1.   Both factors seem to have combined to reduce his market value, which Palmeiro said is wrong.

2.   Garzarelli said higher oil prices and the unwillingness of U.S. banks to extend more credit for consumer purchases will combine to reduce spending on consumer durables next year.

3.   Nursing-home companies are combining to reduce costs, spurred by government spending cutbacks to care for the aging U.S. population.

4.   The toll of death in their families, tougher police tactics and stepped-up efforts by neighborhood groups to combat violence have combined to reduce involvement in the drug trade.