Abstract: A process for conducting optical resolution of a racemic mixture of an amino acid derivatives and a process for preparing an optically active amino acid using a catalytic antibody enantioselectively hydrolyzing an amino acid ester derivative are provided. The catalytic antibody and hybridoma producing said antibody are also provided. The hybridomas in the present invention are typically produced by stimulation with an antigen comprising as a hapten a compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein CBZ is N-benzyloxycarbonyl.

Abstract: Peptide derivatives represented by the formula (I): ##STR1## which can specifically bind to modified LDL in competition with scavenger receptors on macrophages and are useful in diagnosing, preventing and treating circulatory diseases caused by accumulation of modified LDL in macrophages.

Abstract: A method of regio-and stereoselective hydrolysis to deprotect an acylated hydroxy group in acylated carbohydrates, which contributes to synthesis of complex oligosaccharides, is provided. The method utilizes catalytic antibodies as hydrolase.

Abstract: There is disclosed a simple specimen-holding device for use with an electron microscope. The device comprises a pair of films which transmit the electron beam. The films are reinforced with a network of reinforcing members and placed on a specimen stage. A specimen to be investigated is held in a thin space formed between the films, together with moisture. The fringes of the films are compressed together to hermetically isolate the space between the films from the specimen chamber of the microscope which is evacuated. The electron beam passes through the thin space sandwiched between the films. This permits the specimen to be observed in an almost unmodified state with little damage to the specimen.