41.   This slight improvement has eased the burden on the people responsible for deciding whether to leave children with their families or take them away.

42.   This year has brought only slight improvement over last year.

43.   Union sources characterized the negotiated proposal as a slight improvement over the recommendation forwarded by the emergency board Wednesday.

44.   A slight improvement in marine conditions will be seen across the local area by Monday evening.

45.   A slight improvement of the weather conditions is expected on Monday.

46.   A University of Michigan study released Friday morning that showed a slight improvement in consumer sentiment did little to inspire buying.

47.   A University of Michigan study released Friday morning that showed a slight improvement in consumer sentiment did little to inspire Wall Street.

48.   Agreements earlier this year over a border dispute brought a slight improvement in relations.

49.   But analysts believe this slight improvement will be only temporary.

50.   But Raymond J. Miller, chairman and chief executive, said slight improvements in sales late last year and early this year were not enough to save the company.