Despite a steep and persistent decline in the dollar since early 1985, the United States' trade deficit has not improved significantly.

Still, these records show a persistent decline in Arctic Sea ice over the last 50 years.

The 1990's have witnessed a persistent decline that only recently has begun to show signs of reversing.

But the persistent decline of the new currency has been disheartening, and Mr. Duisenberg said he was troubled by it on two counts.

Mr. May said the moderate increase was not prompted by a persistent decline in ad linage at the newspaper.

Mr. Brandon sees a persistent decline in the quality of American leadership and points to the changing role of the press as one cause.

However, chronic political instability and erratic economic management produced a record of persistent economic decline that has left Uganda among the world's poorest and least-developed countries.

Analysts said the persistent decline in cash flowing into the funds in recent weeks had finally affected yields.

Mr. Peterjohn said grassland birds had shown a more persistent and drastic decline than any other group of birds.

Simmons has documented a persistent decline over the years, to 62.4 percent in 1990.