31.   Northfield may have a slight lead in its third-stage trials, analysts say, but Biopure has shown that a similar product works for animals.

32.   Nyakeraka took a slight lead entering the incline, gradually increasing the advantage as the hill steepened.

33.   Polls give Owens a slight lead.

34.   Polls show the race to be a dead heat or else give Gore a slight lead.

35.   Polls show Helms holding a slight lead and most political scientists predict he will win again, although few discount the possibility of an upset.

36.   Recent polls have shown Sanchez either with a slight lead or in a dead heat with Morales.

37.   Recent polls have shown Republican Gov. George W. Bush with a slight lead over Gore in Louisiana.

38.   Riordan-backed candidate Mike Lansing held a slight lead over incumbent George Kiriyama.

39.   So far, he holds what several recent polls describe as only a slight lead among all women, and in some surveys he lags among married women.

40.   Some have come from Toronto, which still has a slight lead over Vancouver in television and film production, but most are local.