Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel production method of 4,6-diaminoresorcin, and to 2-sulfonic acid-4,6-dinitroresorcin as its intermediate and salts thereof.

Abstract: An animal cell capable of producing an antibody specific to a human growth hormone having a molecular weight of 20,000 (20 k hGH) was prepared from an animal immunized with 20 k hGH. The animal cell was fused with a myeloma cell to produce a monoclonal antibody which specifically reacted to 20 k hGH, but substantially not to 22 k hGH. The monoclonal antibody was useful for immunoassay of 20 k hGH.

Abstract: Cells of a novel strain of Drechslera monoceras having practical weed controlling activity against barnyard grass (Echinochloa spp.) at temperatures ranging from 26° C. to 35° C., and exhibiting no pathogenicity to major crops, including rice, are used as a herbicidal component.

Abstract: Optically active chroman-3-acetic acids and optically active chroman-3-acetic acid esters can be obtained by treating a mixture of (3R)- and (3S)-chroman-3-acetic esters of formula (I) ##STR1## [wherein R.sub.1 is a straight or branched alkyl group having 1-5 carbon atoms and R.sub.2 is a hydrogen atom or substituted or unsubstituted amino group]is treated with an esterase which has an optically selective hydrolyzing activity or microorganisms which carry said hydrolase, or a preparation therefrom. A novel esterase derived from bacteria of genus Pseudonocardia can also be used as said esterase.

Abstract: An N-substituted amide compound is produced with a high yield by initiating a reaction among a starting amide compound such as a saturated or unsaturated, aliphatic or aromatic carboxylic acid amide, a halogen-substituted compound such as an alkyl halide and a strongly basic substance while maintaining the basic substance in a suspended state.