Orientation Data Research Articles

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) Data Collection: Opportunities to Advance Best Clinical Practices for LGBTQ+ Patients in Radiation Oncology

A long-standing barrier to progress against health disparities is the lack of data regarding cancer risks, prevalence, treatment, and outcomes for sexual and gender minority (SGM) patients. Sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data are not routinely collected by individual oncologists, cancer centers, or most non-federal hospital systems. Alarmingly high proportions of SGM patients report discrimination in healthcare or avoid routine care due to perceived lack of acceptance in the healthcare system. For these and other reasons, healthcare institutions must adopt practices that promote an inclusive environment for all patients including those self-identified from SGM groups. One strategy to achieve this aim is through SOGI data collection. The purpose of this study was to pilot new procedures and training for SOGI data collection, the aims of this project were to standardize the collection of SOGI data for all new patients referred to the Division of Radiation Oncology; promote clinical staff awareness of SGM health disparities and strategies for fostering an inclusive hospital environment; and to provide SGM patients and caregivers educational resources and support systems tailored to their needs. We designed a Quality Improvement program for collecting SOGI data, which was approved by our institution's QIAB. Patient access specialists (PAS) were trained to collect SOGI data from newly registered patients and enter the data into the electronic health record. Radiation Oncology staff completed surveys before and after SOGI training to estimate its impact on the provision of patient care. A Fisher's exact test was utilized to evaluate associations between training and provider-reported outcomes. Within a 3-week period starting in January 2023, two 1-hour interactive training sessions were offered to twenty-five PAS. Three 1-hour training sessions were offered to twenty-seven Radiation Oncology clinical staff. (1) Confidence for incorporating SOGI classifiers around patients improved from before training (52%, 13/25) to after training (100%, 17/17) among medical providers surveyed (odds ratio (OR) 32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.70-1493, p = 0.005). Use of SOGI data in clinical decision making increased from before training (9/25, 36%) to after training (100%, 17/17) among medical providers (OR 60.79, 95% CI 3.271-1130, p<0.0001). (2) A clinical pathway for SGM patients was developed to facilitate referral to our institution's SGM patient support group and distribution of patient education materials focused on sexual health. Establishing standardized SOGI data collection can facilitate the provision of tailored resources and care that meets the needs of patients and staff in a large comprehensive cancer center. Specialized training for staff developed through this initiative helps foster an inclusive and welcoming environment that promotes the integration, visibility, and advancement of SGM cancer care at our institution.

Improving Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Documentation at an NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center

To increase the rate of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) patient data collection in healthcare software for new patients at a NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, via targeted identification of Advanced Practice Providers (APP), development of novel SOGI collection workflows, creation of a real-time SOGI data dashboard, and tailored training utilizing existing High Reliability Organization (HRO) huddles in order to measure, analyze, and improve the quality of care, safety, and patient experiences for Sexual and Gender Minority (SGM) patients. Prior to interventions, project leadership (PL) and data analytics staff obtained SOGI baseline data, while cancer center clinical leadership, registration, and administrative staff identified APPs as the most appropriate staff to collect patient SOGI data. Intervention 1: PL met with Disease Management Groups (DMG)/HRO leads of thoracic medical oncology to identify a practice-level APP champion. PL and the APP champion scripted language for multiple scenarios when asking SOGI questions, and served as a resource for additional practice APPs. PL provided SGM-focused training during HRO huddles, which included how to ask and document SOGI, and significance of asking SOGI information. SOGI data completion rate was tracked on a HRO scorecard. This intervention was replicated across additional DMG/HROs during the study period. Intervention 2: Breast surgical oncology completed Intervention 1 and added SOGI questions to their new patient-facing intake form, allowing patients to self-identify. PL and data analytics team provided continuous feedback to DMG/HRO leads on provider-level completion rates and additional education as needed. At the end of the Interventions, there were 9 LGBTQ+ Knowledge and Awareness HRO training sessions completed resulting in over 300 unique individuals receiving advanced SOGI documentation education. For intervention 1, there were 12,322 new patients asked their SOGI information, which was a greater than 300% increase in SOGI documentation (baseline completion rate for sexual orientation and gender identity was 17% and 21%, respectively, which improved to 77% and 84%). For intervention 2, there were 3,217 new patients asked their SOGI information, which was a greater than 400% increase (baseline completion rate for sexual orientation and gender identity was 13% and 16%, respectively, which improved to 81% and 81%). Together, patient self-reporting quickly increased data completion rates from baseline, comparable to clinical sites from Intervention 1, and may decrease the burden of APPs collecting SOGI history; however, clinical review of questions is important and may further increase SOGI data completion. Leadership buy-in, site champions, and active data monitoring are essential to measurable change. Together, improved SOGI data completion will allow for improved equitable cancer care and increased assessment of SGM cancer disparities.

A Machine Learning Approach for Segmentation and Characterization of Microtextured Regions in a Near-α Titanium Alloy

The development of automated segmentation and quantitative characterization of microtextured regions (MTRs) from the complex heterogeneous microstructures is urgently needed, since MTRs have been proven to be the critical issue that dominates the dwell-fatigue performance of aerospace components. In addition, MTRs in Ti alloys have similarities to microstructures encountered in other materials, including minerals and biomaterials. Meanwhile, machine learning (ML) offers new opportunities. This paper addresses segmentation and quantitative characterization of MTRs, where an ML approach, the Gaussian mixture models (GMMs) coupled with density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) clustering algorithms, was employed in order to process the orientation data acquired via EBSD in the Matlab environment. Pixels with orientation information acquired through electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) are divided and colored into several “classes” (MTRs) within the defined c-axis misorientations (i.e., 25°, 20°, 15°, 10°, and 5°), the precision and efficacy of which are verified by the morphology and pole figure of the segmented MTR. An appropriate range of c-axis misorientations for MTR segmentation was derived, i.e., 15~20°. The contribution of this innovative technique is compared with previous studies. At the same time, the MTRs were statistically characterized in the global region.

Natural fracture patterns at Swift Reservoir anticline, NW Montana: the influence of structural position and lithology from multiple observation scales

Abstract. Subsurface datasets typically lack the resolution or coverage to adequately sample fracture networks in 3D, and fracture properties are typically extrapolated from available data (e.g. seismic data or wellbore image logs). Here we assess the applicability of extrapolating fracture properties (orientation, length, and intensity) across observation scales in deformed, mechanically layered carbonate rocks. Data derived from high-resolution field images, medium-resolution digital outcrop data, and relatively low-resolution satellite imagery at Swift Reservoir anticline, NW Montana are leveraged to (i) assess interacting structural and stratigraphic controls on fracture development, and (ii) compare estimated fracture properties derived from multiple observation scales. We show that hinge-parallel and hinge-perpendicular fractures (i) make up the majority of fractures at the site; (ii) are consistently oriented with respect to the fold hinge, despite along-strike variability in the fold hinge orientation; and (iii) exhibit systematic increases in intensity towards the anticline hinge. These fractures are interpreted as having formed during folding. Other fractures recorded at the site exhibit inconsistent orientations, show no systematic trends in fracture intensity, and are interpreted as being unrelated to fold formation. Fracture orientation data exhibit the greatest agreement across observation scales at hinge and forelimb positions, where hinge-parallel and hinge-perpendicular fracture sets are well developed, and little agreement on the anticline backlimb, where fracture orientations are less predictable and more dispersed. This indicates that the scaling of fracture properties at Swift Reservoir anticline is spatially variable and partly dependent on structural position. Our results suggest that accurate prediction and extrapolation of natural fracture properties in contractional settings requires the assessment of structural position, lithologic variability, and spatially variable fracture scaling relationships, as well as consideration of the deformation history before and after folding.

Barriers, facilitators, and recommendations for sexual orientation and gender identity data collection in community oncology practices.

Sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data collection in community oncology practices is critical to identify and address cancer inequities, but less than 20% of NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP)-affiliated practices regularly collect SOGI data despite widespread recommendations. We evaluated multilevel barriers and facilitators for SOGI data collection at NCORP practices. We conducted 14 semi-structured interviews at seven purposefully sampled NCORP oncology practices. We interviewed one clinician (oncologist, advanced practice provider) and one clinic staff member per practice. Thematic analysis informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was conducted to identify barriers and facilitators. Thematic saturation occurred after interviews at six practices and was confirmed with interviews at an additional practice. Participants highlighted multilevel barriers including low levels of understanding, information technology infrastructure, and perceived low relative priority. Not understanding the role of SOGI data in oncology care contributed to cis-heteronormative culture. At the clinic level, this culture coincided with a lack of processes and policies for collecting SOGI from all patients. At the care team level, perceived irrelevance to oncology care was related to discomfort asking SOGI, fear of patient discomfort, and limited awareness of SOGI in electronic health records. Suggested solutions included: normalizing asking SOGI questions, giving patients privacy to complete SOGI, and clarifying clinical relevance. SOGI data collection barriers stemmed from perceptions that SOGI disclosure does not influence care quality. Oncology teams may benefit from training on culturally sensitive SOGI collection, education on SOGI data relevance to oncology practices, and support for implementing SOGI data collection policies.

Influence of Sintering Conditions on Anisotropy of Grain Boundary Networks and Microstructure Topology in Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia

The paper presents original data of 3D EBSD orientation maps collected for 13 Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (YSG) samples, sintered at different temperatures for different times. The largest map contains 18,833 grains and 64,506 grain boundaries. These data allowed for the analysis of grain boundary networks, based on all 5 macroscopic parameters and some topological studies of microstructures. Grain boundaries having the (001) and (111) boundary planes are favored and disfavored respectfully in all YSZ samples. The anisotropy appears to be stronger if grains are larger. However, large grains themselves do not imply strong anisotropy. Symmetric boundaries are slightly more frequent in YSZ compared to random boundaries, but despite some premises, the evidence for over-representation of 180 deg-tilt boundaries is still too weak. Distributions of the number of faces per grain and mean number of faces per grain are similar to those reported for metals, and there is a close-to-linear correlation between the number of faces and grain size.Graphical

Transgender People's Experiences Sharing Information With Clinicians: A Focus Group-Based Qualitative Study.

Investigating transgender people's experiences sharing health information in clinical encounters may yield insights for family medicine clinicians. This was a qualitative study using a community-based participatory research approach and interpretive description methodology. Seven qualitative focus groups were conducted with 30 transgender adults living in North America. We used purposive sampling to ensure diversity. The focus groups were transcribed verbatim, and 2 investigators independently reviewed and coded each transcript, then they mutually reviewed the transcripts, reconciled their coding, and summarized the codes into themes. Themes were reviewed with community members, participants, and uninvolved clinically oriented investigators for member checking and peer debriefing. Four themes were noted: (1) transgender people often perceive clinicians' questions as voyeuristic, stigmatizing, or self-protective; (2) patients describe being pathologized, denied or given substandard care, or harmed when clinicians learned they are transgender; (3) transgender people frequently choose between risking stigma when sharing information and risking ineffective clinical problem solving if clinicians do not have all the information about their medical histories; (4) improving the safety of transgender people is difficult in the context of contemporary medical systems. Transgender people often must choose between stigma and potentially suboptimal care. Improvements in medical culture, policies, procedures, and data collection tools are necessary to improve the quality and safety of clinical care for transgender people. Institutional and systems changes may be required to safely and effectively implement sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data collection in clinical settings.

Effects of Data Augmentation on the Nine-Axis IMU-Based Orientation Estimation Accuracy of a Recurrent Neural Network.

The nine-axis inertial and measurement unit (IMU)-based three-dimensional (3D) orientation estimation is a fundamental part of inertial motion capture. Recently, owing to the successful utilization of deep learning in various applications, orientation estimation neural networks (NNs) trained on large datasets, including nine-axis IMU signals and reference orientation data, have been developed. During the training process, the limited amount of training data is a critical issue in the development of powerful networks. Data augmentation, which increases the amount of training data, is a key approach for addressing the data shortage problem and thus for improving the estimation performance. However, to the best of our knowledge, no studies have been conducted to analyze the effects of data augmentation techniques on estimation performance in orientation estimation networks using IMU sensors. This paper selects three data augmentation techniques for IMU-based orientation estimation NNs, i.e., augmentation by virtual rotation, bias addition, and noise addition (which are hereafter referred to as rotation, bias, and noise, respectively). Then, this paper analyzes the effects of these augmentation techniques on estimation accuracy in recurrent neural networks, for a total of seven combinations (i.e., rotation only, bias only, noise only, rotation and bias, rotation and noise, and rotation and bias and noise). The evaluation results show that, among a total of seven augmentation cases, four cases including 'rotation' (i.e., rotation only, rotation and bias, rotation and noise, and rotation and bias and noise) occupy the top four. Therefore, it may be concluded that the augmentation effect of rotation is overwhelming compared to those of bias and noise. By applying rotation augmentation, the performance of the NN can be significantly improved. The analysis of the effect of the data augmentation techniques presented in this paper may provide insights for developing robust IMU-based orientation estimation networks.

Semi-automated classification of layered rock slopes using digital elevation model and geological map

Abstract Layered rock slopes are the most widely distributed slopes with the simplest structure. The classification of layered rock slopes is the basis for correctly analyzing their deformation and failure mechanisms, evaluating their stability, and adopting reasonable support methods. It is also one of the essential indicators to support the evaluation of urban and rural construction suitability and the assessment of landslide hazards. However, the present-day classification methods for layered rock slopes are not sufficiently automated. In the application process of these methods, a lot of manual intervention is still needed, and sufficient strata orientation data obtained through field surveys is required, which is not effective for large-scale applications and involves high subjectivity. Thus, this study proposes a semi-automated classification method for layered rock slopes based on digital elevation model (DEM) and geological maps, which greatly reduces human intervention. On the basis of slope unit division, the method extracts structural information of slopes using DEM and geological maps and classifies slopes according to their structural characteristics. An experiment has been carried out in the northern region of Mount Lu in Jiangxi Province, and the results demonstrate the effectiveness of this semi-automated classification method. Compared to the existing manual or semi-automated classification methods, the method proposed in this article is objective and highly automated, which can meet the requirements of classification of layered rock slopes over large areas, even in the case of sparse measured orientation data.

Registration between DCT and EBSD datasets for multiphase microstructures

The ability to characterise the three-dimensional microstructure of multiphase materials is essential for understanding the interaction between phases and their associated materials properties. Here, laboratory-based diffraction-contrast tomography (lab-based DCT), a recently-established materials characterization technique that can determine grain phases, morphologies, positions and orientations in a voxel-based reconstruction method, was used to map part of a dual-phase steel alloy sample. To assess the resulting microstructures produced by the lab-based DCT technique, an electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) map was collected within the same sample volume. To identify the two-dimensional (2D) slice of the three-dimensional (3D) lab-based DCT reconstruction that best corresponded to the 2D EBSD map, a novel registration technique based solely on grain-averaged orientations was developed – this registration technique requires very little a priori knowledge of dataset alignment and can be extended to other techniques that only recover grain-averaged orientation data such as far-field 3D X-ray diffraction microscopy. Once the corresponding 2D slice was identified in the lab-based DCT dataset, comparisons of phase balance, grain size, shape and texture were performed between lab-based DCT and EBSD techniques. More complicated aspects of the microstructural morphology such as grain boundary shape and grains less than a critical size were poorly reproduced by the lab-based DCT reconstruction, primarily due to the difference in resolutions of the technique compared with EBSD. However, lab-based DCT is shown to accurately determine the centre-of-mass position, orientation, and size of the large grains for each phase present, austenite and martensitic ferrite. The results reveals a complex ferrite grain network of similar crystal orientations that are absent from the EBSD dataset. Such detail demonstrates that lab-based DCT, as a technique, shows great promise in the field of multi-phase material characterization.

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Data Completeness at US Federally Qualified Health Centers, 2020 and 2021

Objectives. To assess the performance of US federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) after 6 years of required sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data reporting and update estimated proportions of sexual and gender minorities cared for at FQHCs. Methods. We conducted secondary analyses of data reported to the 2020 and 2021 Uniform Data System from 1297 FQHCs caring for nearly 30 000 000 patients annually. We used multivariable logistic regression to explore FQHC-level and patient-level factors associated with SOGI data completeness. Results. SOGI data were missing for 29.1% and 24.0% of patients, respectively. Among patients with reported SOGI data, 3.5% identified as sexual minorities and 1.5% identified as gender minorities. Southern FQHCs and those caring for more low-income and Black patients were more likely to have above-average SOGI data completeness. Larger FQHCs were more likely to have below-average SOGI data completeness. Conclusions. Substantial increases in SOGI data completeness at FQHCs over 6 years reflect the success of reporting mandates. Future research is needed to identify other patient-level and FQHC-level factors contributing to residual levels of SOGI data missingness. (Am J Public Health. 2023;113(8):883–892. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307323 )

Evaluating a Poroelastic Model via Pore Pressure Signals in Seafloor Sediments

AbstractBelow a certain threshold of wave energy for a given depth, unconsolidated sediment should respond to wave action poroelastically. To this end, a generalized simple poroelastic model was applied to in situ data collected in coastal sediments near Oceanside, California. Pore pressure data were recorded by sensors attached to cylindrical unexploded ordinance surrogates, and water pressure sensors on bottom moorings. Orientation data were collected from inertial motion units attached to the surrogates, which were placed on the seabed and subsequently shallow buried during a high‐energy event on 13 February 2021. The model is characterized by two parameters. A consolidation coefficient controls the depth of diffusive flow, and Skempton's coefficient represents the ratio of the original signal into components transmitted by the sediment matrix and the pore fluid. The model assumes that the pore pressure signal is coherent with the seafloor signal; spectral coherence above 0.75 was used to select the frequency range from 0.05 to 0.2 Hz for the analysis. Spectral analysis methods were then applied to obtain averaged auto spectral densities of the pore pressure and bottom mooring signals over the coherent frequency band. Attenuation between sensor pairs was calculated. The results yielded burial depths over time for the surrogates that agreed with changes in significant wave heights, liquefaction, and recovery depths.

Perspectives From Community-Based HIV Service Organization Leaders on Priorities in Serving Sexual and Gender Minority Populations.

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations experience discrimination and care-related barriers when seeking appropriate sexual health services. Using rapid assessment procedures we conducted site visits with 11 community-based HIV service agencies to identify priorities, assets, and needs related to serving SGM clients and assessed the alignment of these services with the city's local Ending the HIV Epidemic plan. We identified and mapped themes across agencies into the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research domains of inner and outer settings: client-facing materials; priorities in serving SGM communities; SGM policies and protocols; collecting sexual orientation and gender identity data; training and education; and funding and scope of programs. Rapid assessment procedures can accelerate the collection and interpretation of data to help public health institutions and community partners make timely adaptations when implementing comprehensive and culturally humble sexual health services for SGM communities.

A novel system for multivariate analysis of discontinuities in fractured rock masses based on manifold learning and fractal models

The engineering-geological characteristics of fractured rock masses depend on the discontinuity properties, which can be analyzed by the stereonet-based system. However, this system faces challenges in describing orientations, which are spherical data, and it cannot incorporate other scalar parameters (e.g., trace length, aperture, etc.) that affect engineering practice. Therefore, a novel system based on manifold learning is proposed to analyze the distribution patterns of orientation data and characterize multiple discontinuity properties. The proposed system uses manifold learning to explore and visualize the manifold structure of orientation data by a two-dimensional kernel density estimation (2D-KDE) technique. It also integrates other parameters into the manifold structure to capture multiple properties. To quantify the manifold structure and reveal the real fractal behaviors of orientation data, a detailed analysis process including monofractal and multifractal models is proposed. The effectiveness of the proposed system is verified by comparison with the stereonet-based system in several aspects. The equivalent manifold structure is also proposed to enhance the engineering applicability of the system, and one of its applications is demonstrated. Finally, the proposed system is applied to a significant road project and further developed by unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry. The proposed system provides new insights for research on fractured rock masses and has great potential for solving multi-parameter problems in engineering geology.

A call to action to improve the completeness of older adult sexual and gender minority data in electronic health records.

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) older adults experience greater health disparities compared to non-SGM older adults. The SGM older adult population is growing rapidly. To address this disparity and gain a better understanding of their unique challenges in healthcare relies on accurate data collection. We conducted a secondary data analysis of 2018-2022 electronic health record data for older adults aged ≥50 years, in 1 large academic health system to determine the source, magnitude, and correlates of missing sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data among hospitalized older adults. Among 153827 older adults discharged from the hospital, SOGI data missingness was 67.6% for sexual orientation and 63.0% for gender identity. SOGI data are underreported, leading to bias findings when studying health disparities. Without complete SOGI data, healthcare systems will not fully understand the unique needs of SGM individuals and develop tailored interventions and programs to reduce health disparities among these populations.

CoVRage: Millimeter-Wave Beamforming for Mobile Interactive Virtual Reality

Contemporary Virtual Reality (VR) setups often include an external source delivering content to a Head-Mounted Display (HMD). “Cutting the wire” in such setups and going truly wireless will require a wireless network capable of delivering enormous amounts of video data at an extremely low latency. The massive bandwidth of higher frequencies, such as the millimeter-wave (mmWave) band, can meet these requirements. Due to high attenuation and path loss in the mmWave frequencies, beamforming is essential. In wireless VR, where the antenna is integrated into the HMD, any head rotation also changes the antenna’s orientation. As such, beamforming must adapt, in real-time, to the user’s head rotations. An HMD’s built-in sensors providing accurate orientation estimates may facilitate such rapid beamforming. In this work, we present coVRage, a receive-side beamforming solution tailored for VR HMDs. Using built-in orientation prediction present on modern HMDs, the algorithm estimates how the Angle of Arrival (AoA) at the HMD will change in the near future, and covers this AoA trajectory with a dynamically shaped oblong beam, synthesized using sub-arrays. We show that this solution can cover these trajectories with consistently high gain, even in light of temporally or spatially inaccurate orientational data.

The Origin and Evolution of DMM-Like Lithospheric Mantle Beneath Continents: Mantle Xenoliths from the Oku Volcanic Group in the Cameroon Volcanic Line, West Africa

Abstract The lithospheric mantle as sampled by peridotite xenoliths in some continental settings resembles the source of mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORB). Whether this resemblance is a primary feature or the result of post-formation secondary processes remains controversial. Here, the age, origin and thermochemical evolution of fertile continental mantle are constrained based on the chemical composition of minerals in spinel-facies lherzolite and websterite xenoliths from the Wum maar and Befang cinder cone of the Oku Volcanic Group (Cameroon Volcanic Line, West Africa), combined with in-situ Sr isotope compositions of clinopyroxene and fabric investigation by Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD). The majority of lherzolites (here assigned to Group I) consist of minerals with fertile composition (olivine Fo89, Al-rich pyroxenes, spinel Cr# 0.08–0.10). Clinopyroxene is LREE-depleted and has depleted 87Sr/86Sr (0.7017–0.7020). Crystal-preferred orientation determined by EBSD reveals that clinopyroxene, and sporadically both clino- and orthopyroxene, post-date the olivine framework. Subordinate Group II lherzolites also contain secondary clinopyroxene which is LREE-enriched and has higher 87Sr/86Sr (0.7033). In contrast, the scarce lherzolites of Group III are more refractory: they contain 72–78 vol.% olivine, Al-poor pyroxenes, and spinel with Cr# 0.18. Clinopyroxene (87Sr/86Sr 0.7021) is texturally coeval with olivine and orthopyroxene. Few lherzolites contain amphibole (87Sr/86Sr 0.7031) which post-dates the nominally anhydrous minerals. Most of the websterites (Group A) are aluminous (spinel Cr# 0.04–0.06) with LREE-depleted clinopyroxene having depleted 87Sr/86Sr ratios (0.7017–0.7020) similar to Group I lherzolites. Chemical characteristics of minerals coupled with the crystal-preferred orientation data suggests that Group I lherzolites originated in the spinel stability field by reactive intergranular percolation of an incompatible element-depleted MORB-like melt. Group A websterites likely formed as cumulates from that melt. The Group II lherzolites supposedly occur close to lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary and record interaction with lavas of the Cameroon Volcanic Line, whereas Group III lherzolites occur in the shallow part of the mantle profile and represent the protolith from which the Group I lherzolites were formed. Local crystallization of amphibole and concomitant recrystallization of the host lherzolite were driven by supply of water in an event post-dating the formation of LREE-depleted rejuvenated rocks. Migration of alkaline melts of the CVL apparently did not significantly affect the mineral and chemical composition of the lithospheric mantle, which allowed Group I lherzolites and Group A websterites to retain very low 87Rb/86Sr (average 0.002) and depleted 87Sr/86Sr ratios in clinopyroxene. This not only indicates their formation in the Paleoproterozoic (~2.0–2.25 Ga), possibly during the Eburnean orogeny at the margin of the Congo craton, but also indicates surprisingly little influence of the regionally recognized Pan-African event.

Erratum to “Acquisition of sexual orientation and gender identity data among NCI Community Oncology Research Program practice groups”

Erratum to “Acquisition of sexual orientation and gender identity data among NCI Community Oncology Research Program practice groups”

Research on Youth Suicide and Sexual Orientation is Impacted by High Rates of Missingness in National Surveillance Systems

Objective The sexual orientation of youth who die by suicide in the United States is usually unknown. This study assessed how observed patterns of unknown sexual orientation are likely to affect research findings. Methods We analyzed the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) Restricted Access Dataset to assess whether sexual orientation among youth suicide decedents is disproportionately known for different demographics. We then assessed the degree to which estimated sexual minority rates would be affected if researchers were to assume either (a) that sexual orientation data is missing completely at random, or (b) that orientation information is missing at random after accounting for observed demographic patterns. Results <10% of the sample had known sexual orientation. Sexual orientation was more frequently known for females, white people, and older people, and missingness varied by geography. The choice between modeling the data as missing completely at random versus at random conditional upon demographics had a > 2-fold impact on estimated sexual minority rates among youth suicide decedents. Conclusion Research on sexual orientation and youth suicide is strongly impacted by how researchers account (or do not account) for missingness.

Smoothing method for unit quaternion time series in a classification problem: an application to motion data

Smoothing orientation data is a fundamental task in different fields of research. Different methods of smoothing time series in quaternion algebras have been described in the literature, but their application is still an open point. This paper develops a smoothing approach for smoothing quaternion time series to obtain good performance in classification problems. Starting from an existing method which involves an angular velocity transformation of unit quaternion time series, a new method which employ the logarithm function to transform the quaternion time series to a real three-dimensional time series is proposed. Empirical evidences achieved on real data set and artificially noisy data sets confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method compared with the classical approach based on angular velocity transformation. The R functions developed for this paper will be provided in a Github repository.