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In this article, we develop a so‐called profile likelihood ratio test (PLRT) based on the estimated error density for the multiple linear regression model. Unlike the existing likelihood ratio test (LRT), our proposed PLRT does not require any specification on the error distribution. The asymptotic properties are developed and the Wilks phenomenon is studied. Simulation studies are conducted to examine the performance of the PLRT. It is observed that our proposed PLRT generally outperforms the existing LRT, empirical likelihood ratio test and the weighted profile likelihood ratio test in sense that (i) its type I error rates are closer to the prespecified nominal level; (ii) it generally has higher powers; (iii) it performs satisfactorily when moments of the error do not exist (eg, Cauchy distribution); and (iv) it has higher probability of correctly selecting the correct model in the multiple testing problem. A mammalian eye gene expression dataset and a concrete compressive strength dataset are analyzed to illustrate our methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Andersson lesion (AL) treatments and prognostic factors using medium‐ to long‐term follow‐up data and discuss the clinical characteristics and treatment of AL. Forty‐eight consecutive AL cases at our center from June 2011 to March 2018 were retrospectively analyzed, including 13 cases treated conservatively and 35 treated surgically. Epidemiological characteristics, treatment modalities, clinical features and outcomes, and prognostic factors of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) recovery rate were reviewed. Neurological functional recovery was evaluated by American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) classification. Clinical efficacy was evaluated by JOA score, visual analog scale (VAS) score, and Cobb's angle. The mean overall follow‐up duration was 44.5±18.5 months (range, 27–85 months). There were 36 male and 12 female patients, with a mean age of 49.4±13.1 years (range, 26–72 years). The most common lesion location was the thoracolumbar region, i.e., T10‐L2 (n=33; 68.8%), followed by the thoracic (n=10) and lumbar (n=5) regions. Patients treated surgically showed significantly better JOA scores, VAS scores and Cobb's angles at the final follow‐up than did patients treated conservatively (P<.05). Univariate and binary logistic regression analyses identified two prognostic factors of the JOA score recovery rate: treatment modality (OR=0.157; 95%CI, 0.028–0.89; P=.036) and bone fusion (OR=9.965; 95%CI, 2.052–48.387; P=.004). Conservative treatment and bone nonunion predict worse JOA score recovery. Surgery remains the optimal treatment for AL in ankylosing spondylitis patients, with better clinical efficacy demonstrated by medium‐ to long‐term follow‐up data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functionally graded materials (FGMs) and functionally graded structures (FGSs) are special types of advanced composites with peculiar features and advantages. This article reviews the design criteria of functionally graded additive manufacturing (FGAM), which is capable of fabricating gradient components with versatile functional properties. Conventional geometrical‐based design concepts have limited potential for FGAM and multi‐scale design concepts (from geometrical patterning to microstructural design) are needed to develop gradient components with specific graded properties at different locations. FGMs and FGSs are of great interest to a larger range of industrial sectors and applications including aerospace, automotive, biomedical implants, optoelectronic devices, energy absorbing structures, geological models, and heat exchangers. This review presents an overview of various fabrication ideas and suggestions for future research in terms of design and creation of FGMs and FGSs, benefiting a wide variety of scientific fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of heat stress and probiotic supplementation on protein functionality and oxidative stability of ground chicken leg during display storage. Two hundred and forty, 1-day-old male chicks (5 birds per pen) were subjected to four treatments in a 2 (thermoneutral condition at 21 °C and cyclic heat stress at 32-21-32 °C for 10 h day-1) × 2 (regular diet with 0 or 0.25 g kg-1 Bacillus subtilis) factorial design. Chickens were harvested at day 46, and pairs of whole legs were collected at 1 day postmortem. The chicken legs were deboned, ground, tray-packaged with oxygen-permeable film, and displayed for 3 days. RESULTS Heat stress and probiotic supplementation had no impact on pH, water-holding capacity, color, protein functionality, lipid lipolysis and lipid/protein oxidation stability ( P > 0.05). Display storage increased the pH and lipid oxidation of ground chicken legs ( P < 0.05). In addition, protein oxidation occurred during display storage, as determined via an increased carbonyl group ( P = 0.0109) and reduced thiol group ( P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION The results of the present study indicate that chronic heat stress and probiotic supplementation had no practical adverse impact on protein functionality and oxidative stability of ground chicken leg meat. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Although FGF 19 gene aberrations are associated with carcinogenesis and progression in human cancers, the roles of FGF 19 genetic amplification and expression in Chinese patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma ( LSCC) and FGF 19 amplification as a potential therapeutic target for LSCC are not well understood. Methods Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis and quantitative real-time- PCR was used to detect FGF 19 genetic amplification and FGF 19 messenger RNA expression in LSCC tumor and paired adjacent samples. Small interfering RNA and short hairpin RNA were used to knockdown FGF19 in vitro and in vivo. Results FGF 19 amplification was identified in a subset of LSCC patients (37.5%, 15/40), and upregulation of FGF 19 expression was found in 60% (24/40) of tumor tissues compared to adjacent non-tumorous tissues. Correlation analysis with clinicopathologic parameters showed that FGF 19 upregulation was significantly associated with heavy smoking. Small interfering RNA knockdown of FGF 19 led to the significant inhibition of cell growth and induced apoptosis in LSCC cells carrying the amplified FGF 19 gene, but these effects was not observed in non-amplified LSCC cells. Interfering FGF 19 expression with short hairpin RNA also resulted in tumor growth inhibition and induced apoptosis in LSCC xenografts with amplified FGF 19 in tumor cells. Conclusion Our results suggested that FGF 19 signaling activation is required for cell growth and survival of FGF 19 amplified LSCC cells, both in vitro and in vivo. Intervention of FGF 19 activation could be a potential therapeutic strategy for LSCC patients with FGF 19 amplification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]