1.   The less energy spent in defending, the more strength remains to attack and defeat the enemy.

2.   But his strength remains his instincts and knowledge.

3.   He has shown more determination on defense and some nimble low-post moves on offense, but his strength remains the foundation of his production.

4.   Minnesota has the best conference record, but health at quarterback is a new question, while overall defensive strength remains a nagging question.

5.   Signs of economic strength remain mixed, however.

6.   The Taliban also said Friday that its core strength remains intact, and that no key members of the military had been casualties of the bombing campaign.

7.   Despite the decline on the day, some brokers said underlying strength remained intact, signalled by moderate bargain-hunting by institutional investors late in the session.

8.   The dollar was easier against the yen and the mark on profit-taking in midafternoon trading here Friday, but its underlying strength remained intact, dealers said.