Automatic Detection of Nuclear Spins at Arbitrary Magnetic Fields via Signal-to-Image AI Model.

Quantum sensors leverage matter's quantum properties to enable measurements with unprecedented spatial and spectral resolution. Among these sensors, those utilizing nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond offer the distinct advantage of operating at room temperature. Nevertheless, signals received from NV centers are often complex, making interpretation challenging. This is especially relevant in low magnetic field scenarios, where standard approximations for modeling the system fail. Additionally, NV signals feature a prominent noise component. In this Letter, we present a signal-to-image deep learning model capable of automatically inferring the number of nuclear spins surrounding a NV sensor and the hyperfine couplings between the sensor and the nuclear spins. Our model is trained to operate effectively across various magnetic field scenarios, requires no prior knowledge of the involved nuclei, and is designed to handle noisy signals, leading to fast characterization of nuclear environments in real experimental conditions. With detailed numerical simulations, we test the performance of our model in scenarios involving varying numbers of nuclei, achieving an average error of less than 2 kHz in the estimated hyperfine constants.

Impact of prebriefing on emotions in a high-fidelity simulation session: A randomized controlled study.

INTRODUCTION: Medical simulation is associated with intense emotions which influence human behavior. We aim to investigate how prebriefing impacts on learners' emotions during a high-fidelity simulation (HFS) session. METHODS: This is a prospective randomized controlled study. Participants were randomly allocated to receive a standardized prebriefing (SP group) versus not receiving it (NSP group). Debriefing following the «good judgment¼ approach, structured in reactions, understanding and summary phases, was used in both groups. In order to assess emotions, we used the circumplex model of affect applying the Affect Grid scale, which was performed prior to prebriefing, following case performance and following debriefing. Debriefing times were also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 128 physicians participate in the study (64 vs. 64). Following case performance, this HFS session was experienced with significantly more pleasant emotions compared to baseline, that were maintained during debriefing (p < 0.01) while alertness increased after case performance diminishing after debriefing (p < 0.01). There were no statistical significant differences between groups. In the NSP group, total debriefing (p = 0.003) and understanding phase (p = 0.002) times were significantly longer. CONCLUSIONS: This HFS session was experienced as pleasant with high alertness with no specific emotional impact attributable to prebriefing. Prebriefing leads to a freer flowing debriefing.

Cohort study to assess the prevalence of prolonged QT and arrhythmias in critically ill patients during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection may present cardiovascular involvement including myocarditis, arrhythmias and QT interval prolongation. Our objective was to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 and its treatment on ventricular repolarization and development of arrhythmias in critically ill patients. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of critically ill COVID-19 patients during a 3-month period in whom at least one ECG was available. Relevant clinical data and specific treatment administered for COVID-19 were recorded. Prolonged QTc was considered prolonged when it measured ≥ 460 ms in women and ≥450 ms in men. The incidence and type of arrhythmias during the same period were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 77 patients with a mean age of 62 ±â€¯13 years, 20 women and 57 men, were evaluated. Sixty percent of the patients were hypertensive, 52% had a BMI > 30, and 70% developed acute renal failure during admission. Some 56% of the patients presented QTc prolongation. Forty-four percent presented some type of arrhythmia during their stay in the ICU, 21% of which were atrial arrhythmias. Overall mortality was 53%, with no differences between patients with or without prolonged QTc. CONCLUSIONS: In our series, a high proportion of critical patients with COVID-19 presented prolonged QTc and arrhythmias. The factors involved have been related to the elevation of cardiac biomarkers, the myocardial involvement of the virus and concomitant medication received in the ICU.