| continuous suture | An uninterrupted series of stitches using one suture; the stitching is fastened at each end by a knot. Synonym: spiral suture, uninterrupted suture. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| continuous time model | <epidemiology> A model in which the system changes continuously over time. Derivatives (e.g. DY/dt ) are the mathematical formalism for describing such continuous change. The differential equation which embodies a model provides the values of these derivatives at any particular time point; calculus or a computer can then be used to move the state of the model forwards in time. Continuous models have the advantage over discrete time models in that they are more amenable to algebraic manipulation, although they are slightly harder to implement on a computer. The same as a differential equation model. (05 Dec 1998) |
| continuous tremor | A tremor that is constant, whether the subject is at rest or moving. Synonym: continuous tremor. (05 Mar 2000) |
| continuous variable | A variable that may take on any value in an interval or intervals (its domain). (05 Mar 2000) |
| heart-lung machine | A combination blood pump and blood oxygenator used for temporary periods of time in cardiopulmonary bypass for cardiac surgery. (12 Dec 1998) |
| productive machine hours | That portion of scheduled operating hours during which a machine performs its designated functions, excluding time to transport the machine and operational or mechanical delays. (05 Dec 1998) |
| q-machine | <radiobiology> Plasma device studied in the 1960s, noted for its natural quiescence, which made it attractive for plasma wave phyics experimentation. (09 Oct 1997) |
| artificial passive immunity | See: acquired immunity. (05 Mar 2000) |
| passive | Neither spontaneous nor active, not produced by active efforts. Origin: L. Passivus (18 Nov 1997) |
| passive agglutination | Agglutination of particles that have been coated with soluble antigen, by antiserum specific for the adsorbed antigen. Synonym: indirect agglutination. (05 Mar 2000) |
| passive-aggressive behaviour | Apparently compliant behaviour, with intrinsic obstructive or stubborn qualities, to cover deeply felt aggressive feelings that cannot be more directly expressed. (05 Mar 2000) |
| passive-aggressive personality | A personality disorder in which aggressive feelings are manifested in passive ways, especially through mild obstructionism and stubbornness. (05 Mar 2000) |
| passive-aggressive personality disorder | A personality disorder characterised by an indirect resistance to demands for adequate social and occupational performance; anger and opposition to authority and the expectations of others that is expressed covertly by obstructionism, procrastination, stubbornness, dawdling, forgetfulness, and intentional inefficiency. (12 Dec 1998) |
| passive anaphylaxis | A reaction resulting from inoculation of antigen in an animal previously inoculated intravenously with specific antiserum from another animal, a latent period being required between the two inoculations. Synonym: antiserum anaphylaxis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| passive atelectasis | The pulmonary collapse that occurs due to a space-occupying intrathoracic process such as pneumothorax or hydrothorax. (05 Mar 2000) |