Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

哈利波特系列奇幻电影第五部——《哈利波特和凤凰社》,终于日渐要撩开它的神秘面纱了。这部令无数影迷期待的影片的上映,一定会再掀哈利波特魔幻风暴。

Sediment Transport in the Nearshore Area of Phoenix Island

Based on the measured data, suspended sediment concentration, surface sediment grain size, current and waves, the sediment transport mechanisms and pathways in the Phoenix Island area were analyzed using methods of flux decomposition and Grain Size Trend Analysis(GSTA). The results show that net suspended sediment is mainly transported by average current, Stokes drift, and gravitational circulation. The transport direction of suspended sediment is varying and basically following the direction of residual tidal currents. Surface sediment transport pathways are primarily parallel to the coastline along with two convergent centers. Waves and longshore currents have a significant influence on sediment transport, but the influence is limited due to a steep and deep underwater bank. Tidal current is the main controlling factor for sediment transport, especially in the deep water area. Neither suspended nor surface sediment is transported towards the southwest. The South Shandong Coastal Current(SSCC) has little effect on sediment transport processes in the nearshore area of Phoenix Island.

Influence of different cultivars of Phoenix dactylifera L-date fruits on blood clotting and wound healing

Objective: To investigate different types of dates and medical properties of influencing blood clotting and wound healing in an animal model. Methods: Three different cultivars of dates(Ajwa, Khalas, and Fardh) were examined in-vivo, for blood clotting and wound healing using CD1 mice of both sexes. Study of toxicity to animals was performed accordingly prior to further investigations. The ethanolic extracts were given orally to animals as a constituent in their daily water. Blood samples were obtained from the mice inferior vena cava to carry out the prothrombin time(PT) assay using the manual method and confirmed using a semi-automated machine. The bleeding time(BT) assay was performed using the cutting technique. In the wound healing analysis, a small cut(5-10 mm) in the skin overlying the thigh was conducted in all mice under anesthesia. The diameter of the cut and healing status were measured on a daily basis throughout the time of the experiment using a roller. Results: Ajwa was able to elevate both PT and BT(P<0.05), significantly in a time-dependent manner followed by Khalas date(P<0.05). The results of PT and BT of Fardh date were found to be very close to those of the control group(P<0.05). Despite its activity as an anticoagulant, Khalas date showed a potential property to enhance wound healing in contrast to other dates and the control groups in this study. Conclusions: Omani Khalas date fruit has both antithrombotic as well as wound healing properties. The results open a new gate with these fruits for exploring the potential component(s) that may play an important role in antithrombotic as well as wound healing process.

Effect of Aqueous Extract of <i>Phoenix dactylifera</i>Pollen on Dopamine System of Nucleus Accumbens in Male Rats

Background: Dopamine has been known to facilitate male sexual function. Methods: The effect of aqueous extract (140 mg/kg) of Phoenix dactylifera date palm pollen on sexual behavior and determining of dopamine transmission in the nucleus accumbens was studied in male rats using in vivo microdialysis. Results: Releasing of dopamine increased significantly in the nucleus accumbens when a receptive female was introduced behind a screen (p 0.001). During copulation, dopamine increased markedly in control and treated rats. Phoenix dactylifera Date Palm Pollen enhanced the orientation of males towards females by increasing mounting and ano-genital investigatory behavior. Improving of sexual behavior and dopamine release was higher in treated rats in comparison with control (p 0.001). Conclusion: These results indicate a neurochemical basis for interaction between dopaminergic agents and male sexual behavior. Therefore, Phoenix dactylifera Date Palm Pollen seems to act as a dopamine agonist and to cure male infertility. It can be used as an aphrodisiac that leads to further increases in dopamine release.

Aphrodisiac Activity of Aqueous Extract of <i>Phoenix dactylifera</i>Pollen in Male Rats

Aim of study: Ancient literature alluded to the use of a number of plants/preparations as sex enhancer. One of such botanicals is Phoenix dactylifera in which the pollen grain has been acclaimed to be used as an aphrodisiac. However, the validity has not been scientifically tested. Dopamine is known to facilitate male sexual function. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of Phoenix dactylifera pollen on the sexual behavior of male rats and to measure of serum Estradiol and Testostrone. Also, dopamine transmission in the nucleus accumbence (NAc) was studied in male rats using in vivo microdialysis. Methods and Materials: sixty male rats were randomized into 6 groups (A-F). Group A received 0.2 ml of Normal Saline mixed with Dimethyl Sulphate (DMSO), while groups B-F were injected same volume containing 35 mg/kg, 70 mg/kg, 105 mg/kg, 140 mg/kg and 350 mg/kg of DPP extract, respectively. Sexual behavioral parameters including mounting, intromission and ejaculation frequencies and latencies were recorded in male rats one hour after injection of extract by mating with a receptive female (1:1). The male serum testosterone and estradiol concentrations were also determined. Results: All doses stimulated male sexual behavior. Extract significantly increased mount, ejaculation, intromission frequencies and ejaculation latency in comparison to controlled ones (p 0.001). Mount and intromission latencies significantly reduced (p 0.001). Maximum effect was observed in dose 140 mg/kg. This extract was found to enhance Testestrone, Estradiol and the orientation of males toward female ones by increasing mounting and ano-genital investigatory behavior. Conclusions: Data from this study identified that the aqueous extract of Phoenix dactylifera pollen grain enhanced sexual behaviour in male rats. The improved sexual appetitive behaviour in male rats may be attributed, to the alkaloids, saponins, and or flavonoids since these phytochemicals has engorgement, androgen enhancing. Also, our findings support the traditional use of this plant as acclaimed aphrodisiac and for the treatment of pre-ejaculation and impotency.

In vitro inhibitory effects on a-glucosidase and a-amylase level and antioxidant potential of seeds of Phoenix dactylifera L.

Objective:To evaluate and compare the antioxidant activity,total phenolic contents(TPCs) and in vitro antidiabetic activity of various pits extracts obtained from five Omani date cultivars.Methods:Sun-dried mature fruits of five Omani date varieties,namely,Fardh,Naghal,Khalas,Khinazi and Khasab were purchased from the local market in Muscat,Oman in the month of September 2014.Four seed extracts viz.water,ethanol,methanol and acetone were prepared for each date variety and their antioxidant activities were investigated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl,hydrogen peroxide scavenging method and reducing power assay method,respectively.In vitro antidiabetic activity of the date pit extracts was evaluated by measuring their inhibitory effect on a-glucosidase and aamylase level.TPCs were also quantified colorimetrically.Results:The results indicated that TPC of date seeds was solvent dependent.Acetone,ethanol and methanol were found to be significantly better solvents than water in extracting phenolic compounds from the date seeds.Pit extracts exhibited moderate to good in vitro antioxidant activity and increased reducing power.Among all date pit extracts,water extract exhibited significant in vitro antidiabetic activity in comparison to standard drug,acarbose.Conclusions:The present study confirms that disposed waste of Omani dates is a rich source of dietary antioxidant because of its high TPC.The pits due to their inhibitory effects on a-glucosidase and a-amylase level could be used as a monotherapy along with an appropriate diabetic diet and exercise or might be in conjunction with antidiabetic therapy to manage and prevent progression of diabetes.

Biochemical and Molecular Effects of <i>Phoenix dactylifera</i>and <i>Ziziphus spina-christi</i>Extracts on <i>Candida albicans</i>

Our overall knowledge of the medicinal uses of plants suggests that natural compounds could be useful in the treatment of cutaneous fungal infections in tropical regions. Furthermore, the possibilities of treatment using plant extracts may be even broader than is already known when one considers plants that have not been extensively studied in this context, such as the regional species Phoenix dactylifera and Ziziphus spina-christi. This study compared the antimicrobial activity of Phoenix dactylifera and Ziziphus spina-christi extracts in terms of their biochemical and molecular effects on Candida albicans (ATCC CA 10231). These effects included altered levels of intracellular sterols, changes in the permeability of the cell membrane, and changes in the TEF1: QRTTEF1, CaERG1: ERG1, CdERG12: CdERG1, and ERG25: ERG25 genes. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to identify morphological characteristics, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) analyses were conducted. In treated samples, the SEM and EDAX analyses showed cell cavities and shrinkage of the cell wall, and the number of cells was reduced to only a few abnormal cells as compared with that in the untreated samples. Yttrium was detected in the cells treated with Z. spina-christi, and high levels of osmium were detected in the cells treated with P. dactylifera. Compared with control cells, cells exposed to the concentration 150 μl/ml of Z. spina-christi extract had an average sterol concentration that was nearly 3 times higher, while the concentration was 5.5 times higher for cells treated with the 150 μl/ml of P. dactylifera extract. The ethanol extracts affected the permeability of C. albicans cell membrane. Gene sequencing showed gaps and mismatches in the ERG1, ERG12, and ERG25 genes after treatment with P. dactylifera and Z. spina-christi extracts compared with that in the controls. The results were highly significant (p ≤ 0.01). We conclude that the ethanol extracts of P. dactylifera and Z. spina-christi have antimicrobial activity through several mechanisms in the yeast cell.

Effect of water extract of dates palm (Phoenix dactylifera) on semen characteristics and oxidative status in serum of male New Zealand rabbits under heat stress

Objective: To estimate the effects of the water extract of dates palm (Phoenix dactylifera) (DWE) on sperm quality parameters, testosterone level and serum antioxidants activities of New Zealand rabbits under heat stress. Methods: A total of 30 bucks of New Zealand White rabbits were randomly divided into three equal groups as follows: Group 1 was treated as control group and fed on balanced commercial ration. Groups 2 and 3 were treated with 10 and 20 mL of dates extract substituting water in the early morning before watering and fed on balanced commercial ration. This schedule was performed daily for 5 days/week, for an experimental period of 5 weeks. Fertility parameters such as reaction time, potential of hydrogen ion (pH), mass motility, individual progressive motility %, percentage of live sperm and abnormal sperm (%) were measured. Blood serum testosterone level, serum glutathione reduced, nitric oxide, ascorbic acid and malondialdehyde were also determined. Results: The daily oral administration of 10 mL DWE significantly increased the pH, the mass motility and individual progressive motility % compared to the control group. Although, the consumption of 20 mL DWE significantly (P<0.0001) increased the live sperm% and decreased the abnormal sperm % compared to the other two treatments. The administration of date extracts (10 and 20 mL) had significantly (P<0.0001) decreased nitric oxide and glutathione reduced levels compared to the control. On the other hand, it increased significantly the lipid peroxidation, ascorbic acid and testosterone level compared to the control. Conclusions:The aqueous extract of date palm (10-20 mL) could enhance the rabbit bucks fertility and its health performance.

Synergistic Mixture of Cyperus esculentus, Phoenix dactylifera and Cocos nucifera Aqueous Extract: Its Liver and Kidney Benefits in Male Albino Rat Model

Background: The synergistic mixture of Cyperus esculentus, Phoenix dactylifera and Cocos nucifera (STCD) aqueous extract is a common drink in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. It is assumed to have various health benefits. However, the synergistic mixture of the content has not been studied scientifically, hence the need to evaluate its effect on the liver and kidney being part of the body’s metabolic organs. Aim: This study evaluated the synergistic mixture of Cyperus esculentus, Phoenix dactylifera and Cocos nucifera (STCD) aqueous extract in male albino rats. Methods: Acute toxicity LD50 of STCD was carried out, afterwards, fifteen male albino rats were grouped into three groups with 5 rats in each group;Control, 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg STCD. The rats were administered STCD orally 24 hourly, for 21 days, with feed and water ad libitum. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis of the liver and kidney biomarkers, while the liver and kidney tissues were harvested for histopathological examination using standard laboratory methods. Descriptive statistics were computed and expressed as Mean ± SD. One-way ANOVA and Turkeys test was performed. P value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Acute toxicity LD50 of STCD was observed to be ≥2404.2 mg/kg body weight. An increase in the percentage body weight difference of 8.39% and 2.86% was observed for 200 and 400 mg/kg STCD groups. Also, the liver weight was observed to increase in 400 mg/kg (3.92 ± 1.42) in comparison to the control group (3.48 ± 1.61), a decrease in the kidney weight was observed in all groups administered STCD in comparison to the control group. Administration of STCD at both 200 and 400 mg/kg revealed a decrease in the concentration of the hepatic biomarkers AST, ALT, ALP, TP, Albumin, Total and conjugated bilirubin. The kidney biomarker Urea was observed to decrease in concentration for 200 mg/kg STCD (4.60 ± 1.83) and 400 mg/kg STCD (4.76 ± 0.74) when compared to the control group (6.32 ± 2.74). A decrease in Creatinine was observed in 200 mg/kg (91.80 ± 34.69) and 400 mg/kg (98.60 ± 15.53) in comparison to the control group (117.60 ± 42.88). The histological examination of the liver of rats administered STCD revealed structural normal central vein, hepatocytes and portal tract. The kidney examination revealed normal glomeruli and normal tubule. Conclusion: The findings of this study opine that STCD improved the health of both the liver and kidney as evidenced via the biomarkers and histological examinations of the liver and kidney. This study therefore recommends the intake of STCD at moderate doses for improved liver and kidney function due to its bioactive compounds and nutritional content.

Phoenix CoreArchitect整合Microsoft Visual Studio.NET 2003帮客户提升研发技术 加速产品上市

中国．2005年3月9日-全球电脑核心系统软件(Core System Software．CSS)领导厂商美商凤凰科技(Phoenix Techaologles，Naadaq：PTEC)，日前发布了Phoenix Technologies CoreArehiteet(tm)系列产品。这是业界首套将Microsoft Vislml Studio.NET 2003作业系统整合至固件(Firmware)开发环境的解决方案。

Effect of Sodium Chloride and Proline on Embryo Formation and Germination through in vitro Micropropagation of Date Palm （Phoenix dactylifera L.） cv. Barhee [11]

The effect of NaCI and proline on somatic embryos formation and germination of date palm （Phoenix dactylifera L.） cv. Barhee was studied. Quarters of shoot tips were cultured on MS solid growth media supplied with different concentrations of salt （NaCI） （0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5% and 3%, respectively） and proline （25, 50 and 75 mg L1） either individually or in combination. Results showed that the addition of NaC1 （starting at 1%） caused a significant increase in the cylindrical embryos formation time, while their lengths and fresh weights were decreased at salt concentrations （0.5% and 2%）. No significant effect was noticed on the formation time by using proline except at concentration of 25 mg L^-1 which caused an increase in their lengths and fresh weights. The interaction between all salt concentrations and proline （25 mg LL） caused a significant increase in the formation time as well as in their lengths and fresh weights. The addition of NaC1 to the media caused a significant effect on the germination time and a reduction on the percentages of somatic embryo germination starting at 2% and the following ones. A reduction in the lengths of radicals and the plumules of the formed embryos was noticed at 1.5% NaCI. Proline addition reduced the initial time and increased the germination percentages as well as the lengths of radicals and plumules. The interaction between salt and proline treatments caused a significant reduction in the initiation time and an increase in the germination percentages and lengths of radicals and plumules.

Architecter Study of the Young Date Palm （Phoenix dactylifera L.） Root System

The architectural analysis of the young date palm （Phoenix dactylifera L.） root system （its form and its structure）, is necessary to describe its principal functions of absorption and anchoring. In this study the authors present an analysis of the root branching process. It allows them to understand the distribution of inter-lateral root length on the radicle and to account the development of the root system in the soil. Root architecture was studied from samples sprouted naturally in the oases of Chott el Ferikh （Gabes） and other plants grown in polyethylene bags under the shadow. This analysis has showed five categories of roots belonging to four different topological orders in the youthful phasis.

Modeling of Date Palm （Phoenix dactylifera L.） Vegetative Aerial Architecture, Example of Two Tunisian Cultivars

The present study was carried out to verify the statistical relationships between the characteristic parameters in terms of vegetative aerial architecture of the date palms for simulating realistic 3D models. The vegetal material was composed of two Tunisian varieties of Phoenix dactylifera L., ＂Barhi＂ and ＂Rochdi＂. The observations are taken place in Gabes and on one pair of palms per main stem and offshoot for each cultivar. The analysis of the characteristic dimensions of the pinnae and rachis allowed the determination of a minimum sample. The geometrical analysis confirmed the existence of a strong correlation between rotation angles and radial angles. The architectural analysis of the two Tunisian cultivars revealed that the distribution of characteristic parameter values of pinnae was the outcome ofa regionalized variable along the rachis. This statistical study of relationships between the characteristic parameters in terms of vegetative aerial architecture of the two varieties allows executing a new measurement protocol for computing and simulating realistic 3D models.

The Phoenix Rise of China’s Ice and Snow Sports

The past four decades witnessed the long journey China's ice and snow sports have gone through.ONE day in October 1978,Ye Qiaobo,a 14-year-old speed skater,along with members of the PLA Bayi Sports Work Brigade,set off to train in cities across northeast China that included Heihe,Nenjiang,Hailar and Qiqihar in a big convertible Jiefang truck.Two months later,the transforming decision of reform and opening-up was passed by the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee of the CPC,a milestone in new China’s history,which also created opportunities for the development of ice and snow sports in the country.Ye went on to become China’s first Winter Olympics medalist 14 years later.

‘A Phoenix from Ashes’During the Outbreak of COVID-19:Story of the Phoenix Bookstore in France

The Phoenix Bookstore in France is a book-based communication hub between Chinese and French cultures.Since it was acquired by China International Book Trading Corporation(CIBTC)in 2015,a new impetus has been introduced into the bookstore for cultural exchanges.The Phoenix Bookstore in France lives up to its name through a spirit of“phoenix”,which enables it to be even stronger in tougher conditions.During the outbreak of COVID-19,the bookstore has managed to organize diverse cultural gatherings online and offline on the prerequisite of ensuring the safety of its staff and consumers.

Experimental Study of Osmotic Dehydration of Date （Phoenix dactylifera L,）： Application for Lemsi Cultivars

The cultivar date Lemsi is well known in the coastal oasis of Tunisia for both its quality stage ＂blah＂ and its earliness. This variety is characterized by its astringent taste and has never been studied extensively. An osmotic dehydration treatment is necessary to improve the quality of the final product for maintaining its integrity. Thus, it is a preservation technique that is often used as pretreatment to obtain partially dehydrated fruit. In this experimental study, the cultivar date Lemsi were cut into cubes of 1 cm3 and were immersed in sucrose solutions of 50%, 60% and 70% at 20℃ for 0-240 min. The moisture content, the solute gain, the water loss and the ratio WL/SG are determined and discussed. The results deduced from this work have showed that sugar gain SG, water loss WL and the ratio WL/SG are increased with concentration of osmotic solution. Likewise, the osmotic dehydration treatment need to be followed of a convective drying to ensure the quality of the final product.

Removal of Chromium (VI) from Tannery Effluent Using Bio-Char of <i>Phoenix reclinata</i>Seeds

The potential of the Senegal date palm (Phoenix reclinata) seed bio-char to remove chromium (VI) ions from aqueous solutions by adsorption was investigated. Adsorption experiments were performed on the tannery effluent and standard aqueous solutions of chromium (VI) for varying adsorbent doses, contact times, pH, temperatures, and interfering anionic ions by batch mode. Phoenix reclinata seeds (PRS) bio-char was used in the investigation and the residual chromium (VI) was determined using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Results showed that the bio-char removed up to 86% of chromium (VI) ions in the effluent at pH 2. The highest percentage adsorption registered was 97% in an aqueous solution of chromium (VI) at pH 1 and this dropped to less than 10% at pH greater than 2. A general increase in adsorption with the increase in temperature was observed but reduced when the temperature was raised beyond 60°C. The presence of interfering anions caused a reduction in the adsorption of chromium (VI) ions. The adsorption process fitted both Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models and the maximum adsorption capacity, Qo, was 0.6593 mg/g. Thus, PRS bio-char can therefore be used by industries and institutions like secondary schools to treat effluents that contain chromium (VI).

A Phoenix Reborn An Interview with Zhong Shan, Chairman of the Board and General Manager of the Zhejiang Zhongda Group Holding Co Ltd

After series of reforms including the introduction of the shareholding system, re-organization of capital, expansion of business fields and scale through cooperation or merge with other enterprises,Zhongda Group has now become a comprehensive enterprise group integrating import and export, foreign and domestic trade, ?and industry and serviceS.In the past five years stan-

ABB携手Phoenix Contact，开拓Profinet战略合作

ABB自动化和菲尼克斯电气签署了一个关于涉及Profinet和Ethernet技术的长期战略合作协议。该合作的目的是加强Profinet的地位和发展Profinet在ABB的补充业务领域“过程自动化”和菲尼克斯电气的补充业务领域“工厂自动化”内成为一个全球工业标准，在这个合作计划里，菲尼克斯电气的子公司KW-Software将负责Profinet技术的技术整合。