Abstract
We analyse a model of immune response by T cells (CD4), where regulatory T cells (Tregs) act by inhibiting IL-2 secretion. We introduced an asymmetry reflecting that the difference between the growth and death rates can be higher for the active T cells and the active Tregs than for the inactive T cells and inactive Tregs. This asymmetry mimics the presence of memory T cells. In this paper we start by analysing the model in the absence of Tregs. We obtain an explicit formula that gives approximately the antigenic stimulation of T cells from the concentration of Tregs. Afterwards, we present an explicit formula that describes approximately the balance between the concentration of T cells and the concentration of Tregs; and an explicit formula that relates approximately the antigenic stimulation of T cells, the concentration of T cells and the concentration of Tregs. For our parameter values, the relation between the antigenic stimulation of T cells and the concentration of T cells is an hysteresis that is unfold when some of the parameters are changed. We also consider a linear tuning between the antigenic stimulation of T cells and the antigenic stimulation of Tregs. Again, we have obtained an explicit formula relating approximately the antigenic stimulation of T cells, the concentration of T cells and the concentration of Tregs. With it, we can explain the appearance of an isola and a transcritical bifurcation. © 2015 NSP Natural Sciences Publishing Cor.

Abstract
We consider an R&D investment function in a Cournot duopoly competitionmodel inspired in the logistic equation. We study the economical effects resulting from the firms having different R&D efficiencies. We present three cases: (1) both firms are efficient and have the same degree of efficiency; (2) both firms are less efficient and have the same degree of efficiency; (3) firms are asymmetric in terms of the efficiency of their R&D investment programs.We study the myopic dynamics on the production costs obtained from investing the Nash investment equilibria. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2016.

Abstract
We study a Cournot duopoly model using Ferreira-Oliveira-Pinto's R&D investment function. We find the multiple perfect Nash equilibria and we analyse the economical relevant quantities like output levels, prices, consumer surplus, profits and welfare.

Abstract
Introduction: The study of eating behaviour should consider the presence of potential sources of bias, including social desirability. This is particularly relevant among students of Nutrition Sciences, since they have a higher risk of eating disorders. Objective: To analyse the effect of social desirability in the assessment of eating behaviour dimensions among nutrition students. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we analysed data from 149 students of Nutrition Sciences. Participants completed a questionnaire assessing social desirability and eating behaviour dimensions (emotional, external and binge eating, flexible and rigid control, and eating self-efficacy). Results: Among males, social desirability had a negative association with binge eating, while among women it had a negative association with emotional, external and binge eating and a positive association with eating self-efficacy. In both subsamples, social desirability showed no significant association with any of the two types of dietary restraint (rigid and flexible control). Discussion: Overall, the association between social desirability and eating behaviour dimensions among students of Nutrition Sciences occurs in the same direction as found in students from other areas. However, alongside these similarities, there is a stronger association between social desirability and binge eating among male students of Nutrition Sciences. We hypothesize that this may be related with the different knowledge of students from different areas, and the way they perceive and face the treatment of eating disorders. Conclusion: Our study shows that social desirability should be considered while assessing eating behaviour among nutrition students, particularly when studying external eating, binge eating and eating self-efficacy. Moreover, when tailoring interventions to reduce the possible effects of eating behaviour on nutritionists and dieticians' practice, we should consider the influence of social desirability.

Abstract

Abstract
Objectives: Fluid overload (FO) is frequently present in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients and is associated with markers of malnutrition, inflammation, and atherosclerosis/calcification (MIAC) syndrome. We examined the relationships in stable PD patients between phase angle (PhA) and the spectrum of uremic vasculopathy including vascular calcification and arterial stiffness and between PhA and changes in serum fetuin-A levels. Methods: Sixty-one stable adult PD patients were evaluated in a cross-sectional study (ST1). Phase angle was measured by multifrequency bioimpedance analysis (InbodyS10, Biospace, Korea) at 50 kHz. Augmentation index (AI), a surrogate marker of arterial stiffness, was assessed by digital pulse amplitude tonometry (Endo PAT, Itamar Medical, Caesarea, Israel). Vascular calcification was assessed by simplified calcification score (SCS). Serum fetuin-A levels were measured by ELISA (Thermo scientific; Waltham, MA, USA). Serum albumin was used as a nutritional marker, and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) was used as an inflammatory marker. The same assessments were carried out longitudinally (ST2) in the first 33 patients who completed 1 year of evaluation in ST1. Results: In ST1, patients with PhA < 6(omicron) had higher CRP levels, AI, and SCS and lower serum albumin and fetuin-A levels, in comparison with patients with PhA >= 6(omicron). In addition, PhA was a predictor of both AI (beta = -0.351, p = 0.023) and SCS >= 3 (EXP (B) = 0.243, p = 0.005). In ST2, the increase of PhA over time was associated with decreases in both AI (r = -0.378, p = 0.042) and CRP levels (r= -0.426, p = 0.021), as well as with the increase in serum fetuin-A levels (r = 0.411, p = 0.030). Conclusions: Phase angle predicts both arterial stiffness and vascular calcification in stable PD patients.