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Paul,
I can answer the first two with some confidence. The circadian period is the length of a single complete circadian cycle, so typically approximately 24 hours. The circadian phase would indicate where in the cycle the variable of interest is measured. So we might measure melatonin at midnight when it is expected to be at the peek of its cycle. Phase will also be used to indicate how well synchronized components of a cycling system are. In the circadian example, the sleep/waking activity is typically in phase with the cycling levels of Melatonin. Phase angle is a measure of position on the sine wave that represents the cycling system from a particular reference point. Wikipedia has an entry that gives a more technical definition that might be helpful http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phase_Angle. I have seen phase angle measures used to indicate changes in the synchrony of cycles with some standard for example, time of day or another cycling system.
I hope that helps. Dennis
Dennis M. Goff Professor of Psychology Randolph-Macon Woman's College [EMAIL PROTECTED]
-----Original Message-----
Can anyone out there clearly distinguish for me the differences between:
circadian period circadian phase circadian phase angle
I would be most grateful!
Paul Okami --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [email protected] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] |
