1,893 research outputs found
Filamin cross-linked semiflexible networks: Fragility under strain
The semiflexible F-actin network of the cytoskeleton is cross-linked by a
variety of proteins including filamin, which contain Ig-domains that unfold
under applied tension. We examine a simple semiflexible network model
cross-linked by such unfolding linkers that captures the main mechanical
features of F-actin networks cross-linked by filamin proteins and show that
under sufficiently high strain the network spontaneously self-organizes so that
an appreciable fraction of the filamin cross-linkers are at the threshold of
domain unfolding. We propose an explanation of this organization based on a
mean-field model and suggest a qualitative experimental signature of this type
of network reorganization under applied strain that may be observable in
intracellular microrheology experiments of Crocker et al.Comment: 4 Pages, 3 figures, Revtex4, submitted to PR
Unfolding cross-linkers as rheology regulators in F-actin networks
We report on the nonlinear mechanical properties of a statistically
homogeneous, isotropic semiflexible network cross-linked by polymers containing
numerous small unfolding domains, such as the ubiquitous F-actin cross-linker
Filamin.
We show that the inclusion of such proteins has a dramatic effect on the
large strain behavior of the network. Beyond a strain threshold, which depends
on network density, the unfolding of protein domains leads to bulk shear
softening. Past this critical strain, the network spontaneously organizes
itself so that an appreciable fraction of the Filamin cross-linkers are at the
threshold of domain unfolding. We discuss via a simple mean-field model the
cause of this network organization and suggest that it may be the source of
power-law relaxation observed in in vitro and in intracellular microrheology
experiments. We present data which fully justifies our model for a simplified
network architecture.Comment: 11 pages, 4 figures. to appear in Physical Review
Discovery of the Pre-Main Sequence Population of the Stellar Association LH 95 in the Large Magellanic Cloud with Hubble Space Telescope ACS Observations
We report the discovery of an extraordinary number of pre-main sequence (PMS)
stars in the vicinity of the stellar association LH 95 in the Large Magellanic
Cloud (LMC). Using the {\em Advanced Camera for Surveys} on-board the {\em
Hubble} Space Telescope in wide-field mode we obtained deep high-resolution
imaging of the main body of the association and of a nearby representative LMC
background field. These observations allowed us to construct the
color-magnitude diagram (CMD) of the association in unprecedented detail, and
to decontaminate the CMD for the average LMC stellar population. The most
significant result is the direct detection of a substantial population of PMS
stars and their clustering properties with respect to the distribution of the
higher mass members of the association. Although LH 95 represents a rather
modest star forming region, our photometry, with a detection limit \lsim 28
mag, reveals in its vicinity more than 2,500 PMS stars with masses down to
M{\solar}. Our observations offer, thus, a new perspective of a
typical LMC association: The stellar content of LH 95 is found to extend from
bright OB stars to faint red PMS stars, suggesting a fully populated Initial
Mass Function (IMF) from the massive blue giants down to the sub-solar mass
regime.Comment: Accepted for Publication in ApJ Letters - 4 Pages ApJ paper format -
3 figures in low-resolution/grayscal
Structures in surface-brightness profiles of LMC and SMC star clusters: evidence of mergers?
The LMC and SMC are rich in binary star clusters, and some mergers are
expected. It is important to characterize single clusters, binary clusters and
candidates to mergers. We selected a sample of star clusters in each Cloud with
this aim. Surface photometry of 25 SMC and 22 LMC star clusters was carried
with the ESO Danish 1.54 m telescope. 23 clusters were observed for the first
time for these purposes. We fitted Elson, Fall and Freeman (1987, EFF) profiles
to the data, deriving structural parameters, luminosities and masses. We also
use isophotal maps to constrain candidates to cluster interactions.} {The
structural parameters, luminosities and masses presented good agreement with
those in the literature. Three binary clusters in the sample have a double
profile. Four clusters (NGC 376, K 50, K 54 and NGC 1810) do not have
companions and present as well important deviations from EFF profiles. The
present sample contains blue and red Magellanic clusters. Extended EFF profiles
were detected in some blue clusters. We find evidence that important deviations
from the body of EFF profiles might be used as a tool to detect cluster
mergers.Comment: 16 pages and 8 figures. Accepted by A&
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