Inflatable and other membrane structures are expected to become increasingly important in space exploration due to their light weight and low cost. Unlike rigid structures, these structures are typically fabricated of flexible polymers and require internal pressurization to achieve structural integrity. Due to this, inflatable structures are vulnerable to the harsh space environment and catastrophic failure from structural vibration. A MEMS-based health monitoring and control system (HMCS) for space inflatables has been developed at the University of Arkansas. Fabricated mostly from polymeric materials, the HMCS is lightweight, flexible and can be attached directly to the external surface of an inflatable to provide health monitoring. Structure-wise, the HMCS is a three-dimensional multichip module with a sensor layer at the top, a common polyimide substrate in the middle and an actuator layer at the bottom. The sensor layer consists of an interconnected network of MEMS sensors for monitoring the environmental conditions around the inflatable and also the structural vibration of the inflatable. The actuator layer, fabricated from electroactive polymers, provides a two-dimensional shape control capability to the HMCS. When operated with strain and vibration sensors in the sensor layer, the polymer actuator can deform the surface contour of the inflatable to remove 'wrinkles' and dampen structural vibration.

We describe 3 cases of natural killer/T-cell lymphoma that presented by masquerading as orbital cellulitis. All of the patients were examined for pain, fever, proptosis, and motility restriction. Computed tomography of the orbits and sinuses revealed orbital soft-tissue swelling without focal abscess in all 3 cases. Bacterial and fungal cultures were negative in each case and all of the patients had initial improvement on systemic antibiotics, only to relapse several days later. Diagnosis of natural killer/T-cell lymphoma was then made based on biopsy of the orbit or sinus. Natural killer/T-cell lymphoma should be considered in cases of orbital cellulitis or sinusitis that fail to respond to traditional management. Biopsy of the affected region should be performed expeditiously to diagnose this condition. Repeat biopsy may be needed.

A retrospective case series was undertaken to evaluate nine eyes of six patients with active CMV retinitis. Patients were evaluated with a comprehensive ophthalmic examination, fundus autofluorescence imaging, and fundus photography. Oral valganciclovir, intravitreal ganciclovir, intravitreal foscarnet, or a ganciclovir implant was administered as clinically indicated.

We report the novel findings of blepharoptosis and external ophthalmoplegia in patients who are receiving ART. Ptosis was preceded by lipodystrophy with long-term use of both thymidine-analogue- and protease inhibitor-containing ART. The findings are most consistent with myogenic ptosis in a generalized mitochondrial myopathy syndrome. Clinicians should also be watchful for other potential myopathic ptosis-associated complications, including proximal weakness, dysphagia, deafness, and cardiac conduction disturbances.

Corneal biopsy with Prussian blue established siderosis as the etiology of corneal pigmentation. A short delay in the removal of the foreign body contributed to the development of siderosis. The location of the foreign body on the iris may account for the predominant corneal involvement and relative sparing of the retina. Confocal microscopy may be useful in the evaluation of corneal siderosis.