NIST Technicalendar June 15 to June 19, 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.

In this Issue: Meetings at NIST Meetings Elsewhere Announcements Talks by NIST Personnel NIST Web Site Announcements NIST Administrative Calendar (current)   NIST Vacancy Announcements (current)

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No Scheduled Events

10:30 AM - Anisotropic Plasma Etching of Si/SiGe Heterostructures and Induced Sidewall Damage
10:30 AM - Metallurgy Division Seminar
1:30 PM - SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF DINITROPHENYL FUNCTIONALIZED CONDUCTIVE POLYMERS CAPABLE OF BIOSPECIFIC BINDING

10:30 AM - Establishing Quality for Bioassays

1:30 AM - Singlet-triplet qubits in silicon quantum dots
10:30 AM - APPLYING NANOTRIBOLOGY TO MICRO AND NANOMECHANICAL DEVICES

10:30 AM - DNA-Carbon Nanotube Interaction: Fundamentals and Applications
2:30 PM - PL Introduction to NIST's Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology and the NanoFab

6/15 -- MONDAY

No Scheduled Events

6/16 -- TUESDAY

10:30 AM - ATOMIC PHYSICS DIVISION SEMINAR: Anisotropic Plasma Etching of Si/SiGe Heterostructures and Induced Sidewall Damage
Ruhang Ding , Spansion.
Physics Building, Room B145. (NIST Contact: Neil Zimmerman, 301-975-5887, neil.zimmerman@nist.gov)

10:30 AM - METALLURGY DIVISION SEMINAR: Metallurgy Division Seminar
Matt Tucker , Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS, mtucker@cavs.msstate.edu.
223 Bldg, Rm. B351. (NIST Contact: Steven Mates, 301-975-8114, smates@nist.gov)

1:30 PM - POLYMERS DIVISION SEMINAR: SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF DINITROPHENYL FUNCTIONALIZED CONDUCTIVE POLYMERS CAPABLE OF BIOSPECIFIC BINDING
A series of DNP (2,4-dinitrophenyl)functionalized polypyrrole polymers that are specific to antibodies and immune receptors on cell have been synthesized and characterized (See Figure). This is a terpolymer composed of three monomers; monomer 1 (M1, pyrrole), macromonomer 2 (M2, pyrrole with pendant ethylene glycol) and macromonomer 3 (M3, pyrrole with pendant DNP). These polymers are expected to be useful for controlling receptor binding and cell activation, and with eventual application in biosensors. Conductivity measurement indicate that the terpolymers are conductive, without adding external doping agents conductivity values of 5 x 10-6 S cm-1 (at 25 oC) were obtained. Binding studies with anti-DNP IgE studies are promising, fraction of binding sites occupied vs. concentration indicates specific and efficient binding at nanomolar concentration. Therefore, DNP functionalized polypyrrole are excellent materials for preparing nanowires in biosensors for detecting biomarkers. We have also determined that these polymers are biocompatible. Nanowires are currently being fabricated using the functionalized conductive polymers. In addition to synthesis and characterization, the thermal properties of the functional polymers will be discussed with regards to the fabrication of nanowires for biosensing applications.
Darkeyah Reuven , Post Doctorate - Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA, darkeyah@hotmail.com.
224 Bldg, Rm. A312. (NIST Contact: Kalman Migler, 301-975-4876, kalman.migler@nist.gov)


6/17 -- WEDNESDAY

10:30 AM - BIOCHEMICAL SCIENCE DIVISION SEMINAR: Establishing Quality for Bioassays
The objectives of clinical trials are to evaluate the safety and ultimately the efficacy of experimental candidate therapeutic products. Correlative studies are a primary mechanism through which insights can be obtained about the biological effects and efficacy of novel therapeutics. Consequently, how we perform correlative studies is critical for the effective development and evaluation of clinical trials. Because safety is the primary focus of early stage clinical trials in particular, the vast majority of such trials are not statistically powered to demonstrate efficacy. However, since approval of candidate therapeutics is dependent on demonstration of efficacy, insights on potential efficacy and biological effects of the treatment during the early stages of a clinical trial are important to appropriately guide further clinical development of candidate molecules. Particularly with novel therapeutics it is also reasonable to expect that candidate therapeutic products may result in un-anticipated positive and/or negative biological effects that will be important to both address and integrate into later stage trials. In the context of the above statements, two questions frame the development of correlative studies to support early-stage clinical trials: (i) was there any observed correlation with presumed biological surrogates of efficacy? (ii) did the treatment regimen have a desired and/or expected biologic effect and, equally important, were there other unanticipated biological effects (desirable/non desirable) of the treatment? Clinical correlative studies have typically followed the scientific principle of hypothesis based experimentation based on specifically defined and testable hypotheses. A critical issue to consider is that because clinical trial-based research is performed in the context of patient biology, our ability to define and implement the most appropriate correlative assays to evaluate candidate therapeutic agents is compromised by our lack of a comprehensive understanding of how the therapeutic agents are impacting patients. Consequently, two fundamental concepts are apparent: (i). Clinical correlative studies need to be designed so that they provide the broadest possible amount of information about the biological effects of the therapy under evaluation. (ii). Clinical correlative studies need to be performed under objective and documentable standards of quality. In this presentation we will discuss current platforms, methodologies, and applications to perform broadly encompassing correlative assays, as well as practical approaches for incorporating and implementing a quality-based infrastructure into clinical correlative laboratories.
Michael Kalos, Ph.D. , Director, Translational and Correlative Studies Laboratory, Univ of Penn School of Medicine.
Bldg 227, Rm. A202. (NIST Contact: Anne Plant, 301-975-3124, tree@nist.gov)


6/18 -- THURSDAY

1:30 AM - ATOMIC PHYSICS DIVISION SEMINAR: Singlet-triplet qubits in silicon quantum dots
Dimitrie Culcer , Department of Physics, University of Maryland.
217 Bldg, Rm. H107. (NIST Contact: Ted Thorbeck, 301-975-4270, tedt@nist.gov)

10:30 AM - CNST ELECTRON PHYSICS GROUP SEMINAR: APPLYING NANOTRIBOLOGY TO MICRO AND NANOMECHANICAL DEVICES
The reduced length scale of contacts in micro- and nano-electromechanical systems (M/NEMS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based applications leads to tremendous increases in contact stresses, adhesive interactions, friction, tribochemical reactions, and wear. These phenomena are yet to be well-understood or controlled, creating a critical scientific challenge for the development and commercialization of these micro- and nano-technologies. I will discuss specific applications where these factors are critical, including nanomanufacturing, nanomechanical data storage, and MEMS and NEMS switches. I will then discuss experimental methodologies for measuring and understanding nanoscale tribology through combinations of AFM, other microscopies, and surface spectroscopic techniques. I will then highlight recent measurements that demonstrate how nanotribological phenomena are related to surface atomic bonding and environmental conditions. Particular emphasis will be placed on how the use of materials with excellent macroscopic tribo-mechanical properties, including diamond and diamond-like films, can provide dramatic improvements compared with silicon-based materials which are more commonly used in nanoscale applications currently.
Robert Carpick , Director, The Nanotechnology Institute, University of Pennsylvania.
Bldg.217, Rm.H107. (NIST Contact: Rachel Cannara, 301-975-4258, rachel.cannara@nist.gov)


6/19 -- FRIDAY

10:30 AM - POLYMERS DIVISION SEMINAR: DNA-Carbon Nanotube Interaction: Fundamentals and Applications
DNA is the material that Nature has selected for carrying genetic information in all living cells. Its central role in biology and its unique physical-chemical properties have been the constant source of motivation for investigation by different disciplines. Carbon nanotube (CNT) is a relatively new man-made material with beautiful atomic and fascinating electronic structures. It has potential for many technological applications. A few years ago, we identified a strong interaction between DNA and CNT that is dependent on both the DNA sequence and the CNT structure. This finding has prompted not only theoretical exploration of the nature of the interaction, but also technological exploitation of the interaction in areas ranging from electronic devices to rapid DNA sequencing. In this talk, I will show the use of DNA as a powerful molecular tool to solve a recalcitrant problem in the CNT field - separation of a synthetic mixture of single wall CNTs into pure chirality species, and discuss new insight into DNA structural properties derived from the DNA-CNT hybrids.
Ming Zheng , Principal Investigator at DuPont Central Research and Development-Experimental Station, Wilmington, DE, ming.zhenng@usa.dupont.com.
224 Bldg, Rm. A312. (NIST Contact: Kalman Migler, 301-975-6771, kalman.migler@nist.gov)

2:30 PM - CNST OUTREACH SERIES: PL Introduction to NIST's Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology and the NanoFab
This meeting with the Physics Laboratory is part of a series of presentations to introduce the staff to NIST's newest operating unit, the Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology (CNST). An overview of the CNST will be presented which will provide a brief description of CNST's structure, which consists of both a research program and the NanoFab, a shared-use nanofabrication and nanoscale measurement facility. A strong bias toward collaborative work being among CNST's prime attributes, the overview will describe how NIST staff can go about collaborating with scientists in the research program or make use of the NanoFab. The NanoFab, which provides economical access to a wide variety of advanced lithography and microscopy tools, will be described. Examples of recent nanofabrication projects will be used to illustrate our capabilities. Finally, the process for becoming a NanoFab user or having a nanostructure made or measured for you will be outlined. The laboratory by laboratory series of presentations has been designed to allow significant time to answer questions and tours will be arranged.
Robert Celotta, , Alex Liddle, and Vincent Luciani.
Bldg. 215, Rm. C103. (NIST Contact: Lloyd Whitman, 301-975-8002, lloyd.whitman@nist.gov)


ADVANCE NOTICE

6/22/09 10:30 AM - ATOMIC PHYSICS DIVISION SEMINAR: Circuit Architectures for Beyond CMOS Electronic Devices: Learning From Biological Systems to Create Robust Electron Systems
Nano-electronic devices are viewed as promising building blocks for the next generation of so-called Beyond CMOS LSIs. The Beyond CMOS devices include single-electron devices, which operate by regulating the flow of single or a few electrons and are viewed as promising devices for ultra-low power electronic systems. In spite of these inherent advantages, however, single-electron devices suffer from high fabrication mismatches (i.e. variance in physical parameters of fabricated devices), and also have low tolerance to internal and external noises. This research is focused on establishing ways to utilize (and not eradicate) the above setbacks toward creating new circuit architectures for nano-electronic devices.
Andrew Kikombo, PhD Student , Hokkaido University & Research Fellow of Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.
Physics Building, Room B145. (NIST Contact: Neil Zimmerman, 301-975-5887, neil.zimmerman@nist.gov)

6/22/09 10:30 AM - CNST ELECTRON PHYSICS GROUP SEMINAR: CATALYTIC CVD GROWTH OF CARBON NANOTUBES AND THEIR APPLICATION AS CHEMICAL SENSORS
Carbon based materials come in a variety of different forms that depend on how their atoms link together, such as zero-dimensional fullerenes, one-dimensional nanotubes, two-dimensional (2-D) graphene and three-dimensional (3-D) graphite. The properties of these carbon based materials can be tailored by irradiation and chemical functionalization to use them for various applications. In recent years, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been a subject of increased interest especially because of their exceptional thermal, electrical and mechanical properties which far exceed those of most bulk materials. However inspite of considerable progress in the synthesis of CNTs there still exist significant challenges like production of nanotube materials with controlled diameter, length, orientation, location and microstructure. Thus there is a need to understand the growth mechanisms of both multiwalled and singlewalled carbon nanotubes in order to synthesize them in a controlled manner. The high electrical conductivity and surface area of CNTs is motivating their application as chemical sensors. We present here a systematic study of molecular adsorption on SWNTs by measurements of the conductivity response of single walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) arrays to trace vapors for a range of linear chain and aromatic molecules. Ab initio calculations were performed with density functional theory methods to investigate the molecular adsorption of these molecules on SWNTs. Both conductance measurements and Ab initio calculations show that the adsorption energies of linear alkane, alcohol and ketone molecules increase linearly with the length of the molecule. These results indicate that the initial adsorption and conductivity response occurs with molecules predominantly lying flat on the defect-free nanotube side walls and the long time response is dominated by adsorption at defects. The difference in the conductivity responses for polar and non polar adsorbates is attributed to changes in scattering due to adsorbates. Further experiments with random arrays of carbon nanotubes reveal a strong conductivity response after exposure to aromatic molecules containing nitro functional groups, such as nitrobenzene and trinitrotoluene. Ab initio calculations also show a strong increase in adsorption energy with the addition of each nitro group to a molecule (around 100 meV) and a gradual increase with nanotube size, in agreement with preliminary experimental results. Finally, these calculations are compared with results for the adsorption at oxidation defects.
Navdeep Bajwa , Postdoctoral Fellow, The US Naval Research Laboratory.
Bldg.217, Rm.H107. (NIST Contact: Rachel Cannara, 301-975-4258, rachel.cannara@nist.gov)

6/26/09 11:00 AM - CNST ELECTRON PHYSICS GROUP SEMINAR: NANOSCALE TEMPERATURE RISE AND MELTING AT A RUBBING INTERFACE
Temperature rise, and the associated effects of softening and/or melting, of a sliding asperity contact impacts a broad range of fundamental and applied topics--from nano- and micro-electromechanical systems to frictional behavior at geological faults. Despite great importance, however, a fundamental understanding of the interfacial and chemical processes that occur in such contacts is lacking. By utilizing the unique capabilities of a combined scanning tunneling microscope and quartz crystal microbalance, the velocity dependent morphology of a single asperity contact is able to be probed. The results give intriguing evidence for a velocity dependent transition from a solid interface to a liquid-like interface, the first such observation for a sliding asperity contact.
Benjamin Dawson , Ph.D. Candidate, North Carolina State University.
Bldg.217, Rm.H107. (NIST Contact: Rachel Cannara, 301-975-4258, rachel.cannara@nist.gov)

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MEETINGS ELSEWHERE


6/15 -- MONDAY

11:00 AM - CARNEGIE INSTITUTION OF WASHINGTON/GEOPHYSICAL LAB. SEMINAR: HOW STABLE ISOTOPE STUDIES ON THE DIETS OF MUMMIES STRESSED OUT THE CORN REFINERS ASSOCIATION
S. Macko , National Science Foundation & University of Virginia, Charlottsville.
Bldg, Rm..
Greenewalt Bldg., GL-DTM Grounds, Carnegie Institution of Washington, DC. (NIST Contact: M. Fogel, 202-478-8900, seminar@lists.ciw.edu)



6/16 -- TUESDAY

No Scheduled Events

6/17 -- WEDNESDAY

No Scheduled Events

6/18 -- THURSDAY

No Scheduled Events

6/19 -- FRIDAY

No Scheduled Events

ADVANCE NOTICE

No Scheduled Events

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TALKS BY NIST PERSONNEL

VERKOUTEREN, R. : METROLOGY AND STANDARDS FOR TRACE EXPLOSIVES SAMPLING AND DETECTION.
Detecting of Illicit Substance: Explosives and Drugs Conference, Les Diablerets, Switzerland, 6/15.

HUNT, F. : THE DYNAMICS OF A MODEL OF A COMPUTER PROTOCOL.
25th Mathematical Problems in Industry Workshop, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 6/16.

CONNY, J. : USING FOCUSED ION-BEAM MILLING AND X-RAY MICROANALYSIS IN THE SEM TO ASSESS THE INTERNAL STRUCTURE AND COMPOSITION OF CLIMATICALLY-RELEVANT ATMOSPHERIC PARTICLES.
Electron Microscopy & Microanalysis Workshop: Problem solving in the Nanotechnology World, Comfort Inn Conference Center, Monroeville, PA, 6/17.

SANSONETTI, C. : ATOMIC EMISSION SOURCES FOR PREPARING FOR FUTURE ELT INSTRUMENTS: PRECISION WAVELENGTH CALIBRATIONS.
., Uppsala,Sweden, 6/17.

GILLEN, G. : ADVANCED MICROSCOPIC APPROACHES TO ADDRESS FUNDAMENTAL QUESTIONS IN SAMPLING OF TRACE EXPLOSIVES AND NARCOTICS.
Detecting Illicit Substances: Explosives and Drugs Conference, Les Diablerets, Switzerland, 6/18.

FLETCHER, R. : MICROSPHERE TEST PARTICLES FOR FIELD VERIFICATION OF SAMPLING AND DETECTION.
Detecting of Illicit Substance: Explosives and Drugs Conference, Les Diablerets, Switzerland, 6/18.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

PROCESS MEASUREMENTS DIVISION SEMINAR
Title: Multi-signal sedimentation velocity for the study of dynamic multi-protein complexes Abstract: The classical technique of sedimentation velocity analytical ultracentrifugation has re-emerged as a powerful technique for the study of protein interactions. In the last decade, modern instrumentation and computational approaches have allowed us to fully exploit the rich information content of sedimentation boundaries in mixtures of chemically reacting macromolecules. We will review the theory and application of the recently developed multi-signal technique for multi-component, diffusion deconvoluted sedimentation coefficient distributions, which is particularly well suited for studying multi-protein complexes formed by reversible association of three or more protein components. We will also discuss an effective particle model for the time-average state of sedimenting reacting system.
NIST Contact: Michael Tarlov, 301-975-2058, mtarlov@nist.gov

2009 RAC COLLOQUIUM SERIES: WHAT'S SO SMART ABOUT THE SMART GRID
Gaithersburg: June 18, 2009, 3:30 pm, Green Auditorium Boulder: July 23, 2009, 9:30 am, Boulder Auditorium David Wollman, Electronics and Electrical Engineering Laboratory By upgrading our existing electric power grid with two-way communications and advanced sensors, monitoring and control, the resulting Smart Grid will support increased use of renewable energy sources, allow more efficient and effective use of electricity, and reduce the potential for blackouts and power disturbances. In the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, NIST is charged with "primary responsibility to coordinate the development of a framework that includes protocols and model standards for information management to achieve interoperability of smart grid devices and systems...". This talk will help to explain what makes the Smart Grid unique, and why this topic is of great interest in the U.S. and around the world. NIST's Smart Grid efforts will be presented within the context of numerous challenges, including significant national visibility, bringing together multiple stakeholders with varying goals and objectives, and developing a standards roadmap to organize and accelerate standards development in the private sector to support and enable new Smart Grid technologies.
NIST Contact: Ajit Jillavenkatesa, 301-975-5089, ajit.jilla@nist.gov

S.T.E.M. TALENT 2009: CONFERENCE AND CAREER FAIR FOR POSTDOCS IN THE CAPITAL REGION
NIST is once again a sponsoring organization of this year's Postdoctoral event, "S.T.E.M. Talent 2009: Conference and Career Fair for Postdocs in the Capital Region". The event will take place on Wednesday, July 22, 2009, from 8:30 am – 3:30pm at the Montgomery County Conference Center, 5701 Marinelli Drive, Bethesda. The goals of the event are to: - connect qualified postdoctoral fellows with companies and organizations that have appropriate openings - provide postdocs with the advice and resources needed to secure a non-academic position - support Washington area businesses by building awareness of the postdoctoral resource - provide a benefit to participating organizations that they can cite in recruiting postdocs - provide a model of inter-organization collaboration - develop long-term relationships between federal laboratories and Washington area businesses and organizations We expect 400 – 500 job-seeking postdocs to participate in this year's career fair along with 30-40 hiring organizations. For additional information, please visit the web site at http://postdoc-conference.ncet2backoffice.org/ The Office of Technology Partnerships and the Office of International and Academic Affairs will be hosting a NIST booth in the Career Fair portion of the event. This is an excellent opportunity to provide information on your laboratory and position openings over the next six months to the best scientific talent in the area. Please contact Susan Heller-Zeisler (szeisler@nist.gov) or Terry Lynch (terry.lynch@nist.gov) with any information or position descriptions you would like to have disseminated. Of course, this is also a great opportunity for NIST post docs to meet with top employers in the area and we would appreciate you making them aware of the event and providing an opportunity to attend.
NIST Contact: Susan Heller-Zeisler, 301-975-3111, szeisler@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

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NIST WEB SITE ANNOUNCEMENTS

No Web Site announcements this week.

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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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