21.   Expectations for demand showed heightened pessimism, save for food and consumer goods, where there was a slight improvement.

22.   EXXON EARNINGS UP SLIGHTLY Exxon reported a slight improvement in earnings, helped by strong gains in refining that more than offset a big drop in crude petroleum prices.

23.   Girdles were a slight improvement over the corsets women wore before.

24.   He credits the slight improvement to working with physical therapist Pat Screnar to strengthen the muscles around his shoulder.

25.   In Denver and Portland, Ore., though, officials said the retuned towers offered a slight improvement but the interference was still unacceptable.

26.   In Connecticut Tuesday, a West Haven elderly women infected with the disease remained on a ventilator, although she showed slight improvement, officials said.

27.   Life insurers that depend on life policies are expected to benefit from a slight improvement in sales.

28.   Officials noted that the figures this year showed slight improvement over last year.

29.   Praise even slight improvements.

30.   Some lakes showed slight improvements, but not nearly enough to restore their health.