Publications by authors named "J A Tovar"

Diaryl thieno-[3,4-]thiophenes (TT) are photoswitchable compounds that operate through reversible photoinduced cyclization/cycloreversion and have been designed specifically for integration within π-conjugated polymers to switchably manipulate polymer electronic properties. Here we report on how cross conjugating the central TT moiety impacts photocyclization dynamics as interrogated using transient absorption spectroscopy (TAS) for a series of switches built with electron-rich substituents that have various electronic interaction strengths with the TT core. For cross-conjugated structures exhibiting a propensity to switch in steady-state photoconversion experiments, ultrafast TAS reveals signatures of rapid dynamics (occurring within <1-10 ps) similar to those observed for unsubstituted switches and that are consistent with photocyclization.

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Introduction: The alarming global increase in lifestyle-related disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has increased during the last several decades. Poor dietary choices significantly contribute to this increase and prevention measures are urgently needed. Dietary intake of bioactive compounds found in foods are linked to a decrease likelihood of these disorders.

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Article Synopsis
  • Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a rare condition affecting diaphragm development, leading to lung issues, with no established treatments available.
  • Research analyzed the effects of specific Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands on CDH in rat and mouse models, focusing on immune cell behavior and gene expression.
  • Findings revealed that TLR2/4 ligands significantly improved CDH by promoting healing in fetuses without toxicity, enhancing lung development, and stimulating beneficial macrophage activity.
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