Hannes Kaufmann

Mathematics and geometry education with collaborative augmented reality

Abstract Construct3D is a 3D geometric construction tool specifically designed for mathematics and geometry education. It is based on the mobile collaborative augmented reality system “Studierstube”. We describe our efforts in developing a system for the improvement of spatial abilities and maximization of transfer of learning. In order to support various teacher–student interaction scenarios we implemented flexible methods for context and user dependent rendering of parts of the construction. Together with hybrid hardware setups they allow the use of Construct3D in todays classrooms and provide a testbed for future evaluations. Means of application and integration in mathematics and geometry education at high school as well as university level are being discussed. Anecdotal evidence supports our claim that Construct3D is easy to learn, encourages experimentation with geometric constructions and improves spatial skills.

Predictive Role of Interphase Cytogenetics for Survival of Patients With Multiple Myeloma

PURPOSE Recent metaphase cytogenetic studies suggested that specific chromosomal abnormalities are of prognostic significance in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Because the true incidence of chromosomal abnormalities in MM is much higher than that detected by metaphase analysis, we used interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to determine the prognostic value of specific chromosomal aberrations. PATIENTS AND METHODS Bone marrow plasma cells from 89 previously untreated patients with MM were studied consecutively by FISH to detect the deletions of 13q14, 17p13, and 11q and the presence of t(11;14)(q13;q32). FISH results were analyzed in the context of clinical parameters (response to treatment and survival after conventional-dose chemotherapy), and a multivariate analysis of prognostic factors was performed. RESULTS By FISH, the deletion of 13q14 occurred in 40 patients (44.9%), deletion of 17p13 in 22 (24.7%), and 11q abnormalities in 14 (15.7%; seven with t(11;14)). Deletions of 13q14 and 17p13 were associated with poor response to induction treatment (46.9% v 77.3% in those without deletions, P =.006 and 40.0% v 73.2%, P =.008, respectively) and short median overall survival (OS) time (24.2 v 88.1 months, P =. 008 and 16.2 v 51.3 months, P =.008, respectively). Short median OS time was also observed for patients with 11q abnormalities (13.1 v 41.6 months, P =.02). According to the number of unfavorable cytogenetic features (deletion of 13q14, deletion of 17p13, and aberrations of 11q) that were present in each patient (0 v 1 v 2 or 3), patients with significantly different OS times could be discriminated from one another (102.4 v 29.6 v 13.9 months, P <.001, respectively). CONCLUSION For patients with MM who were treated with conventional-dose chemotherapy, interphase FISH for 13q14, 17p13, and 11q provides prognostically relevant information in addition to that provided by standard prognostic factors. This observation may be considered for risk-adapted stratifications of MM patients in future clinical trials.

Construct3D: A Virtual Reality Application for Mathematics and Geometry Education

Construct3D is a three dimensional geometric construction tool based on the collaborative augmented reality system ‘Studierstube’. Our setup uses a stereoscopic head mounted display (HMD) and the Personal Interaction Panel (PIP) - a two-handed 3D interaction tool that simplifies 3D model interaction. Means of application in mathematics and geometry education at high school as well as university level are being discussed. A pilot study summarizes the strengths and possible extensions of our system. Anecdotal evidence supports our claim that the use of Construct3D is easy to learn and encourages experimentation with geometric constructions.

New insights into the pathophysiology of multiple myeloma

For understanding of the pathophysiology of multiple myeloma, features of the malignant clone and changes induced by the bone-marrow microenvironment are equally important. Multiple myeloma plasma cells, which originate from postfollicular B cells, are characterised by complex chromosomal aberrations. Among the earliest genetic events are translocations of the immunoglobulin heavy-chain gene locus, which leads to dysregulation of oncogenes at translocation partner regions (cyclin D1 at 11q13, FGFR3/MMSET at 4p16.3, c-MAF at 16q23, and cyclin D3 at 6p21), and deletions of 13q14, the site of a putative tumour suppressor gene, which is an adverse prognostic indicator. Additional molecular events include epigenetic changes and activation of oncogenes (mutations of N-RAS and K-RAS, and changes in c-MYC), which are usually associated with disease progression. Bone-marrow stromal cells support growth and survival of multiple myeloma cells via various cytokines. Osteoclast activity factors (in particular MIP1alpha) and imbalances between RANKL and osteoprotegerin are major factors for the development of myeloma bone disease. Further characterisation of crucial events in the development of monoclonal gammopathies by novel techniques such as global gene expression profiling will contribute to a molecular classification of multiple myeloma and foster future therapeutic approaches.

Structured visual markers for indoor pathfinding

We present a mobile augmented reality (AR) system to guide a user through an unfamiliar building to a destination room. The system presents a world-registered wireframe model of the building labeled with directional information in a see-through heads-up display, and a three-dimensional world-in-miniature (WIM) map on a wrist-worn pad that also acts as an input device. Tracking is done using a combination of wall-mounted ARToolkit markers observed by a head-mounted camera, and an inertial tracker. To allow coverage of arbitrarily large areas with a limited set of markers, a structured marker re-use scheme based on graph coloring has been developed.

Chronic pain rehabilitation with a serious game using multimodal input

Rehabilitation for chronic pain follows a multidisciplinary approach, which despite the effort, often lacks the long term success and patients often fail to translate the skills learned in therapy to every day life. Serious games are hypothesized to support patients to self manage their complaints and keep training their physical functions by themselves, especially, when the game is controlled by the patients own body performance. In this paper we present the implementation of a system providing multimodal input, including our own full body motion capture system, a low cost motion capture system (Microsoft Kinect) and biosignal acquisition devices to a game engine. In addition, a workflow has been established, that enables the use of the acquired multimodal data for serious games in a medical environment. Finally, a serious game has been implemented, targeting rehabilitation of patients with chronic pain of the lower back and neck. The focus of this work is on the multimodal input and how it is used in a game to support rehabilitation of chronic pain patients. A brief comparison of a marker-based full body MoCap system and Microsofts Kinect is included. Preliminary results of tests currently underway are provided.

Virtual and augmented reality as spatial ability training tools

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR -- overlaying virtual objects onto the real world) offer interesting and wide spread possibilities to study different components of human behaviour and cognitive processes. One aspect of human cognition that has been frequently studied using VR technology is spatial ability. Research ranges from training studies that investigate whether and/or how spatial ability can be improved by using these new technologies to studies that focus on specific aspects of spatial ability for which VR is an efficient investigational tool. In this paper we first review studies that used VR technologies to study different aspects of spatial ability. Then results and findings will be presented from one of the first large-scale studies (215 students) that investigated the potential of an AR application to train spatial ability.

Simulating educational physical experiments in augmented reality

We present an augmented reality application for mechanics education. It utilizes a recent physics engine developed for the PC gaming market to simulate physical experiments in the domain of mechanics in real time. Students are enabled to actively build own experiments and study them in a three-dimensional virtual world. A variety of tools are provided to analyze forces, mass, paths and other properties of objects before, during and after experiments. Innovative teaching content is presented that exploits the strengths of our immersive virtual environment. PhysicsPlayground serves as an example of how current technologies can be combined to deliver a new quality in physics education.

Summary of usability evaluations of an educational augmented reality application

We summarize three evaluations of an educational augmented reality application for geometry education, which have been conducted in 2000, 2003 and 2005 respectively. Repeated formative evaluations with more than 100 students guided the redesign of the application and its user interface throughout the years. We present and discuss the results regarding usability and simulator sickness providing guidelines on how to design augmented reality applications utilizing head-mounted displays.

Bortezomib combined with rituximab and dexamethasone is an active regimen for patients with relapsed and chemotherapy-refractory mantle cell lymphoma

Background Bortezomib belongs to a new class of anti-cancer agents, the proteasome inhibitors, and has documented activity in multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. Preclinical studies suggest that bortezomib has synergistic activity with rituximab, which provides a rationale for the exploration of treatment combinations. Design and Methods The activity and safety of bortezomib in combination with rituximab and dexamethasone were investigated in patients with relapsed or chemotherapy-refractory mantle cell lymphoma. A treatment cycle consisted of bortezomib (1.3 mg/m2 on days 1, 4, 8, and 11; six 21-day cycles), rituximab (375 mg/m2, day 1) and dexamethasone (40 mg orally, days 1 to 4). Responding patients received four consolidating doses of rituximab. Sixteen patients with progressive mantle cell lymphoma after a median of three prior lines of therapy were enrolled. Results The overall response rate was 81.3% (13 patients), with seven patients achieving a complete response (43.8%). Six of these patients were also negative for disease activity by positron emission tomography scanning. The median progression-free survival and overall survival were 12.1 and 38.6 months, respectively. In patients achieving a complete response, the median progression-free survival and overall survival have not yet been reached. Adverse events (greater than grade II) included thrombocytopenia (37.5%), fatigue (18.8%) and peripheral neuropathy (12.5%). Two patients discontinued bortezomib because of grade III neuropathy. Conclusions Bortezomib combined with rituximab and dexamethasone has promising activity and manageable toxicity in patients with heavily pretreated mantle cell lymphoma. Achievement of complete response emerged as an important factor for sustained disease control. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00261612.