We derive transition probability matrices for chronic health conditions using survey prevalence data. Matrices are constructed for successive age groups and the sequence represents the “age dynamics” of the health conditions for a stationary population – the probabilities of acquiring the...

We consider the problem of estimating a relationship using semiparametric additive regression splines when there exist both continuous and categorical regressors, some of which are irrelevant but this is not known a priori. We show that choosing the spline degree, number of subintervals, and...

Nonparametric smoothing under shape constraints has recently received much well-deserved attention. Powerful methods have been proposed for imposing a single shape constraint such as monotonicity and concavity on univariate functions. In this paper, we extend the monotone kernel regression...

We consider the problem of estimating a relationship nonparametrically using regression splines when there exist both continuous and categorical predictors. We combine the global properties of regression splines with the local properties of categorical kernel functions to handle the presence of...

According to Canadian taxfiler data, over the last thirty years there has been a surge in the income shares of the top 1%, top 0.1% and top 0.01% of income recipients, even with longitudinal smoothing by individual using three- or five-year moving averages. Top shares fell in 2008 and 2009, but...

We propose a data-driven least squares cross-validation method to optimally select smoothing parameters for the nonparametric estimation of conditional cumulative distribution functions and conditional quantile functions. We allow for general multivariate covariates that can be continuous,...

With a lower and lower mortality at younger ages, gains in life expectancy are heavily dependent on improvements in old age survival. However, over the last three decades, life expectancies at ages 65 and 85 did not show a constant rate of progress. Changes in life expectancy come from...

How did skilled-biased technological change affect wage inequality, particularly between men and women? To answer that question this paper constructs a task-based Roy model in which workers possess a bundle of basic skills, and occupations are characterized as a bundle of basic tasks. The model...

In recent years, estimators for nonseparable models have been developed that rely on (an) instrumental variable(s) for identification. The exclusion restriction in triangular models can be reformulated and causally decomposed under the Settable Systems extension to the Pearl Causal Model due to...

Aggregate profits measured from NIPA data are over six times more volatile than output. We use recent estimates of the return on physical capital to decompose NIPA profits into the part that can be explained by capital income and a residual called net profits. We find that capital income...