st: Cross-classified Random Coefficient Model with xtmelogit

[Troy Hegel <troy.hegel@bio.uio.no>]

Hello Statalister's,

I am hoping someone may be able to help me with my syntax for a random 
coefficient model using xtmelogit.

I am trying to fit a cross-classified mixed model in which Herd (n=10) 
and Year (n=27) are cross-classified random effects. The number of 
observations
for my model is 165.

Unfortunately I do not have access to either the Stata 10 User Manuals, 
nor Multilevel and Longitudinal Modeling Using Stata (by Rabe-Hesketh 
and Skrondal), which
I surmise would have a solution to my problem. R. Gutierrez's 
presentation from the 2007 N. American Stata Users Group Meeting 
(http://www.stata.com/meeting/6nasug/gutierrez_boston07.pdf)
has been very helpful thus far.

Using the following syntax I can fit a cross-classified random intercept 
model that yields sensible results:

xtmelogit Calves Treat Adj April || _all:R.Year || Herd: , binomial(Cows)

I am trying to fit "April" as a random coefficient on "Herd" and I 
thought that this syntax should work, but I get the subsequent error 
message:

xtmelogit Calves Treat Adj April || _all:R.Year || Herd: April , 
binomial(Cows)

Note: factor variables specified; option laplace assumed

Refining starting values:
initial vector: matrix must be dimension 5
r(503);

I understand that by using the _all syntax (_all:R.Year) I have 
converted all my data into one panel and that Herd is now nested 
hierarchically within it. It seems to me
that I should now be able to specify the random coefficient for Herd. 
Would someone have some advice on how to write the command for this?

Error message r(503) reads:
"error . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Return code 503
       conformability error;
       You have issued a matrix command attempting to combine two
       matrices that are not conformable, for example, multiplying
       a 3x2 matrix by a 3x3 matrix.  You will also get this message
       if you attempt an operation that requires a square matrix and
       the matrix is not square."

Unfortunately this message is somewhat beyond me with respect to how it 
relates to what I am trying to do.
I have searched the Statalist archives etc... but haven't found an 
example that will assist me here. My apologies if I have missed 
something already discussed.

Thank you very much,

Troy Hegel

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