Previous studies have reported higher quality of life in patients who receive home nocturnal hemodialysis (HNHD) than conventional in-center hemodialysis (IHD). The optimal method for eliciting preferences from dialysis patients remains undefined, and there may be unique methodologic concerns in this population. Patients' preferences for IHD (n = 20) and HNHD (n = 24) were studied using the sta...

BARD is the first (and at time of writing, only) open source software package for general redistricting and redistricting analysis. BARD provides methods to create, display, compare, edit, automatically refine, evaluate, and profile political districting plans. BARD aims to provide a framework for scientific analysis of redistricting plans and to facilitate wider public participation in the cre...

This paper introduces the reader to a new class of space science missions employing a telescope and one or more mobile external occulters. Issues important for proper science and mission planning are discussed in light of the inherent mission constraints. Recommendations for software to analyze and optimize mission efficiency and construct integrated long-range plans are provided.

National security depends on soft power, the ability of a country to generate and use its economic power and to project its national values. It also depends on long-term factors that contribute to economic growth and increase the total resources base available not only for defense but to provide economic security in the form of income and business opportunities for individuals. The economic iss...

While the financial crisis currently dominates the US presidential election, as in previous election years, major issues of the day include social security, the national retirement fund that is predicted to become bankrupt in 30 years, and access to affordable healthcare, something that currently eludes 47 million American citizens. This year, however, a new issue has come to the fore, one with...