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Figure 2 Relationship between stress distribution and plaque shape, luminal stenosis, or vessel remodeling. (A1, A2) Color mapping of longitudinal stress distribution within a homogeneous hill-like fibrous plaque model and a complex-shaped model. Relative mapping (A2) was performed in the automatically determined window between the maximum and minimum value of stress. The arrows designate the sites of stress concentration. (B1, B2) Relationship between luminal stenosis and stress distribution. Absolute mapping (B2) represents the distribution of the absolute value of equivalent stress. There was a negative relationship between the equivalent stress and luminal stenosis. (C1, C2) Relationship between vessel remodeling and stress distribution. The equivalent stress at the plaque surface of arteries with expansive remodeling was greater than that of arteries with constrictive remodeling, when the plaque thickness remained constant.