Estimation in linear mixed models for longitudinal data under linear restricted conditions

In the paper, we consider a linear mixed model (LMM) for longitudinal data under linear restriction and find the estimators for the parameters of interest. The strong consistency and asymptotic normality of the estimators are obtained under some regularity conditions. Besides, we derive the strong consistent estimator of the fourth moment for the error which is useful for statistical inference for random effects and error variance. Simulations and an example are reported for illustration. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.