Metrological characterization of 3D imaging systems: progress report on standards developments

A significant issue for companies or organizations integrating non-contact three-dimensional (3D) imaging systems into their production pipeline is deciding in which technology to invest. Quality non-contact 3D imaging systems typically involve a significant investment when considering the cost of equipment, training, software, and maintenance contracts over the functional lifetime of a given system or systems notwithstanding the requirements of the global nature of manufacturing activities. Numerous methods have been published to “help” users navigate the many products and specifications claims about “quality”. Moreover, the “best” system for one application may not be ideally suited for another application. The lack of publically-available characterization methods from trusted sources for certain areas of 3D imaging make it difficult for a typical user to select a system based on information written on a specification sheet alone. An internationally-recognized standard is a vehicle that allows better communication between users and manufacturers. It is in this context that we present a progress report on standards developments to date in the diverse, but finite, world of non-contact 3D imaging systems from the nanometre to the 100 m range

Retrospective, multicenter analysis comparing conventional with oncoplastic breast conserving surgery: oncological and surgical outcomes in women with high-risk breast cancer from the OPBC-01/iTOP2 study

Introduction: Recent data suggest that margins ≥2 mm after breast-conserving surgery may improve local control in invasive breast cancer (BC). By allowing large resection volumes, oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery (OBCII; Clough level II/Tübingen 5-6) may achieve better local control than conventional breast conserving surgery (BCS; Tübingen 1-2) or oncoplastic breast conservation with low resection volumes (OBCI; Clough level I/Tübingen 3-4). Methods: Data from consecutive high-risk BC patients treated in 15 centers from the Oncoplastic Breast Consortium (OPBC) network, between January 2010 and December 2013, were retrospectively reviewed. Results: A total of 3,177 women were included, 30% of whom were treated with OBC (OBCI n = 663; OBCII n = 297). The BCS/OBCI group had significantly smaller tumors and smaller resection margins compared with OBCII (pT1: 50% vs. 37%, p = 0.002; proportion with margin <1 mm: 17% vs. 6%, p < 0.001). There were significantly more re-excisions due to R1 (“ink on tumor”) in the BCS/OBCI compared with the OBCII group (11% vs. 7%, p = 0.049). Univariate and multivariable regression analysis adjusted for tumor biology, tumor size, radiotherapy, and systemic treatment demonstrated no differences in local, regional, or distant recurrence-free or overall survival between the two groups. Conclusions: Large resection volumes in oncoplastic surgery increases the distance from cancer cells to the margin of the specimen and reduces reexcision rates significantly. With OBCII larger tumors are resected with similar local, regional and distant recurrence-free as well as overall survival rates as BCS/OBCI

Measurement Uncertainty Analysis for Calibration of Gauge Blocks

AbstractFor a national metrology laboratory and holder of national standard for length, capability of performing gauge block calibration by mechanical comparison with lowest possible uncertainty is of highest importance. Uncertainty of gauge block calibration at national metrology laboratory namely enters budgets of uncertainty evaluation of all industrial length calibration laboratories throughout the country.In present paper the uncertainty budget of mechanical calibration of gauge blocks, as a results of extensive analytical and experimental research, is presented in details. Very low measurement uncertainty was achieved and procedure was accredited and entered as Calibration and measurement capability (CMC) into the key comparison database at BIPM