acrophasesummarize

acrophasesummarize is a conceptual data-processing approach that consolidates estimates of acrophase from rhythmic time-series data, providing a concise summary of phase information across individuals, conditions, or time. In circadian biology, acrophase refers to the time point of peak value in a rhythm within a cycle, commonly within a 24-hour period.

The method combines phase estimation procedures (cosinor analysis, nonparametric methods, or harmonic regression) with summary statistics for circular data. For each series, an acrophase is estimated, often as an angle on a 0–24 hour scale or a 0–2π rad scale. The summarization computes the mean acrophase, circular variance, and confidence intervals, using bootstrapping or Bayesian methods to accommodate limited sample sizes. It can align data to a common reference clock and accommodate missing data.

Output typically includes a compact report of central tendency and dispersion of acrophases, tests for group differences, and visual aids such as circular plots or rose diagrams. The approach emphasizes robust, interpretable summaries rather than detailed, per-sample profiles.

Applications include chronobiology research, sleep studies, medication timing optimization, and personalized chronotherapy. Limitations include sensitivity to sampling density, rhythm regularity, and model assumptions; results should be interpreted with caution when rhythms are irregular or multi-periodic.