In this article, we demonstrate that a subwavelength metal slit surrounded by dielectric surface gratings possesses a directional beaming effect. We propose a surface plasmon diffraction scheme to explain the three kinds of beaming conditions. The numerical simulations of the illustrative structures undertaken used a Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) Method and a Rigorous Coupled Wave Analysis (RCWA) Method. Our simulations were found to be consistent and in agreement with the experimental results. In comparison with other metal structures, we find that dielectric metal structures offer better performance as well as the advantage of being able to be efficiently mass produced for large volume industrial applications.

Herein, we propose a special type of periodic subwavelength structure, which is optically an effective gradient-index (GRIN) antireflective surface that also exhibits enhanced-hydrophobic behaviour. Our new concept was developed adopting both the effective medium theory (EMT) and Wenzel's wettability model. To demonstrate the concept, an inverted pyramid structure was fabricated by electron beam (EB) lithography and anisotropic etching. The experimental data was found to be in good agreement with the theoretical prediction. Some potential applications that can benefit from this combination of antireflection and enhanced-hydrophobicity features are discussed.

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) underscored the importance of influenza detection and response in China. From 2004, the Chinese National Influenza Center (CNIC) and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (USCDC) initiated Cooperative Agreements to build capacity in influenza surveillance in China. From 2004 to 2014, CNIC and USCDC collaborated on the following activities: 1) developing human technical expertise in virology and epidemiology in China; 2) developing a comprehensive influenza surveillance system by enhancing influenza-like illness (ILI) reporting and virological characterization; 3) strengthening analysis, utilization and dissemination of surveillance data; and 4) improving early response to influenza viruses with pandemic potential. Since 2004, CNIC expanded its national influenza surveillance and response system which, as of 2014, included 408 laboratories and 554 sentinel hospitals. With support from USCDC, more than 2500 public health staff from China received virology and epidemiology training, enabling > 98% network laboratories to establish virus isolation and/or nucleic acid detection techniques. CNIC established viral drug resistance surveillance and platforms for gene sequencing, reverse genetics, serologic detection, and vaccine strains development. CNIC also built a bioinformatics platform to strengthen data analysis and utilization, publishing weekly on-line influenza surveillance reports in English and Chinese. The surveillance system collects 200,000–400,000 specimens and tests more than 20,000 influenza viruses annually, which provides valuable information for World Health Organization (WHO) influenza vaccine strain recommendations. In 2010, CNIC became the sixth WHO Collaborating Centre for Influenza. CNIC has strengthened virus and data sharing, and has provided training and reagents for other countries to improve global capacity for influenza control and prevention. The collaboration’s successes were built upon shared mission and values, emphasis on long-term capacity development and sustainability, and leadership commitment.

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