El legado de B. F. Skinner veinte años después (1990-2010): el análisis del comportamiento en Iberoamérica

Veinte años después de su fallecimiento (18 de agosto de 1990), B. F. Skinner deja cinco grandes legados vigentes: 1) el conductismo radical; 2) el análisis experimental del comportamiento; 3) el análisis conductual aplicado; 4) la caja de Skinner; 5) la comunidad Los Horcones (México). El análisis del comportamiento, básico y aplicado, es reconocido por su activa presencia internacional. Su desarrollo proporciona un conjunto de conocimiento y transferencia de tecnología que nos recuerda la importancia de trabajar en el desarrollo de programas educativos, de investigación y de manejo de contingencias, los cuales permitan su avance. En Iberoamérica, el análisis del comportamiento, como legado skinneriano, ha sido una tradición importante dentro de la psicología. En este artículo presentaremos una síntesis actual de las principales contribuciones iberoamericanas al análisis del comportamiento. El  panorama del análisis del comportamiento en Iberoamérica será analizado de acuerdo a las siguientes dimensiones: 1) las figuras más relevantes; 2) la comunidad académica asociada a la tradición analítica conductual; y 3) las líneas de investigación más importantes. Finalmente, se presentarán algunas de las características más generales del análisis del comportamiento en Iberoamérica.

B. F. Skinner: Teórico da ciência e teórico da moral?

Would Skinner's moral theory be dependent on his scientific theory to the point of becoming meaningless without it? The mere suggestion of such hypothesis brings the problem of naturalistic fallacy, that is, the problem of deriving statements of ought kind from statements of is kind. This issue is used here as an indication that suggests how problematic sustaining a moral and a scientific theory in the same ambit can be. The aim of this article, in this context, is to analyze if that is the case of Radical Behaviorism. Inspired by the naturalistic fallacy dilemma, the first step is to expose the structural and functional differences between statements of ought kind and statements of is kind. To do so, the strategy is to present, under the scope of language philosophy, the differences between factual and valuative assertions. The next step consists in analyzing what the nature of relations between Skinner's scientific and moral theories is. That is, if there are necessary or contingencial relations. By doing so it is expected to be plausible the presentation of a possible answer to the central question of this article.

A noção de significado em B. F. Skinner e em M. Sidman

Apresentam-se alguns aspectos do debate sobre a relação entre a interpretação de Skinner para o comportamento verbal e a pesquisa na área de equivalência de estímulos. Fornece-se uma descrição das noções de significado veiculadas por Skinner e Sidman em suas tentativas de produzir uma interpretação da linguagem de caráter analíticocomportamental. Os modelos explicativos de Skinner e Sidman são analisados em termos de seu alcance para a análise do comportamento verbal; em seguida, são comparadas as noções de significado como variáveis controladoras da resposta e como relações de equivalência entre estímulos; por último, o papel da substitutabilidade na linguagem, sua função e limites, é examinada. A análise de Skinner pretende ser mais abrangente do que a de Sidman, no sentido de tentar abarcar a totalidade do comportamento verbal. Skinner, ao contrário de Sidman, busca comparar sua proposta com as teorias da linguagem existentes. As análises de Skinner apontam para o significado como as variáveis explicativas do comportamento, enquanto que, as de Sidman, para o significado como estímulos equivalentes. A noção de significado proposta por Sidman fundamenta-se em relações entre estímulos (contingência de quatro termos, ou mais) e sua substitutabilidade (a equivalência entre estímulos). Na sua conceituação do comportamento verbal, Skinner considera uma distinção entre as funções de falantes e ouvintes como sendo importante, enquanto que em Sidman esta distinção não aparece. As análises de Sidman para o significado apresentam alguns aspectos que as diferem das teorias tradicionais criticadas por Skinner; entretanto, considera-se que a noção de significado proposta por Sidman continua problemática. Critica-se a substitutabilidade como uma boa base para se tratar o significado. Conclui-se que a equivalência pode ser um instrumento valioso na compreensão da linguagem, especialmente no que diz respeito à produção de comportamentos verbais não diretamente treinados, auxiliando a avançar as análises sobre o comportamento verbal.

Health and physical education series of the state of Ohio, Department of education ... prepared with the approval of B.O. Skinner, director of education.

Includes bibliographies.

LOS RECURSOS NATURALES DE LA TIERRA: BRIAN J. SKINNER

Resumen bibliográfico de libro

An Asp49 Phospholipase A2 From Snake Venom Induces Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression And Prostaglandin E2 Production Via Activation Of Nf-κb, P38mapk, And Pkc In Macrophages.

Phospholipases A2 (PLA2) are key enzymes for production of lipid mediators. We previously demonstrated that a snake venom sPLA2 named MT-III leads to prostaglandin (PG)E2 biosynthesis in macrophages by inducing the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Herein, we explored the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways leading to these MT-III-induced effects. Results demonstrated that MT-III induced activation of the transcription factor NF-κB in isolated macrophages. By using NF-κB selective inhibitors, the involvement of this factor in MT-III-induced COX-2 expression and PGE2 production was demonstrated. Moreover, MT-III-induced COX-2 protein expression and PGE2 release were attenuated by pretreatment of macrophages with SB202190, and Ly294002, and H-7-dihydro compounds, indicating the involvement of p38MAPK, PI3K, and PKC pathways, respectively. Consistent with this, MT-III triggered early phosphorylation of p38MAPK, PI3K, and PKC. Furthermore, SB202190, H-7-dihydro, but not Ly294002 treatment, abrogated activation of NF-κB induced by MT-III. Altogether, these results show for the first time that the induction of COX-2 protein expression and PGE2 release, which occur via NF-κB activation induced by the sPLA2-MT-III in macrophages, are modulated by p38MAPK and PKC, but not by PI3K signaling proteins.

Staphylococcus Aureus Enterotoxins A And B Inhibit Human And Mice Eosinophil Chemotaxis And Adhesion In Vitro.

Staphylococcus aureus aggravates the allergic eosinophilic inflammation. We hypothesized that Staphylococcus aureus-derived enterotoxins directly affect eosinophil functions. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of Staphylococcal enterotoxins A and B (SEA and SEB) on human and mice eosinophil chemotaxis and adhesion in vitro, focusing on p38 MAPK phosphorylation and intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization. Eosinophil chemotaxis was evaluated using a microchemotaxis chamber, whereas adhesion was performed in VCAM-1 and ICAM-1-coated plates. Measurement of p38 MAPK phosphorylation and intracellular Ca(2+) levels were monitored by flow cytometry and fluorogenic calcium-binding dye, respectively. Prior incubation (30 to 240 min) of human blood eosinophils with SEA (0.5 to 3 ng/ml) significantly reduced eotaxin-, PAF- and RANTES-induced chemotaxis (P<0.05). Likewise, SEB (1 ng/ml, 30 min) significantly reduced eotaxin-induced human eosinophil chemotaxis (P<0.05). The reduction of eotaxin-induced human eosinophil chemotaxis by SEA and SEB was prevented by anti-MHC monoclonal antibody (1 μg/ml). In addition, SEA and SEB nearly suppressed the eotaxin-induced human eosinophil adhesion in ICAM-1- and VCAM-1-coated plates. SEA and SEB prevented the increases of p38 MAPK phosphorylation and Ca(2+) levels in eotaxin-activated human eosinophils. In separate protocols, we evaluated the effects of SEA on chemotaxis and adhesion of eosinophils obtained from mice bone marrow. SEA (10 ng/ml) significantly reduced the eotaxin-induced chemotaxis along with cell adhesion to both ICAM-1 and VCAM-1-coated plates (P<0.05). In conclusion, the inhibition by SEA and SEB of eosinophil functions (chemotaxis and adhesion) are associated with reductions of p38 MAPK phosphorylation and intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization.

Update On Ultraviolet A And B Radiation Generated By The Sun And Artificial Lamps And Their Effects On Skin.

Solar radiation, especially ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB), can cause damage to the human body, and exposure to the radiation may vary according to the geographical location, time of year and other factors. The effects of UVA and UVB radiation on organisms range from erythema formation, through tanning and reduced synthesis of macromolecules such as collagen and elastin, to carcinogenic DNA mutations. Some studies suggest that, in addition to the radiation emitted by the sun, artificial sources of radiation, such as commercial lamps, can also generate small amounts of UVA and UVB radiation. Depending on the source intensity and on the distance from the source, this radiation can be harmful to photosensitive individuals. In healthy subjects, the evidence on the danger of this radiation is still far from conclusive.

Avaliação do teor e da estabilidade de vitaminas do complexo B e vitamina C em bebidas isotônicas e energéticas

Vitamin C stability and concentration was evaluated in isotonic beverages and B group vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5 and B6) in power beverages. The amount of vitamins was found to be above of that declared on the labels, even after the shelf life had been exceeded. A small decrease in the amount of B group vitamins was observed during the shelf life of the products. In the case of vitamin C this decrease was slightly higher. The present research shows the need of increased quality control and inspection.

Simultaneous determination of B-Group vitamins in enriched cookies

The objective of this research was to determine the levels of enrichment of vitamins B1, B2, B6 and B3 in different types and brands of enriched cookies. The chromatographic separation was performed in a C18 column with gradient elution and UV detection at 254 and 287 nm. The results show that only 5 of the 24 brands evaluated are in accordance with the Brazilian legislation with respect to the vitamin content declared on the labels. However, consumption of approximately 100-150 g of most of the brands supplies the recommended dietary intake for children and adults of the vitamins evaluated.

Curiosidades sobre a reação aldólica utilizada como etapa chave na síntese Brasileira dos ácidos pterídicos A e B

This work describes an overview of our synthesis of pteridic acids A and B and discloses some interesting results related to the lithium enolate-mediated aldol reaction used as key step to set up the C5-C15 fragment of these natural products. This first example, as far we know, of an aldol reaction between a chiral enolate of a (Z) enone and a chiral aldehyde has driven us to a series of experiments showing the remarkable relation between enolization selectivity and reaction conditions.

Differentiation of Melipona quadrifasciata L. (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Meliponini) subspecies using cytochrome b PCR-RFLP patterns

Melipona quadrifasciata quadrifasciata and M. quadrifasciata anthidioides are subspecies of M. quadrifasciata, a stingless bee species common in coastal Brazil. These subspecies are discriminated by the yellow stripe pattern of the abdominal tergites. We found Vsp I restriction patterns in the cytochrome b region closely associated to each subspecies in 155 M. quadrifasciata colonies of different geographical origin. This mitochondrial DNA molecular marker facilitates diagnosis of M. quadrifasciata subspecies matrilines and can be used to establish their natural distribution and identify hybrid colonies.

Methodology of a nationwide cross-sectional survey of prevalence and epidemiological patterns of hepatitis A, B and C infection in Brazil

Um inquérito de base populacional foi conduzido na população urbana de todas as capitais e do Distrito Federal no Brasil para fornecer informações sobre a prevalência de hepatites virais e fatores de risco, entre 2005 e 2009. Este artigo descreve o delineamento e a metodologia do estudo que envolveu a população com idade entre 5 e 19 anos para hepatite A e 10 a 69 anos para hepatite B e C. As entrevistas e amostras de sangue foram obtidas através de visitas domiciliares e a amostra selecionada a partir de uma amostragem estratificada em múltiplos estágios (por conglomerado) com igual probabilidade para cada domínio de estudo (região e faixa etária). Nacionalmente, 19.280 residências e ~31.000 indivíduos foram selecionados. O tamanho da amostra foi suficiente para detectar uma prevalência em torno de 0,1% e para avaliar os fatores de risco por região. A metodologia apresentou-se viável para distinguir entre diferentes padrões epidemiológicos da hepatite A, B e C. Estes dados serão de valia para a avaliação das políticas de vacinação e para o desenho de estratégias de controle.