Glycogen synthase, the enzyme that catalyzes the rate-limiting reaction of glycogen syntheses has been purified and characterized from Ascaris suum muscle. Glycogen in the crude extract was digested to release the enzyme, eluted from a DE52 cellulose column and then applied to a Sepharose affinity column. The purified Ascaris enzyme was found to be homologous to the mammalian enzyme with regard to subunit and holoenzyme Mr^3 allosteric activation, substrate affinity and covalent modification. However, the association between Ascaris glycogen synthase and endogenous glycogen differed from that in mammalian systems.

One characteristic of abused children that is often observed but not yet empirically examined is social hypervigilance. In this study, 20 abused and 20 distressed children were compared using WISC-R subtests, two measures of locus of control and need for attention.

Carotenoids in W. dermatitids were found to be associated with membranes of lipid globules and/or proteins dispersed in the lipids in the yeast-phase of the organism. The lipid globules increase in size and the pigment concentrations increase with age of the cell. Electron micrographs show these organelles to be surrounded by a single unit membrane. The free carotenoids are extractable with ethyl ether from pigmented fractions of osmotically ruptured protoplasts only after the sample has been treated with acetone, indicating the pigment is non-covalently bound, presumably to a protein.

The Squirrel Cage is an intermedia composition set in three scenes and two interludes. The composition is based on the short story "The Squirrel Cage" by Thomas M. Disch. Robin Kay Willoughby created the libretto for the composition. The drama for The Squirrel Cage focuses on the actor who is being held captive in a white, padded cell. He does not know how long he has been in the cell or even why he is being held. His only source of stimulation is through the broadcast of National Public Radio that he hears in his cell. The only way he can attempt to communicate with the outside world is through the microphone in his cell, though he never knows if anyone hears his pleas for help. The music is constant expression of his environment and friendly responds directly to the performer's gestures. This volume contains the dissertation text.