1.   And most stealthily of all, intelligence agencies are stepping up their efforts to better judge the threat of smallpox attacks.

2.   As the congressional vote on permanent normalized trade relations for China draws closer, Vice President Al Gore is stepping up his activities to promote it.

3.   At the same time, financial service marketers like Fidelity Investments are stepping up their advertising.

4.   For all these reasons, sellers of fixed annuities are stepping up their promotions.

5.   For now, public health officials are stepping up their warnings about this bacteria for those with weak immune systems and women who are pregnant.

6.   For the past two years, Russian security services have claimed the West is stepping up its spying activities in Russia.

7.   In the last few months, Florio, who is now working as a lawyer, has been stepping up his public appearances.

8.   Intel said last week that its fourth-quarter sales would be higher than expected because PC maker were stepping up orders for its chips.

9.   It may take me stepping up and needing to score a large amount.

10.   Municipal bonds fell amid the slump in Treasuries and a perception that states and local units are stepping up their sales of the securities.