A mechano-signalling network linking microtubules, myosin IIA filaments and integrin-based adhesions.

Highlights d mESCs actin cortex consists of isotropic and low-density Factin meshwork d A complex interplay between Arp2/3, formin, and capping protein regulates the cortex d Cortical asters are transient sites of Arp2/3-dependent actin polymerization d Myosin II is minimally involved in the architecture and mechanics of adherent mESCs

Microtubule filaments form ubiquitous networks. However, quantitative analysis of this structure is difficult due to its complex architecture. A tool is given for the automated retrieval of microtubule filaments from superresolution microscopy images and used for a quantitative analysis of microtubule network architecture phenotypes in fibroblasts.

Formation energies of possible vacancies under different oxygen partial pressures were studied using an ab initio density functional theory and supercell approach. Under oxygen-rich conditions, lead vacancies are the stable ones throughout the band gap, and their ionization level locates at 0.56eV from the top of valence band, which may contribute to p-type conduction. Under oxygen-poor conditions, oxygen vacancies are the stable ones at the top of the valence band. It is a deep donor that may not only dilute the acceptor carriers to weaken the p-type conduction but hardly contribute to n-type conduction.