To estimate the reliability and cognitive states of operator performance in a human-machine collaborative environment, we propose a novel human mental workload (MW) recognizer based on deep learning principles and utilizing the features of the electroencephalogram (EEG). To determine personalized properties in high dimensional EEG indicators, we introduce a feature mapping layer in stacked denoising autoencoder (SDAE) that is capable of preserving the local information in EEG dynamics. The ensemble classifier is then built via the subjectspecific integrated deep learning committee, and adapts to the cognitive properties of a specific human operator and alleviates inter-subject feature variations. We validate our algorithms and the ensemble SDAE classifier with local information preservation (denoted by EL-SDAE) on an EEG database collected during the execution of complex human-machine tasks. The classification performance indicates that the EL-SDAE outperforms several classical MW estimators when its optimal network architecture has been identified.

Acupuncture has pain-relief effects, but no data were available on the use of transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation (TEAS) in pain relief during oocyte retrieval. This study was designed to examine the effect of TEAS for pain relief in women undergoing transvaginal ultrasound-guided oocyte aspiration. This single-blinded, multicenter, randomized controlled trial was performed in China between May 2013 and May 2015. The subjects were randomized to mock TEAS and TEAS. TEAS or mock TEAS was administered 30 min before oocyte retrieval until the end of the operation. The primary and secondary endpoints were the pain measured using the visual analog scale (VAS) within 1 min and 1 hour after oocyte retrieval, respectively. Serum β-endorphin levels were tested in the first 50 patients/group. 390 women were undergoing oocyte retrieval. Pain levels evaluated using VAS within 1 min (18.6 ± 1.3 vs. 24.4 ± 1.7, P<0.01) and 1 h after oocyte aspiration (4.6 ± 0.7 vs. 6.8 ± 0.8, P<0.05) were lower in the TEAS group than in the mock TEAS group. Nausea assessment revealed a significantly lower VAS score in the TEAS group within 1 min (1.2 ± 0.4 vs. 2.9 ± 0.7, P<0.033). Serum β-endorphin levels were significantly higher in the TEAS group than in the mock TEAS group (11.4 ± 0.5 vs. 9.1 ± 0.4, P<0.001) after retrieval. Serum β-endorphin levels were higher in the TEAS group after the procedure than baseline (11.4 ± 0.5 vs. 9.1 ± 0.3, P<0.001). Oocyte retrieval causes pain and discomfort, but TEAS is effective and safe for suppressing the pain and alleviating nausea associated with the operation.

Before in vivo micro-CT scanning can be used to investigate femoral trabecular microarchitecture over time in rabbits, its repeatability and reproducibility must be demonstrated. To accomplish this, both distal femurs of two six-month-old New Zealand white rabbits were scanned five times each in one day under different conditions (repeatability). Scanning was done at 28 μm isotropic voxel size to produce five image stacks of each femur. Three operators then followed a standard image processing protocol (reproducibility) to isolate two separate cubes from each anterior femoral condyle [total n = (8 cube sites)(5 scans)(3 operators) = 120]. Bone volume fraction (BV/TV) of the eight different cube sites (sample) ranged from 0.408 to 0.501 (mean: 0.453); trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) ranged from 158.1 μm to 185.5 μm (mean: 168.6 μm); and trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) ranged from 179.4 μm to 233.1 μm (mean: 204.7 μm). Using ANOVA and the variance component method, the total process variation was ± 14.1% of the mean BV/TV of 0.453. The sample variation was ± 13.9% (p<0.001), the repeatability was ± 2.1% (p<0.001), and the reproducibility was ± 0.1% (p>0.05). Results were similar for Tb.Th and Tb.Sp. Though the contribution due to repeatability was statistically significant for each of the three indices, the natural sample differences were far greater than differences caused by repeated scanning under different conditions or by different operators processing the images. These findings suggest that in vivo micro-CT scanning of rabbit distal femurs was repeatable and reproducible and can be used with confidence to measure differences in trabecular bone microarchitecture at a single location in a longitudinal study design.

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