On nonparametric profile analysis of several multivariate samples

A unified development is offered for asymptotically distribution-free profile analysis of several multivariate samples. This includes as special cases procedures based on generalized U-statistics and also those based on linear rank statistics. Furthermore, it includes as special cases analysis of location profiles and also scalar profiles. Finally, asymptotic power and consistency properties are discussed for tests of hypotheses and subhypotheses of interest.