SMPs have been shown to actuate below their dry glass transition temperatures in the presence of moisture due to plasticization. This behavior has been proposed as a self-actuating mechanism of SMPs in water/physiological media. However, control over the SMP actuation rate, a critical factor for in vivo transcatheter device delivery applications, has not been previously reported. Here, a series of polyurethane SMPs with systematically varied hydrophobicity is described that permits control of the time for their complete shape recovery in water from under 2 min to more than 24 h. This control over the SMP actuation rate can potentially provide significant improvement in their delivery under conditions, which may expose them to high-moisture environments prior to actuation.

School absenteeism and poor compliance with prenatal appointments are concerns for pregnant teens. The Prenatal Care at School (PAS) program is a new model of prenatal care involving local health care providers and school personnel to reduce the need for students to leave school for prenatal care. The program combines prenatal care and education designed specifically for adolescents. Twenty-eight girls attended PAS in the fall of 2010. Program evaluation results showed a 14.2% increase in school attendance among students enrolled compared to peers enrolled the previous year, a 5.7% increase over a local teen clinic's attendance to their group prenatal care program, and a 42% increase in pregnancy and childbirth knowledge. Satisfaction surveys indicated that participants all believed that PAS helped prepare them for labor and delivery and 92% felt encouraged to stay in school. This pilot program benefited pregnant teens by increasing school educational time, improving preparation for labor and delivery, and increasing participation with prenatal care.

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