Generic theory of active polar gels: a paradigm for cytoskeletal   dynamics
  We develop a general theory for active viscoelastic materials made of polar filaments. This theory is motivated by the dynamics of the cytoskeleton. The continuous consumption of a fuel generates a non equilibrium state characterized by the generation of flows and stresses. Our theory can be applied to experiments in which cytoskeletal patterns are set in motion by active processes such as those which are at work in cells. 
Karsten Kruse, Jean-Francois Joanny, Frank Julicher, Jacques Prost,   Ken Sekimoto