Real-world phenomena are frequently modelled by Bayesian hierarchical models. The buildingblocks in such models are the distribution of each variable conditional on parent and/or neighbour variables in the graph. The specifications of centre and spread of these conditional distributions may be well-motivated, while the tail specifications are often left to convenience. However, the posterior di...

A negative species-genetic diversity correlation (SGDC) could be predicted by the niche variation hypothesis, whereby an increase in species diversity within community reduces the genetic diversity of the co-occurring species because of the reduction in average niche breadth; alternatively, competition could reduce effective population size and therefore genetic diversity of the species within ...

The sympathetic plot—featuring a goal-directed protagonist who confronts obstacles, overcomes them, and wins rewards—is ubiquitous. Here, I propose that it recurs because entertains, engaging two sets of psychological mechanisms. First, triggers mechanisms for learning about obstacles how to overcome them. It builds interest by confronting with problem induces satisfaction when the is solved. S...

BACKGROUND Pressure recording analytical method (PRAM) is a novel, arterial pulse contour-based method for measuring cardiac output (CO). Validation studies of PRAM in children are few, and have not assessed both absolute accuracy and ability to track changes in CO across a broad case mix. We aimed to compare CO as measured by PRAM with that using a transpulmonary dilution method in a cohort of...