Collaborator Handbook
Pilot study expectations
How partners work with Rex Autistikon Research Foundation without circular definition of the independent variable.
Current status
- Research architecture established — research question, layered method (measurement → representation → transmission → physiological test), zone taxonomy, falsification criteria (F1–F3), and collaboration governance.
- Measurement protocols under development — zone-specific mechanical acquisition, calibration/QC, and test–retest plans are being defined; they are not yet locked as validated standard operating procedures.
- Computational transmission layer currently illustrative — interactive model and Phase 1 intake parameters (including restriction-like / didactic controls and observational MPA-style scores) explore predicted transmission quantities. They are not empirical tissue measurements.
- Empirical validation pending — reliability of candidate mechanical measures, coherence of any latent “restriction” construct, and preregistered prediction of independent physiological outcomes have not yet been demonstrated.
1. Purpose of collaboration
Partners collect zone-appropriate mechanical measurements (and, where approved, physiological outcomes). RAL provides governed intake, versioned computation of transmission predictions, and de-identified aggregation tools. Partners retain responsibility for ethics, local protocol validity, and human-subjects compliance.
2. Independent variable policy
Do not treat “restriction r” as a field you simply “know.” Primary experimental emphasis: measured mechanical quantities → documented representation → optional model predictions → independent physiological tests.
“Mechanical restriction” is a hypothesis-level latent construct. The computational model must never define restriction retrospectively. No post-hoc composite index adjustment based on outcome fit is permitted.
3. Three layers
- Measurement — instrumented observables, zone-specific.
- Mechanical representation — derived parameters with units and transforms specified in advance.
- Computational transmission — predicted metrics from a stated representation; version-stamped.
4. Zone dossiers (required)
For each of the eight zones, document:
- Anatomical target
- Measurable mechanical properties (candidates)
- Acquisition method / instrument class
- Calibration and quality-control procedures
- Expected measurement range
- Test–retest requirements
- Permitted transforms into the common computational representation
- Measurements unavailable or inappropriate for that zone
The common element is the analytical framework, not a single physical technique for all zones.
5. MPA and observational scores
Record if useful for secondary, preregistered analyses. Do not use as the primary computational stand-in for mechanical state unless validation criteria agreed in advance are met.
6. Composite restriction index (if ever used)
Must be locked before outcome analysis:
- Components, units, normalization
- Weighting / dimensional reduction
- Missing-data rules
- Reliability thresholds
- Zone-specific procedures
- Mapping to transmission-model inputs
7. Falsification
The restriction construct is weakened or rejected for a zone/protocol if:
- measures are unreliable under pre-set criteria;
- candidate measures do not cohere where a shared construct is claimed; or
- mechanical state fails preregistered physiological prediction.
Do not “fix” failures by adjusting the model or index after seeing outcomes.
8. Phase 1 software honesty
Current intake may still expose illustrative fields (including restriction-like and MPA fields) so teams can exercise the pipeline. Label methods sections and exports accordingly: illustrative / Phase-1 computational, pending measurement-layer protocols in the zone dossiers. Stored runs include model_version.
9. Platform links
Rex Autistikon Research Foundation, Inc. · 501(c)(3) · EIN 42-3220323 ·Transparency