This paper presents a cross-linguistic investigation of a constraint on the use on intrinsic frames of reference proposed by Levelt (1984, 1996). This proposed constraint claims that use of intrinsic frames when the ground object is in non-canonical position is blocked due to conflict with gravitational-based reference frames. Regression models of the data from Arabic, K’iche’, Spanish, Yucatec, and Zapotec suggest that this constraint is valid across languages. However, the strength at which the constraint operates is predicted by the frequency of canonical intrinsic frames in the particular language. The ratio of the incidence of intrinsic usage with canonical vs. non-canonical orientation appears to be remarkably uniform across languages, which suggests the possibility of a strong cognitive universal.

This paper presents a shear assay method for the determination of the viscoelastic properties of biological cells. The method was applied to the measurement of the viscoelastic properties of human osteosarcoma (HOS) cells. It involves a combination of shear assay experiments and digital image correlation techniques. Following in situ observations of cell deformation during shear assay experiments, a digital image correlation (DIC) technique was used to determine the local displacement and strain fields. The creep curves were also extracted from multiple digital images that were used to extract the time dependence of local strain under constant stress conditions. The measured creep curves were well described by a generalized viscoelastic Maxwell model. The extracted elastic and viscous parameters were in good agreement with results obtained from prior studies with other techniques. The results also suggested that the nucleus is stiffer than the surrounding cytoplasm of HOS cells.