In cluster randomized trials (CRTs), individuals belonging to the same cluster are very likely to resemble one another, not only in terms of outcomes but also in terms of treatment compliance behavior. Although the impact of resemblance in outcomes is well acknowledged, little attention has been given to the possible impact of resemblance in compliance behavior. This study defines compliance in...

Each artery conduces blood (conduit function, CF) and smoothes out the pulsatility (buffering function, BF), while keeping its wall protected against the high oscillations of the pulse waves (damping function, xi). These functions depend on each segment viscoelasticity and capability to store and dissipate energy. When a graft/prosthesis is implanted, the physiological gradual transition in the...

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc consists mainly of collagen fibers and proteoglycans constrained in the interstices of the collagen fiber mesh. This construction results in a viscoelastic response of the disc to loading and enables the disc to play an important role as a stress absorber during function. The viscoelastic properties depend on the direction (tension, compression, and shear)...

Background Coronary artery remodeling is an indicator of coronary artery disease. Morphological and biomechanical changes accompany with coronary wall remodeling. Such changes can be noninvasively detected using MR imaging and may be used to predict cardiovascular events. The aim of this study is to assess interrelations among various imaging markers of the coronary remodeling in older hyperten...

Orthodontist-patient relationships have significant effects on the success of orthodontic treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of patient-perceived orthodontist behaviors on (a) patient perceived orthodontist-patient relationship, (b) patient satisfaction, and (c) orthodontist-evaluated patient adherence or compliance in orthodontic treatment. The sample consisted of...

A numerical study of hemodynamic parameters of pulsatile blood flow is presented in a stenotic artery with A numerical study of hemodynamic parameters of pulsatile blood flow is presented in a stenotic artery with non-Newtonian models using ADINA. Blood flow was considered laminar, and the arterial wall was considered rigid. Studied stenosis severities were 30, 50, and 70% of the cross-section...

PURPOSE Approximately 5% of the adult population has one or more cerebral aneurysm. Aneurysms are one of the most dangerous cerebral vascular pathologies. Aneurysm rupture leads to a subarachnoid hemorrhage with a very high mortality rate of 45-50%. Despite the high importance of this disease there are no criteria for assessing the probability of aneurysm rupture. Moreover, mechanisms of aneury...