Filtering noise in progressive stochastic ray tracing

We present an improved version of a state-of-the-art noise reduction technique for progressive stochastic rendering. Our additions make the method significantly faster at the cost of an acceptable loss in quality. Additionally, we improve the robustness of the method in the presence of difficult features like glossy reflection, caustics, and antialiased edges. We show with visual and numerical comparisons that our extensions improve the overall performance of the original approach and make it more broadly applicable.     

Aging effects of plasma polymerized ethylenediamine (PPEDA) thin films on cell-adhesive implant coatings

Thin plasma polymer films from ethylenediamine were deposited on planar substrates placed on the powered electrode of a low pressure capacitively coupled 13.56 MHz discharge. The chemical composition of the plasma polymer films was analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared Reflection Absorption Spectroscopy (FT-IRRAS) as well as by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) after derivatization of the primary amino groups. The PPEDA films undergo an alteration during the storage in ambient air, particularly, due to reactions with oxygen. The molecular changes in PPEDA films were studied over a long-time period of 360 days. Simultaneously, the adhesion of human osteoblast-like cells MG-63 (ATCC) was investigated on PPEDA coated corundum blasted titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V), which is applied as implant material in orthopedic surgery. The cell adhesion was determined by flow cytometry and the cell shape was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. Compared to uncoated reference samples a significantly enhanced cell adhesion and proliferation were measured for PPEDA coated samples, which have been maintained after long-time storage in ambient air and additional sterilization by γ?irradiation.     

Erster und zweiter Rettungsweg in Wohngebäuden

First and second escape ways in residential buildings The existence of two redundant escape ways is a fundamental concept to ensure a safe egress of occupants in the event of fire. Fire safety requirements for means of egress are defined by the state specific building codes in Germany. This publication focuses on a further clarification of existing requirements and amongst others explains why some means of egress, such as permanent installed ladders are not suitable for this purpose. However, in contrast to this fire service equipment can also provide the second escape way in particularly for residential buildings. Different means are used depending on the applied strategy and infrastructure of the fire service. A summary of reported fire incidents of the Berlin fire service in the years 2012 and 2013 shows that smoke filled stairwells were also used to evacuate trapped occupants. In order to protect these occupants from smoke intoxication, escape hoods or positive pressure ventilation fans, to allow for a smoke free stairwell, have been used.     

Darstellung und selektive Komplexbildung von Bisorganylsulfiden auf [2.2.2]Paracyclophan‐Basis

The synthesis of a variety of novel functionalized bisorganyl sulfides 2 – 10 based on the [2.2.2]paracyclophane skeleton is described. The aim was to increase the endohedral silver(I) complexation of the unsubstituted [2.2.2]paracyclophane 1 by combining the cyclophane framework with a sulfur containing pendant arm bearing an additional π‐donor. The complexation behaviour of the new ligands was studied by liquid–liquid extraction from aqueous into organic solution. The new ligands reveal a higher extraction with a decreased selectivity for silver(I) compared to 1 caused by preferential interactions with the sulfur donor atoms in the molecule. Molecular modeling calculations show the different coordination patterns for the 1:1‐, 1:2‐ and 2:1‐complexes (M:L) formed in the organic phase.     

Oxidation of Hydroquinones and Hydroquinone Monomethyl Ethers to Quinones with tert‐Butyl Hydroperoxide and Catalytic Amounts of Ceric Ammonium Nitrate (CAN)

Mono‐ and bicyclic hydroquinones and hydroquinone monomethyl ethers 1, 2 are oxidized in 82—91% yield to the corresponding quinones using only 2 mol% of ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) and 2.5 equivalents of tert‐butyl hydroperoxide.