1.   Testosterone levels of NO-lacking and normal mice were no different, ruling out an excess of the male hormone as an explanation.

2.   To rule yourself out because of geography?

3.   President Boris Yeltsin used tough language, ruling out talks with the rebel government, and Chechen fighters said they would never lay down their arms.

4.   Qwest was seen as a potential investor, but ruled itself out early Thursday.

5.   But Netanyahu has only said he will honour the accords so far agreed, while ruling out further territorial concessions.

6.   This was evident in belt-tightening budgets just released by Saudi Arabia and Oman and statements by other members ruling out increases in expenditure.