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The article features the evolution of self-published magazines as more artists aspire for more freedom of expression and criticism. Referred to as zines, these publications have become a subculture which explore and classify the diverse information of the American culture. However, because of their individuality and specificity, some zines have misspellings, poor designs and unexamined articles. The history of the comic book is also discussed. The television program "The Simpsons" is also explored and is attributed as a result of the mainstream culture.

PurposeTo determine if there are systematic differences in cup-to-disc ratio (CDR) grading using fundus biomicroscopy compared to stereoscopic disc photograph reading.MethodsThe vertical cup-to-disc ratio (VCDR) and horizontal cup-to-disc ratio (HCDR) of 2200 eyes (testing set) were graded by glaucoma subspecialists through fundus biomicroscopy and by a reading center using stereoscopic disc photos. For validation, the glaucoma experts also estimated VCDR and HCDR using stereoscopic disc photos in a subset of 505 eyes that they had assessed biomicroscopically. Agreement between grading methods was assessed with Bland–Altman plots.ResultsIn both sets, photo reading tended to yield small CDRs marginally larger, but read large CDRs marginally smaller than fundus biomicroscopy. The mean differences in VCDR and HCDR were 0.006±0.18 and 0.05±0.18 (testing set), and −0.053±0.23 and −0.028±0.21 (validation set), respectively. The limits of agreement were ~0.4, which is twice as large as the cutoff of clinically significant CDR difference between methods. CDR estimates differed by 0.2 or more in 33.8–48.7% between methods.ConclusionsThe differences in CDR estimates between fundus biomicroscopy and stereoscopic optic disc photo reading showed a wide variation, and reached clinically significance threshold in a large proportion of patients, suggesting a poor agreement. Thus, glaucoma should be monitored by comparing baseline and subsequent CDR estimates using the same method rather than comparing photographs to fundus biomicroscopy.

The article compares graffiti and advertising as art forms. According to the article, both are the purest forms of art and at the same time the lowest forms of vandalism. However, the author notes that advertising, as it evolves, is increasingly the purest form of art. It raises the issue of whether advertising could be classified as a fine art form because of the profit motive that taints it.

Investigators have noted that primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in West Africa has an earlier age of onset and appears to be more clinically severe than in the United States and Europe. Primary open-angle glaucoma patients with mutations in myocilin have a similar phenotype. Therefore, we investigated the role of mutations in myocilin in patients with POAG in a West African population.

Mating triggers behavioral and physiological changes in the Drosophila melanogaster female, including an elevation of egg laying. Seminal fluid molecules from the male accessory gland are responsible for initial behavioral changes, but persistence of these changes requires stored sperm. Using genetic analysis, we have identified a seminal fluid protein that is responsible for an initial elevation of egg laying. This molecule, Acp26Aa, has structural features of a prohormone and contains a region with amino acid similarity to the egg-laying hormone of Aplysia. Acp26Aa is transferred to the female during mating, where it undergoes processing. Here we report the generation and analysis of mutants, including a null, in Acp26Aa. Females mated to male flies that lack Acp26Aa lay fewer eggs than do mates of normal males. This effect is apparent only on the first day after mating. The null mutation has no other detectable physiological or behavioral effects on the male or the mated female.

The article reviews the exhibition "Nine Southeastern Photographers," featuring works by photographers Chris Verene and Jill Larson, among others, at The Peachtree Lofts Gallery in Atlanta, Georgia from January 17 through February 21, 1997.

The article reviews an exhibition of work by artist Honnie Goode at Marcia Wood Gallery in Atlanta, Georgia from January 10 through February 22, 1997.

The article discusses a Black gay/lesbian perspective that people should worship God not the Bible. We must learn to worship God and nothing else and no one else, no matter how highly esteemed and honored it is by man. In the end, it all comes terribly short of God's infinite, continuously living, and breathing glory.

The article describes radicalism and radicals. Mental concept of radicalism or the word radical represented outdated images of white women burning their bras in protest of anything male dominated or people chaining themselves to century old oak trees. Examples of past American concepts of radicalism include the abolitionist movement, feminism struggle, civil rights era, and now the gay rights fight for equal protection as well as the right and the freedom to marry.

Reports on the TV launching of a syndicated news and talkshow for gays and lesbians directed by Herndorn L. Davis, author of the book "Black, Gay & Christian." Objectives of the TV program; Impact of the show on the gay and lesbian community; Spiritual coping of gays and lesbians.

Offers guidelines on understanding the spiritual meaning behind God's word and worshipping him and not the Bible. Practices of spiritual Christians in studying the Bible; Questions to ask to know whether a person worships God or the Bible; Facts to consider in assessing whether a person worships God or the Bible.

Offers a look at spirituality and sexuality in same-sex relationships. Definition of spiritual romance; Steps that are needed to be taken to achieve spiritual romance; Ability to overcome internalized homophobia.

Presents an article on fighting against homophobia in the African-American Christian community. Background on a conversation with an African-American woman concerning the Bible; Role of the clergy in dealing with homophobia within the African-American community; Advice for gay people regarding spiritual abuse in the community.

Emphasizes the need for a person to use his tongue wisely in speaking to other people and of God. Misuse of one's tongue being discussed in the Bible; Description of the tongue contained in the book of James; Use of the tongue in blessing and cursing.

Reflects on the cost of liberation of African American gays and lesbians. Cost of Moses and Israel's liberation; Requirements for spiritual and social liberation of gays and lesbians; Spiritual meaning of liberation.

Reports on the release of the book "Black, Gay and Christian: An Inspirational Guidebook to Daily Living," by Herndon L. Davis. Aim of the book; Significance of the book in understanding the controversy of homosexuality; Features of the book, including advice on life skills.