1.   And a rash of suicides by people under investigation or involved in the inquiry alarmed the nation and dampened public enthusiasm for the investigation.

2.   The falling yen has cut the price of Japanese steel, computer chips and electronics on the world market, alarming nations that sell the same products.

3.   His formal attire, similar to clothing worn when prime ministers officially accede to power, is likely to alarm Asian nations with bad memories of Japanese imperialism.

4.   The formal attire, similar to clothing worn when prime ministers officially accede to power, is likely to alarm Asian nations with bad memories of Japanese imperialism.

5.   The maker of two popular brands of Christmas cake launched a counteroffensive Sunday after a rat poison scare that alarmed the nation.