Abstract: A plunger pump device includes a housing defining a compression chamber, a plunger slidably accommodated in the housing and exposed to the compression chamber at one end, a drive cam for reciprocating the plunger, a discharge valve connected to the compression chamber, an intake valve connected to the compression chamber, and a low-pressure reservoir for accommodating fluid with a predetermined pressure or more connected to the compression chamber through the intake valve. Even if the intake valve is in a closed position, a small amount of the fluid is discharged from the compression chamber into the low-pressure reservoir side through a slit formed on the intake valve. The small amount of the fluid discharged through the slit is accommodated in a capacity space under a small pressure.

Abstract: A bearing mechanism comprises a shaft rotatably supported by a bearing accommodated in a cylindrical bearing accommodating portion. The shaft is applied with varying load in response to a slidable movement of a pair of pistons so as to be displaced in a direction. The bearing is displaced corresponding to the displacement of the shaft being applied with the varying load. The bearing mechanism further comprises a biasing means. The biasing means biases the bearing to be always in contact with at least a portion of an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical bearing accommodating portion in the other direction different from the direction in which the bearing is displaced in accordance with the varying load.

Abstract: Disclosed are the following DNA strands relating to the synthesis of keto group-containing xanthophylls such as astaxanthin and the like, and the techniques relating to the production of xanthophylls by genetic engineering:A DNA strand having a nucleotide sequence which encodes a polypeptide having an enzyme activity for converting a methylene group at the 4-position of a .beta.-ionone ring into a keto group.A DNA strand having a nucleotide sequence which encodes a polypeptide having an enzyme activity for converting a methylene group at the 4-position of a 3-hydroxy-.beta.-ionone ring into a keto group.A DNA strand having a nucleotide sequence which encodes a polypeptide having an enzyme activity for adding a hydroxyl group to the 3-carbon of a 4-keto-.beta.-ionone ring.It is possible to produce a variety of xanthophylls such as canthaxanthin, astaxanthin and the like by introducing the DNA strands into an appropriate microorganism such as Escherichia coli and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed are the following DNA strands relating to the synthesis of keto group-containing xanthophylls such as astaxanthin and the like, and the techniques relating to the production of xanthophylls by genetic engineering:A DNA strand having a nucleotide sequence which encodes a polypeptides having and enzyme activity for converting a methylene group at the 4-position of a .beta.-ionone ring into a keto group.A DNA strand having a nucleotide sequence which encodes a polypeptide having an enzyme activity for converting a methylene group at the 4-position of a 3-hydroxy-.beta.-ionone ring into a keto group.A DNA strand having a nucleotide sequence which encodes a polypeptide having an enzyme activity for adding a hydroxyl group to the 3-carbon of a 4-keto-.beta.-ionone ring.It is possible to produce a variety of xanthophylls such as canthaxanthin, astaxanthin and the like by introducing the DNA strands into an appropriate microorganism such as Escherichia coli and the like.

Abstract: Disclosed are the following DNA strands relating to the synthesis of keto group-containing xanthophylls such as astaxanthin and the like, and the techniques relating to the production of xanthophylls by genetic engineering:A DNA strand having a nucleotide sequence which encodes a polypeptide having an enzyme activity for converting a methylene group at the 4-position of .beta.-ionone ring into a keto group.A DNA strand having a nucleotide sequence which encodes a polypeptide having an enzyme activity for converting a methylene group at the 4-position of a 3-hydroxy-.beta.-ionone ring into a keto group.A DNA strand having a nucleotide sequence which encodes a polypeptide having an enzyme activity for adding a hydroxyl group to the 3-carbon of a 4-keto-.beta.-ionone ring.It is possible to produce a variety of xanthophylls such as canthaxanthin, astaxanthin and the like by introducing the DNA strands into an appropriate microorganism such as Escherichia coli and the like.