Two-dimensional nanostructures with controllable magnetic and electronic properties are desirable for their versatile applications in quantum devices. Here, we present a first-principles design on their magnetic and electronic switching controlled by tension. We find that hydrogenated VTe2 monolayer experiences a transfer from anti-ferromagnetism to ferromagnetism via a turning-point of paramag...

During cell division, a mitotic spindle is built by the cell and acts to align and stretch duplicated sister chromosomes before their ultimate segregation into daughter cells. Stretching of the pericentromeric chromatin during metaphase is thought to generate a tension-based signal that promotes proper chromosome segregation. However, it is not known whether the mitotic spindle actively maintai...

Sport fishermen keep tension on their lines to prevent hooked fish from releasing. A molecular version of this angler's trick, operating at kinetochores, ensures accuracy during mitosis: the mitotic spindle attaches randomly to chromosomes and then correctly bioriented attachments are stabilized due to the tension exerted on them by opposing microtubules. Incorrect attachments, which lack tensi...

This study provides the first in vivo measures of the passive length-tension properties of relaxed human muscle fascicles and their tendons. A new method was used to derive passive length-tension properties of human gastrocnemius muscle-tendon units from measures of ankle stiffness obtained at a range of knee angles. Passive length-tension curves of the muscle-tendon unit were then combined wit...

Kites offer considerable potential as wind speed sensors--a role distinct from their traditional use as instrument-carrying platforms. In the sensor role, wind speed is measured by kite-line tension. A kite tether line tension meter is described here, using strain gauges mounted on an aluminum ring in a Wheatstone bridge electronic circuit. It exhibits a linear response to tension (19.5 mV N(-1...

The growth of thermally induced pores in a two-dimensional model fluid membrane is investigated by Monte Carlo simulation. Holes appear in the membrane via an activated process, and their subsequent growth is controlled by an edge energy per unit length or line tension. The barrier height and line tension, together with a lateral tension, are the independent parameters of the model. In the resu...

Pulling on the margin of embryonic chick sensory neurons induces neurite formation de novo. We find that these neurites contain microtubules within minutes after the application of tension and apparently normal microtubule arrays within 10-20 min. We wished to determine whether these microtubules reflected existing microtubules that were reorganized, e.g. pulled into the neurite by the applied ...

We propose a mechanism by which changes of the mechanical tension of a composite lipid membrane are buffered by the invagination of membrane domains. We show that domain invagination, driven by differences in chemical composition, is a first-order transition controlled by membrane tension. The invaginated domains play the role of a membrane reservoir, exchanging area with the main membrane, and...

Rideability, i.e. the ease and comfort with which a horse can be ridden, is considered to be one of the most important traits in riding horses. However, at present rideability is evaluated rather subjectively in breeding horse performance tests. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role horse behaviour as well as degree and quality of rein tension might play in judges' evaluation of...