Abstract: New cephalosporin derivatives of a general formula (I) and non-toxic salts and non-toxic esters thereof are provided: ##STR1## (wherein R represents an acyclic or cyclic lower alkyl group having 1-6 carbon atoms, which may optionally be substituted by a halogen atom; the steric configuration as asterisked (*) includes an optical-active (R)-form or (S)-form or an optical-inactive (RS)-form; n is 0 or 1, n.sup.1 is 0 to 3, n.sup.2 is 0 to 3; and when n.sup.1 is 0, n.sup.2 is 3; when n.sup.1 is 1, n.sup.2 is 2; when n.sup.1 is 2, n.sup.2 is 1; when n.sup.1 is 3, n.sup.2 is 0).The new derivatives of the formula (I) and non-toxic salts and esters thereof have high bactericidal activity with broad antibacterial spectra, and these are useful as active ingredients in bactericides.

Abstract: Cephalosporin compounds having 2-(2-aminothiazol-4-yl)-2{(1S)-carboxyethoxyimino}acetyl group on the side chain at the 7-position thereof and 1-ethylpyridinium-4-ylthiomethyl group on the side chain at the 3-position thereof or non-toxic salts thereof are excellent antibacterial agents for mammals including human. The cephalosporin derivatives have low toxicity.

Abstract: A novel plasmid pCX311, which was constructed from Bacillus sp. C125 chromosomal DNA carrying the gene for extracellular production of xylanase and a vector plasmid pBR322. A novel microorganism, Escherichia coli HB101 (pCX311) carrying the plasmid pCX311 and being capable of extracellular production of xylanase. Method for culturing the microorganism characterized by cultivation of it in the medium containing NaCl (or KCl) and bran, or NaCl (or KCl) and xylan for 12-48 hours. According to this invention, useful high-molecular substances can be produced in a high yield.