Indirect Production Research Articles

Production ofBcorB¯cmeson and its excited states viat¯-quark ort-quark decays

The production of (bc)-quarkonium (B{sub c} meson and its excited states) or (cb)-quarkonium (B{sub c} meson and its excited states) via top quark t or top antiquark t decays, t{yields}(bc)+c+W{sup +} or t{yields}(cb)+c+W{sup -}, respectively, is studied within the framework of NRQCD. In addition to the production of the two color-singlet S-wave states |(bc)({sup 1}S{sub 0}){sub 1}> or |(cb)({sup 1}S{sub 0}){sub 1}> and |(bc)({sup 3}S{sub 1}){sub 1}> or |(cb)({sup 3}S{sub 1}){sub 1}>, the production of the P-wave excited (bc) or (cb) states, i.e. the four color-singlet P-wave states |(bc)({sup 1}P{sub 1}){sub 1}> or |(cb)({sup 1}P{sub 1}){sub 1}>, and (bc)({sup 3}P{sub J}){sub 1}> or (cb)({sup 3}P{sub J}){sub 1}> (with J=(1,2,3)), is also studied. According to the velocity scaling rule of NRQCD, for the production of P-wave excited states the contributions from the two color-octet components |(bc)({sup 1}S{sub 0}){sub 8}> or |(cb)({sup 1}S{sub 0}){sub 8}> and |(bc)({sup 3}S{sub 1}){sub 8}> or |(cb)({sup 3}S{sub 1}){sub 8}> are also taken into account. We quantitatively discuss the possibility and the advantages in experimental studies of B{sub c} or B{sub c} meson and its excited states via the indirect production at LHC in high luminosity runs and at LHC possible upgraded versions such as SLHC, DLHC,more » TLHC, etc. in the future.« less

Estimación de las consecuencias económicas de la perineumonía contagiosa bovina en África

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is a disease that causes high morbidity and mortality losses to cattle. The financial implications of these losses are of great significance to cattle owners. Control of CBPP is therefore important as a way to salvage the losses and increase the incomes of cattle owners. This study estimated the economic cost of CBPP and the benefits of its control in twelve sub-Saharan African countries using a spreadsheet economic model developed in Microsoft Excel. The value of morbidity and mortality losses was estimated at 30 million euros (2.5 million per country) while the total economic cost (direct and indirect production losses plus disease control costs) was estimated at 44.8 million euros (3.7 million euros per country). An investment of 14.7 million euros to control CBPP would prevent a loss of 30 million euros. The financial return on investment in CBPP control is positive, with benefit-cost ratios that range from 1.61 (Ghana) to 2.56 (Kenya).

Production of no-carrier-added 139Pr via precursor decay in the proton bombardment of natPr

Excitation functions and production rates are presented for various Pr and Nd radionuclides formed in the bombardment of Pr with protons, from their respective thresholds up to 100MeV. The indirect production route 141Pr(p,3n)139mNd→139Pr is investigated as an alternative to the direct production route 140Ce(p,2n)139Pr for producing no-carrier-added 139Pr of high radionuclidic purity. The simultaneous production of 139Pr and 140Nd using Pr as target is investigated. The advantages and disadvantages of both production routes are discussed. Experimental thick-target production rates are presented for selected Pr radionuclides formed in the bombardment of natCe with protons at incident energies of 20, 26 and 32MeV. All the experimental excitation functions obtained in this work are compared with theoretical predictions by means of the geometry-dependent hybrid (GDH) model as implemented in the code ALICE-IPPE. The results of this work are also compared with previous literature experimental data, if available.

SU‐CC‐ValA‐05: Advanced Integral Method for the Simulation of Diagnostic X‐Ray Spectra

Purpose: To create a fast and accurate computer algorithm for simulating the emission x‐ray spectra from diagnostic tubes as a function of tube voltages, target material, and take‐off angles. Method and Materials: The method uses an integral model to determine the radiative losses from an electron as it slows down in arbitrary media. The effect of self‐absorption and backscatter is accurately described by distribution functions for electron number, electron depth, and angular distribution that are functions of electron slowing down energy. The Monte Carlo program PENELOPE was used to determine these three distribution functions. An exact accounting of electron orientation was found necessary due to large variations in the Bremsstrahlung cross‐section as a function of emission angle. These are accounted for in the integral model by pre‐computing tables based on the Kissel Bremsstrahlung shape function. Characteristic x‐ray emissions as a function of over‐voltage are described using Monte Carlo results for both direct and indirect production. The computer algorithm is implemented as a part of a larger program for computationally simulating x‐ray production, transmission, scattering, and detection for imaging systems (XSPECT, V4.0). Results: We compared our program to the measured x‐ray spectra of Mercier, and spectral computations of PENELOPE. We found good agreement and an improvement over prior semi‐empirical estimates (Birch & Marshall, Tucker, Storm). Conclusion: We have developed a program that can simulate x‐ray spectra from tubes of arbitrary anode materials (including alloys), and target angles for tube voltages of 1 to 400 kV. After generation of target specific tables, the x‐ray spectra can be computed in a few seconds. The results are equivalent to Monte Carlo estimates that require days to compute a single spectra.

Deuteron-induced reactions on Yb: Measured cross sections and rationale for production pathways of carrier-free, medically relevant radionuclides

Deuteron-induced nuclear reactions for generation of carrier-free Lu isotopes were investigated using the stacked-foil activation technique on natural Yb targets at incident energies up to Ed=20MeV. Excitation functions are reported for the first time for the generation of 170,171m+g,172m+g,173,174g,177gLu and 169cum,175,177g+mYb. Special attention is paid to cumulative, direct and indirect production of the therapeutically-relevant radioisotope 177gLu via the 176Yb(d,p)177Yb→177Lu and 176Yb(d,n)177Lu reactions. Thick target yields for all investigated radionuclides, optimal irradiation conditions and comparison of production routes for the medically-relevant isotopes are derived.

Isomer Distribution of Perfluorocarboxylates in Human Blood: Potential Correlation to Source

Detection of perfluorocarboxylate anions (PFCAs), such as perfluorooctanoate (C7F15COO-, PFOA), at ng/g levels in human tissues has engendered public scrutiny of industrial fluorochemicals. Routes of PFCA exposure for the general human population are likely diverse given direct (industrially produced) and indirect (production from precursor organofluorines) sources. Major industrial production of organofluorines, including PFCAs, stems from either electrochemical fluorination (ECF) or telomerization. ECF products are a mixture of structural isomers (linear and branched perfluoroalkyls) and telomerization products are assumed to have one perfluorocarbon arrangement, typically linear. The objective of this research was to investigate structural isomer patterns of PFCAs in human blood. Volatile derivatives of PFCAs in human blood were analyzed by GC-(NCI)-MS for quantitation and isomers. PFOA was the dominant PFCA (mean 4.4 ng/g). Blood serum isomer profiles consisted of predominantly (mean approximately 98%) the linear isomer for each PFCA (C8-C11). There were similarities in branched isomer patterns of an ECF PFOA standard with both PFOA and PFNA in blood. Direct exposure to ECF PFOA, which has a legacy of production for uses in fluoropolymer industries, is postulated to be a source of the observed branched isomer pattern. Predominance of linear PFCA isomers and the [even PFCA] > [odd PFCA] concentration trend in blood is suggestive of additional input from a strictly linear perfluoroalkyl source.

What role for DNA damage and repair in the bystander response?

The radiation-induced bystander effect challenges the accepted paradigm of direct DNA damage in response to energy deposition driving the biological consequences of radiation exposure. With the bystander response, cells which have not been directly exposed to radiation respond to their neighbours being targeted. In our own studies we have used novel targeted microbeam approaches to specifically irradiate parts of individual cells within a population to quantify the bystander response and obtain mechanistic information. Using this approach it has become clear that energy deposited by radiation in nuclear DNA is not required to trigger the effect, with cytoplasmic irradiation required. Irradiated cells also trigger a bystander response regardless of whether they themselves live or die, suggesting that the phenotype of the targeted cell is not a determining factor. Despite this however, a range of evidence has shown that repair status is important for dealing with the consequences of a bystander signal. Importantly, repair processes involved in the processing of dsb appear to be involved suggesting that the bystander response involves the delayed or indirect production of dsb-type lesions in bystander cells. Whether these are infact true dsb or complexes of oxidised bases in combination with strand breaks and the mechanisms for their formation, remains to be elucidated.

Comparison of exogenous glucose, fructose and galactose oxidation during exercise using C-labelling

Six subjects exercised for 120 min on a cycle ergometer (65 (se 3) % VO2max) when ingesting a placebo or glucose, fructose or galactose (100 g in 1000 ml water) labelled with 13C. The oxidation of energy substrates including exogenous hexoses was compared using indirect respiratory calorimetry and 13CO2 production at the mouth. Total carbohydrate progressively decreased and total fat oxidation increased over the 120 min exercise period in the four experimental situations. During the 120 min of exercise, the amount of fructose oxidized (38.8 (se 2.6) g; 9.0 (se 0.6) % energy yield) was not significantly (approximately 4 %) lower than that of exogenous glucose (40.5 (se 3.4) g; 9.2 (se 0.8) % energy yield), while that of galactose (23.7 (se 3.5) g; 5.5 (se 0.9) % energy yield) was only 59 % and 61 % that of glucose and fructose, respectively. When compared with the placebo, the ingestion and oxidation of the three hexoses did not significantly modify fat oxidation or total carbohydrate oxidation, but it significantly reduced (9-13 %) endogenous carbohydrate oxidation. The present data indicate that fructose and exogenous glucose ingested during exercise could be oxidized at a similar rate, but that the oxidation rate of galactose was only approximately 60 % that of the exogenous glucose and fructose, presumably because of a preferential incorporation of galactose into liver glycogen (Leloir pathway). The reduction in endogenous carbohydrate oxidation was, however, similar with the three hexoses.

Estimating Indirect Production Functions with a More General Specification: An Application of the Lewbel Model

Whereas consumer theory employs several different empirical specifications for estimating indirect utility functions, producer theory has relied on the Translog specification to estimate the indirect production function. In this paper, we apply Lewbel's more general functional specification and investigate its implications for the estimation of indirect production functions in productivity analysis. An attractive feature of the Lewbel model is that it nests both the Translog and the almost ideal supply system, offering a method to assess the empirical validity of all three specifications. Aggregate U.S. production data are used to examine the performance of the three models in an empirical application.

Search for leptoquark bosons in ep collisions at HERA

A search for scalar and vector leptoquarks coupling to first generation fermions is performed using the e+p and e−p scattering data collected by the H1 experiment between 1994 and 2000. The data correspond to a total integrated luminosity of 117 pb−1. No evidence for the direct or indirect production of such particles is found in data samples with a large transverse momentum final state electron or with large missing transverse momentum. Constraints on leptoquark models are established. For leptoquark couplings of electromagnetic strength, leptoquarks with masses up to 275–325 GeV are ruled out at 95% confidence level. These limits improve and supercede earlier H1 limits based on subsamples of the data used here.

Estimating output gains by means of Luenberger efficiency measures

In this paper we propose a new measure of input allocative efficiency that we estimate using directional distance functions. Our new measure compares the gain in output if a firm reduces technical inefficiency for the direct production possibility set and the gain in output if the firm reduces technical inefficiency for the indirect production possibility set. Because the directional distance function uses a translated origin, the gain in output from an optimal reallocation of inputs can be estimated for non-radial expansions in output. We estimate efficiency for Japanese banks during 1992–1999. The gains in outputs from reducing allocative inefficiency by reallocating inputs are greater than the gains in outputs that can be attained by reducing technical inefficiency.

Estimation of direct and indirect gas production in syringes: A tool to estimate short chain fatty acid production that requires minimal laboratory facilities

A technique is proposed that involves volumetric measurement of gas production in phosphate and bicarbonate buffered in vitro incubations in syringes. Gas production is measured before and after CO 2 absorption by injection of NaOH (10 M) at the end of the incubation. After correction for the amount of CO 3 2− in the rumen inoculum, measurements allow calculation of direct and indirect CO 2 production, reflecting metabolism and acidification, respectively, as well as methane (CH 4) production. This allows estimation of approximate short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, energy lost as CH 4 and it might provide information on the ratio of the glucogenic to lipogenic SCFA produced. Results from in vitro gas production tests in syringes with straw (0.325 g), and eight different tropical seeds (0.125 g) as protein supplements, were used to evaluate whether such calculations could indeed predict measured amounts of SCFA and CH 4 produced, as determined by gas chromatography. The concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), representing both precision ( ρ) and accuracy ( C b) has been used to assess effectiveness of this reproducibility. It was found that indirect CO 2 production equimolarly reflects total SCFA production (CCC = 0.79; ρ = 0.86; C b = 0.93), whereas absorption of gaseous CO 2 provided an accurate prediction of CH 4 produced (CCC = 0.96; ρ = 0.96; C b = 1.00). The ratio of CH 4/gas indirect allowed estimation of the ratio of lipogenic to glucogenic SCFA produced ( R 2 = 0.73; R.S.D. = 0.20). However, the current approach did not allow accurate quantification of proportions of individual SCFA produced (CCC = 0.19; ρ = 0.83; C b = 0.23 for propionate proportions). The potential of a simple gas production technique to provide information on feed quality is illustrated, with the only apparatus required being gas tight syringes and incubation facilities.

Tissue Localization of Cytokinin Dehydrogenase in Maize: Possible Involvement of Quinone Species Generated from Plant Phenolics by Other Enzymatic Systems in the Catalytic Reaction

The degradation of cytokinins in plants is controlled by the flavoprotein cytokinin dehydrogenase (EC 1.5.99.12). Cytokinin dehydrogenase from maize showed the ability to use oxidation products of guaiacol, 4-methylcatechol, acetosyringone and several other compounds as electron acceptors. These results led us to explore the cability for indirect production of suitable electron acceptors by different quinone-generating enzymes. The results reported here revealed that the electron acceptors may be generated in vivo from plant phenolics by other enzymatic systems such as peroxidase and tyrosinase/laccase/catechol oxidase. Histochemical localization of cytokinin dehydrogenase by activity staining and immunochemistry using optical and confocal microscopy showed that cytokinin dehydrogenase is most abundant in the aleurone layer of maize kernels and in phloem cells of the seedling shoots. Cytokinin dehydrogenase was confirmed to be present in the apoplast of cells. Co-staining of enzyme activity for laccase, an enzyme poised to function on the cell wall in the apoplast, in those tissues suggests a possible cooperation of the enzymes in cytokinin degradation. Additionally, the presence of precursors for electron acceptors of cytokinin dehydrogenase was detected in phloem exudates collected from maize seedlings, suggestive of an enzymatic capacity to control cytokinin flux through the vasculature. A putative metabolic connection between cytokinin degradation and conversion of plant phenolics by oxidases was proposed.

Alloantibody Production is Regulated by CD4+ T Cells' Alloreactive Pathway, Rather Than Precursor Frequency or Th1/Th2 Differentiation

Although CD4+ T cells play an important role in the regulation of allograft rejection, the exact mechanisms by which they operate and the actual contribution of direct and indirect alloreactivity pathways remain to be fully characterized. Previous studies have established a possible relationship between the indirect alloreactivity pathway and antibody production, but interpretation of these results have been complicated by shortcomings inherent to the models used in these studies. To address this issue, we have developed a model based on TCR transgenic mice derived from a CD4+ T-cell clone which recognize specific alloantigens by both alloreactivity pathways. Skin allografts on αβ T-cell deficient mice adoptively transferred with transgenic CD4+ T cells were rejected without significant delay between the two alloreactivity pathways. No IgG alloantibody was produced following allograft rejection by the direct alloreactivity pathway alone. Importantly, production of antibodies against alloantigens of the direct pathway was shown to require help from CD4+ T cells activated by the indirect pathway. These results indicate that the events leading to the initiation of immune responses responsible for graft rejection are clearly dependent on the population of antigen-presenting cells involved in T- and B-lymphocyte activation.

Transformations and destruction of nitrogen oxides—NO, NO 2 and N 2O—in a pulsed corona discharge reactor ☆

There has been an increasing recent research interest in the removal of NO x from combustion gases using electrical discharges, especially pulsed corona discharge reactors. The major issues in development of this technology are (a) the energy consumption required to achieve the desired pollutant reduction; and (b) the formation of undesirable byproducts. In this study, the transformations and destruction of nitrogen oxides—NO, NO 2 and N 2O—were investigated in a pulsed corona discharge reactor. Gas mixtures—NO in N 2, N 2O in N 2, NO 2 in N 2 and NO–N 2O–NO 2 in N 2—were allowed to flow through the reactor with initial concentrations, flow rates and energy input as operating variables. The reactor effluent gas stream was analyzed for N 2O, NO, NO 2, by means of an FTIR spectrometer. In some experiments, oxygen was measured using a gas chromatograph. Reaction mechanisms were proposed for the transformations and destruction of the different nitrogen oxides within a unified model structure. The corresponding reaction rates were integrated into a simple reactor model for the pulsed corona discharge reactor. The reactor model brings forth the coupling between reaction rates, electrical discharge parameters, and fluid flow within the reactor. It was recognized that the electron-impact dissociation of the background gas N 2 leads to both ionic and radical product species. In fact, ionic reactions were found responsible for N 2O destruction. Radical reactions were dominant in the transformation and destruction of NO and NO 2. However, decomposition of N 2 + ions also leads to indirect production of N radicals; this appears to be a less-power intensive route for NO destruction though longer residence times may be necessary. In addition, the decomposition of N 2 + ions limits the N 2O destruction that can be achieved. Comparison with our experimental data, as well as data in the literature, was very encouraging.

CpG-A-induced monocyte IFN-gamma-inducible protein-10 production is regulated by plasmacytoid dendritic cell-derived IFN-alpha.

Unmethylated CpG motifs in bacterial DNA or synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) are known for inducing a Th1 cytokine/chemokine environment, but the mechanisms regulating this have been unclear. Recent studies have defined two classes of CpG ODN, CpG-A ODN that induce plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) to secrete very high levels of IFN-alpha, and CpG-B ODN that induce only low levels of IFN-alpha production, but strongly activate B cells. We now demonstrate that a CpG-A ODN directly activates pDC secretion of IFN-alpha and other soluble factors that secondarily induce purified monocytes to secrete high levels of the Th1-promoting chemokine IFN-gamma-inducible protein-10 (IP-10). Cell contact between the monocytes and pDC is not required for this interaction. IFN-alpha is necessary, but only partially sufficient, for this indirect CpG-induced monocyte IP-10 production. Although CpG ODN induce human PBMC to make only very slight amounts of IFN-gamma, we find that these low concentrations synergize with IFN-alpha for inducing monocyte production of IP-10. These studies provide a better understanding of the mechanisms through which CpG ODN create a Th1-like environment.

Diagnostics of a hexamethyldisiloxane/oxygen deposition plasma

The study presents diagnostic results from a hexamethyldisiloxane/oxygen/argon deposition plasma. The plasma was excited by microwaves using a slot-antenna device. We mainly used Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to monitor molecule/radical concentrations. Additionally cavity ringdown spectroscopy was set up to determine absolute atomic silicon densities. The measurements were performed in the downstream region of the reactor. By studying the correlation between radical concentrations in the plasma and different input gas compositions we could identify relevant reaction pathways. It is concluded that oxygen is not only involved in the usual oxidation channels but also in breaking the siloxane bond. Consequently, siloxane polymerization occurs mainly on the surface and not in the plasma volume. Another unexpected feature concerns the indirect production of methane by reactions, which can also be controlled through the oxygen concentration.

Levels of enzymatic antioxidants activities in mononuclear cells and skin reactivity to sodium dodecyl sulphate.

Chemical irritants are able to produce several biological modifications of the skin, including the direct or indirect production of cytokines and reactive oxygen species leading to an inflammatory reaction. This report examines the existence of a possible correlation between the skin sensitivity to the irritant sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and the activity of the enzymatic antioxidants. In twenty-three healthy subjects the evaluation of the epidermal and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) activities of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (Cat) demonstrate a significant correlation (r= 0,85 and p< 0,005 for SOD, and r= 0,87 and p< 0,0001 for Cat). Based on this result, on a further group of normal subjects (n=13) we studied the link between the threshold dose of skin reactivity to SDS and the activities of the enzymatic antioxidants in PBMCs. The degree of skin modification induced by SDS, applied at different concentrations for 24 hrs, was determined by means of Trans Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL), Erythemal Index or by Visual Score (VS). The minimal dose of the irritant capable of inducing skin modifications, was significantly correlated with SOD (r=0,77) and Cat (r=0,81) activities in PBMCs, and the modification of TEWL or EI were inversely correlated with levels of antioxidants in PBMCs (r=-0,62 for SOD and r=-0,66 for Cat). Our results indicate that the skin reactivity to irritants can be modulated by the levels of antioxidants, and suggest a possible therapeutical approach in preventing irritant contact dermatitis.

Livestock Farming in Coconut Plantations in Sri Lanka: Constraints and Opportunities

ABSTRACT A study was carried out to identify biological and socio-economic constraints and opportunities for livestock development in coconut plantations in Sri Lanka. One part of the study focussed on the use of participatory rural appraisal to establish felt needs of different farmer categories in terms of feeding practices. Small coconut land holders (< 0.8 ha) reared livestock mainly for direct (primary) products such as milk, while large coconut holders (> 6 ha) kept livestock for indirect (secondary) benefits such as weed control, social status and security. With an increase of land area, the objectives of keeping livestock deviate from direct to indirect benefits. The total benefits either as direct or indirect were more than double the value of live weight production. The major constraint of livestock keeping for small holders in the area was small land area, lack of grazing lands and low milk price. The major issue in livestock keeping for large coconut holders was shortage of feed during dry seasons. A second part of the study tried to establish biological production potentials based on feed supply of different farmer categories. Of the two areas selected, the coconut dominant area had lower maximum live weight production or milk production than that of the paddy dominant area despite higher availability of natural grass in coconut plantations. Natural grasses in paddy fields, with a feeding value higher than that under coconuts, combined with use of rice bran led to higher live weight production in the paddy dominant area. However, in paddy dominant areas, the small size of individual land holding is more critical and causes many farmers to give up dairying. Coconut dominant areas have a potential to keep animals for indirect benefits owing to the larger size of land holdings. In general, the nutritive value of 50% of the available feeds in both areas were below maintenance level. Part of this study aimed to assess usefulness of a few ‘on the shelf’ feeding technologies. Biologically speaking, gliricidia was found to be a potential source of feed but farmers' awareness about the potential feeding value of gliricidia was low (26%). Particularly farmers that keep livestock for indirect production (63%) found time required for collection of gliricidia a reason for low adoption of this potential feed. Farmers' awareness of urea ammonia treatment of straw was reasonable but only 3% practised this technology.

9:14 Cost-effectiveness of lumbar fusion in chronic low back pain: a comparison with nonsurgical treatment

Purpose of study: Total costs of low back pain to society are very high. They have been reported in two European studies to be 1.7% of the gross national product and in another study to be 0.5% to 2% for US conditions. Surgical treatment of chronic low back pain might be regarded as costly, but because the main purpose of economic evaluations is to help set funding priorities, the “gold standard” is that both the treatment costs and the treatment effects of two or more alternative interventions are compared (a full economic evaluation). We performed such an evaluation and investigated the cost-effectiveness of lumbar fusion surgery compared with nonsurgical treatment in selected patients with chronic low back pain during the first 2 years after treatment start.Methods used: In a randomized controlled trial 284 patients with chronic low back pain were allocated to lumbar fusion (n=217) or to nonsurgical treatment (control, n=67). The direct costs (SEK 1999, 1 US*$=SEK 8.27) for using primary care, hospital care (including fusion) and back-related drugs were investigated. Family costs were evaluated. Societal costs were identified as the sum of indirect (production loss) and direct costs (health-care costs). Treatment effects using patient global assessment, return to work, back pain (visual analog scale 0 to 100) and disability (Oswestry 0 to 100) were assessed. Marginal cost-effectiveness analyses were performed when appropriate. Sensitivity analyses were performed. The ethics committees at all participating universities approved the study. All patients gave informed consent and pretreatment questionnaires, and protocols were completed before randomization.of findings: Treatment costs 2 years: In the societal perspective the costs per patient in the surgical group was SEK 711,000±48,500 per patient, compared with SEK 626,000±81,000 in the control group (not significant). In the health-care perspective, the cost difference was significant, SEK 131,000±9,500 versus SEK 55,000±6,500 (<.0001). Treatment effects: 63% of the patients in the surgical group assessed themselves as improved, compared with 29% in the control group. The comparison figures for return to work were 36% versus 13%. In the surgical group, pain was reduced by 33% compared with 7% in the control group, and disability by 25% versus 6%. The marginal cost-effectiveness in a health-care perspective for getting one more patient improved using surgery instead of nonsurgical treatment was SEK 223,000±62,000, and for getting one more patient back to work, SEK 329,000±122,000.Relationship between findings and existing knowledge: The proportion of the direct costs in relation to the total costs in the surgical group was 18.4% compared with 8.8% in the control group, which is comparable with the literature. The costs of SEK 329,000±122,000 for society to get one more patient back to work if surgery was used instead of nonsurgical treatment (direct costs), could be compared to the mean production loss per patient (indirect costs) in the nonsurgical group, which in this study was SEK 464,000±52,000. The comparison is valid if the surgical patient returned to a full time job.Overall significance of findings: We consider that the treatments provided in this study resembled a close to “real life situation.” In a societal perspective, there was no significant difference in costs between fusion surgery and nonsurgical treatment in this patient category, whereas treatment effects were significantly better in the surgical group. This information may be of value when planning the treatment strategies for highly selected patients with chronic low back pain.Disclosures: Device or drug: VSP (Variable Screw Placement). Status: approved.Conflict of interest: Peter Fritzell, grant research support; Olle Hagg, grant research support; Anders Nordwall, grant research support.