Abstract: For cutting sheet metal or other work by means of a jet of water containing abrasive particles, an abrasive water jet nozzle assembly is provided to which there are separately supplied highly pressurized water and an abrasive suspension. The abrasive suspension is such that abrasive particles with an average size of up to 100 microns are held in suspension in water. The abrasive suspension is introduced into the ejected water by virtue of a partial vacuum created in the nozzle assembly by the pressurized water. The nozzle assembly directs the resulting mixture as an abrasive water jet against the work for cutting thereof. Preferably, the abrasive water jet is recovered for recirculation back to the nozzle assembly as an abrasive suspension of controlled abrasive concentration. Various constructions of the nozzle assembly and various recovery systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: The iron-containing biologically active peptide TAN-866 produced by microorganisms belonging to the genus Pseudomonas and its iron free compounds have antibacterial activity mainly against gram-negative bacteria. These peptides can be used as a therepeutic agent for bacterial infections in mammals, domestic fowl, etc., caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Further, TAN-866 and its deacyl compounds are also promising as the starting materials and intermediates for the synthesis of novel products.

Abstract: A compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is ##STR2## HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.3 --CO-- or hydrogen, or a salt thereof, is useful as an intermediate for the production of cephem compounds, and some of them are useful as antimicrobial agents.

Abstract: A compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 stands for hydrogen or formylamino, R.sup.2 is a residue of amino acid selected from the group consisting of serine and alanine, or a peptide of at least one of these amino acids, or hydrogen, R.sup.3 stands for --NH--C(.dbd.NH)--NH.sub.2 or --CH.sub.2 NH.sub.2, or its salt, which can be produced by cultivating a microorganism belonging to the genus Xanthomonas, is useful as a therapeutic agent against infectious disease caused by bacteria.

Abstract: Antibiotic TAN-558 produced by a microorganism of the genus Empedobacter or genus Lysobacter, its p-nitrobenzyl- or benzhydryl ester derivative, or their N-deacetylated derivatives or salts thereof possess antimicrobial activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and can be used as a therapeutic agent for bacterial infections in mammals, fowls, etc.

Abstract: A compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 stands for hydrogen or formylamino, R.sup.2 stands for hydrogen, alanyl or alanyl-alanyl, or its salt, which can be produced by cultivating a microorganism belonging to the genus Lysobacter, is useful as a therapeutic agent against infectious disease caused by bacteria.