Molecular Crosstalk Between Adherens Junction Proteins, E-cadherin and Nectin-4.

Cell-cell junctions formed by the association of cell adhesion molecules facilitate physiological events necessary for growth and development of multicellular organisms. Among them, cadherins and nectins organize and assemble to form adherens junction, which thereby mechanically couples interacting cells. A detailed understanding of the crosstalk involving these cell adhesion molecules is fundamental to the study of the various developmental processes. Although, cadherins and nectins can recruit each other in the adherens junction through an interplay of cytoplasmic adaptor molecules, here, we report a direct interaction between N-terminal extracellular domains of E-cadherin and nectin-4 as demonstrated by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)-based single molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS). Kinetic studies using SPR demonstrate the binding between the ectodomains of E-cadherin and nectin-4 with a KD of 3.7 ± 0.7 µM and KD of 5.4 ± 0.2 µM (reciprocal experiment). AFM-based SMFS experiments also support interaction between the ectodomains of E-cadherin and nectin-4 with the koff value of 31.48 ± 1.53 s-1 and the lifetime of the complex of 0.036 ± 0.0026 s. We thus propose a cell adhesion mechanism mediated by E-cadherin and nectin-4, which can have functional significance in early embryogenesis as evident from the expression pattern of both the proteins during early development.

Discerning toxic nerve gas agents via a distinguishable 'turn-on' fluorescence response: multi-stimuli responsive quinoline derivatives in action.

We have successfully synthesized quinoline derivatives that exhibit easy scalability and responsiveness to multiple stimuli. These derivatives are capable of forming self-assembled nanoscopic aggregates in an aqueous medium. Consequently, when placed in an aqueous environment, we observe dual fluorescence originating from both twisted intramolecular charge transfer and aggregation-induced emission. The introduction of nerve gas agents, such as diethyl chlorophosphate (DClP) or diethylcyanophosphate (DCNP), to the probe molecules facilitates the charge-transfer process, resulting in a red-shift in absorption maxima. Notably, when operating in fluorescence mode, both of these analytes produce distinct output signals, making them easily distinguishable. DCNP generates a blue fluorescence, while the addition of DClP yields cyan fluorescence. Our mechanistic investigation reveals that the initial step involves phosphorylation of the quinoline nitrogen end. However, in the case of DCNP, the released cyanide ion subsequently attacks the carbonyl carbon centre, forming a cyanohydrin derivative. The response to these target analytes appears to be influenced by the nucleophilicity of the quinoline nitrogen end and the electrophilic nature of the carbonyl unit.

Genetic characterization and diversity analysis of indigenous aromatic rice.

Gangetic old alluvial zone in India has conserved many locally adapted aromatic rice landraces. In order to determine the extent of genetic divergence of ten morphological characters, the study was conducted to examine forty-eight aromatic rice genotypes for six Kharif seasons (2016-2021) at the Instructional Farm of Regional Research Station (Old Alluvial Zone), Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Majhian, West Bengal, India. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. A considerable degree of variation was noted for all the traits being investigated. It was found that the total number of tillers per plant, panicle numbers per plant, number of grains per panicle, fertility percentage, test weight, and grain length/breadth ratio had significantly positive correlated with seed yield per plant. Based on D2 analysis values, all the genotypes were grouped into six clusters. Cluster III (Tulaipanji, Patnai, Basmati 1121, Jugal, and Bahurupi) and Cluster VI (Kanakchur), containing genotypes were found most divergent with maximum inter-cluster distance (6941.51). According to the cluster means, Cluster II had the largest intra-cluster distance (1937.52), and important attributes including test weight, number of grains per panicle, seed yield per plant, and fertility percentage made remarkably significant contributions to this cluster. In terms of principal component analysis, maximum variability was found in PC1 (23.88 %), with high positive loading values for tillers per plant (0.459), panicle number per plant (0.441), seed yield per plant (0.408), fertility percentage (0.364), test weight (0.264), and grain length/breadth (L/B) ratio (0.263). On the basis of biplot analysis, four genotypes, namely Shakbhati, Sugandhi, Bahurupi and Kanakchur, were identified as the most divergent types for the yield-attributing traits of aromatic rice. The diverse genotypes could be used as potential donors in future breeding programmes.

Dynamics of caste and early childbearing in India: a perspective of three decades.

BACKGROUND: Early childbearing disrupts girls' otherwise healthy growth into adulthood and adversely affects their education, livelihood, and health. Individual, sociocultural, economic, environmental, and health service-related factors contribute to childbearing among young females. In India, caste affects health outcomes despite several affirmative policies aimed at improving the health and welfare of the backward castes/tribes. However, there is a dearth of empirical evidence about the impact of caste on early childbearing, more specifically, regarding the trajectory of inter-caste disparities in early childbearing. METHOD: This study used data from all five rounds of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) in India to assess the association between caste and early childbearing over the last three decades. All women aged 20-24 [NFHS-1 (n = 17,218), NFHS-2 (n = 15,973), NFHS-3 (n = 22,807), NFHS-4 (n = 122,955) and NFHS-5 (n = 118,700)] were considered to create a pooled data set (n = 297,653) for analysis. Bivariate analysis and binary logistic regression were conducted using Stata (v17). ArcMap (v10.8) presented the caste-wise prevalence of early childbearing among the states and Union Territories (UTs). RESULTS: Many women continue to have early childbearing despite a considerable reduction over the last three decades from 47% in 1992-93 to 15% in 2019-21. Compared to NFHS-1, the odds of early childbearing increased by 15% in NFHS-2 and, after that, declined by 42% in NFHS-3 and 64% in NFHS-4 and NFHS-5. The inter-caste disparity in early childbearing persists, albeit with a narrowing gap, with the Scheduled castes (SC) remaining the most vulnerable group. Adjusting the effects of socio-demographic and economic characteristics, SC women had significantly higher odds of early childbearing (OR = 1.07, CI = 1.04-1.11) than those from the General caste. CONCLUSION: To decrease early childbirth, a focus on adolescent marriage prevention and increasing contraceptive use among young SC women is necessary. Strengthening ongoing programs and policies targeting educational and economic empowerment of the socially weaker castes/tribes will help in reducing early childbearing. Efforts to prevent early childbearing will accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)-especially those related to health, poverty, nutrition, education, and general wellbeing, in addition to protecting women's reproductive rights.

Analgesic efficacy of classical thoracolumbar interfascial plane block versus modified thoracolumbar interfascial plane block in patients undergoing lumbar disc surgeries: A comparative, randomised controlled trial.

Background and Aims: We compared classical (medial) and modified (lateral) thoracolumbar interfascial plane block (TLIP) with only general anaesthesia (GA) using multimodal analgesia in patients undergoing lumbar disc surgeries. Methods: In this study, 100 patients aged 18-70 years were randomised to Group cTLIP (conventional TLIP block with 20 mL of 0.25% ropivacaine with GA), Group mTLIP (modified TLIP block with 20 mL of 0.25% ropivacaine with GA), and Group C (only GA using multimodal analgesia). The primary outcome was to assess the total peri-operative opioid consumption in the first 24 h. The secondary outcomes were to assess pain score upon arriving in the post-anaesthesia care unit, time to first analgesic need after surgery, post-operative opioid consumption in 24 h, and incidence of nausea and vomiting. Results: The total peri-operative opioid consumption in Group cTLIP (507.58 (258.55) µg) and Group mTLIP (491.67 (165.39) µg) was significantly lower than that in Group C (1225.4 (237.03) µg); (P < 0.001). However, it was comparable between groups cTLIP and mTLIP (P = 0.767). Pain score was comparable in groups cTLIP and mTLIP. It was significantly lower than Group C (P = 0.001). Rescue analgesia was needed in all (100%) patients of Group C but in only 15.2% of patients of the cTLIP and mTLIP groups. No patient in groups cTLIP and mTLIP complained of nausea and vomiting in the first 24 h, whereas it was significantly higher (61.8%) in Group C (P = 0.001). Conclusion: The analgesic effect of the modified TLIP block was not superior to the conventional TLIP block. Both techniques provided the same intra-operative and post-operative analgesia for lumbar disc surgeries.

Multifaceted Applications of Luminescent Metalloporphyrin Derivatives: Fluorescence Turn-On Sensing of Nicotine and Antimicrobial Activity.

In this study, we designed and synthesized metalloporphyrin derivatives (with Ni and Zn) specifically intended for the fluorescence detection of nicotine in aqueous solutions. Our results showcased a notable selectivity for nicotine over other naturally occurring food toxins, exhibiting an exceptional sensitivity with a limit of detection as low as 7.2 nM. Through mechanistic investigations (1H NMR, FT-IR, etc.), we elucidated the binding mechanism, revealing the specific interaction between the pyridine ring of nicotine and the metal center, while the N atom pyrrolidine unit engaged in the hydrogen bonding with the side chain of the porphyrin ring. Notably, we observed that the nature of the metal center dictated the extent of interaction with nicotine; particularly, Zn-porphyrin demonstrated a superior response compared to Ni-porphyrin. Furthermore, we performed the quantitative estimation of nicotine in commercially available tobacco products. Additionally, we conducted the antibacterial (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) and antifungal (Candida albicans) activities of the porphyrin derivatives.

Prevalence and predictors of minimum acceptable diet (MAD) feeding among tribal children aged 6-23 months in India.

Minimum acceptable diet (MAD) that combines minimum dietary diversity (MDD) and minimum meal frequency (MMF) is one of the eight core indicators for assessing infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices for children aged 6-23 months. With low MAD, young children and infants are more susceptible to undernutrition. The study assesses the prevalence and predictors of MAD among tribal children aged 6-23 months in India. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyzes were performed on data from 6326 tribal children of the National Family Health Survey (2019-21). Stata was used for the analyzes, with a 5% significance level. Only 12% of tribal children were fed with a MAD, while 24% had MDD and 34% MMF. Children aged 18-23 months had a three times higher chance of MAD than their 6-8 months counterparts. Children receiving Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), children of mothers with ten or more years of schooling, children whose mothers were exposed to mass media, and whose mothers had 4+ antenatal care visits in their last pregnancy had a higher likelihood of MAD. The study concludes that MAD among tribal children aged 6-23 months is unsatisfactory and varies significantly by socio-demographic characteristics, suggesting targeted intervention.

Immuno-metabolic reprogramming of T cell: a new frontier for pharmacotherapy of Rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a persistent autoimmune condition characterized by ongoing inflammation primarily affecting the synovial joint. This inflammation typically arises from an increase in immune cells such as neutrophils, macrophages, and T cells (TC). TC is recognized as a major player in RA pathogenesis. The involvement of HLA-DRB1 and PTPN-2 among RA patients confirms the TC involvement in RA. Metabolism of TC is maintained by various other factors like cytokines, mitochondrial proteins & other metabolites. Different TC subtypes utilize different metabolic pathways like glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation and fatty acid oxidation for their activation from naive TC (T0). Although all subsets of TC are not deleterious for synovium, some subsets of TC are involved in joint repair using their anti-inflammatory properties. Hence artificially reprogramming of TC subset by interfering with their metabolic status poised a hope in future to design new molecules against RA.

Biogenic Polymer-Based Fluorescent Assemblies: Versatile Platforms for Ultrasensitive ATP Detection and Enzyme Assay.

Here, we investigated the optical properties of biocompatible supramolecular assemblies formed through electrostatic interactions between anionic fluorescent dyes and biogenic polymers. The dynamic equilibrium between the monomeric form (fluorescent) and aggregates (nonfluorescent) of dye molecules is responsible for the stimuli-responsive behavior of these polymer composites, which can respond to changes in pH, temperature, and ionic strength. Furthermore, we employed supramolecular assemblies for the purpose of turn-on fluorescence sensing of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) at physiological pH. Notably, no interference was observed even in the presence of well-known competing analytes such as pyrophosphate. In addition to its outstanding selectivity, the present system can detect ATP at concentrations as low as 4.8 nM. The superior detection capabilities are achieved through multiple interactions with biogenic polymers, involving the adenine ring, ribose unit (through hydrogen bonding), and phosphate groups (via charge pairing) of ATP. Given the remarkable sensitivity to ATP, we have applied the present system for the detection of a dephosphorylating enzyme, alkaline phosphatase.

Thiuram Disulfide Mediated Cu-Catalyzed Amidation of Terminal Alkynes: An Efficient Synthesis of Alkynyl Amides.

Terminal alkynes undergo a CO-free aminocarbonylation reaction mediated by thiuram disulfides. Thiuram disulfide acts as the source of the carbamoyl group in the amidation of terminal alkynes in the presence of copper-based reagent and catalyst. A series of alkynyl amides has been prepared with several structural variations following the current one-pot two-step protocol. The reaction proceeds through a mixed disulfide intermediate, which has been isolated and characterized by single-crystal XRD analysis.

Detection of cardiac abnormalities from 12-lead ecg using complex wavelet sub-band features.

AIM OF THE STUDY: This research endeavours to optimize cardiac anomaly detection by introducing a method focused on selecting the most effective Daubechis wavelet families. The principal aim is to differentiate between cardiac states that are normal and abnormal by utilizing longer electrocardiogram (ECG) signal events based on the Apnea ECG dataset. Apnea ECG is often used to detect sleep apnea, a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. By using machine learning methods, such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and different classifiers, the goal is to improve the precision of cardiac irregularity identification. Used method. To extract important statistical and sub-band information from lengthy ECG signal episodes, the study uses a novel method that combines discrete wavelet transform with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for dimension reduction. The methodology focuses on successfully categorizing ECG signals by utilizing several classifiers, including multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network, Ensemble Subspace K-Nearest Neighbour(KNN), and Ensemble Bagged Trees, together with varied Daubechis wavelet families (db2, db3, db4, db5, db6). Brief Description of Results. The results emphasize the importance of the chosen Daubechis wavelet family, db5, and its superiority in ECG representation. The method distinguishes normal and abnormal ECG signals well on the Physionet Apnea ECG database. The Neural Network-based method accurately recognizes 100% of healthy signals and 97.8% of problematic ones with 98.6% accuracy. FINDINGS: The Ensemble Subspace K-Nearest Neighbour (KNN) and Ensemble Bagged Trees methods got 87.1% accuracy and 0.89 and 0.87 AOC curve values on this dataset, showing that the method works. Precision values of 0.96, 0.86, and 0.86 for MLP Neural Network, KNN Subspace, and Ensemble Bagged Trees confirm their robustness. These findings suggest wavelet families and machine learning can improve cardiac abnormality detection and categorization.

Excitonic Rydberg States in a Trilayer to Monolayer H2-Aided CVD-Grown Large-Area MoS2 Film with Excellent UV to Visible Broad Band Photodetection Applications.

The diverse nature of optoelectronic properties of few-layer or monolayer MoS2 is generally dominated by A and B excitons. Occasionally, strong Coulombic interactions within the 2D monolayer led to the creation of hydrogen-like Rydberg states of excitons in MoS2 similar to other 2D monolayers. In this paper, a simple process is used to convert trilayer MoS2 films to a monolayer by introducing H2 gas during chemical vapor deposition. Remarkably, alongside the usual A, B excitons, and A- trion, the appearance of the Rydberg states is evidenced by photoluminescence spectra even at room temperature; also, there is an increase in their areal percentage with an increase in H2 content. The s-type excited Rydberg states up to the fourth order (n = 5) and third order (n = 4) of A and B excitons, respectively, have been probed from the photoluminescence spectra at 93 K. Unprecedentedly, the first-order derivative of room-temperature photocurrent spectrum reveals the Rydberg states concurrently and elaboratively. Furthermore, the large-area MoS2 films exhibit photoresponse in a broad UV to visible region with excellent photosensitivity (∼102) toward both UV and visible lights. Not only does this provide a profound understanding of the excitonic Rydberg states but also highlights the considerable potential of large-area monolayer MoS2 overcoming the difficulty of tiny flake-related 2D device endeavors.

Spin-Vibronic Dynamics in Open-Shell Systems beyond the Spin Hamiltonian Formalism.

Vibronic coupling has a dramatic influence over a large number of molecular processes, ranging from photochemistry to spin relaxation and electronic transport. The simulation of vibronic coupling with multireference wave function methods has been largely applied to organic compounds, and only early efforts are available for open-shell systems such as transition metal and lanthanide complexes. In this work, we derive a numerical strategy to differentiate the molecular electronic Hamiltonian in the context of multireference ab initio methods and inclusive of spin-orbit coupling effects. We then provide a formulation of open quantum system dynamics able to predict the time evolution of the electron density matrix under the influence of a Markovian phonon bath up to fourth-order perturbation theory. We apply our method to Co(II) and Dy(III) molecular complexes exhibiting long spin relaxation times and successfully validate our strategy against the use of an effective spin Hamiltonian. Our study sheds light on the nature of vibronic coupling, the importance of electronic excited states in spin relaxation, and the need for high-level computational chemistry to quantify it.

Liposome-Mediated Anti-Viral Drug Delivery Across Blood-Brain Barrier: Can Lipid Droplet Target Be Game Changers?

Lipid droplets (LDs) are subcellular organelles secreted from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that play a major role in lipid homeostasis. Recent research elucidates additional roles of LDs in cellular bioenergetics and innate immunity. LDs activate signaling cascades for interferon response and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Since balanced lipid homeostasis is critical for neuronal health, LDs play a crucial role in neurodegenerative diseases. RNA viruses enhance the secretion of LDs to support various phases of their life cycle in neurons which further leads to neurodegeneration. Targeting the excess LD formation in the brain could give us a new arsenal of antiviral therapeutics against neuroviruses. Liposomes are a suitable drug delivery system that could be used for drug delivery in the brain by crossing the Blood-Brain Barrier. Utilizing this, various pharmacological inhibitors and non-coding RNAs can be delivered that could inhibit the biogenesis of LDs or reduce their sizes, reversing the excess lipid-related imbalance in neurons. Liposome-Mediated Antiviral Drug Delivery Across Blood-Brain Barrier. Developing effective antiviral drug is challenging and it doubles against neuroviruses that needs delivery across the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB). Lipid Droplets (LDs) are interesting targets for developing antivirals, hence targeting LD formation by drugs delivered using Liposomes can be game changers.

Extremal topological indices of some nanostructures.

In this work, general formulas of degree-based and neighborhood degree sum-based topological indices for a 2D lattice of H-Naphtalenic nanotubes and pent-heptagonal nanosheets are determined. As an example, six neighborhood degree sum-based topological indices are computed using the obtained formula. Furthermore, the extremal cases of these nanostructures with a fixed number of blocks are characterized for a given degree-based or neighborhood degree sum-based topological index. Also a visual comparison of these indices is shown. Additionally, it is demonstrated how beneficial the indices are for representing structure-property relationships.

Factors affecting pregnancy registration in India: does the pregnancy intention matter?

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy registration is one of the most critical components of women's reproductive health because it is the gateway to entering the continuum of care services such as antenatal care, institutional delivery, and postnatal care. There is a lack of studies exploring the relationship between pregnancy intention and pregnancy registration, especially in the Indian context. METHOD: This study used the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21) data to explore the relationship between birth intention and failure of pregnancy registration. The bivariate and multivariate (binary logistic regression) analysis was carried out. RESULTS: Adjusting the effects of socio-demographic and economic characteristics, compared with women with an intended pregnancy, the odds of failure of pregnancy registration were significantly high among women with a mistimed pregnancy (OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.47-1.73) and unwanted pregnancy (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.26-1.52). The study found pregnancy intention as a significant predictor of pregnancy registration. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest strengthening the interaction of grassroots-level health workers with women, especially those with possibly lower healthcare autonomy and unintended pregnancy. Higher and earlier pregnancy registration will enhance maternal healthcare utilization and reduce adverse health consequences to mothers and children, thus ensuring better maternal and child health.

Examining the influence of Mother-in-law on family planning use in South Asia: insights from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Contraceptive use contributes to improved maternal and child health, education, empowerment of women, slow population growth, and economic development. The role of the family in influencing women's health and health-seeking behavior is undergoing significant changes, owing to higher education, media exposure, and numerous government initiatives, in addition to women's enhanced agency across South Asia. Against this backdrop, this study assesses the relationship between women's living arrangements and contraceptive methods used in selected south Asian countries (India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh). METHODS: Data of currently married women aged 15-49 from the recent round of Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) of four South Asian countries, i.e., Nepal (2016), Pakistan (2017-18), Bangladesh (2017-18), and India (2019-21) had been used. Bivariate and multinomial logistic regression was performed using Stata with a 5% significance level. RESULTS: Living arrangement of women had a significant association with contraceptive use in South Asia. The Mother-in-law (MIL) influenced the contraceptive method used by the Daughter-in-law (DIL), albeit a country-specific method choice. Modern limiting methods were significantly higher among women living with MIL in India. The use of the modern spacing method was considerably high among women co-residing with husband and/or unmarried child(ren) and MIL in Nepal and India. In Bangladesh, women living with husband and other family member including MIL were more likely to use modern spacing methods.. Women co-residing with the MIL had a higher likelihood of using any traditional contraceptive method in India. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests family planning program to cover MIL for enhancing their understanding on the benefits of contraceptive use and modifying norms around fertility. Strengthening the interaction between the grassroots level health workers and the MIL, enhancing social network of DIL may help informed choice and enhance the use of modern spacing methods. Women's family planning demands met with modern contraception, and informed contraceptive choices, must also be achieved to reach the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Degree-Based Graph Entropy in Structure-Property Modeling.

Graph entropy plays an essential role in interpreting the structural information and complexity measure of a network. Let G be a graph of order n. Suppose dG(vi) is degree of the vertex vi for each i=1,2,…,n. Now, the k-th degree-based graph entropy for G is defined as Id,k(G)=-∑i=1ndG(vi)k∑j=1ndG(vj)klogdG(vi)k∑j=1ndG(vj)k, where k is real number. The first-degree-based entropy is generated for k=1, which has been well nurtured in last few years. As ∑j=1ndG(vj)k yields the well-known graph invariant first Zagreb index, the Id,k for k=2 is worthy of investigation. We call this graph entropy as the second-degree-based entropy. The present work aims to investigate the role of Id,2 in structure property modeling of molecules.

Changes in Socioeconomic Inequalities in Unintended Pregnancies Among Currently Married Women in India.

Background: Despite the consistent prevalence of unintended pregnancies in India and its adverse impact on maternal and neonatal mortality, the literature discussing socioeconomic inequality remains scarce. This study aims to assess the change in wealth-related inequalities in unintended pregnancy in India from 2005-2006 to 2019-20 and to quantify the contribution of various factors towards inequality. Methods: The present study analyzed cross-sectional data from the third and fifth rounds of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS). The information on fertility preferences and pregnancy intention of most recent live birth during the five years preceding the survey was collected from eligible women. The concentration index and Wagstaff decomposition were used to analyze wealth-related inequality and the contributing factors. Results: Our results show that the prevalence of unintended pregnancy has declined in 2019-20 to 8% from 22% in 2005-2006. With the increase in education and wealth status, unintended pregnancy decreases significantly. The results of the concentration index depict that unintended pregnancy is more concentrated among the poor than the rich in India, and the individual's wealth status has the highest contribution to unintended pregnancy inequality. Other factors like mothers' BMI, place of residence and education also contribute majorly to the inequality. Conclusions: The study results are critical and increase the need for strategies and policies. Disadvantaged women need education and family planning information, plus access to reproductive health resources. Governments should improve accessibility and quality of care in family planning methods to prevent unsafe abortions, unwanted births, and miscarriages. Further research is needed to investigate the impact of social and economic status on unintended pregnancies.

Bis-benzofulvenes: Synthesis and Studies on Their Optoelectronic Properties.

We report the synthesis of bis-benzofulvenes and the studies on their optical and redox properties. Bis-benzofulvenes were achieved through the Pd-catalyzed intramolecular Heck coupling followed by Ni0-mediated C(sp2)-Br dimerization. Low optical and electrochemical energy gaps of 2.05 and 1.68 eV were achieved by tuning the substituent on the exomethylene unit and the aromatic ring. The observed trends in the energy gaps were compared, and the frontier molecular orbitals were visualized using the density functional theory.