NIST Technicalendar June 30 to July 4, 2003 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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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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10:30 AM - A Broadband Dielectric Study of the Dynamics of Polymer Blends with Intermolecular Hydrogen Bonding
3:00 PM - Facetting Transitions in Ceramics and Metals
3:00 PM - Statistical physics of cold bosons: part 1

10:30 AM - Towards the Development of a Theory of Reaction Rates for Large Molecules
3:00 PM - Statistical physics of cold bosons: part 2

10:00 AM - INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS DIVISION SEMINAR: A Framework for Planning with Incrementally Created Graphs in Attributed Problem Spaces

3:30 PM - Bullet Metrology for Crime Scene Investigation

No Scheduled Events

6/30 -- MONDAY

10:30 AM - POLYMERS DIVISION SEMINAR: A Broadband Dielectric Study of the Dynamics of Polymer Blends with Intermolecular Hydrogen Bonding
The correlation between a single differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) Tg and a single dielectric (DS) or mechanical (DMA) segmental relaxation process in miscible polymer blends has been questioned by recent studies on blends with very large difference in components’ Tg’s (DTg) and with weak intermolecular interactions. In order to examine the effects of intermolecular hydrogen bonding on blends’ dynamics, we studied the blends of poly(hydroxystyrene) [PHS = poly(4-vinylphenol), PVPh] with PVME, poly(vinyl ethyl ether), and several other polymers with proton-acceptor functionality, with broadband dielectric spectroscopy. We found that strong intermolecular interactions are capable of coupling components’ segmental relaxations in blends with appropriate PHS concentrations. On the other hand, dynamic heterogeneity is observed in blends with low (~ 20%) or high (³ 60%) PHS concentrations and is rationalized by considering the stoichiometry for hydrogen bonding. We also found that the intermolecular hydrogen bonding is able to damp concentration fluctuations.
Shihai Zhang , Research Associate / Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA.
Polymers Bldg, Rm. A312. (NIST Contact: Eric Lin, 301-975-6743, eric.lin@nist.gov)

3:00 PM - METALLURGY DIVISION SEMINAR: Facetting Transitions in Ceramics and Metals
At low temperatures, the equilibrium (Wulff) shapes of crystalline grains in fluid or embedded in other grains of different orientations are polyhedral with flat singular interfaces corresponding to the cusps in the polar (Wulff) plots of the interface energy against the interface normal. The interfaces in polycrystals often have hill-and-valley shapes with singular segments. Because the singular interfaces move by nucleation of steps or on existing steps produced by such defects as screw dislocations, their velocity varies non-linearly with the driving force. Then the grains in polycrystals grow abnormally with some grains growing to very large sizes. At high temperatures or with some additives, these crystal interfaces undergo roughening transitions and become curved. Because the rate of their movement is determined by the rate of atomic jump across them, their velocity varies linearly with the driving force. Then normal grain growth occurs in polycrystals with relatively narrow and invariant grain size distributions. The interface roughening transitions and their effect on grain growth have been observed in NbC-Fe, alumina (with SiO2, CaO, and MgO), TiO2-excess BaTiO3, Cu, Ni, Ag, 316L stainless steel, Si-steel, and a Ni-base superalloy. While the theories and observations of the roughening transition of crystal surface (the crystal-vapor interface) are fairly complete, the roughening of grain boundaries needs further investigation. If grain boundary roughening occurs generally, it will be critical for other properties such as grain boundary sliding, diffusion, and precipitation.
Duk Yong Yoon , Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Taejon, Korea.
Materials Building, Rm. A366. (NIST Contact: Steve Ridder, 301-975-6175, stephen.ridder@nist.gov)

3:00 PM - NANOKELVIN SCIENCE SEMINAR: Statistical physics of cold bosons: part 1
Kazimierz Rzazewski , Center for Theoretical Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.
Radiation Physics Bldg, Rm. B105. (NIST Contact: Charles Clark, 301-975-3709, charles.clark@nist.gov)


7/1 -- TUESDAY

10:30 AM - BUILDING AND FIRE RESEARCH LABORATORY SEMINAR: Towards the Development of a Theory of Reaction Rates for Large Molecules
Marc Nyden , Research Chemist/NIST.
Polymer (B224) Bldg, Rm. B245. (NIST Contact: Marc Nyden, 301-975-6692, marc.nyden@nist.gov)

3:00 PM - NANOKELVIN SCIENCE SEMINAR: Statistical physics of cold bosons: part 2
Kazimierz Rzazewski , Center for Theoretical Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw.
Radiation Physics Bldg, Rm. B105. (NIST Contact: Charles Clark, 301-975-3709, charles.clark@nist.gov)


7/2 -- WEDNESDAY

10:00 AM - INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS DIVISION SEMINAR: INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS DIVISION SEMINAR: A Framework for Planning with Incrementally Created Graphs in Attributed Problem Spaces
In this talk, a framework for parallel planning agents is developed and applied to planning problems ranging from domain independent planning to planning for autonomous vehicle systems. This general-purpose framework combines both logic-based and cost-based planning approaches in order to allow for the creation of logic-constrained, cost optimal plans with respect to possibly dynamic environments, user objectives, and constraints while providing the ability to construct “any-time” plans in partitioned problem spaces. Experiments are performed in rule-based and cost-based planning domains with examples from the literature such as the towers of Hanoi, and domain independent planning as well as current state-of-the-art real-time autonomous vehicle applications such as on- and off-road driving. These experimental results show that this incremental technique produces smaller planning graphs with higher quality planning results than standard graph-based planning techniques. These improvements are the result of the incremental graph construction approach and the application of hard and soft constraints that are also shown to elicit a variety of different driving behaviors in the autonomous vehicle domain and different problem solving approaches in the towers of Hanoi domain.
Stephen Balakirsky , Electronics Engineer, NIST.
Shops Building 304, Conference Rm. B126. (NIST Contact: Stephen Balakirsky, 301-975-4791, stephen@nist.gov)


7/3 -- THURSDAY

3:30 PM - SURF SUMMER SEMINAR SERIES: Bullet Metrology for Crime Scene Investigation
Bullets and casings, when fired or ejected from guns, pick up characteristic surface markings that are unique to the weapon. By analyzing these signatures, firearms examiners can connect a particular firearm to criminal acts. Automated optical inspection systems linked to large databases greatly aid these ballistics investigations by performing the tedious job of down-selecting the likely candidate matches for the examiners to inspect manually. We have developed standard bullets and prototype standard casings to help verify that these optical systems are operating properly. We will first describe case studies showing the successful use of the optical inspection systems to solve violent crimes in several U.S. cities and then describe the standard bullets and casings, how they are manufactured, and their intended use.
Ted Vorburger , Manufacturing Enginering Laboratory, Precision Engineering Division, tvorburger@nist.gov.
Administration Bldg, Green Auditorium. (NIST Contact: Ted Vorburger, 301-975-3493, tvorburger@nist.gov)
Special Assistance Available: Contact A. Sweigert in advance


7/4 -- FRIDAY

No Scheduled Events

ADVANCE NOTICE

7/17/03 9:00 AM - STATISTICAL ENGINEERING DIVISION SEMINAR: Statistical Engineering Division Workshop "Functional Data Analysis"
Functional data analysis (FDA) is used to analyze data representing functions of a continuous independent variable. This workshop has six three-hour (LR E/E/D/E/E/D)sessions: (1) spline smoothing, (2) function registration, (3) functional principal components analysis, (4) linear models, (5) replcate functional measurements, and (6) use of derivatives. The mathematical and statistical basis of FDA, general methods, and use of the statistical package R will be presented in the context of NIST dats sets. A set of notes will be provided for the class, and a text book. The workshop text is Functional Data Analysis by J. O. Ramsay and B. W. Silverman (New York: Springer-Verlag, 1997). Send e-mail to the instructor for a sample application of FDA. FOR FURTHER INFO: contact Sandra Heydemann, x3032; sandra.heydemann@nist.gov OR Walter Liggett, x2851; walter.liggett@nist.gov OR register on-line at http://www-i.nist.gov/cgi-bin/training.cgi CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED TO 40. REGISTRATION FEE IS $100.
Walter Liggett , Mathematical Statistician, Statistical Engineering Division, NIST.
Administration Bldg, Lecture Rm. E. (NIST Contact: Walter Liggett, 301-975-2851, walter.liggett@nist.gov)

7/17/03 11:00 AM - TECHNOLOGY SERVICES SEMINAR: Who Knows NIST?
NIST alumni and current staff members are invited to attend the next Quarterly Meeting of the Standards Alumni Association (SAA), to be held on Thursday, July 17, 2003, in Lecture Room B, Administration Building. The Guest Speaker will be Matt Heyman, Chief of the Public and Business Affairs Division; he will address the perennial question: "Who Knows NIST?" Although NIST is more than ever in the news with regard to homeland security, nanotechnology, and disaster investigations, many people don't know who we are and what we do. Matt will discuss the communications challenge, perhaps leading to NIST becoming a household name. Lisa Greenhouse, NIST Historian, will conduct a tour of the Archives collection after lunch. Please note that attendees without NIST badges must be registered on the guest list and have valid ID, and should allow extra time for security checks at the Main Gate. For further information about the SAA, please call the SAA office at Ext 2486, or Reeves Tilley at (301) 762-7186. David Lide is the SAA President and Walter Leight is the NIST/SAA Liaison. All past and present members of the NBS/NIST staff are encouraged to join the SAA (annual dues are $15) and to "spread the word." (Names and addresses may be sent to Room A42 Admin; email address: alumni@nist.gov). More than 400 past and present members of the NBS/NIST staff, research associates, and guest workers now belong to SAA. The Association conducts activities in information transfer through volunteer services, educational seminars, science fairs, and science talent searches; has been a source of information for the NIST history project and the Centennial Celebrations in 2001; and continues to facilitate solutions of problems related to the NIST mission.
Matthew Heyman , Chief, NIST Public and Business Affairs Office, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD.
Administration Building, Lecture Room B. (NIST Contact: SAA Office, 301-975-2486, alumni@nist.gov)

7/28/03 2:00 PM - ELECTRICITY DIVISION SEMINAR: Undergraduate Education at the NSF: Lessons, Innovations, Directions
Ted has been teaching for over 15 years and worked at NIST in 1991 on a sabbatical with Bill Phillips’ group at NIST. Although in real life, Ted Hodapp is the chair of the Physics Department at Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota, he is spending two years as a Program Director in the Division of Undergraduate Education at the National Science Foundation here in DC. He will talk from a personal perspective about undergraduate science education today: (1) What issues are facing undergraduate education?*** (2) How can we help address those issues in the science community?*** (3) What directions is the NSF pursuing to address these issues?
Ted Hodapp , National Science Foundation.
Administration Building, Lecture Room A. (NIST Contact: Neil Zimmerman, 301-975-5887, neil.zimmerman@nist.gov)

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MEETINGS ELSEWHERE


6/30 -- MONDAY

No Scheduled Events

7/1 -- TUESDAY

No Scheduled Events

7/2 -- WEDNESDAY

No Scheduled Events

7/3 -- THURSDAY

No Scheduled Events

7/4 -- FRIDAY

No Scheduled Events

ADVANCE NOTICE

7/10/03 11:00 AM - ELECTROSPRAY WINGS FOR MOLECULAR ELEPHANTS
Professor John Fenn , ..
Bldg, Rm. .
Virginia Commonwealth University, Arlington, VA. (NIST Contact: Beverly Harris, 703-696-5419, harrisb@onr.navy.mil)

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TALKS BY NIST PERSONNEL

POLK, B. : HYBRID ELECTROCHEMICAL FABRICATION OF SOLID-STATE NANOPORES.
Middle Atlantic Regional Meeting of the American Chemical Society, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA, 6/9.

CLARK, C. : EXCITING SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING JOBS IN PUBLIC SERVICE.
Presidential Classroom: The Science, Technology and Public Policy Program, Georgetown University Conference Center, Washington, DC, 6/24.

WILLIAMS, E. : THE ROLE OF SUPERCONDUCTORS IN THE WATT EXPERIMENT.
Watt Balance Technical Meeting, Bureau National de Metrologie, Paris, France, 7/1.

BUR, A. : A MULTI-FUNCTIONAL DIELECTRIC SLIT DIE FOR MONITORING POLYMER PROCESSING.
International Polymer Processing Engineering Meeting, Bradford, UK, 7/1.

SHIRLEY, E. : SELF-ENERGY EFFECTS IN SOLIDS: LIFETIME AND BANDWIDTH EFFECTS, AND OPEN QUESTIONS.
9th International Conf. on Electron Spectroscopy and Structure (ICESS), Uppsala, Sweden, 7/1.

WALLS, H. : CHITOSAN HYDROGELS: CROSSLINK KINETICS AND GEL PROPERTIES.
Gordon Research Conference on Elastomers, Colby-Sawyer College, New London, NH, 7/1.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

EARLY SUBMISSION NOTICE FOR NIST TECHNICALENDAR ITEMS
Due to the upcoming holiday, ALL Technicalendar items for the week of July 7 to July 11, 2003, should be submitted to the Technicalendar by 12:00 noon, TUESDAY, JULY 1, 2003.
NIST Contact: Sharon Mingo, 301-975-3570, mingo@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: . ., ., .

2002 PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT REPORTS AVAILABLE
The 2002 Performance Management Reports are now available for general viewing on the NIST internal web site. These reports contain aggregate performance scores, pay increases, bonuses, and total compensation, both NIST-wide and by organizational unit. For confidentiality purposes, data will not be displayed where there are less than five employees in a pay pool. To access the reports from the NIST internal web page, click on “human resources,” then “Performance Management,” and then “FY2002 Performance Management Reports.” Highlight the report you wish to view and then click “Submit.” To learn more about a particular report, click, “About this Report.” If you have any questions regarding the reports, you may contact Helena Inman of the Human Resources Management Division at 301-975-3034.
NIST Contact: Helena Inman, 301-975-3034, helena.inman@nist.gov

2003 U.S. WORLD STANDARDS DAY PAPER COMPETITION
2003 World Standards Day Paper Contest This year the U.S. standards community will celebrate World Standards Day on 30 September. To highlight the importance of standards to industry and government, the sponsors of World Standards Day, including NIST, will hold the annual paper competition. The theme for the paper contest for the 2003 World Standards Day is "Building Global Security Through Standards." Entries may address any area where standards or conformity assessment programs contribute to making the world in which we live more secure, including information security, better communications, physical security, threat detection and protection, strengthened building construction, fire safety, law enforcement tools, and improved emergency response. Please note that this list is intended to stimulate ideas, but should not be interpreted as a complete list of suggested topics. PRIZES: The first place winner will be awarded a plaque and $2,500. Second and third place winners will receive $1,000 and $500 respectively. In addition, the winning papers will be published in the Standards Engineering Society (SES) Standards Engineering. The paper awarded first place will also appear as a special article in the ANSI Reporter. ELIGIBILITY: The competition is open to all individuals in the private sector or at government facilities. Papers may be co-authored. RULES: Entries must be original and not previously published. NIST papers must be processed through WERB or BERB in the usual way. Entries must be received by 15 August 2003. Contest rules and applications forms may be obtained from the SES website: http://www.ses-standards.org or by emailing the SES Executive Director: hgziggy@worldnet.att.net
NIST Contact: Ellen Trager, 301-975-4038, ellen.trager@nist.gov

REMINDER
NIST Form 1176 is the NIST Sponsored or Co-Sponsored Meeting Approval form for meetings held on or off site. This form must be completed for meetings hosted by NIST with NIST staff heavily involved in planning meeting content and format; for small technical training courses or seminars sponsored by NIST intended primarily for technical peers outside NIST; for training courses intended primarily for non-NIST staff; or for meetings sponsored or co-sponsored by NIST with a national and international audience and speakers. NIST Form 1176A should be used for meetings hosted by NIST in which NIST has little or no involvement in the technical program or for educational or cultural activities planned by the local community. When beginning a conference planning process, please remember to complete one of the above forms and forward it to Kathy Kilmer in the Conference Program, Mail Stop 3461.
NIST Contact: Kathy Kilmer, 301-975-2858, kathy.kilmer@nist.gov

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NIST WEB SITE ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE NIST VIRTUAL LIBRARY WEB SITE
You're invited to visit the NIST Virtual Library (NVL) Web site located at http://nvl.nist.gov. Use the databases, e-journals and subject guides. Read current and past articles in the Journal of Research, the Information Services Directions newsletter, and the NIST Technicalendar newsletter. The features available on the NVL are endless. Take a few minutes today to visit the NVL, we're open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
NIST Contact: . ., 301-975-3052, library@nist.gov

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For more information, contact Ms. Sharon Mingo, Editor, Stop 2500, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg MD 20899-2500; Telephone: 301-975-TCAL (8225); Fax: 301-926-4431; or Email: tcal@nist.gov.

All lectures and meetings are open unless otherwise stated.

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