minor updates to function documentation

two more url fixes in response to new CRAN feedback

prepare new github-only release

removed pdf vignette from repository, now it is also part of CRAN

make sure date and version number are consistent

addressing minor url issue

minor edits to readme

minor edit to readme

Merge pull request #235 from wadpac/issue232_NWchannel

Issue232 nw channel

updated version number in preparation for a new GitHub release