Generation of Custom Acoustic Harmonic Bursts from Spherical Helmholtz Resonators Using Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser Induced Plasma

We reported a new method for generating a 4 to 25 ms high power acoustic harmonic bursts, reaching more than 110 dB Sound Pressure Level (SPL), from the spherical Helmholtz resonators. The method uses Q-switched Nd:YAG laser pulses (wavelength = 1064 nm, pulse width = 6 ns, and energy = 450 mJ) to induce plasma shocks inside an AISI 316L stainless steel cavity. The confined plasma shock produces an acoustic burst of temporal standing waves which are characterized by a wide harmonic bandwidth. The frequency response of the system depends on the geometry of the used Helmholtz resonator as well as the laser wavelength (with constant laser pulse duration and fluence). The experiments reveal the dependence of the odd/even harmonic on laser wavelength. This method is a prospective alternative for the dodecahedron loudspeakers, other sources in ISO and standard audio tests.

Cancer-associated hypersialylated MUC1 drives the differentiation of human monocytes into macrophages with a pathogenic phenotype

The tumour microenvironment plays a crucial role in the growth and progression of cancer, and the presence of tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) is associated with poor prognosis. Recent studies have demonstrated that TAMs display transcriptomic, phenotypic, functional and geographical diversity. Here we show that a sialylated tumour-associated glycoform of the mucin MUC1, MUC1-ST, through the engagement of Siglec-9 can specifically and independently induce the differentiation of monocytes into TAMs with a unique phenotype that to the best of our knowledge has not previously been described. These TAMs can recruit and prolong the lifespan of neutrophils, inhibit the function of T cells, degrade basement membrane allowing for invasion, are inefficient at phagocytosis, and can induce plasma clotting. This macrophage phenotype is enriched in the stroma at the edge of breast cancer nests and their presence is associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients.

Cancer-associated hypersialylated MUC1 drives the differentiation of monocytes into macrophages with a pathogenic phenotype

The tumour microenvironment plays a crucial role in the growth and progression of cancer and the presence of tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) is associated with poor prognosis. Recent studies show that TAMs show transcriptomic, phenotypic, functional and geographical diversity. Here we show that a sialylated tumour-associated glycoform of the mucin MUC1, MUC1-ST, through the engagement of Siglec-9 can specifically and independently induce the differentiation of monocytes into TAMs with a unique phenotype. These TAMs can recruit and maintain neutrophils, inhibit the function of T cells, degrade basement membrane allowing for invasion, are inefficient at phagocytosis, and can induce plasma clotting. This novel macrophage phenotype is enriched in the stroma at the edge of breast cancer nests and their presence is associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients.