional semiconductor solar cells, organic photovoltaics (OPVs) have been targeted for inexpensive, lightweight applications, such as consumer electronics and field deployable sensors. A subset of OPVs, called hybrid solar cells, uses a wide bandgap oxide semiconductor as the electron acceptor. They take advantage of the environmental stability and high electron mobilities of metal oxide semiconductors, while largely retaining the solution-based processing available to organic semiconductor devices. In addition, the use of ordered nanostructures increases the area of the heterojunction, resulting in increased dissociation of photogenerated excitons and collection of charges. We focus on nanostructured ZnO – polythiophene (P3HT) heterojuctions. The challenges are to form oxide nanostructures with spacings that match the exciton diffusion length in conjugated polymers (~ 10 nm), to infiltrate high-molecular weight polymer in the dense oxide matrix, and to achieve efficient charge transfer at the heterojunction interface. In this talk, I will discuss progress made on each of the challenges and discuss future directions.
Julia W. P. Hsu , Sandia National Laboratories.
Bldg. 217, Rm. H107. (NIST Contact: Nikolai Zhitenev, 301-975-6039, nikolai.zhitenev@nist.gov)


5/1/09 10:30 AM - NIST COLLOQUIUM SERIES: Beyond Watson and Crick: DNA as a Building Material
Nearly 30 years ago, Ned Seeman proposed to use DNA as a set of programmable molecular tinkertoys. His goal was to create 3D latticeworks for protein crystallography and scaffolds for nanoelectronic devices. Today, such crystals have been achieved---and much more. We can now fold long strands of DNA, origami-like, into any desired 2D or 3D shape, and these 100 nm single molecules can be decorated with components at 5 nm resolution. How will we use these structures, turn them into functional devices, and integrate them with conventional microfabrication? Initial attempts to answer these questions will be discussed, including the precise positioning of DNA origami on silicon and the use of DNA origami to create a carbon nanotube field effect transistor.
Paul W.K. Rothemund , Computation and Neural Systems Department, California Institute of Technology.
Administration Building, Green Auditorium. (NIST Contact: Kum Ham, 301-975-4203, kham@nist.gov)
Special Assistance Available


5/20/09 1:30 PM - WORLD METROLOGY DAY: NIST Celebration - May 20th: Metrology Underpinning Economic Development
Join us for NIST's 3rd annual celebration of World Metrology Day. This year's theme is Metrology Underpinning Economic Development and will give us some insight into how our global economy is impacted by measurement. Topics: U.S. Metric Transition: Maximizing Opportunities and Reducing Barriers to Increase SI Use, Elizabeth J. Gentry (NIST) When is a Pound of Fish Only Fourteen Ounces?, Lisa Weddig (National Fisheries Institute) Reception and Poster Session to follow. NIST laboratories will have posters on display related to this year's theme in the Hall of States after the speaker session is finished.
Elizabeth Gentry , NIST Weights and Measures Division, Metric Program, Gaithersburg, MD. Lisa Weddig , Director, Regulatory and Technical Affairs, National Fisheries Institute, McLean, VA. 3rd Speaker, TBD
Administration Bldg, Red Auditorium. (NIST Contact: Belinda Collins, 301-975-4500, belinda.collins@nist.gov)


5/26/09 10:30 AM - CNST NANOFABRICATION RESEARCH GROUP SEMINAR: Vertical Molecular Transistors
We demonstrate a universal method in which a new type of nanometer-sized, ambipolar, vertical molecular transistor is fabricated in parallel fashion. This Central-Gate Molecular Vertical Transistor (C-Gate MolVeT) is fabricated by a combination of conventional micro-lithography techniques and self-assembly methods. Here we will show several examples which utilize this device to investigate transport phenomena on the molecular scale.
Shachar Richter , School of Chemistry and University Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology,Tel Aviv University,.
Bldg. 217, Rm H107. (NIST Contact: Nikolai Zhitenev, 301-975-6039, nikolai.zhitenev@nist.gov)



MEETINGS ELSEWHERE



4/20 -- MONDAY

11:00 AM - CARNEGIE INSTITUTION OF WASHINGTON/GEOPHYSICAL LAB. SEMINAR: A MULTI-FACETED APPROACH TO DESIGNING SOLAR ENERGY CAPTURE MATERIALS
A. Rappe , Univ. of Pennsylvania.
Bldg, Rm..
Greenewalt Bldg., GL-DTM Grounds, Carnegie Institution of Washington, DC. (NIST Contact: R Cohen, 202-478-8900, seminar@lists.ciw.edu)




4/21 -- TUESDAY

No Scheduled Events

4/22 -- WEDNESDAY

No Scheduled Events

4/23 -- THURSDAY

No Scheduled Events

4/24 -- FRIDAY

No Scheduled Events

ADVANCE NOTICE

No Scheduled Events

TALKS BY NIST PERSONNEL


LOTT, A. : FAST SOLVERS FOR MODELS OF FLUID FLOW.
Mathematical Assoc. of America MD-DC-VA Section Spring Meeting, Fredericksburg, VA, 4/18.

GADZUK, J. : TED MADEY: BOY SCOUT, SCIENTIST SUPERB, SHREWD OPERATOR, OR ALL OF THE ABOVE?.
DIET XII Workshop, Pine Mountain, GA, USA, 4/19.

GADZUK, J. : ON THE ROLE OF DIMET-LIKE PROCESSES IN STM-INDUCED ATOM MOTION ON SURFACES.
DIET XII Workshop, Pine Mountain, GA, USA, 4/21.

DUNKERS, J. : RESPONSE OF VASCULAR SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS UNDER MECHANICAL DEFORMATION USING SILANE-LINKED LAMININ.
Society for Biomaterials Meeting, San Antonio, TX, 4/22.

WIGHT, S. : MODELING ELECTRON BEAM SCATTERING INTO NEIGHBORING PARTICLES..
Microbeam Analysis Society, Microanalysis of Particles 2009 Conference, Westmont, IL, 4/22.

MARBUKH, V. : FROM NETWORK MICROECONOMICS TO NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE EMERGENCE.
The 28th Conference on Computer Communications (IEEE INFOCOM 2009), Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, 4/22.

SIMON, C. : COMBINATION METHOD FOR SCREENING THE EFFECT OF NANOFIBER SCAFFOLD COMPOSITION ON CELL RESPONSE..
Society for Biomaterials Meeting, San Antonio, TX, 4/23.

VORBURGER, T. : ISO STANDARDS UPDATE.
American Society of Mechanical Engineers Seminar on Surface Quality, Detroit, Michigan, USA, 4/24.

RITCHIE, N. : USING DTSA-II TO SIMULATE AND INTERPRET ENERGY DISPERSIVE SPECTRA FROM PARTICLES.
Microbeam Analysis Society, Microanalysis of Particles 2009 Conference, McCrone Associates, Westmont, IL, 5/21.

ANDERSON, I. : NANOPARTICLE CHARACTERIZATION BY ANALYTICAL ELECTRON MICROSCOPY.
Microbeam Analysis Society, Microanalysis of Particles 2009 Conference, McCrone Associates, Westmont, IL, 5/21.



ANNOUNCEMENTS


SAVE THE DATE! NCSCI'S STANDARDS INFORMATION DAY AND OPEN HOUSE, THURSDAY, MAY 14!
Do you know the standard test method that concludes "First, don't use a frozen chicken!"? Come and find out -- but even better, if you use standards in your work, need research assistance for standards, access to standards, or support in your standards committee work, visit NCSCI and learn all about our standards services. There will also be Refreshments, Prizes, and more Fun than usual! NCSCI Bldg. 222, Room B107 10 a.m. – Noon http://www.nist.gov/ncsci/ Please note: Non-NIST guests must make prior arrangements to attend. Please call 301-975-4040 or email ncsci@nist.gov. Thank you. NCSCI is your source for standards information at NIST!
NIST Contact: Aubrey Covey, 301-975-6055, aubrey@nist.gov


VISITOR REGISTRATION FOR NIST EVENTS
Because of heightened security at the NIST Gaithersburg site, members of the public who wish to attend meetings, seminars, lectures, etc. must first register in advance. For more information please call or e-mail the "NIST Contact" for the particular event you would like to attend.
NIST Contact: . ., ., .


PUBLICATIONS PRINTING DEADLINE AUGUST 14, 2009
August 14 is the last day in FY 2009 to submit materials using FY 2009 funds to the Electronic Information and Publications Group (EIPG) for printing at the Department of Commerce or Government Printing Office. To assure timely processing, bring your Editorial Review Board-approved document or administrative printing job and appropriate paperwork to the EIPG office by close of business on Friday, August 14, 2009. The office is located on the mezzanine floor of the NIST Research Library in the Administration Building, Room E220. Questions? Ilse Putman, x2780 or Barbara Silcox, x2146.
NIST Contact: Ilse Putman, 301-975-2780, ilse.putman@nist.gov




NIST WEB SITE ANNOUNCEMENTS


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NIST Contact: nancy allmang, 301-975-4189, nancy.allmang@nist.gov



For more information, contact Ms. Sharon Hallman, Editor, Stop 2500, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg MD 20899-2500; Telephone: 301-975-TCAL (3570); Fax: 301-926-4431; or Email: tcal@nist.gov.

All lectures and meetings are open unless otherwise stated.

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