31.   The drop in stocks also raised the prospect for slower growth, which would lessen the chance for faster inflation and a Federal Reserve rate increase.

32.   The government reported that producer prices increased less than expected in April, lessening the chance that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates to control inflation.

33.   The presence of so many adult men, particularly on slow nights, lessened the chance of a robbery.

34.   The sides of the goal creases were shaved, reducing the area that is forbidden to attackers and lessening the chances of goals being disallowed after video review.

35.   The stem cell transplants are also thought to lessen the chances of re-infusing tumor cells.

36.   They hope to lessen the chances that contractors will renege on promised salaries.

37.   This makes the eggs much more stable, lessening the chance that they will break down.

38.   They instruct people on ways to maintain a healthier set of emotional responses, thus lessening the chance or need for future professional consultation.

39.   This time, she underwent a tubal ligation to lessen the chance of another ectopic pregnancy.

40.   This was such an important goal in New Hampshire that Bush went into hiding from the national press to lessen his chances of making an embarrassing blunder.