Assessment of Oral English: Testing the Non-English Major Students at Guangxi TCM University in P.R. China

This paper intends to give a brief overview of oral English testing for non-English major students in Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) University, which is located in a minority autonomous province in the southern part of P.R. China. It arises from the concrete problems facing Chinese teachers of English who feel troubled when offering an oral English test to an ever increasing number of non-English major students at the end of each semester. The frustration comes not only from the labor intensive and time consuming activity but also from the surrounding ethical issues of subjectivity by the teachers and of injustice to the students to give and receive fair marks. Moreover, there is a conflicting gap between the criteria used by the foreign native English speaking teachers and Chinese teachers of English because of their different cultural background and concept of testing. Nevertheless, an oral English test was designed and the procedures were devised, adopted, and administered to assess the student’s performance. The test and procedures, based on the national course syllabus for testing non-English majors, the level of attainment in oral English of the students, and the limited number of teaching personnel in the TCM University, utilized two different approaches. The native English speakers follow their own concept of devising formats of group testing procedures and assessment criteria forms highlighting communicative interaction. Meanwhile, the Chinese teachers of English emphasize individual rehearsed presentations and ask the student to follow up questions, to make further comment, and inquire about learning experience from the passage in order to make assessment and evaluation. Final student scores were calculated by combining daily participation of the student, the assessment foreign teacher, and the evaluation of Chinese teachers.

Stereotactic body radiotherapy using Cyber Knife for locally advanced unresectable and metastatic pancreatic cancer

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of stereotactic body radiotherapy using Cyber Knife for locally advanced unresectable and metastatic pancreatic cancer.METHODS: From June 2010 to May 2014,25 patients with locally advanced unresectable and metastatic pancreatic cancer underwent stereotactic body radiotherapy.Nine patients presented with unresectable locally advanced disease and 16 had metastatic disease.Primary end-points of this study were overall survival,relief of abdominal pain,and toxicity.RESULTS: Fourteen patients were treated with a total dose of 30-36 Gy in three fractions and the remainder with 40-48 Gy in four fractions.Median follow-up was 11 mo(range: 2-25 mo).The median survival duration calculated from the time of stereotactic body radiotherapy for the entire group,the locally advanced group,and the metastatic group was 9.0 mo,13.5 mo,and 8.5 mo,respectively.Overall survival was 37% and 18% at one and two years,respectively.Abdominal pain relief was achieved within 2 wk of completing radiotherapy in the patients who received successful palliation(13 of 20 patients had significant pain).Five patients(20%) had grade 1 nausea,and one(4%) had grade 2 nausea.No acute grade 3+ toxicity was seen.CONCLUSION: Stereotactic body radiotherapy using the Cyber Knife system is a promising,noninvasive,palliative treatment with acceptable toxicity for locally advanced unresectable and metastatic pancreatic cancer.

The active principle region of Buyang Huanwu decoction induced differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells into neural-like cells Superior effects over original formula of Buyang Huanwu decoction

The present study induced in vitro-cultured passage 4 bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into neural-like cells with a mixture of alkaloid, polysaccharide, aglycone, glycoside, essential oils, and effective components of Buyang Huanwu decoction （active principle region of decoction for invigorating yang for recuperation）. After 28 days, nestin and neuron-specific enolase were expressed in the cytoplasm. Reverse transcription-PCR and western blot analyses showed that nestin and neuron-specific enolase mRNA and protein expression was greater in the active principle region group compared with the original formula group. Results demonstrated that the active principle region of Buyang Huanwu decoction induced greater differentiation of rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells into neural-like cells in vitro than the original Buyang Huanwu decoction formula.

Effects of Panax notoginseng saponins in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease

BACKGROUND： Modem pharmacological studies have demonstrated that Panax notoginseng saponins （PNS） can ameliorate and protect from neuropathological impairment. Whether PNS can improve the abnormality in memory and behavior of rats with Alzheimer＇s disease （AD） remains unclear. OBJECTIVE： Based on a Morris water maze test, this study aimed to measure improvements of spatial learning and memory by PNS in a rat model of AD, and to compare effects with huperzine A. DESIGN： A completely randomized grouping design, controlled animal experiment. SETTING： Center of Research ＆ Development of New Drugs, Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medical University. MATERIALS： Ninety healthy Wistar rats of both genders, 15-month-old （n =75） and 3-month-old rats as young controls （n =15）, were used for this study. The study was performed in accordance with animal ethics guidelines for the use and care of animals. PNS was provided by Weihe Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd （permission No. Z53021485, Yuxi, Yunan Province, China）. Morris water maze equipment was provided by the Institute of Physiology, Chinese Academy of Science. METHODS： This study was performed at the Center of Research ＆ Development of New Drugs, Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medical University from June 2003 to April 2005. Of the included rats, 15 healthy aged rats were randomly chosen as aged controls, and the remaining 60 aged rats were randomly divided into 4 groups with 15 rats in each： model group, PNS high- and low-dose groups, and an huperzine A group. Rats in the model group and the 3 treated groups were treated with intraperitoneal infusion of 9.6 g/L D-galactose （5 mL/kg） every day for 6 weeks successively to induce a subacute aging model. During week 7, animals received 1 μ L ibotenic acid （5 g/L） bilaterally into the nucleus basalis of Meynert to create a rat model of AD. The young and old rat controls received, in parallel, a corresponding volume of saline. Two weeks later, rats in the PNS high- and low-dose groups were gavaged with 200 and 100 mg/kg PNS suspension, respectively. Huperzine A suspension （0.3 mg/kg） was used in the huperzine A group. Rats in the other 3 groups were gavaged with a corresponding volume of normal saline. In each group, administration was carried out once per day for 4 consecutive weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： After administration, learning and memory abilities were measured by place navigation and spatial probe tests. Recording indices consisted of escape latency （time-to-platform）, number of times to find the platform within 2 minutes, number of times the animal crosses the original platform location, and the percent of swimming time in each quadrant. RESULTS： Several rats died due to inflammatory reactions following brain lesion or intragastric administration; therefore, 61 rats were included in the final analysis. Results of spatial navigation test： Escape latency of rats in the model group was significantly prolonged, and number of times to find the platform within 2 minutes were significantly reduced compared with other groups （both P 〈 0.05）. No significant differences in these two indices were measured among the administration groups （all P 〉 0.05）. Results of spatial probe test： Times for crossing the original platform location and percent of time spent in the quadrant of original platform location were significantly less in the model group than in the other groups （P 〈 0.05）. There were no significant differences in these two indices among the administration groups （P 〉 0.05）. CONCLUSION： PNS can remarkably improve spatial learning and memory abilities of rats with AD. The therapeutic effect of PNS is not dose-dependent and is equivalent to the effect of huperzine A.

Effects of Jiawei Wendan decoction on hippocampal p-CREB protein expression in a rat model of depression

BACKGROUND： Jiawei W＇endan decoction can elevate hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor （BDNF） protein expression in rats with depression. It has been hypothesized that Jiawei Wendan decoction can exhibit antidepressant effects through the hippocampal signal transduction pathway of cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein （CREB）-BDNF. OBJECTIVE： Using phosphorylated-CREB （p-CREB） as an entry point, the present study was designed to observe intervention effects ofJiawei Wendan decoction compared with fluoxetine. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized, controlled, cellular biology experiment was performed at the Central Laboratory of Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, MATERIALS： A total of 40 healthy, male, Sprague-Dawley rats were included in the present study. Rhizoma Acori Talarinowii （Shichangpu）, Flos Albiziae （Hehuanhua）, Rhizoma Pinelliae （Banxia）, Caulis Bambusae in Taeniam （Zhuru）, Fructus Aurantii Immaturus （Zhishi）, Poria （Fuling）, and Radix Bupleuri （Chaihu）, the primary ingredients ofJiawei Wendan decoction, were purchased from First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The raw drug was decocted at a concentration of 1.5 g/mL. Fluoxetine capsules were purchased from Shanghai Zhongxi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., China. METHODS： Following behavioral testing, 36 rats were selected from the initial 40 rats according to similar behavioral scores, and were randomly divided into 4 groups： model （n = 8）, Jiawei Wendan decoction-treated （n = I 0）, fluoxetine-treated （~ = 10）, and normal control （n = 8）. All rats, except for those in the normal control group, were separately raised in a chronic and unpredictable, mild-stimulation environment for 2 l days to establish a depression model. The Jiawei Wendan decoction-treated and fluoxetine-treated groups were intragastrically administered Jiawei Wendan decoction （12 g/kg/d） and fluoxetine （1.8 mg/kg/d）, respectively. The model and normal control groups received double-distilled water （2 mL/kg/d） once a day for a total of 21 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Prior to depression induction and subsequent to administration, memory and degree of depression were measured by open field and tail suspension tests, respectively. At 24 hours after administration, p-CREB expression in the hippocampat CA3 region was analyzed by the immunohistochemical SABC method. RESULTS： Two rats from the Jiawei Wendan decoction-treated group, and one from the fluoxetine-treated group, died of unknown causes. The remaining rats in each group, except for one rat that was randomly selected from the fluoxetine-treated group, were included in the final analysis. Following administration, the model group exhibited significantly decreased numbers of hippocampal p-CREB-positive cells, horizontal and vertical movements, and significantly prolonged duration of immobility in tail-suspension test, compared with the normal control group （P 〈 0.01）. The numbers of p-CREB-positive cells, as well as horizontal and vertical movements, were significantly greater, and the duration of immobility was significantly shorter, in the Jiawei Wendan decoction and fluoxetine groups, compared with the model group （P 〈 0.05-0.01）. There was no significant difference in the above-mentioned three indices between the Jiawei Wendan decoction and fluoxetine groups （P 〉 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Jiawei Wendan decoction increased hippocampal p-CREB expression by influencing the rat hippocampal signal transduction pathway of CREB-BDNF. Jiawei Wendan decoction exhibited antidepressant effects equivalent to fluoxetine.

An experimental research of Weining granule in treating gastric precancerous lesions

Objective： To investigate potential therapeutic effects and mechanism of Weining granule in the treatment of gastric precancerous lesions. Methods： Sixty rats were randomly assigned to a blank group or a model group or to receive retinoic acid or high-, medium- or low- dose of Weining granule. General conditions of the animals were observed before and after treatment. Changes in gastric mucosal pathohistology, telomerase activity, proliferation index （PI） and apoptosis index （AI） were measured. Results： General conditions, including activity and eating, were improved in all Weining-granule-treated groups with the numbers of rats having intestinal metaplasia （IM）, atypical hyperplasia （ATP） or positive telomerase activity being significantly lower than those in the model group （P 〈 0.05 or P 〈 0.01）. Compared with the model group, all doses of Weining granule significantly decreased PI （P 〈 0.01） and increased AI （P 〈 0.05）. Conclusion： Weining granule may provide a therapeutic benefit for the treatment of gastric precancerous lesions by inhibiting telomerase activity and proliferation of gastric cancer cells and by accelerating their apoptosis.

The variation of skinfold thickness of Mulam adults in China

The skinfold thickness of six items （facial skinfold, subscapular skinfold, suprailiac skinfold, biceps skinfold, triceps skinfold and calf skinfold） were measured in 465 Mulam adults （232 male and 233 female）. The results were as follows： （1） The average skinfold thickness are higher in female at every age group. （2） As a whole, the skinfold thickness in the body of trunk is bigger than that in the limbs in both male and female. The curves of biceps skinfold thickness and calf skinfold thickness of male doesn＇t fluctuate with age. Body fat percentage of male was the lowest in the 30s group. In female, the skinfold thickness of trunk and triceps increase with age while calf skinfold decreases. Body fat percentage of female increases with age but then decreases after 50 years old. （3） The mean vales of Mulam skinfold thickness are relatively low compared with Daur, Uzbek and Han nationality.

Intercellular adhesion molecule-5 protects PAJU cells during in vitro ischemia following cerebral infarction

BACKGROUND： Intercellular adhesion molecule-5 （ICAM-5） relieves the damage of beta-amyloid protein to PAJU cells, However, little is known about how ICAM-5 works as a neurotrophic factor, or whether ICAM-5 lessens neuronal damage under ischemic conditions following cerebral infarction. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the effects of ICAM-5 on PAJU cells growth in serum-free medium under ischemic conditions following cerebral infarction. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： The cytological in vitro study was performed at the Central Laboratory, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China, in June 2009. MATERIALS： Human ICAM-5 gene transfected into PAJU-TLN cells was supplied by the Life Science College, Helsinki University, Finland. Empty vector transfected PAJU-NEO cells were established by the Gene Center, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, China. METHODS： PAJU-TLN cells transfected with human ICAM-5 or empty vector were incubated in serum-free medium. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Phase contrast microscopy was used to observe changes in PAJU cell morphology. 3-（4, 5-dimethylthiazolzyl）-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide was used to determine cell viability. Hoechst 33258 was used to stain cell nuclei. Flow cytometry was utilized to measure the apoptosis rate of both PAJU-TLN and PAJU-NEO cells. RESULTS： Both PAJU-TLN and PAJU-NEO cells were injured by cultivating in serum-free medium, but the survival rate of PAJU-TLN cells was significantly higher. CONCLUSION： ICAM-5 protects PAJU-TLN cells from serum deprivation-induced apoptosis, induces the outgrowth of PAJU cells, and diminishes their morphologic impairment.

Anti-aging effects of moxa cone moxibustion As a free radical scavenger complement

Therapies that complement free radical scavenging are an important approach for treating aging in the brain. In the present study, two formulations of moxa cone moxibustion were applied at acupoints Zusanfi （ST 36） and Xuanzhong （GB 39）, and at acupoints Baihui （DU 20） and Guanyuan （RN 4）, in D-galactose-induced senile mice. The results revealed that moxa cone moxibustion improved total superoxide dismutase and Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase activity in the homogenates of the cerebral tissue, as well as ameliorating deficits in neuronal morphology and neuronal density in the cerebral cortex and hippocampal CA3. Moxa cone moxibustion also enhanced learning and memory functions of senile mice. Moxa cone moxibustion at Zusanli, Xuanzhong, Baihuiand Guanyuan acupoints can thus be used to complement free radical scavengers, with efficacy that is equal to that of electroacupuncture at Zusanliand Xuanzhong, and superior to that of nimodipine treatment.

Telencephalin protects Paju cells from beta-amyloid protein-induced apoptosis

Previous studies have confirmed that telencephalin （TLN） is a neural glycoprotein that protects axonal disruption induced by the beta-amyloid protein （Aβ42/35） in the neural crest-derived tumor cell line Paju. The present study investigated the effects of TLN on neuronal degeneration induced by Aβ42 in the differentiated Paju cell line. Results demonstrated that after cultivating cells in Aβ42 medium, the survival rate of Paju-TLN cells was significantly higher than that of Paju-neo cells, and that apoptotic rate was noticeably reduced. These results indicate that TLN reduces Paju cell apoptosis induced by Aβ42.

Antidepressant mechanism of Jieyu No.1 decoction in a rat model of depression

Rats were subjected to unpredictable chronic stress and isolation-induced depression, and were then intragastrically perfused with Jieyu No.1 decoction or amitriptyline water solution for 21 consecutive days. Open-field test showed that Jieyu No.1 decoction and amitriptyline water solution significantly improved the abnormal behaviors of the depressed rats; it reduced plasma surfactant protein, corticosterone, and corticotropin releasing hormone levels, increased neuropeptide Y and somatostatin levels, and upregulated interleukin-ll3, -2, -6 protein expression in the hippocampal CA3 region. Somatostatin and interleukin-l[3 protein expression were negatively correlated with corticosterone level, and interleukin-113 protein expression was negatively correlated with corticotropin releasing hormone level. Results demonstrated that Jieyu No.1 decoction improved abnormal behaviors of depressed animals by regulating the function of the neuroimmunoendocrine system.

Phase Equilibria in the Al-Nd-Sb System at 500 ℃

The Al-Nd-Sb phase diagram over the whole concentration region at 500 ℃ has been determined with the use of powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive analysis. A new ternary compound ～Al6Nd28Sb66 (space group Imm2, a=1.5191(1) nm, b=1.9914(2) nm, c=0.4377(1) nm) with La6MnSb15-type has been found.

Telencephalin protects PAJU cells from amyloid beta protein-induced apoptosis by activating the ezrin/radixin/moesin protein family/phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway

Telencephalin is a neural glycoprotein that reduces apoptosis induced by amyloid beta protein in the human neural tumor cell line PAJU. In this study, we examined the role of the ezrin/radixin/moesin protein family/phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway in this process. Western blot analysis demonstrated that telencephalin, phosphorylated ezrin/radixin/moesin and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B were not expressed in PAJU cells transfected with empty plasmid, while they were expressed in PAJU cells transfected with a telencephalin expression plasmid. After treatment with 1.0 nM amyloid beta protein 42, expression of telencephalin and phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B in the transfected cells gradually diminished, while levels of phosphorylated ezrin/radixin/moesin increased. In addition, the high levels of telencephalin, phosphorylated ezrin/radixin/moesin and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B expression in PAJU cells transfected with a telencephalin expression plasmid could be suppressed by the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase inhibitor LY294002. These findings indicate that telencephalin activates the ezrin/radixin/moesin family/phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway and protects PAJU cells from amyloid beta protein-induced apoptosis.

Therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stem cells from different sources in the treatment of liver diseases

Hepatitis B Virus(HBV)is still one of the important problems threatening the health and safety of human life.If the virus can not be effectively controlled,it will gradually evolve into chronic hepatitis.Chronic hepatitis will not be treated for a long time,and will gradually develop into liver fibrosis,cirrhosis,liver cancer or even liver failure and other diseases with poor prognosis.However,there is no specific western medicine treatment for liver fibrosis,cirrhosis and other liver diseases.The main treatment methods are symptomatic treatment,internal medicine comprehensive treatment and prevention of complications.In recent years,the medical technology has been continuously developed and improved,scholars at home and abroad have focused on the effective ways to prevent and treat liver diseases.More and more studies have confirmed the mesenchymal stem cells Cell(MSC)plays an important role in the treatment of liver diseases.The author will describe the therapeutic effect of MSC from different sources on liver diseases.

Effects of Different Processing Methods on Chlorogenic Acid Content in Fructus Gardeniae

[ Objective] This study aimed to compare the effects of different processing methods on the content of chlorogenie acid in Fructus Garden/ae. [ Method] The chromatographic separation was performed on an Inersil ODS-2 C18 column （250 mm× 4.6 mm, 5 μm） with acetonitrile -0. 1% acetic acid solution （ 12： 88, V/V） as the mobile phase under conditions of tlow rate 1.0 mb/min, detection wavelength 327 ran, column temperature 25℃. [ Result J With a range of 0.42-2.52 μg/i.d, ehlorogenic acid concentration exhibited a good linear relationship with peak area （n =6, R =0. 999 9）. The average recovery rate was 100. 83%, RSD was 1.30%. [Conclusion] The established method is eonveniem, rapid and accurate with good repeatability, which can be used to effectively control the quality of different orocessed oroduets of Fructus C.ardeniae.

Shallow needling on Neiguan and Gongsun acupoints in rats with brain ischemia Changes in apoptosis regulating genes and vasoactive substances

For the treatment of brain ischemia using acupuncture, the needle is predominantly inserted into muscular layers and deep tissue. However, few studies have investigated the outcomes of shallow needling. The present study established middle cerebral artery occlusion models in rats using the thrombosis method. Shallow needling and conventional needling at the bilateral Neiguan （PC 6） and Gongsun （SP 4） acupoints improved neurological function of middle cerebral artery occlusion rats, increased the expression of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, inhibited the expression of the pro-apoptotic Bax, and reduced the expression of the vasoactive substances nitric oxide synthase and endothelin-1. However, these changes were more pronounced in the shallow needling group, indicating that shallow needling is more effective in inhibiting brain ischemic injury.

Research Progress of Anti-tumor Effects of Curcuma zedoaria and its Active Ingredients Through Immune Regulation Mechanism

The continuous increase in the incidence rate of various fatal malignant tumors in the recent years warrants an imperative search for medications or drugs with obvious anti-tumor eflects and reliable curative effects.Previous studies have found that Curcuma zedoaria and its active ingredients,such as turmeric oil,curcumol,and P-elemene,have obvious antitumor effects,and they do not have the adverse reactions and side effects seen in the anti-tumor drugs of Western medicine.Based on the review and inductive analysis of related literature,we summarize in the present article the results of some researchers who investigated the anti-tumor effects of Curcuma zedoaria and its active ingredients through the immune regulation mechanism.

Trends in the major causes of death in China, 1982-2010

Since the introduction of a series of reform and open policies in its economic system in 1976,China has been in a boom period of social and economic fields.Rapid development in economy and the consequent improvement in living conditions,nutrition,and health care help to decrease infant mortality and deaths from infectious diseases,and notably effected the patterns of mortality.For example,respiratory diseases,acute infectious diseases,and tuberculosis were the leading causes of death in 1957,while diseases of heart,cerebrovascular disease,and malignant neoplasm were the fifth,sixth,and seventh leading causes of death.1 Up to 1975,cerebrovascular diseases,diseases of heart,and malignant neoplasm were the top three death causes,followed by respiratory diseases,digestive diseases,and pulmonary tuberculosis.1 A prospective cohort study involving a representative sample of the adult Chinese population was conducted in 2005,which revealed that the five leading causes of death were malignant neoplasm,diseases of heart,cerebrovascular disease,accidents,and infectious diseases among men and diseases of heart,cerebrovascular disease,malignant neoplasm,pneumonia and influenza,and infectious diseases among women.

Clinical Observation on the Post-stroke Shoulder Pain and Blood Viscosity Treated by Acupuncture-moxibustion Therapy

Objective： To reveal the therapeutic effect of acupuncmre-moxibustion therapy for the treatment of post-stroke shoulder pain. Methods： Ninety patients with post-stroke shoulder pain were randomized into three groups at ratio of 1：1：1, to receive acupuncture-moxibustion therapy （AM）, acupuncture-moxibustion plus Chinese herbal decoction （AMCH）, and Chinese herbal decoction （CH） respectively. Results： In the comparison of the therapeutic effects and blood viscosity, there was significant difference between the AM and CH group, as well as between the AMCH and CH group （P〈0.01）; the difference was not significant between the AM and AMCH group. Conclusion： Acupuncture-moxibustion is an effective therapy in the treatment of the post-stroke shoulder pain, and it can also reduce the blood viscosity in short-term.

Intervention effect and dose-dependent response of Tanreqing injection on airway inflammation in lipopolysaccharide-induced rats

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of Tanreqing injection on airway inflammation in rats. METHODS: A rat model of airway inflammation was generated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Tanreqing injection was given by intratracheal instillation, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from the right lung was collected. BALF total cell and neutrophil counts were then determined. In addition, BALF levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1, and tumor necrosis factor-α were measured using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.The middle lobe of the right lung was stained with hematoxylin-eosin and histological changes examined. RESULTS: LPS increased airway inflammation, decreased BALF inflammatory cell count, inflammatory cytokine levels, and suppressed leukocyte influx of the lung. The LPS-induced airway inflammation peaked at 24 h, decreased beginning at 48 h, and had decreased markedly by 96 h. CONCLUSION: Tanreqing injection contains anti-inflammatory properties, and inhibits airway inflammation in a dose-dependent manner.