Mode Of Induction Research Articles

Complexities in Bombyx germ cell formation process revealed by Bm-nosO (a Bombyx homolog of nanos) knockout

Inheritance (sequestration of a localized determinant: germplasm) and zygotic induction are two modes of metazoan primordial germ cell (PGC) specification. vasa and nanos homologs are evolutionarily conserved germline marker genes that have been used to examine the ontogeny of germ cells in various animals. In the lepidopteran insect Bombyx mori, although the lack of vasa homolog (BmVLG) protein localization as well as microscopic observation suggested the lack of germplasm, classical embryo manipulation studies and the localization pattern of Bm-nosO (one of the four nanos genes in Bombyx) maternal mRNA in the egg raised the possibility that an inheritance mode is operating in Bombyx. Here, we generated Bm-nosO knockouts to examine whether the localized mRNA acts as a localized germ cell determinant. Contrary to our expectations, Bm-nosO knockout lines could be established. However, these lines frequently produced abnormal eggs, which failed to hatch, to various extent depending on the individuals. We also found that Bm-nosO positively regulated BmVLG expression at least during embryonic stage, directly or indirectly, indicating that these genes were on the same developmental pathway for germ cell formation in Bombyx. These results suggest that these conserved genes are concerned with stable germ cell production. On the other hand, from the aspect of BmVLG as a PGC marker, we showed that maternal Bm-nosO product(s) as well as early zygotic Bm-nosO activity were redundantly involved in PGC specification; elimination of both maternal and zygotic gene activities (as in knockout lines) resulted in the apparent lack of PGCs, indicating that an inheritance mechanism indeed operates in Bombyx. This, however, together with the fact that germ cells are produced at all in Bm-nosO knockout lines, also suggests the possibility that, in Bombyx, not only this inheritance mechanism but also an inductive mechanism acts in concert to form germ cells or that loss of early PGCs are compensated for by germline regeneration: mechanisms that could enable the evolution of preformation. Thus, Bombyx could serve as an important organism in understanding the evolution of germ cell formation mechanisms; transition between preformation and inductive modes.

Active distribution network with efficient utilisation of distributed generation ancillaryservices

This study introduces an active distribution network with high penetration of inverter-based distributed generations (IBDGs) to improve the steady state, dynamic and transient performance of the distribution network. The size and location of the IBDGs, capacitor bank, on-load tap changers position and voltage regulator set points have been optimised to minimise the system losses, improve voltage profile and maximise the dynamic reactive power reserve. In addition to that, the adaptive master/slave roles are deployed in planning the active distribution network to achieve the best utilisation of each device based on its capability and response time in steady state, dynamic and transient operation. Indeed, the optimisation algorithm allows the IBDGs to operate in an inductive mode of operation during steady state resulted in maximising the dynamic reactive power reserve. Consequently, the IBDGs react with large dynamic margin in response to grid fault leading to enhanced voltage recovery and improved transient response. A comprehensive system optimisation and transient analysis are carried out to demonstrate the performance of the distribution network for enhancing the voltage profile, increasing the penetration level of renewable energy distributed generation, IBDGs, and improving the transient recovery in response to severe grid fault.

Stability Enhancement of STATCOM using Flower Pollination Algorithm

The Static Synchronous Compensator (STATCOM) is a Voltage Source Converter (VSC) based shunt connected FACTS device. The key roles of STATCOM are to control the voltage at midpoint of transmission line, enhance power transfer capability and control reactive power at load end. However, the performance of STATCOM depends upon the parameters of the controller. In this paper, we present the tuning of Type-1 controller parameters for STATCOM based on a systematic method using Flower Pollination Algorithm (FPA). The margins for the Type-1 controller parameters are estimated from the movement of eigenvalues for the variation in controller parameters during inductive and capacitive modes of STATCOM. The performance of the STATCOM with FPA optimized Type-1 controller parameters is evaluated by transient simulation. The eigenvalue analysis and transient simulation are done based on D-Q model of STATCOM. It is noticed that, the response of STATCOM follows the step change in reactive current reference with least error.

Intersecting modes of aesthetic distance and mimetic induction in therapeutic process: Examining a drama-based treatment for military-related traumatic stress

Abstract Can Shakespeare be a treatment for posttraumatic stress in military veterans? This is the question that our research team has been examining through the empirical investigation of the DE-CRUIT program. DE-CRUIT uses Shakespeare’s verse to help veterans with the articulation, sharing and processing of trauma. In this article, we focus specifically on the therapeutic process of the program that involves various modes of aesthetic distance in combination with mimetic induction, a treatment technique in which fictionalized narrative reflects the real-life experience of trauma. After describing that process, we illustrate these various intersecting therapeutic components through the case of ‘D.’, a military veteran who took part in DE-CRUIT after many years of living with a secret, non-disclosed trauma.

The deubiquitinase inhibitor b-AP15 induces strong proteotoxic stress and mitochondrial damage

Human cancers are characterized by intrinsic or acquired resistance to apoptosis and evasion of apoptosis has been proposed to contribute to treatment resistance. Bis-benzylidine piperidone compounds, containing α,β-unsaturated carbonyl functionalities, have been extensively documented as being effective in killing apoptosis-resistant cells and to display promising antineoplastic activities in a number of tumor models. We here explored the phenotypic response of colon cancer cells to b-AP15, a bis-benzylidine piperidone previously shown to inhibit the proteasome deubiquitinases (DUBs) USP14 and UCHL5. Whereas similar overall mRNA and protein expression profiles were induced by b-AP15 and the clinically available proteasome inhibitor bortezomib, b-AP15 induced stronger increases of chaperone expression. b-AP15 also induced a stronger accumulation of polyubiquitinated proteins in exposed cells. These proteins were found to partially colocalize with organelle structures, including mitochondria. Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation decreased in cells exposed to b-AP15, a phenomenon enhanced under conditions of severe proteotoxic stress caused by inhibition of the VCP/p97 ATPase and inhibition of protein translocation over the ER. We propose that mitochondrial damage caused by the association of misfolded proteins with mitochondrial membranes may contribute to the atypical cell death mode induced by b-AP15 and related compounds. The robust mode of cell death induction by this class of drugs holds promise for treatment of tumor cells characterized by apoptosis resistance.

Abstract 398: Functional coding and noncoding drivers of EMT-mediated acquired drug resistance

Abstract In response to diverse stimuli, tumor cells can undergo a process resembling the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) observed during development. During this transition, epithelial-like tumor cells acquire mesenchymal-like physiologic features, become more motile and invasive, and acquire insensitivity to many therapeutic agents. While the importance of this phenomenon to cancer treatment and patient outcomes is well known, considerable heterogeneity exists across experimental models of EMT, and diverse mechanisms have been proposed to explain its various associated malignant phenotypes. Consequently, the extent to which these processes are shared uniformly across instances of EMT, as well as their relative importance in treatment contexts, remains unclear. We have used RNAseq, ATACseq, and parallelized high-throughput cell viability screening to identify differences in gene expression levels, chromatin accessibility, and drug sensitivity that correlate with EMT in a series of cell line models. By contrasting these changes across different genetic backgrounds and mechanisms of EMT induction, we are able to identify sets of elements in the transcribed and noncoding genome that are characteristic of different modes of EMT induction. Then, by comparing these candidate sets with observed differences in acquired drug sensitivity in the respective models, we were able to define a set of genetic elements whose biologic activity is likely to influence the efficacy of these compounds. Finally, we used a series of targeted CRISPR-based knockout screens to assess the relative importance of these elements to the viability of isogenic epithelial-like and mesenchymal-like cells, alone and in the presence of multiple therapeutic drugs. Using this approach, we were able to validate known mechanisms of acquired drug resistance and identify new candidate effectors. Notably, we identify multiple candidate noncoding elements containing CTCF binding sites that appear to meaningfully influence cell viability in a drug-specific manner, potentially implicating genome conformational changes in acquired therapeutic resistance. Citation Format: Russell O. Bainer, Catherine Wilson, Marinella Callow, Siyu Feng, Michael Costa, Colin Watanabe, Oleg Mayba, Eva Lin, Scott Martin, Bob Yauch, Richard Bourgon, Christiaan Klijn. Functional coding and noncoding drivers of EMT-mediated acquired drug resistance [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 398.

The Application of One-Cycle Control Technology in Electric Spring System

This paper first introduced the function, application and the control algorithm of the electric spring (ES), then the working principle of ES are explained. Aiming at the problems that the existing control algorithms have complex structures and are not conducive to accurate tracking of AC voltage signals on sensitive loads, this paper proposes the ES control strategy based on one-cycle control (OCC) technology. In Matlab/SimulinK, the ES system based on the OCC strategy is modeled and simulated. Through the waveform analysis, it is known that when the power of the photovoltaic system injected into the power grid fluctuates, the ES based on the OCC strategy system can operate in a capacitive, inductive or resistive mode automatically, which can achieve a direct and accurate tracking of a given AC voltage signal under the condition that a small amount of reactive power is injected into the grid, thus the voltage of the sensitive load is stabilized, and at the same time the voltage fluctuations on the grid side voltage can be transferred to non-sensitive loads in series with the ES.

Review of The Social Life of Financial Derivatives: Markets, Risk, and Time by Edward LiPuma (Duke University Press)

Edward LiPuma outlines a sociohistorical theory of the market that positions derivatives trading as initiating a new form of capitalism. The book also confronts the narratives that the financial sector tells itself about the causes and aftermath of the financial crisis, revealing the social relations that underpin the entire enterprise. LiPuma exposes the wild-seeming speculation of hedge fund managers and traders as a rationale that disappears the social aspect of its own ritual induction and relational mode of production and reproduction. An understanding of the social underpinning of financial markets, LiPuma hopes, can lead to a politics of "just optionality" where the same methods for betting on securitized commodities (assets made liquid) like housing mortgages can be transferred into wagers that further the collective good. For Marxists, LiPuma has an urgent message: existing theories of the market are incomplete without an understanding of how financial capital, led by derivatives trading, has transformed the means by which capital reproduces itself.

Difference in Perioperative Management for Patients with and without Autism Spectrum Disorders undergoing General Anesthesia

Objective To compare the difference in perioperative management for patients with or without autism spectrum disorders(ASD) undergoing general anesthesia. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 10 ASD patients(case group) and 10 non-ASD patients(control group) undergoing general anesthesia from January 2013 to February 2018. Both groups were matched by age,gender,and surgical procedures. The induction mode,premedication patterns,narcotic drugs,time to wake up,post-anesthesia care unit(PACU) stay,and perioperative vital signs were compared. Results The main induction mode was combined intravenous and inhaled anesthesia(CIIA) in case group(6/10) and total intravenous anesthesia(TIVA) in control group(10/10)(χ2=8.571,P=0.003). The wake-up time are significantly longer in case group[(36.0±10.7) min] than in control group [(22.7±6.6)min] (t=18.000,P=0.005). Case group [(12.7±6.7)min] needed more time to obtain first vital sign than control group[(6.7±3.3)min](t=23.000,P=0.038). There were also significant differences in first systolic blood pressure (SBP)(t=15.500,P=0.007),preinductive SBP(t=24.000,P=0.048),and heart rate(t=22.000,P=0.033) between two groups. Conclusion Compared with non-ASD patients,ASD patients tend to use CIIA as the induction mode,have longer wake up time and later vital sign record,and are more likely to have peri-inductive vital signs.

Regulation of a distinct activated RIPK1 intermediate bridging complex I and complex II in TNFα-mediated apoptosis

Stimulation of cells with TNFα can promote distinct cell death pathways, including RIPK1-independent apoptosis, necroptosis, and RIPK1-dependent apoptosis (RDA)-the latter of which we still know little about. Here we show that RDA involves the rapid formation of a distinct detergent-insoluble, highly ubiquitinated, and activated RIPK1 pool, termed "iuRIPK1." iuRIPK1 forms after RIPK1 activation in TNF-receptor-associated complex I, and before cytosolic complex II formation and caspase activation. To identify regulators of iuRIPK1 formation and RIPK1 activation in RDA, we conducted a targeted siRNA screen of 1,288 genes. We found that NEK1, whose loss-of-function mutations have been identified in 3% of ALS patients, binds to activated RIPK1 and restricts RDA by negatively regulating formation of iuRIPK1, while LRRK2, a kinase implicated in Parkinson's disease, promotes RIPK1 activation and association with complex I in RDA. Further, the E3 ligases APC11 and c-Cbl promote RDA, and c-Cbl is recruited to complex I in RDA, where it promotes prodeath K63-ubiquitination of RIPK1 to lead to iuRIPK1 formation. Finally, we show that two different modes of necroptosis induction by TNFα exist which are differentially regulated by iuRIPK1 formation. Overall, this work reveals a distinct mechanism of RIPK1 activation that mediates the signaling mechanism of RDA as well as a type of necroptosis.

Induction du travail après une version par manœuvres externes pour siège réussie : un sur-risque de césarienne?

ObjectiveTo assess the effect of successful external cephalic version (ECV) on the risk of caesarean section (CS) during attempted vaginal delivery after induction of labour. MethodsA unicentric matched retrospective observational case-control cohort study with exposed and unexposed groups. All pregnant women who had an induction of labour after a successful external cephalic version (sECV) between 1998 and 2016 were included. A total of 88 cases were compared with 176 controls (spontaneous cephalic presentation), matching for the year of delivery, parity, gestational age, indication and mode of induction of labour.The main outcome measure was the risk of caesarean. A univariate analysis and a multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed. ResultsThe caesarean section rate was significantly higher after sECV (22% versus 13.1%; p = 0.039) especially for postdate pregnancy (55% versus 8.2%; p < 0.05). For the univariate analysis, age (31 years and 4 months versus 24 years and 6 months; p < 0.01) and maximal speed of oxytocin infusion (72 ml/h versus 68 ml/h; p = 0.04) were higher in the case group. The multivariate analysis showed that the risk of caesarean section was significantly increased after an sECV (aOR 1.946; 95% CI 1.017–3.772) and after the use of prostaglandins for ripening (aOR 1.951; 95% CI 1.097–3.468), and decreased for multipara (aOR 0.208; 95% CI 0.114–0.377). ConclusionWomen who have a successful ECV are at increased risk of caesarean section after subsequent induction of labour.

A Novel Line Current Control Strategy to Control the Real Power Flow at PCC using H-bridge Inverter

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;This paper presents the power flow control between the main grid and the microgrid in low-voltage distribution network using H-bridge inverter. Controlling the real power flow in the line using the H-bridge inverter is investigated by implementing the line current control strategy. The feasibility of the proposed H-bridge inverter and its control strategy is validated by varying the line current reference. Hence, the H-bridge inverter will operate in its inductive or capacitive operation mode depending on the reference current value and the output of the PI controller in the control unit. The control strategy of the microgrid distributed generators has also been investigated in which P/V droop characteristics is applied to the power control of each DG in the microgrid. The effectiveness of the proposed approaches is validated through simulations. &lt;/p&gt;

Present status of numerical modeling of hydrogen negative ion source plasmas and its comparison with experiments: Japanese activities and their collaboration with experimental groups

The present status of kinetic modeling of particle dynamics in hydrogen negative ion (H−) source plasmas and their comparisons with experiments are reviewed and discussed with some new results. The main focus is placed on the following topics, which are important for the research and development of H− sources for intense and high-quality H− ion beams: (i) effects of non-equilibrium features of electron energy distribution function on volume and surface H− production, (ii) the origin of the spatial non-uniformity in giant multi-cusp arc-discharge H− sources, (iii) capacitive to inductive (E to H) mode transition in radio frequency-inductively coupled plasma H− sources and (iv) extraction physics of H− ions and beam optics, especially the present understanding of the meniscus formation in strongly electronegative plasmas (so-called ion–ion plasmas) and its effect on beam optics. For these topics, mainly Japanese modeling activities, and their domestic and international collaborations with experimental studies, are introduced with some examples showing how models have been improved and to what extent the modeling studies can presently contribute to improving the source performance. Close collaboration between experimental and modeling activities is indispensable for the validation/improvement of the modeling and its contribution to the source design/development.

Asymmetric Michael Addition Mediated by Chiral Ionic Liquids.

Chiral ionic liquids with a focus on their applications in asymmetric Michael additions and related reactions were reviewed. The examples were classified on the basis of the mode of asymmetric induction (e.g., external induction/non-covalent interaction or internal induction/covalent bond formation), the roles in reactions (as a solvent or catalyst), and their structural features (e.g., imidazolium-based chiral cations, other chiral oniums; proline derivatives). Most of the reactions with high chiral induction are Michael addition of ketones or aldehydes to chalcones or nitrostyrenes where proline-derived chiral ionic liquids catalyze the reaction through enamine/ iminium formation. Many reports demonstrate the recyclability of ionic liquid-tagged pyrrolidines.

Césarienne après déclenchement du travail : facteurs de risque et score de prédiction

ObjectivesThe objective of the study is to determine the risk factors for caesarean section at the time of labor induction, to establish a prediction algorithm, to evaluate its relevance and to compare the results with observation. MethodsA retrospective study was carried out over a year at Nantes University Hospital with 941 cervical ripening and labor inductions (24.1%) terminated by 167 caesarean sections (17.8%). Within the cohort, a case-control study was conducted with 147 caesarean sections and 148 vaginal deliveries. A multivariate analysis was carried out with a logistic regression allowing the elaboration of an equation of prediction and an ROC curve and the confrontation between the prediction and the reality. ResultsIn univariate analysis, six variables were significant: nulliparity, small size of the mother, history of scarried uterus, use of prostaglandins as a mode of induction, unfavorable Bishop score<6, variety of posterior release. In multivariate analysis, five variables were significant: nulliparity, maternal size, maternal BMI, scar uterus and Bishop score. The most predictive model corresponded to an area under the curve of 0.86 (0.82–0.90) with a correct prediction percentage (“well classified”) of 67.6% for a caesarean section risk of 80%. ConclusionThe prediction criteria would make it possible to inform the woman and the couple about the potential risk of Caesarean section in urgency or to favor a planned Caesarean section or a low-lying attempt on more objective, repeatable and transposable arguments in a medical team.

Optimal scheduling model to minimize tritium inventory level in fuel cycle of tritium plant

This paper proposes an optimization model for the scheduling of the fuel cycle of a fusion power plant. The objective of the problem is to minimize the tritium working inventory in the Isotope Separation System under periodic demand, thereby solving problems associated with high inventories. The model is formulated as a mixed integer nonlinear programming problem based on the state-task network approach. The proposed model is applied to inductive, hybrid, and non-inductive tokamak operation modes. With proposed case studies, the model is expected to provide many useful insights to determine the optimum scheduling results providing information on flow pattern, flow rate, and flow timing between equipment while minimizing tritium working inventory.

Effect of friction welding conditions on joint properties of austenitic stainless steel joints by friction stud welding

ABSTRACTThis study focuses on the opening mode of induction bends; this mode represents the deformation outside a bend. Bending experiments on induction bends are shown and the manner of failure of these bends was investigated. Ruptures occur at the intrados of the bends, which undergo tensile stress, and accompany the local reduction in wall thickness, i.e. necking that indicates strain localization. By implementing finite element analysis (FEA), it was shown that the rupture is dominated not by the fracture criterion of material but by the initiation of strain localization that is a deformation characteristic of the material. These ruptures are due to the rapid increase in local strain after the initiation of strain localization and suddenly reach the fracture criterion. For the evaluation of the deformability of the bends, a method based on FEA that can predict the displacement at the rupture is proposed. We show that the yield surface shape and the true stress–strain relationship after uniform elongation have to be defined on the basis of the actual properties of the bend material. The von Mises yield criterion, which is commonly used in cases of elastic–plastic FEA, could not predict the rupture and overestimated the deformability. In contrast, a yield surface obtained by performing tensile tests on a biaxial specimen could predict the rupture. The prediction of the rupture was accomplished by an inverse calibration method that determined the true stress–strain relationship after uniform elongation.

Feasibility of biodiesel production and CO2 emission reduction by Monoraphidium dybowskii LB50 under semi-continuous culture with open raceway ponds in the desert area

BackgroundCompared with other general energy crops, microalgae are more compatible with desert conditions. In addition, microalgae cultivated in desert regions can be used to develop biodiesel. Therefore, screening oil-rich microalgae, and researching the algae growth, CO2 fixation and oil yield in desert areas not only effectively utilize the idle desertification lands and other resources, but also reduce CO2 emission.ResultsMonoraphidium dybowskii LB50 can be efficiently cultured in the desert area using light resources, and lipid yield can be effectively improved using two-stage induction and semi-continuous culture modes in open raceway ponds (ORPs). Lipid content (LC) and lipid productivity (LP) were increased by 20% under two-stage industrial salt induction, whereas biomass productivity (BP) increased by 80% to enhance LP under semi-continuous mode in 5 m2 ORPs. After 3 years of operation, M. dybowskii LB50 was successfully and stably cultivated under semi-continuous mode for a month during five cycles of repeated culture in a 200 m2 ORP in the desert area. This culture mode reduced the supply of the original species. The BP and CO2 fixation rate were maintained at 18 and 33 g m−2 day−1, respectively. Moreover, LC decreased only during the fifth cycle of repeated culture. Evaporation occurred at 0.9–1.8 L m−2 day−1, which corresponded to 6.5–13% of evaporation loss rate. Semi-continuous and two-stage salt induction culture modes can reduce energy consumption and increase energy balance through the energy consumption analysis of life cycle.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the feasibility of combining biodiesel production and CO2 fixation using microalgae grown as feedstock under culture modes with ORPs by using the resources in the desert area. The understanding of evaporation loss and the sustainability of semi-continuous culture render this approach practically viable. The novel strategy may be a promising alternative to existing technology for CO2 emission reduction and biofuel production.

Influence of maternal factors and mode of induction on labour outcomes: a pragmatic retrospective cohort study

Since recent research indicates that other modalities are at a minimum non-inferior to the NICE-recommended hormonal agent prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a retrospective cohort study was conducted on 1971 consecutively induced singleton pregnancies. Multinominal regression analysis showed that the odds ratio (OR) for vaginal delivery with balloon-mediated labour induction (84% vaginal deliveries; OR 1.6; 95% CI 0.7–3.5) is similar to the PGE2 agents propess (81%; OR 1.2; 95% CI 0.68–1.98) and prostin (79%; OR 0.99; 95% CI 0.55–1.79) when using a triple multi-agent induction as a reference. On the other hand, combining the propess and prostin (60% vaginal deliveries; OR 0.45; 95% CI 0.21–0.96) and attempting quadruple combinations of the induction modalities (56%; OR 0.37; 95% CI 0.16–0.85) yields significantly poorer outcomes. However, compared to the known factors associated with increased caesarean section rates, such as an increased maternal age, nulliparous pregnancies and a history of caesarean section, the differential impact of different induction modalities appear less pronounced.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Recent published data from controlled clinical trials have shown that other labour-inducing agents, including balloon catheters, are as effective as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in achieving a vaginal delivery.What do the results of this study add? The data from this pragmatic retrospective cohort study supports the findings of others that the use of a balloon is as effective as PGE2. It also demonstrates that regular clinical practice can differ from an experimental environment, with patients receiving multiple induction modalities in a daily practice. Both the combination of different PGE2 medications and a quadruple labour induction approach are associated with poorer results, as measured by the vaginal delivery rate. The data presented here also confirms that a nulliparous status, a maternal age and a history of caesarean section are associated with reduced odds of achieving a vaginal delivery.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The body of evidence showing favourable results with a balloon induction is growing. Furthermore, there are limits to the effectiveness of combining the different induction modalities. Maternal and perinatal factors associated with a risk of caesarean section further complicate labour induction management.

Examining the Ways To Bend and Break Reaction Pathways Using Mechanochemistry

Mechanical forces can lead to qualitative changes in reaction mechanism, which depend on the specific mode of force induction and inherent chemistries of the mechanophore. To demonstrate these effects at an atomistic level, three challenging mechanochemical transformations of recent interest are herein studied: spiropyran ring opening, flex-activated small molecule release, and cyclopropane ring opening. These examples show that mechanical load can eliminate intermediates and transition states along a reaction path, preactivate reactions where the force is not parallel to the reaction path, and modulate force conveyance to the mechanophore in a polymer-dependent fashion. Two different merocyanin products were identified—cis and trans isomers—from the spiropyran ring-opening reaction, and tuning the magnitude of the force allows for selection of one over the other. The reaction involving oxanorbornadiene where bonds perpendicular to the force are flexed through angular distortions has the interesting property that while the central bond contracts, the overall molecule is lengthened to effect activation. Cyclopropane ring openings demonstrate that the larger the extension of the mechanophore, determined by the rigidity of the polymer backbone under applied force, the larger the change in activation barrier. In this case, the application of a force represents a preactivation mechanism where the initial structure rises in energy, while the transition state stays relatively constant. For these three motifs, the reaction paths are readily uncovered using the growing string method, showing it to be a widely useful tool for studying mechanochemistry.