The recent identification of several proteins playing key roles in S-RNase-based gametophytic self-incompatibility has led both to a greater understanding of the molecular biology of this response, as well as to questions regarding the precise mechanism by which compatible pollen tubes are recognized and accepted. A proposed variant SCF(SLF) (where SCF is SSK1/cullin/F-box and SLF is S-locus F-box) ubiquitin ligase complex is thought to play a central role in recognizing and inhibiting non-self S-RNases, but the exact role of ubiquitination remains unclear. How the possible sequestration of non-self S-RNases in a pollen vacuolar compartment can be reconciled with the need for protein interaction between S-RNase and the SCF(SLF) complex needs to be determined. Current work to answer these questions focuses on more precisely defining quantitative protein interactions and subcellular localization of proteins involved in S-RNase-based gametophytic self-incompatibility.

Light bending by the strong gravity around the black hole will form the so-called black hole shadow, the shape of which can shed light on the structure of the near-horizon geometry to possibly reveal novel physics of strong gravity and black hole. In this work, we adopt both analytical and ray-tracing methods to study the black hole shadow in the presence of the infrared structure of gravity theory, which manifests the asymptotic symmetries of spacetime as the supertranslation soft hairs of the black hole. Though the black hole metrics with and without the soft hair are related by large gauge transformations, the near horizon geometries relevant for the shape of the shadow are quite different. Moreover, the Hamiltonian for the geodesic seems intrinsically different, i.e., the loss of separability due to the breaking of spherical symmetry by soft hair. By applying ray-tracing computations, we find that the soft hair, although not affecting the shape of the shadow, may change the average size and position of the shadow. Images resulting from soft hair black holes with surrounding accretion flows are also discussed.

Reduced mouth opening or microstomia is a frequently encountered condition in the field of prosthodontics. Microstomia is a challenge for prosthodontics right from impression making till the insertion of the prosthesis. Making impressions in patients with microstomia is often cumbersome for both patient and operator. Standard impression procedures are not of any help due to limited mouth opening, so the modification of standard impression procedure is often necessary while treating such patients. Modification in denture prosthesis in the form of split denture, flexible denture, hinged denture, spring denture etc is needed to fulfil patients' demands. The present case displays the treatment of a patient with microstomia using modified impression tray design and maxillary split denture.

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Renal involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is common and has been associated with an increased risk of mortality [1]. Early diagnosis is imperative to control proteinuria and prevent the progression to end-stage renal disease. Standard induction therapies include cyclophosphamide (CYC) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF); however, it has been estimated that approximately 30% of patients are refractory to these standard treatments after 1 year [2]. We present two cases of patients diagnosed with lupus nephritis (LN) who demonstrated persistent proteinuria while on standard treatments that markedly improved after addition of thalidomide (THD). A literature review was performed indicating that THD use with prednisolone (PL) was more efficacious than MMF with PL in resolving lupus nephritis in a mouse model. Thalidomide, which was well tolerated, was associated with a reduction in the protein-to-creatinine ratio with sustained results in both of our patient cases. These cases suggest more clinical data is needed to explore the potential utility of thalidomide in the treatment of LN.