Evidence that "vaginal peptidase" is a bacterial gene product

A peptidase has been described in vaginal samples, termed "vaginal peptidase." This enzyme has been proposed as a tissue specific marker for vaginal debris. We have explored the presence of this enzyme in vaginal swabs from alleged sexual assault victims and volunteer donors as well as bacterial cultures. These studies reveal that "vaginal peptidase" is composed of a family of peptidase isozymes that originate from several bacterial species. The characterization of "vaginal peptidase" as a tissue specific marker for vaginal debris is premature.     

Meaning and material in the language of the street

This paper describes the materiality of street signs, an unappreciated and ubiquitous type of everyday written text. Drawing on social semiotics, linguistic landscapes and writing system research, it uses a categorisation of social roles associated with street signs and of the functions of street signs applied to street signs in Newcastle upon Tyne, with some other wider examples. The materials are divided into: stone and metal signs, which use capitals and archaic letters, convey permanence and quality, and are locating in function; signs handwritten or printed on paper, which also use capitals, convey temporary status and novelty and are mostly informing; painted signs, which often use lower case, have highly individual letter forms to express identity, and are usually informing; other materials ranging from glass to snow, expressing diverse ideas of permanence. The conclusion is that the meaning of street signs depends in part on the materials they are made of, particularly to convey permanence and identity.     

Review article

Social Relations in a Philippine Market: Self‐interest and Subjectivity by William G. Davis. Berkeley, Los Angeles, London: University of California Press, 1973. Pp. xiii+315, maps, tables; $12.50.