| antigenic modulation | Loss of detectable antigen from the surface of a cell after incubation with antibodies. This is one method in which some tumours escape detection by the immune system. Antigenic modulation of target antigens also reduces the therapeutic effectiveness of treatment by monoclonal antibodies. (12 Dec 1998) |
|---|---|
| modulation | Alteration in the effectiveness of voltage gated or ligand gated ion channels by changing the characteristics of current flow through the channels. The mechanism is thought to involve second messenger systems. (18 Nov 1997) |
| modulation transfer function | <microscopy> A mathematical function that expresses the ability of an optical or electronic device to transfer signals faithfully as a function of the spatial or temporal frequency of the signal. The modulation transfer function is the ratio of percentage modulation of a sinusoidal signal leaving to that entering the device over the range of frequencies of interest. The modulation transfer function is usually presented as a graph of modulation transfer function versus log (frequency). For a square wave signal, the function is known as the CTF. Acronym: MTF (26 Mar 1998) |
| bounce frequency | <physics> The average frequency of oscillation of a particle trapped in a magnetic mirror as it bounces back and forth between its turning points in regions of high magnetic field. (See also trapped particle, turning points, banana orbit). (09 Oct 1997) |
| radio frequency current drive | <radiobiology> Plasma waves in the radio-frequency range can be used to push plasma particles in such a way that current forms in the plasma, this is a method of non-inductive current drive which would allow for steady-state fusion reactors to operate. (09 Oct 1997) |
| radio frequency heating | <radiobiology> Process for heating the plasma by transferring energy to ions or electrons using waves generated by an external oscillator at an appropriate frequency. (This is similar to how a microwave oven heats food.) There are various types: See: ECRH, ICRH, and Lower Hybrid. (09 Oct 1997) |
| radio frequency or radiofrequency | <physics> Term used to describe electromagnetic radiation with frequencies less than infrared, but greater than audio frequencies, i.e., greater than about 15,000 Hz. Wavelengths are therefore less than about 20,000 km and greater than about 0.01 mm. (These numbers are not precise.) (09 Oct 1997) |
| gene frequency | The relative occurence (expressed as a percentage) of a gene in a given population. (09 Oct 1997) |
| recombination frequency | The frequency at which crossingover occurs between two chromosomal loci--the probability that twoloci will become unlinked during meiosis. (09 Oct 1997) |
| resonant frequency | The frequency at which individual magnetic nuclei absorb or emit radiofrequency energy in magnetic resonance studies. Synonym: resonance. (05 Mar 2000) |
| respiratory frequency | The number of breaths per minute. (05 Mar 2000) |
| collision frequency | <chemistry> The rate at which chemical species collide, used in theories of chemical kinetics. Also, the frequency with which gaseous molecules collide. (09 Oct 1997) |
| plasma frequency | <radiobiology> The natural collective oscillation frequency of a charge species (electrons, ions, etc.) in a plasma, in the absence of (or at least parallel to) a magnetic field. Also known as Langmuir or Langmuir-Tonks frequency. See: electrostatic waves, plasma oscillations. (09 Oct 1997) |
| mutational frequency | The proportions of mutations in a population. (05 Mar 2000) |
| critical flicker fusion frequency | The minimal number of flashes of light per second at which an intermittent light stimulus no longer stimulates a continuous visual sensation. (05 Mar 2000) |