Power and negotiation between different cultures presenting a decision-making tool

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, 2012.Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.Includes bibliographical references (p. 40-41).The first step in negotiation is the information gathering and investigation, very often the investigation stage is not done properly, the negotiator has to decide about the goals, which information he can share, need to determine the BATNA (Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement), learn about the person/team he will be negotiation with. In additional there are also differences in how people from different cultures use information and communicate during the negotiation, ignoring the culture differences can be major mistake. This research evaluate the option of using decision-making negotiation tool for the investigation stage and for negotiation process, the thesis provides design and features set for tool based on research done and feedback from potential users, the paper illustrate the negotiation culture differences between American and Israelis, and how it should be embedded in tool. Survey and interviews concluded to collect feedback from people in different industries, on culture differences between American and Israelis and on how negotiators are interested in tool for negotiation. Finally, results analyzed to determine future actions, consider culture differences and user's need for negotiation tool.by Omer Granot.S.M

Blinded Analysis of an Exercise ECG Database Using High Frequency QRS Analysis

High frequency QRS (HFQRS) analysis was shown to be more accurate than ST changes in detecting stress induced ischemia in designed clinical studies. Since it utilizes energy extracted from the frequency band of 150250 Hz, HFQRS analysis is performed with high end electrocardiographs which are equipped with adequate hardware. In this study, we aim to examine whether it is possible to perform the HFQRS analysis using ECG data acquired by a 500 Hz commercial electrocardiograph and also to assess the clinical performance of such analysis. One hundred and thirty two ECG records of bicycle exercise tests were obtained from the FINCAVAS database. Fifteen records with a wide QRS duration and 28 patients who have not reached their target heart rate were excluded. HFQRS and computerized ST-segment analyses were performed for the remaining 89 records in a blinded fashion. Three records were excluded due to excessive high frequency noise. Accordingly, the group of records with a definite HFQRS interpretation included 57 patients without stenosis and 29 patients who had > 75% stenosis. Angiography, was used as gold standard. The clinical performance of both methods were assessed. The HFQRS has statistically significant higher sensitivity of 86% comparing to the 41% of the ST (p <0.005) with a statistically insignificant difference in specificity of 68% vs. 67% for the HFQRS and the ST respectively (p = 0.84). This analysis demonstrated that HFQRS analysis may be applied for ECG data acquired by standard 500 Hz electrocardiographs and demonstrates its potential in diagnosing stress induced ischemia.Peer reviewe

Gamma-Ray Bursts as Sources of Strong Magnetic Fields

International audienceGamma-Ray Bursts (GRBs) are the strongest explosions in the Universe, which due to their extreme character likely involve some of the strongest magnetic fields in nature. This review discusses the possible roles of magnetic fields in GRBs, from their central engines, through the launching, acceleration and collimation of their ultra-relativistic jets, to the dissipation and particle acceleration that power their γ-ray emission, and the powerful blast wave they drive into the surrounding medium that generates their long-lived afterglow emission. An emphasis is put on particular areas in which there have been interesting developments in recent years

The dead seed coat functions as a long-term storage for active hydrolytic enzymes

<div><p>Seed development culminates in programmed cell death (PCD) and hardening of organs enclosing the embryo (e.g., pericarp, seed coat) providing essentially a physical shield for protection during storage in the soil. We examined the proposal that dead organs enclosing embryos are unique entities that store and release upon hydration active proteins that might increase seed persistence in soil, germination and seedling establishment. Proteome analyses of dead seed coats of Brassicaceae species revealed hundreds of proteins being stored in the seed coat and released upon hydration, many are stress-associated proteins such as nucleases, proteases and chitinases. Functional analysis revealed that dead seed coats function as long-term storage for multiple active hydrolytic enzymes (e.g., nucleases) that can persist in active forms for decades. Substances released from the dead seed coat of the annual desert plant <i>Anastatica hierochuntica</i> displayed strong antimicrobial activity. Our data highlighted a previously unrecognized feature of dead organs enclosing embryos (e.g., seed coat) functioning not only as a physical shield for embryo protection but also as a long-term storage for active proteins and other substances that are released upon hydration to the “seedsphere” and could contribute to seed persistence in the soil, germination and seedling establishment.</p></div

Analysis of proteins released from the dead seed coats of <i>A</i>. <i>hierochuntica</i> and <i>S</i>. <i>alba</i>.

<p>(A) Venn diagram showing the number of proteins recovered from the dead seed coats of each species examined and the number of proteins shared between the indicated species. 77 proteins shared by <i>Anastatica</i> ecotypes and <i>S</i>. <i>alba</i> highlighted yellow. (B and C) GO categorization for biological process and molecular function, respectively, of the 77 proteins shared by all species examined.</p

The seed coat mucilage is not required for storage and secretion of nucleases.

<p>A, Ruthenium red staining of <i>Arabidopsis</i> Col seeds and <i>gl2</i> mucilage mutant. B, In gel nuclease assay for proteins released from seeds of the indicated wild type and mucilage mutant lines. M, protein molecular weight markers.</p

Seeds of the desert plant <i>Anastatica hierochuntica</i> release antimicrobial substances.

<p>A, <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> was grown in a flat-bottom 96-well microtiter plate in the presence of PBS, ampicillin (100 mg/L) or in the presence of substances released from embryos (<i>Ah embryo</i>) or seed coats (<i>Ah coat</i>) of <i>A</i>. <i>hierochuntica</i>. Bacterial growth was monitored by measuring the OD₅₉₅ of the culture at 30 min. intervals in the course of 24 h. Each treatment was performed in triplicates and error bars represent the standard deviation. B, <i>A</i>. <i>hierochuntica</i> seeds released substances that inhibit conidiospore germination. Microconidia derived from <i>Fusarium oxysporum</i> f.sp. <i>melonis</i> were mixed with potato dextrose broth (PDB) alone (control) or with PDB supplemented with <i>A</i>. <i>hierochuntica</i> seed released substances. Mixtures were placed on depression slides and incubated in moist chamber for 24 h at 25°C in a dark and inspected under a light microscope. mc, microconidia.</p

Nuclease activities in seed secretions of Brassicaceae species.

<p>In-gel nuclease assay demonstrating high nuclease activity in secretions from seeds of various crucifers. Seeds of <i>Arabidopsis thaliana</i> Ler and Col lines, <i>Capsella bursa-pastoris</i>, <i>Sysimbrium irio</i>, <i>Moricandia nitens</i>, <i>Diplotaxis erucoides</i>, <i>Diplotaxis harra</i> and <i>Sinapis alba</i> were incubated in PBS for 8 h at 4°C, the aqueous phase was collected and proteins were separated on 12% SDS/PAGE containing denatured salmon sperm DNA. Nuclease reaction was performed with or without the indicated divalent cations and activity was visualized by staining with ethidium bromide. M, protein size markers. Note that strong nuclease activity was recovered in the presence of Mg^2+/Ca²⁺.</p