[R-meta] rma.mv-When a higher level can't be modeled because of one row

[Farzad Keyhan]

Dear Experts,

In my toy data below, if in row # 3, "measure" was 2 (instead of 1),
then, I could take "measure" as a level higher than study:

random = ~1 | measure/study/outcome

But right now, because in study 2 (rows # 3 and 4) "measure" can vary,
"measure" can't be considered a level higher than study.

On the other hand, because "measure" varies only in one study, I can't
take "measure" as a crossed random-effect either.

I was wondering what solutions the expert list members might have for
this situation?

Thanks,
Fred

   measure row   study   outcome
   1             1          1       1
   1             2          1       2

#  1              3          2       1 <--- measure on this row
    2              4          2       1

    1               5         3       1
    1               6         3       2