You are a helpful assistant generating synthetic data that captures *System 1* and *System 2* thinking, *creativity*, and *metacognitive reflection*. Follow these steps in sequence, using tags [sys1] and [end sys1] for *System 1* sections and [sys2] and [end sys2] for *System 2* sections.

1. *Identify System 1 and System 2 Thinking Requirements:*
   - Carefully read the text.
   - Identify parts of the text that require quick, straightforward responses (*System 1*). Mark these sections with [sys1] and [end sys1].
   - Identify parts that require in-depth, reflective thinking (*System 2*), marked with [sys2] and [end sys2].

2. *Apply Step-by-Step Problem Solving with Creativity and Metacognitive Reflection for System 2 Sections:*

   *2.1 Understand the Problem:*
   - Objective: Fully comprehend the issue, constraints, and relevant context.
   - Reflection: "What do I understand about this issue? What might I be overlooking?"
   - Creative Perspective: Seek hidden patterns or possibilities that could reveal deeper insights or innovative connections.

   *2.2 Analyze the Information:*
   - Objective: Break down the problem logically.
   - Reflection: "Am I considering all factors? Are there any assumptions that need challenging?"
   - Creative Perspective: Explore unique patterns or overlooked relationships in the data that could add depth to the analysis.

   *2.3 Generate Hypotheses:*
   - Objective: Propose at least 10 hypotheses, each with a Confidence Score (0.0 to 1.0) and Creative Score (0.0 to 1.0), reflecting originality, surprise, and utility.
   - Reflection: "Have I explored all possible explanations or approaches, both conventional and unconventional?"
   - Creative Perspective: Consider novel angles that might provide unexpected insights.

   *2.4 Anticipate Future Steps and Obstacles:*
   - Objective: Make predictions, accounting for potential outcomes and obstacles.
   - Reflection: "What challenges might I face? Is my plan flexible for different scenarios?"
   - Creative Perspective: Visualize unforeseen outcomes and adapt plans to make use of them effectively.

   *2.5 Evaluate Hypotheses:*
   - Objective: Assess hypotheses based on feasibility, risk, and potential impact.
   - Evaluation: Refine Confidence and Creative Scores as needed.
   - Reflection: "Am I unbiased in my assessment? Which options fit best with the overall objectives?"
   - Creative Perspective: Identify hidden opportunities or overlooked details in each hypothesis.

   *2.6 Select the Best Hypothesis:*
   - Objective: Choose the most promising, strategic hypothesis.
   - Reflection: "Why does this hypothesis stand out? How does it uniquely address the issue?"
   - Creative Perspective: Consider any underutilized potential in the selected approach.

   *2.7 Implement the Hypothesis:*
   - Objective: Outline actionable steps for testing the hypothesis.
   - Reflection: "Is this plan practical? What resources or preparation are required?"
   - Creative Perspective: Refine steps to maximize effectiveness and yield unexpected benefits.

   *2.8 Monitor and Review Progress:*
   - Objective: Review progress, noting areas for improvement.
   - Reflection: "What’s working well? What could be improved?"
   - Creative Perspective: Look for emerging patterns that could refine future approaches.

   *2.9 Reflect and Capture Insights:*
   - Objective: Summarize lessons learned and insights gained for future reference.
   - Reflection: "What new understanding has emerged from this process?"
   - Creative Perspective: Identify innovative insights or patterns that could be applied to similar challenges.

3. *Generate Text Output with Interleaved System 1 and System 2 Responses:*
   - Use the tags [sys1] and [sys2] throughout.
   - Aim for a lengthier, detailed response. Combine both direct, straightforward *System 1* insights and reflective, deeply analytical *System 2* segments to capture a blend of quick observations and thoughtful analysis.

---

### *Example Input Text:*

You are tasked with analyzing a sudden shift in customer preferences in a tech market. There has been a noticeable decline in demand for physical devices, with customers increasingly interested in digital-only options. The challenge is to understand this shift, generate hypotheses for why it might be occurring, and explore potential strategies for adapting to this new trend.

---

### *Processed Output with System 1 and System 2 Thinking:*

The tech market is experiencing a shift in customer demand, moving away from physical devices toward digital-only options.

[sys1]
Customer demand has shifted from physical devices to digital-only options.
We need to understand why this change is happening and find strategies to address it.
Key factors may include cost, convenience, and technological trends.
[end sys1]

[sys2]
**2.1 Understand the Problem:**
The goal is to understand the underlying reasons for the shift in demand from physical devices to digital-only options, then develop a strategy to adapt.

*Reflection:* 
"I understand that preferences are changing, but what might be driving this? Is it primarily cost, or are there other factors such as convenience or sustainability?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could there be a larger trend in digital minimalism or a preference for eco-friendly solutions that we’re missing? What unseen motivations might explain this shift?"

**2.2 Analyze the Information:**
There are multiple possible factors driving this shift, from economic influences to cultural shifts. It’s essential to isolate each factor and understand its impact.

*Reflection:* 
"Am I fully considering the various economic and social influences? Could there be a technological factor, like better internet speeds, that makes digital-only products more accessible?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Are there patterns or trends in other markets that could shed light on this shift? Could this be part of a larger trend toward virtual experiences?"

**2.3 Generate Hypotheses:**
1. Customers prefer digital options due to lower costs. (Confidence: 0.8, Creative: 0.4)
2. There’s a growing trend toward minimalism and reduced physical clutter. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.7)
3. Digital products offer greater flexibility and ease of use. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)
4. Environmental concerns are pushing consumers away from physical goods. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.8)
5. Advances in tech make digital-only options more functional. (Confidence: 0.8, Creative: 0.5)
6. Pandemic-era remote work increased demand for digital solutions. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.6)
7. Media coverage of the environmental impact of physical devices affects preferences. (Confidence: 0.5, Creative: 0.7)
8. There’s an increase in global digital literacy, expanding market access. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)
9. Customers view digital as more convenient and scalable for future needs. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.5)
10. Younger consumers prefer the aesthetics and convenience of digital products. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)

*Reflection:* 
"Have I considered all possible influences? Are there any surprising factors that could explain this shift?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could specific social trends, like the rise of influencer culture or digital-first lifestyles, be influencing customer choices?"

**2.4 Anticipate Future Steps and Obstacles:**
*Objective:* Anticipate possible challenges, such as resistance from segments still preferring physical products.

*Reflection:* 
"What market obstacles might we face if we shift our focus to digital-only? Are there sub-segments that still prioritize physical products?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could expanding digital options help us reach a more global audience? Are there emerging trends that we could leverage in our strategy?"

[end sys2]

[sys1]
To address this shift, consider a strategy that incorporates both digital-only offerings and educational campaigns about the benefits of digital solutions.
Use insights from customer feedback and current trends to guide product development.
Focus on flexibility and adaptation to cater to different customer segments.
[end sys1]


1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a novel cross-connector assembly for interconnecting a first and a second bracing member or rod, which are in relative opposition to each other. More particularly the present invention relates to a novel multi-directional articulating cross-connector assembly configured to be simultaneously articulated in four directions including to be rotated in-part so as to custom fit to and securely connect two relatively parallel-aligned spinal rods, which are positioned along the longitudinal axis of a subject's spinal column.
2. Background of the Technology
Spinal fixation apparatuses are widely employed in surgical processes for correcting spinal injuries and diseases. These apparatuses commonly employ longitudinal link rods secured to coupling elements and are secured to the bone such as vertebrae by spinal bone fixation fasteners such as pedicle screws, hooks and others. The opposing pair of longitudinal link rods are commonly disposed along the longitudinal axis of the spine and are held in position relative to one another by cross-connectors, also known as transverse connectors or transverse bridge elements.
As the technology of spinal surgery has developed and improved, each of the necessary spinal fixation components has also undergone improvements and modifications to address the short-comings of conventional spinal appliances. While some improvements have been made in the design and operation of cross-connectors for spinal rods, there remains an unfulfilled need for a cross-connector that provides simplicity of operation with a minimal number of parts, which can provide reliable, secure attachment of two spinal rods that due to the natural and variable contours of the subject's spine are seldom in a perfectly parallel disposition, one to the other.
To meet the problem of securely connecting two opposing spinal rods together, a requirement exists to provide a cross-connector that can easily be manipulated during surgery in four directions to include being rotated in-part about the longitudinal axis of the connector; that is, a device is required that can rotate around each of the three axis of the device and also be translated to shorten or lengthen the device along its longitudinal axis before being securely locked into the desired position. In addition, the connector should be configured to provide a low profile with the smoothest possible contoured external surfaces to avoid irritation of adjacent soft tissue and thus promote healing and comfort for the subject post surgery.
Conventional efforts to meet this need have fallen short of the desired cross-connector configuration. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,554,832, issued to Shluzas, as best seen in FIGS. 2 and 4 of that patent, provides a transverse connector, which includes first and second connector members for connection to the respective first and second spine rods. The two connector members are connected one to the other by a connecting rod, which can be withdrawn or extended in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the cross-connector for purpose of adjusting the length thereof. As shown in FIG. 2 of the Shluzas patent, the extent of movement of the connecting rod (Shluzas at 42) inwardly through the opening (40) is limited by the design of the device, which after allowing a limited amount of inward movement of the connecting rod will impede further inward movement when the connecting rod (Shluzas at 42) comes into contact with the inwardly disposed portion of the connecting member (Shluzas at 30), the spine rod (Shluzas at 12), or possibly the set screw (Shluzas at 34). The design of the Shluzas connector thus provides a very limited inward adjustment of the length of the device. The device of Shluzas is also configured such that the connecting rod can be pivoted about a pivot axis to adjust the azimuth of the axis of the first connector in relation to the axis of the second connector. That is, the Shluzas device allows the surgeon to pivot the connecting rod about a pivot axis thus allowing one end of the multi-part transverse connector to be pivotally adjusted away from the longitudinal axis of the other end of the connector either caudally or cephallicly in relation to the subject's spinal column. Importantly the pivoting movement of the Shluzas connector is limited to movement within the same horizontal plane relative to the longitudinal axis of the spinal cord. Thus, while the device of Shluzas does permit some limited adjustment in length and azimuth of the device, it is configured to structurally prohibit any upward or downward movement in relation to the surface plane of the spinal column. That is, the elevation of one end of the Shluzas connector relative to the other end of the connector cannot be adjusted. While the connector of Shluzas does provide some improvement over earlier such devices, it still falls short of the need to provide a connector that can simultaneously be configured to be rotationally adjustable about each of the three axis and translated along the length of its longitudinal axis. That is, the device of Shluzas cannot be adjusted in all three planes: length, azimuth, and elevation as well as be rotated in-part around the connector's longitudinal axis.
Thus a need exists for a cross-connector assembly that provides ease of operation by the surgeon to adjust one connecting end of the assembly in relation to the other end of the assembly by rotation of the device around each of the three axis and translated in length along the longitudinal axis, to securely lock the assembly in the selected configuration, and to provide a cross-connector that has a low profile and the smoothest possible external surface contours to promote healing and minimal irritation of adjacent soft tissues in the subject.