| cell fusion | <biology, embryology> Fusion of two previously separate cells occurs naturally in fertilization and in the formation of vertebrate skeletal muscle, but can be induced artificially by the use of Sendai virus or fusogens such as polyethylene glycol. Fusion may be restricted to cytoplasm or nuclei may fuse as well. A cell formed by the fusion of dissimilar cells is often referred to as a heterokaryon. (26 Mar 1998) |
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| centric fusion | <molecular biology> A special type of nonreciprocal translocation in chromosomes whereby the long arms of two nonhomologous acrocentric chromosomes are attached to a single centromere. The short arms become attached to form a reciprocal structure that however often disappears some divisions after its formation. (17 Dec 1997) |
| cervical fusion syndrome | <syndrome> Fused vertebrae, especially cervical spine (C3-C4), elevation of scapula (Sprengel deformity), omocervical bones, GU abnormalities (66%), renal agenesis (33%), deafness (33%) (12 Dec 1998) |
| cervical spine fusion | <radiology> (ankylosis) Posterior elements, JRA, vertebral bodies, block vertebrae, Klippel-Feil (12 Dec 1998) |
| membrane fusion | The adherence of cell membranes, intracellular membranes, or artifical membrane models of either to each other or to viruses, parasites, or interstitial particles through a variety of chemical and physical processes. (12 Dec 1998) |
| whole-arm fusion | <genetics, molecular biology> A break in the shortest arms of two acrocentric chromosomes followed by the fusion of the long arms into a single chromosome. (13 Nov 1997) |
| controlled thermonuclear fusion | <radiobiology> The process in which light nuclei, heated to a high temperature in a confined region, undergo fusion reactions under controlled conditions, with associated release of energy which may be harnessed for useful purposes. (09 Oct 1997) |
| 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) |
| heat of fusion | <chemistry> The enthalpy change that occurs to melt a solid at its melting point. (09 Jan 1998) |
| spinal fusion | A procedure that involves fusing together two or more vertebrae in the spine using either bone grafts or metal rods (Harrington rods). This procedure may be used to correct kyphosis or scoliosis. It is also used in those who require spine stabilisation due to vertebral damage from ruptures discs, fractures, osteomyelitis, osteoarthritis or tumour. (27 Sep 1997) |
| spin-polarized fusion | <radiobiology> A method to enhance nuclear fusion reaction rates in some fusion fuels by polarizing the nuclear spins. (09 Oct 1997) |
| splenogonadal fusion | The formation of a mass consisting of splenic and testicular or ovarian tissue. (05 Mar 2000) |
| nuclear fusion | Thermonuclear reaction in which the nuclei of an element of low atomic weight unite under extremely high temperature and pressure to form a nucleus of a heavier atom. (12 Dec 1998) |
| impact fusion | <radiobiology> Fusion approach where a fuel projectile is acclerated and impacted into either a stationary target or another projectile. This is valuable for scientific purposes but not a candidate for a fusion energy source because the likelihood of fusion occurring in a single collision is too low. Multiple accelerated pellets colliding with spherical symmetry might be a viable inertial confinement approach. An impact fusion driver accelerates the macroparticles and is used in inertial confinement fusion. (13 Nov 1997) |
| inertial confinement fusion | <radiobiology> Approach to fusion where the plasma is imploded so quickly that the inertia of the converging particles is so high that many fuse before they disperse. This is the method used in a hydrogen bomb, ICF schemes for power production usually use small pellets of fuel in an attempt to make miniature h-bomb type explosions. Methods for imploding the pellet include bombardment from all sides with high-powered laser and particle beams, and of course implosion in a fission bomb. Parts of ICF fusion research remain classified due to their military implications and applications, though much ICF research was recently declassified. (09 Oct 1997) |