On automorphisms and focal subgroups of blocks
  Given a p-block B of a finite group with defect group P and fusion system F on P we show that the rank of the group P/foc(F) is invariant under stable equivalences of Morita type. The main ingredients are the star-construction, due to Broue and Puig, a theorem of Weiss on linear source modules, arguments of Hertweck and Kimmerle applying Weiss' theorem to blocks, and connections with integrable derivations in the Hochschild cohomology of block algebras. 
Markus Linckelmann
math.RT math.GR