cosinor

cosinor analyzes time-distributed biological data to detect and quantify circadian (24-hour) and ultradian rhythmicity using cosinor analysis.

Key Features:

• Period customization: Allows specification of the period length for analysis to target circadian and ultradian rhythms.
• Numerical and graphical outputs: Produces numerical evaluations of rhythmicity and generates adjustable plots of fitted rhythms.
• Comparative validation: Displays results comparable to Cosinor2 (identical for 24-hour analysis and matching for ultradian variability) and shows slight differences versus Chronos-Fit for ultradian analyses.
• Acrophase units: Reports acrophase in decimal time units rather than radians as used by Cosinor2.

Scientific Applications:

• Chronobiology: Detects and quantifies circadian and ultradian patterns in biological time-series data to support chronobiology research.
• Physiological and pathological assessment: Assesses temporal patterns that may indicate underlying physiological processes or pathologies.
• Preliminary screening: Serves as an initial screening method to determine whether datasets exhibit significant periodicity warranting more detailed cosinor analyses.

Methodology:

Performs cosinor analysis using a user-specified period length and outputs numerical rhythm parameters and fitted plots.