Quantum order in novel materials:
superconductivity and topological order
Iron-based (pnictides) superconductors and topological insulators are the most important
discoveries in hard condensed matter physics in recent years. The two classes of materials
exhibit the common feature of exotic quantum behaviors (quantum order). Elucidating the
principles that govern the properties of these materials and exploring their technological
implication are the goals of the physics community. The complexity in tackling the
many intervening issues in this area calls for a collaborative approach. With the help of
a previous Collaborative Research Grant, a research team to tackle this problem is
ready. The proposal consolidates the team to study holistically the novel quantum order behind
these materials and to explore the nature of general topological order, a key ingredient
in quantum information science. Several team members have entered this new field
with influential results already produced. The goal of the team is to continue the
high-quality
research and become internationally recognized.
Project Coordinator:
Prof T.K. Ng (HKUST)
Self-Cognizant Prognostics for
Electronics-Rich Systems
Current methods for
reliability assessment of
electronics-rich systems
have fundamental flaws
due to their inability
to keep pace with
new technologies, to
account for complex
usage profiles, and
to address soft and
intermittent faults
which are common cause of failures.
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PHM Application on
Space Shuttle
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This is especially problematic given
the fact that these systems
do commonly fail. Thus, this
project is a radically new
approach whose research goals
include effective and efficient
reliability prognostics and
health management (PHM) for
electronics-rich systems that
continuously monitor themselves
using algorithms that fuse sensor
data, discriminate transient and
false alarms from actual failure, correlate
faults with relevant system events and
mode change, and predict failures in
advance.
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Book of Prognostics and
Health Management of
Electronics
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We will:
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Develop a unique world-class PHM test
laboratory; |
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Develop fault identification and
prognostics technologies and software;
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Demonstrate our methods and algorithms
using simulated data, experimental data and field data; |
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Conduct applied engineering research and to address the
impact of PHM implementation on business concerns,
warranty issues, and return on investment. |
Project Coordinator:
Prof Michael Pecht (City U)
Molecular pathology of liver cancer – a multidisciplinary study
Liver cancer is a major malignancy worldwide and particularly prevalent in Asia including
Hong Kong. Although the risk factors for this cancer are well known, how this cancer forms
remain obscure. New strategic treatment modalities for this cancer are much awaited.
Knowledge of the molecular and cellular targets underlying the
development and progression of liver cancer can help design
new treatment modalities for patients.
Development of liver cancer is a multistep
process. The two key objectives of our proposal are centered on this theme of
multistep hepatocarcinogenesis. The first of the two key objectives is to uncover
the genetic and molecular alterations in the hepatitis B virus-associated multistep
hepatocarcinogenesis. The role of microRNA in relation to the multistep
hepatocarcinogenesis, cancer metastasis, and liver cancer stem
cells will be delineated. Our second key objective is to define the critical events in
the wider network of the major Rho/ROCK cell signaling pathway in this multistep
hepatocarcinogenesis, particularly in HCC progression and
metastasis.
Our proposed work aims to significantly
advance our understanding of the development of liver cancer, which may
help design new, effective therapies for liver cancer.
Project Coordinator:
Prof Irene O.L. Ng (HKU)
TGF-ß
Signaling in End-Stage Organ
Diseases: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic
Tissue scarring or fibrosis is a common pathway leading to the permanent loss of
functional activities of the organ, called end- stage of organ diseases. These
diseases are
the most life-threatening, including chronic cardiovascular disease, liver cirrhosis, and chronic lung and kidney diseases. However,
the pathogenic mechanisms of these diseases are largely unclear and treatments
remain non-specific. Thus, the present study aims to establish an integrated basic and
clinical research platform to investigate new molecular mechanisms and pathways
of tissue scarring and to develop a novel, specific, and effective therapy for prevention
and treatment of these end-stage of organ diseases.
Project Coordinator:
Prof Hui-yao Lan (CUHK)
