The s-mote: a versatile heterogeneous multi-radio platform for wireless sensor networks applications

This paper presents a novel architecture and its implementation for a versatile, miniaturised mote which can communicate concurrently using a variety of combinations of ISM bands, has increased processing capability, and interoperability with mainstream GSM technology. All these features are integrated in a small form factor platform. The platform can have many configurations which could satisfy a variety of applications’ constraints. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first integrated platform of this type reported in the literature. The proposed platform opens the way for enhanced levels of Quality of Service (QoS), with respect to reliability, availability and latency, in addition to facilitating interoperability and power reduction compared to existing platforms. The small form factor also allows potential of integration with other mobile platforms including smart phones.

An investigation into the role of Bcl-3 in toll-like receptor signalling

Through the recognition of potentially harmful stimuli, Toll-like receptors (TLRs) initiate the innate immune response and induce the expression of hundreds of immune and pro-inflammatory genes. TLRs are critical in mounting a defence against invading pathogens however, strict control of TLR signalling is vital to prevent host damage from excessive or prolonged immune activation. In this thesis the role of the IκB protein Bcl (B-cell lymphoma)-3 in the regulation of TLR signalling is investigated. Bcl3-/- mice and cells are hyper responsive to TLR stimulation and are defective in LPS tolerance. Bcl-3 interacts with and blocks the ubiquitination of homodimers of the NF-κB subunit, p50. Through stabilisation of inhibitory p50 homodimers, Bcl-3 negatively regulates NF-κB dependent inflammatory gene transcription following TLR activation. Firstly, we investigated the nature of the interaction between Bcl-3 and p50 and using peptide array technology. Key amino acids required for the formation of the p50:Bcl-3 immunosuppressor complex were identified. Furthermore, we demonstrate for the first time that interaction between Bcl-3 and p50 is necessary and sufficient for the anti-inflammatory properties of Bcl-3. Using the data generated from peptide array analysis we then generated cell permeable peptides designed to mimic Bcl-3 function and stabilise p50 homodimers. These Bcl-3 derived peptides are potent inhibitors of NF-κB dependent transcription activity in vitro and provide a solid basis for the development of novel gene-specific approaches in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Secondly, we demonstrate that Bcl-3 mediated regulation of TLR signalling is not limited to NF-κB and identify the MAK3K Tumour Progression Locus (Tpl)-2 as a new binding partner of Bcl-3. Our data establishes role for Bcl-3 as a negative regulator of the MAPK-ERK pathway.