1.   In this book, people lose their souls through anonymous sexual encounters, their hearts through mere proximity to anyone halfway suitable.

2.   The mere proximity of the wasabi to the soy sauce is enough to make your eyes water and your nose run.

3.   The mere proximity of a port can make some cities vulnerable to crime such as auto theft, experts say.

4.   The mere proximity of the gun to the drugs was held insufficient to support the conviction.