Raiders of the Lost Architecture: Kernels for Bayesian Optimization in Conditional Parameter Spaces

In practical Bayesian optimization, we must often search over structures with differing numbers of parameters. For instance, we may wish to search over neural network architectures with an unknown number of layers. To relate performance data gathered for different architectures, we define a new kernel for conditional parameter spaces that explicitly includes information about which parameters are relevant in a given structure. We show that this kernel improves model quality and Bayesian optimization results over several simpler baseline kernels.Comment: 6 pages, 3 figures. Appeared in the NIPS 2013 workshop on Bayesian optimizatio

Pictorial Representation of Illness and Self Measure Revised II (PRISM-RII) – a novel method to assess perceived burden of illness in diabetes patients

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The Pictorial Representation of Illness and Self Measure (PRISM) has been introduced as a visual measure of suffering. We explored the validity of a revised version, the PRISM-RII, in diabetes patients as part of the annual review.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Participants were 308 adult outpatients with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Measures: (1) the PRISM-RII, yielding Self-Illness Separation (SIS) and Illness Perception Measure (IPM); (2) the Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) scale, a measure of diabetes-related distress; (3) the WHO-5 Well-Being Index; (4) and a validation question on suffering (SQ). In addition, patients' complication status, comorbidity and glycemic control values(HbA1c) were recorded.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Patients with complications did have marginally significant higher scores on IPM, compared to patients without complications. Type 2 patients had higher IPM scores than Type 1 patients. SIS and IPM showed low intercorrelation (<it>r </it>= -.25; <it>p </it>< .01). Convergent validity of PRISM-RII was demonstrated by significant correlations between IPM and PAID (<it>r </it>= 0.50; <it>p </it>< 0.01), WHO-5 (<it>r </it>= -.26; <it>p </it>< 0.01) and SQ (<it>r </it>= 0.36; <it>p </it>< 0.01). SIS showed only significant correlations with PAID (<it>r </it>= -0.28; <it>p </it>< 0.01) and SQ (<it>r </it>= -0.22; <it>p </it>< 0.01). Neither IPM nor SIS was significantly associated with HbA1c. The PRISM-RII appeared easy to use and facilitated discussion with care providers on coping with the burden of diabetes.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>PRISM-RII appears a promising additional tool to assess the psychological burden of diabetes.</p

On the surplus value of semantic video analysis beyond the key frame

Typical semantic video analysis methods aim for classification of camera shots based on extracted features from a single key frame only. In this paper, we sketch a video analysis scenario and evaluate the benefit of analysis beyond the key frame for semantic concept detection performance. We developed detectors for a lexicon of 26 concepts, and evaluated their performance on 120 hours of video data. Results show that, on average, detection performance can increase with almost 40 % when the analysis method takes more visual content into account. 1

Is a Severe Clinical Profile an Effect Modifier in a Web-Based Depression Treatment for Adults With Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes? Secondary Analyses From a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Depression and diabetes are two highly prevalent and co-occurring health problems. Web-based, diabetes-specific cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) depression treatment is effective in diabetes patients, and has the potential to be cost effective and to have large reach. A remaining question is whether the effectiveness differs between patients with seriously impaired mental health and patients with less severe mental health problems. Objective: To test whether the effectiveness of an eight-lesson Web-based, diabetes-specific CBT for depression, with minimal therapist support, differs in patients with or without diagnosed major depressive disorder (MDD), diagnosed anxiety disorder, or elevated diabetes-specific emotional distress (DM-distress). Methods: We used data of 255 patients with diabetes with elevated depression scores, who were recruited via an open access website for participation in a randomized controlled trial, conducted in 2008-2009, comparing a diabetes-specific, Web-based, therapist-supported CBT with a 12-week waiting-list control group. We performed secondary analyses on these data to study whether MDD or anxiety disorder (measured using a telephone-administered diagnostic interview) and elevated DM-distress (online self-reported) are effect modifiers in the treatment of depressive symptoms (online self-reported) with Web-based diabetes-specific CBT. Results: MDD, anxiety disorder, and elevated DM-distress were not significant effect modifiers in the treatment of self-assessed depressive symptoms with Web-based diabetes-specific CBT. Conclusions: This Web-based diabetes-specific CBT depression treatment is suitable for use in patients with severe mental health problems and those with a less severe clinical profile

The relationship between emotional self-awareness, emotion regulation, and diabetes distress among Italian and Dutch adults with type 1 diabetes

ObjectiveEvidence suggests that many adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) experience clinically relevant levels of diabetes distress, indicating coping difficulties. Studies have primarily focused on emotion regulation as a possible construct to be addressed in psychological interventions to alleviate diabetes distress. This study extends the literature by investigating the cross-sectional association between emotion regulation, diabetes distress and the construct of emotional self-awareness as an additional variable to be considered in potentially reducing diabetes distress.MethodsVia an online survey, data was collected on emotional self-awareness dimensions (attention to feelings, clarity of feelings), emotion regulation strategies (cognitive reappraisal, expressive suppression, mood repair) and diabetes distress, along with self-reported clinical and sociodemographic information. Multiple linear regression with stepwise backward method was used to examine associations, controlling for country.ResultsN = 262 Italian and Dutch adults with T1D (80.5% women, M = 38.12 years, SD = 12.14) participated. Clarity of feelings was significantly negatively associated with diabetes distress, resulting in a medium effect size (β = −0.22, p &lt; 0.001). Likewise, mood repair was negatively related to diabetes distress, showing a small effect size (β = −0.26, p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionThese findings shed light on the importance of a dimension of emotional self-awareness, namely clarity of feelings. This represents the ability to identify one’s emotional states and discriminate between them. Thus, it should be considered in psychological interventions, such as mentalization-based treatment, that might contribute to alleviating T1D-related distress

Comment on Young-Hyman et al. Psychosocial care for people with diabetes: A position statement of the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes Care 2016;39:2126–2140

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Web-based intervention for depressive symptoms in adults with types 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus:A health economic evaluation

Background: Web-based interventions are effective in reducing depression. However, the evidence for the cost-effectiveness of these interventions is scarce. Aims: The aim is to assess the cost-effectiveness of a web-based intervention (GET.ON M.E.D.) for individuals with diabetes and comorbid depression compared with an active control group receiving web-based psychoeducation. Method: We conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis with treatment response as the outcome and a cost-utility analysis with qualityadjusted life-years (QALYs) alongside a randomised controlled trial with 260 participants. Results: At a willingness-to-pay ceiling of €5000 for a treatment response, the intervention has a 97% probability of being regarded as costeffective compared with the active control group. If society is willing to pay €14 000 for an additional QALY, the intervention has a 51% probability of being cost-effective. Conclusions: This web-based intervention for individuals with diabetes and comorbid depression demonstrated a high probability of being cost-effective compared with an active control group

Self-report and parent-report of physical and psychosocial well-being in Dutch adolescents with type 1 diabetes in relation to glycemic control

BACKGROUND: To determine physical and psychosocial well-being of adolescents with type 1 diabetes by self-report and parent report and to explore associations with glycemic control and other clinical and socio-demographic characteristics. METHODS: Demographic, medical and psychosocial data were gathered from 4 participating outpatient pediatric diabetes clinics in the Netherlands. Ninety-one patients completed the Child Health Questionnaire-CF87 (CHQ-CF87), Centre for Epidemiological Studies scale for Depression (CES-D), and the DFCS (Diabetes-specific Family Conflict Scale). Parents completed the CHQ-PF50, CES-D and the DFCS. RESULTS: Mean age was 14.9 years (± 1.1), mean HbA(1c )8.8% (± 1.7; 6.2–15.0%). Compared to healthy controls, patients scored lower on CHQ subscales role functioning-physical and general health. Parents reported less favorable scores on the behavior subscale than adolescents. Fewer diabetes-specific family conflicts were associated with better psychosocial well-being and less depressive symptoms. Living in a one-parent family, being member of an ethnic minority and reporting lower well-being were all associated with higher HbA(1c )values. CONCLUSION: Overall, adolescents with type 1 diabetes report optimal well-being and parent report is in accordance with these findings. Poor glycemic control is common, with single-parent families and ethnic minorities particularly at risk. High HbA(1c )values are related to lower social and family functioning

Beliefs, barriers and preferences of European overweight women to adopt a healthier lifestyle in pregnancy to minimize risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus: an explorative study

Introduction: Overweight and obese women are at high risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Lifestyle programs might help curb the GDM risk. We explored beliefs, perceived barriers and preferences regarding lifestyle changes among overweight European pregnant women to help inform the development of future high quality lifestyle interventions. Methods: An explorative mixed methods, two-staged study was conducted to gather information from pregnant European women (BMI≥25kg/m2). In three European countries (Belgium, Netherlands, United Kingdom) interviews were conducted, followed by questionnaires in six other European countries (Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Spain). Content analysis, descriptive and chi square statistics were applied (p&#60;0.05). Results: Women preferred to obtain detailed information about their personal risk. The health of their baby was major motivating factor. Perceived barriers for physical activity included pregnancy-specific issues such as tiredness and experiencing physical complaints. Insufficient time was a barrier more frequently reported by women with children. Abstaining from snacking was identified as a challenge for the majority of women, especially for those without children. Women preferred to obtain support from their partner, as well as health professionals and valued flexible lifestyle programs. Conclusions: Healthcare professionals need to inform overweight pregnant women about their personal risk, discuss lifestyle modification and assist in weight management. Lifestyle programs should be tailored to the individual, taking into account barriers experienced by overweight first-time mothers and multipara women

Design of the e-Vita diabetes mellitus study: effects and use of an interactive online care platform in patients with type 2 diabetes (e-VitaDM-1/ZODIAC-40)

Background Due to ongoing rise in need for care for people with chronic diseases and lagging increase in number of care providers, alternative forms of care provision and self-management support are needed. Empowering patients through an online care platform could help to improve patients’ self-management and reduce the burden on the healthcare system. Methods Access to laboratory results and educational modules on diabetes will be offered through a platform for subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus treated in primary care. Differences in socio-demographic and clinical characteristics between subjects expressing interest vs. disinterest to use the platform will be explored. Platform usage will be tracked and compared. Patient satisfaction and quality of life will be measured by validated questionnaires and economic analyses will be performed. Discussion This study is designed to assess the feasibility of use of an online platform in routine primary healthcare for subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Netherlands, and to study effects of use of the platform on treatment satisfaction, quality of life and clinical parameters. Although providing access to a online platform is not a novel intervention, usage and effects have not yet been studied in this patient population