Pink Noise - Leonid Korogodski [55]
See also beta-sheet.
amadlozi [ZULU]
The plural form of idlozi.
amaZiyoni [ZULU]
The plural form of iZiyoni, a Zionist.
amnesia
Loss of existing memories is called posterograde amnesia. Damage to the hippocampus often leads to anterograde amnesia, the inability to form or retain new memories.
analog, adj.
Characterized by continuity of state, as opposed to digital, which is distinguished by having discrete states.
ankam [MALAYALAM: ]
Duel to the death in the medieval Kerala, as a method of settling disputes. The fighters normally were members of the Chekavar caste, representing their high-caste patrons.
See also Chekavar.
anterior cingulate cortex
The cingulate cortex is a collar-shaped part of the brain wrapped around the corpus callosum that connects the hemispheres. Its frontal part is called anterior.
artificial,akaartie
Sentient cyber-being created from scratch, as opposed to having had their minds transferred into the digital format, as the posthuman minds are. Note that this term does not apply to the Wish Fairies, whose origin remains unknown. Referred to by the sie (her, hers) pronoun.
astrocyte
A star-shaped glial cell, found in the brain and in the spinal cord.
See also glial cells.
ATP
Adenosine triphosphate. This small molecule is the sole bottom line source of energy for all known life forms. Produced by atp synthase.
ATP synthase
An enzyme that produces atp, the cell’s “energy currency.” The molecule consists of Fo—a part embedded in the mito chondrial membrane; F1—a part sticking out; and an axle threaded through both.
An electric gradient across the membrane is generated by a complex cycle of chemical reactions involving either oxygen or photosynthesis (or certain other means, like in chemolithotropes). This makes protons (H+) flow across the membrane, using Fo as a tunnel. This electric current turns the axle. As it rotates inside the stalk, its catalytic sites go through a series of changes, making atp.
aurora
On Earth, also known as the northern polar lights (aurora borealis) and the southern polar lights (aurora australis). But on Mars, it’s not confined to the polar regions and is mainly ultraviolet.
B
basal ganglia
A group of brain nuclei located near the center of the brain, the basal ganglia is a repository of faps, fixed action patterns. Damage to the basal ganglia, in particular to its part called substantia nigra, is involved in Parkinson’s disease.
In Ireland, bean sidhe is sometimes said to cry a person, instead of crying for a person.
bean sidhe [IRISH]
Translated literally, “fairy woman.” Banshee in English.
Bean sidhe is a female spirit, a supernatural death messenger. Despite the mutation of banshee into an evil monster that supposedly kills with its cry, the authentic Irish bean sidhe is a benevolent spirit, following some families as guardians. When someone in the family is soon to die, she appears as a beautiful woman in white and cries mournfully.
Another manifestation of bean sidhe, called badhb (pronounced like “bibe”), is a hideous hag washing severed heads and limbs as a sign of impending death, just like the Scottish bean nighe, the Washer-at-the-Ford.
See also decapitation game.
beta-sheet
One of the main geometric motifs in the structure of protein molecules. The pattern consists of wavy strands extending side by side.
See also alpha-helix.
bleed
In drawing, when a part of an object is cut off by an edge of the drawing area, it is said that the object is bleeding. The same terminology is also used in painting, printing, and photography.
blind drawing
A method of drawing where the artist does not look at the drawing itself. The hand with the drawing tool moves without being observed by eyes. The artist may look at the model, but the eyes must not see the drawing-in-progress.
blind spot
A special zone in the field of vision of a blindsight patient.
Blindsight is a neurological condition when one cannot consciously perceive objects in a certain part of one’s field of vision. However, if one throws, say, a ball at the patient, hidden