At stake is an initiative with profound ramifications for the social and economic future of the nation's largest city.

"It would have profound and historic ramifications," the minority leader, Tom Daschle of South Dakota, said today.

What began as a monetary strategy to remedy trade imbalances has had profound political ramifications.

Recycling, for example, has profound spiritual ramifications, she said.

It is a struggle whose outcome could have profound ramifications for the Middle East.

"Difficulty with pretend play" may not seem like a big deal, and has certainly saved us a fortune in action figures, but actually has some profound ramifications.

If exercise makes people feel better, it is possible that explanations about why they feel better could have equally profound ramifications in coming years.

The proposed agreement has profound ramifications for the Federal agency that guarantees pension benefits.

Beyond the company's investors, the case is expected to have profound ramifications for the investment advisory industry.

Mr. Zarifi said the overturned convictions in particular had profound ramifications.