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Unocal Corp. and Miami-based independent Forcenergy Inc. have allied to explore and develop oil and gas pockets in Alaska’s Cook Inlet, the companies said. . . . Orange-based Vans Inc. said earnings for its second quarter ended Nov. 30 rose 89.4% to $2.4 million, or 18 cents per share, from $1.3 million, or 13 cents, in the year-ago quarter. . . . Santa Barbara-based Circon Corp. said its board recommended that shareholders reject U.S. Surgical Corp.’s reduced $221-million acquisition bid.