表1-4/Innovation 04.7.2 10:52 AM ページ1

1 I n n o v a t i o n

Expectations for Japaneseswimmers

Performances of Japanese swimmershave been remarkable lately.Japanese swimmers won four medals (sil-ver or bronze) at the Sydney Olympics, and

they won six medals at the BarcelonaWorld Swimming Championships heldlast August. The most standout achieve-ment at the championships was winningthe bronze medal in the men’s 400 metermedley relay for the first time. Although

it was the result of the Australian teambeing disqualified in the preliminaries, itwas still a first in Japanese swimming his-tory. People in Japan now expect a lotfrom their team at the Athens Olympics. The swimmer who is attracting the mostattention these days is Kosuke Kitajima,who set two new world records and wontwo gold medals at the championships.He is still in great condition and the sub-ject of media attention with hopes highfor a memorable performance in Athens.

A thletes that are revivingJapanese swimming

Japanese competitiveness in swimmingdid not develop along a straight trajecto-ry. Before WW II, swimming was Japan’sspecialty. Japan won five gold medals atthe Los Angeles Olympics in 1932 and

SportsandScience

SportsandScience

The Olympics will be held this year.This summer, Athens will be the center of world attention.Japanese expect Japanese athletes to perform well, especiallyswimmers.Japan used to be a swimming powerhouse though has not beenone for many years now. Although Daichi Suzuki won the goldmedal at the Seoul Olympics in backstroke and others have wonmedals before, Japanese swimming has not captured the atten-tion of people worldwide for a long time. However, this year’s Olympics should showcase some greatJapanese swimmers. Breaststroke specialist Kosuke Kitajima and some otherJapanese swimmers are expected to win medals. We asked veteran Daichi Suzuki how Japanese swimming haschanged over the years.

New training systems scientifically developed for individualathletes improve the performance of athletes

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2I n n o v a t i o n

Sports and Science

four at the Berlin Olympics in 1936.Japanese swimmers were regular mem-bers on the podium until the RomeOlympics in 1960.However, at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964,Japanese swimmers only won one bronzemedal. These results were devastatingand Japanese swimming went into a longdecline. Japanese swimmers have wononly six medals since through the AtlantaOlympics in 1996. During this period, Daichi Suzuki made abig splash by winning a gold medal in the100-meter backstroke at the SeoulOlympics in 1988. Mr. Suzuki outdistanced his competitorsby using the so-called “Vassallo” tech-nique (diving for a long distance afterstarting). His gold medal was very spe-cial and made Japanese people exuberantbecause Japan had not won any medals

in swimming at the previous threeOlympics.

Training programs catered tothe individual

Mr. Suzuki’s performance was supportedby advanced training methods.In the past, all Japanese swimmers train-ing for the Olympics lived and trainedtogether. Coaches often told athletes totrain themselves as hard as possible andto overcome physical pain with a strongfighting spirit. However, foreign countries came up withmore effective training methods whileJapan was still trying to win by spiritualpower. These new training methods werecatered to each individual athlete anddeveloped based on scientific analysis.Each person has a different type of body,muscles, and oxygen exchange capacity.There should be adequate training pro-grams that suit each individual’s charac-teristics.According to Mr. Suzuki, there are manydifferent coaching methods in the US ascompared to the Japanese method ofteaching everyone the same way. SomeUS coaches let athletes swim as they likeand maximize their strong points whileothers fine tune technique. As a result,the US has a strong team with varioustypes of swimmers. He also says that for-mer Japanese training methods wereresponsible for creating many averageathletes, but few stellar ones.At the Olympics, differences in trainingmethods lead to great differences in per-formance. Mr. Suzuki and his coach concentratedon mastering the unconventional“Vassallo” technique. The “Vassallo”technique was considered to be unortho-dox because diving for a long time placesa burden on the respiratory and circulato-ry systems and reduces endurance, even

though it increases swimming speed. Nevertheless, they thought it would beeffective. Before the final at the SeoulOlympics, they analyzed competitors’heat results and conditions and boldlydecided to increase the diving distance.As a result, he won the gold medal.There is no doubt that his individuallycatered training program was key to hisgold medal winning performance.

Science to support sports

Mr. Suzuki’s training was indirectly sup-ported by scientific analyzing methods. For example, there is a device called alactate analyzer that measures lactic acidcontent in muscles. Lactic acid contentincreases when muscles are tired.Measuring the content helps to deter-mine the perfect amount of exercise andrest and also to establish guidelines fortraining.

Kosuke Kitajima holds the world record for the 100and 200-meter breaststroke (as of February 2004).

Profi le

● Daichi SuzukiBorn in 1967. Won the gold medal in the 100-meter back-stroke at the Seoul Olympics in 1988 when he was a stu-dent of Juntendo University. Coached HarvardUniversity’s swimming team. Currently, he is an instructorof Juntendo University’s School of Sports and HealthScience and coach of the university’s swimming team. Heis also a JOC athlete committee member and OlympiansAssociation of Japan director. www.daichi55.com

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Swimming pools with running currentsare very important for training. In thistype of pool, maximum oxygen intake,which greatly influences athletic perfor-mance, can be measured while staying inone position. During a race, athletes fully exert all oftheir muscles for more than one minute.The high endurance required to sustainthis effort depends on adequate oxygenintake. Maximum oxygen intake (VO2 MAX) ismeasured to evaluate each athlete’s oxy-gen intake capacity. Swimming poolswith currents allow measurements to beconducted while athletes are actuallyswimming. Mr. Suzuki and his coach used theseadvanced scientific methods, establishedtraining programs that best suited him,and systematically implemented a weighttraining regimen in order to improvemuscle strength. Mr. Suzuki says “Only a few athletes hadimplemented a weight training regimenat that time. Coaches of some teams sim-ply demanded athletes to swim, swim,and then swim some more.”He was the first swimmer in Japan to usescientifically devised training methods.His excellent performance at the SeoulOlympics showcased the possibilities of

using new types of training programs.Over the course of the past 16 years, per-sonal scientific training methods havebecome standard.Mr. Suzuki said, “Until 1996, all swim-mers lived and trained together leadingup to the Olympics. Yet at the SydneyOlympics, athletes trained by them-selves. This led to better performances.”

Changes in athletes’ environment

There are other factors that are advanta-geous to today’s athletes.First of all, many companies financiallyback athletes. They sponsor athletes toimprove their corporate image and somecompanies even offer training facilities. Mr. Suzuki said, “When I was a universi-ty student and graduate school student, Idrove over an hour on the highway to aswimming pool to train. I envy today’sathletes because they can train undermuch better conditions (laugh).” Another factor is people’s improved inter-est in sports. Lifestyles of top athleteshave become the subject of media cover-age because people are interested inthem.Mr. Suzuki said, “It is huge that today’sathletes can choose by themselves howto train and live.”

The first WO A director fro mAsia

Mr. Suzuki was selected as one of ninedirectors of the World OlympiansAssociation last November. Hereceived the second highest numberof votes among 24 candidates. He isthe first director of the associationfrom Asia. He said, “All the directors selected arenational heroes and legends. It is agreat honor to be a part of this group. I

would like to work hard so that Japan willgain a greater voice in the sportingworld.” WOA is an international organization thatconsists of Olympians. They are all ex-athletes with Olympic experience thoughtheir nationality, age, and the Olympicevents they participated may be different.The main goals of the organization are toincrease the recognition of WOA andinvigorate the sporting world.Mr. Suzuki said, “Sports move peopleand even motivate them to live. Weshould not forget that sports have thatstrong an impact on society.”

Life after winning a gold medal

Mr. Suzuki has more dreams.He said, “What interests me the mostnow is how we can provide jobs for ath-letes after their retirement. I was lucky tobecome a coach and instructor at thisuniversity but I know many ex-athletessuffer because they are unable to find asuitable job. Without job opportunities,fewer and fewer people will continuetheir sport careers or be interested inbecoming a hard-training athlete.”As a college instructor, coach, and WOAdirector, Mr. Suzuki has a very busy life. He said, “I would like to mix my ownexperiences with new theories and tech-nology and apply them to actual trainingfor athletes. I should also show peoplethat my life really began after winning agold medal.”

1928 Amsterdam 200-meter breaststroke Yoshiyuki Tsuruta

1932 Los Angeles 100-meter freestyle Yasuji Miyazaki

1,500-meter freestyle Kusuo Kitamura

100-meter backstroke Masaji Kiyokawa

200-meter breaststroke Yoshiyuki Tsuruta

800-meter relay Men’s team

1936 Berlin 1,500-meter freestyle Noboru Terada

200-meter freestyle Tetsuo Hamuro

800-meter relay Men’s team

200-meter breaststroke (women) Hideko Maehata

1956 Melbourne 200-meter breaststroke Masaru Furukawa

1972 Munich 100-meter breaststroke Nobutaka Taguchi

100-meter butterfly (women) Mayumi Aoki

1988 Seoul 100-meter backstroke Daichi Suzuki

1992 Barcelona 200-meter breaststroke (women) Kyoko Iwasaki

Olympic gold medals won by Japanese swimmers

Improved training environmentsenhance athletic ability

Mr. Suzuki working hard in his university officeDuring the interview, many students came to hisoffice to meet him.

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Sports and Science

Using this phrase as a slogan, theMinistry of Education (currently theMinistry of Education, Culture, Sports,Science and Technology) declared itsintention to promote sports in 2000.Japan took 3.5 percent of the medals atthe Montreal Olympics in 1976 whenJapan had a strong volleyball team.However, they only took 1.7 percent atthe Atlanta Olympics in 1996. Even at theSydney Olympics where swimmers didvery well, the rate was lower than 2.0 per-cent. Japan has about 2.0 percent of theworld’s population and though Japanboasts the world’s second largest econo-

my, it can still be considered to be adeveloping nation with respect to sports,because its medal acquisition rate islower than its percentage of the worldpopulation. The “Japan Institute of Sports Sciences”(Kita-ku, Tokyo) was established tochange this situation. The institute thor-oughly supports the strengthening andtraining of national team athletes fromscientific, medical, and information-ori-ented perspectives.The training site is as large as a soccerfield. There is a seven-story building witha basement. In this building, there arespecial swimming pools for training andsynchronized swimming; training areasfor wrestling, fencing, boxing, weight lift-ing, and gymnastics; a gym with two bas-ketball courts; and weight training equip-ment. Most ordinary exercising facilities havethese features, though the institute pro-vides much more. There are 80 accom-modation rooms on the fifth and sixth

floors, 72 of which can be set at hypoxicconditions similar to those found at analtitude of 3,000 meters. The traininggym also can be set at hypoxic conditionssimilar to those found at an altitude of

3,500 meters. In short, athletes can expe-rience training at high altitudes withouthaving to actually travel to higher alti-tudes. There are even more great features. TheDepartment of Sports Science has instru-ments to measure the functions of therespiratory and circulatory systems aswell as the muscular and nervous sys-tems. The department also has a temper-ature/humidity laboratory where peoplecan learn about changes in their bodies

“Double the medal take by the 2012 Oly mpics”

A laboratory that can create hypoxic conditions similar to those found at an altitude of 5,000 meters.A study to learn about the influences of training at high altitudes is conducted.

Mr. Toshio Asami,the head of the Japan Institute of Sports Sciences

Japan Institute of Sports Sciences in Tokyo

The Japan Institute of Sports Sciences

supports athletes by utilizing the latest

technology and the results are attracting

people’s attention.

Actively supportingathletes by applyingthe most advancedscience

Japan Institute of Sports Sciences

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at high-temperature/humidity condi-tions, an image recording/analyzingdevice to record athletes’ fine move-ments with a high-speed camera, andinstruments to analyze blood and evalu-ate immune functions. The institute can be thought of as a facili-ty that strengthens athletes at the cellu-lar level. With x-ray, CT, and MRI systems, theinstitute functions as a cutting-edgesports medical facility. It also can collectimages and numeric data of athletes allover the world and analyze it. The insti-tute has everything that is necessary towin except for the athletes themselves. Mr. Toshio Asami, the head of the JapanInstitute of Sports Sciences, said, “Peoplewanted a facility like this even at theTokyo Olympics. However, people inJapan did not prioritize sports so it took a

long time to make scientific approachesto sports.”The establishment of a national sportsfacility has long been needed to enhancethe international competitiveness ofJapan’s athletes. All countries known as“sports powers” have national facilitiesthat function as a base of sports medicineand science. Daichi Suzuki said, “Allcountries that have these types of facili-ties have successfully improved their ath-letes’ abilities.”Mr. Asami also said, “We work behindthe scenes. I want athletes and theircoaches to use the facility effectively andachieve great results. We will do every-thing to help them.”The breaststroker Kosuke Kitajima main-ly trains here when in Japan. Hopefullymany great athletes will train and be nur-tured here in the years to come.

AOne side of the swimming pool for synchronizedswimming is made of reinforced glass enablingobservation of athletes in the water. A coach wasvery excited to see this and said, “This is exactlywhat I wanted.”

BSensors are placed on an athlete’s body to recordhis motions. The athlete’s data can be analyzed andcompared with data for other athlete’s or his ownbest results to find their best possible form.

CThe institute has a physician, orthopedist, and den-tist. It also has blood/urine testing equipment as wellas x-ray and electrocardiogram systems in order toaccurately evaluate athletes’ physical conditions andgive precise advice.

DVideo editing and analyzing laboratory. In addition toediting of video pictures, games recorded on-site orbroadcasted at BS/CS TV programs are analyzed toimprove athletes’ performance.

EA large treadmill with a 3x4 meter running space. Itcan be used for cycling training as well becausespeeds can be set up to 60 km/h. Experiments withmore than one athlete can be carried out.

FAn MRI system is used to measure cross-sectionareas of athletes’ muscles, etc.

GFitness checking. Body structure, physical makeup,aerobic/anaerobic capacities, and muscle strengthcan be measured.

Ca

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E

A

F D

CG

B

Sports and Science

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Providing Dynamic X-ray Imagingwith Quality Equivalent to thatof FilmA perennial issue for doctors and techni-cians involved in medical X-ray imaginghas been how to reduce the burden onthe patient by improving resolution andreducing radiation dose. Shimadzu hasdeveloped a large number of X-ray imag-ing systems over the past 100 years. Witheach new system it has created new tech-

nology promoting the evolution of diag-nostic imaging systems. In recent years,amidst a trend of digitalization, Shimadzuhas created highly acclaimed fluoroscopyand cardiac/vascular systems equippedwith CCD cameras. In October last year,Shimadzu released an epoch-making newproduct in its imaging system equippedwith a direct-conversion FPD (flat-paneldetector). This system offers superiorresolution equal to that of film which can

be obtained for both still and dynamicimages.

Converting X-rays Directly toElectric Signals

The direct-conversion FPD developed byShimadzu has two noteworthy features.The first is that it is digital, and the sec-ond is that the conversion method isdirect rather than indirect.The advantages of being digital include

X-ray Imaging System Equippedwith Direct-conversion FPD (Flat-panel Detector)

A Paradigm Shift inX-ray Imaging

A Paradigm Shift inX-ray Imaging

Shimadzu has been involved in the development of X-ray imaging systems for over a century.

Last year, it developed the “Direct-conversion FPD (Flat-panel Detector)” and, in so doing, realized a remarkable step

forward in the quest for higher resolution and lower radiation dose. (The direct-conversion FPD was developed in col-

laboration with Sharp Corporation and Shindengen Electric Manufacturing Co., Ltd.)

X-ray imaging systems equipped with direct-conversion FPDs have already been released in the Japanese market and

have received much attention from interventional cardiology professionals and other radiological imaging institutes.

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the elimination of the need to developfilms, and the ability to allow real-timeimage observation. The difference between the indirect-con-version FPD and the direct-conversionFPD is as follows. The role of the FPD inan X-ray imaging system corresponds tothe lens and film in a camera. In place ofa lens and film, X-rays are received by anarray of detector elements and convertedto electric signals. Whether this conver-sion is direct or indirect is what differen-tiates the two types of detectors.Indirect-conversion FPDs can be devel-oped by combining pre-existing technolo-gies and several manufacturers havealready released systems based on thismethod. With indirect conversion, theimage obtained with the X-rays is firstreceived by fluorescent material; the X-rays are converted into light, which isreceived by an array of photodiodeswhere it is further converted to electricsignals. In other words, the indirect-con-version method can be thought of as con-sisting of 4 stages: the X-rays that passthrough the patient are received; the X-

rays are converted to light; the light isreceived; and the light is converted toelectric signals. As with the photocopy-ing of documents, it is impossible to pre-vent degradation of the resolution at eachstage.The direct-conversion FPD developed byShimadzu, however, incorporates an X-ray detecting layer that can handle the X-rays that pass through the patient with-out prior conversion to light. This allowsdirect conversion to electric signals andensures that the drop in resolution iskept to an absolute minimum. Thismethod had for some time been consid-ered an ideal way of improving resolutionbut was dismissed as posing too manytechnical prob-lems. Shimadzu,however, recog-nized that theindirect-conver-sion methodwas insufficientfor meeting theneeds of mod-ern medical

facilities and embarked on the develop-ment of the direct-conversion FPD. Lastyear’s sales release in Japan representedthe fruit of these efforts.

Greatly Improved Visibility

In October last year Shimadzu releasedthe world’s first cardiovascular X-rayimaging system*1 equipped with a direct-conversion FPD, DIGITEX Safire. It hasbeen well received, earning high praisefor its clinical performance.In interventional cardiovascular treat-ments, angina and myocardial infarctionare treated by inserting catheters intonarrowed blood vessels and scrapingaway the plaque inside arterial walls, orby inflating the blood vessels with bal-loons. This is facilitated by injecting con-trast medium into the blood vessels anddetermining the appropriate direction inwhich to move the catheter by viewingdynamic X-ray images of the medium.Naturally, in order to ascertain whichblood vessels have narrowed or to locatethe tip of the catheter, a high resolutionis demanded of X-ray imaging systems.This is where the direct-conversion FPDproves its worth. Images obtained byconventional I.I./CCD camera systemand direct-conversion FPD are shownbelow.The high resolution of 150µm/pixel and the low noise level ensuredby the direct-conversion method signifi-cantly improve the visibility of fine bloodvessels, which are difficult to see witheither the indirect-conversion FPD or theconventional I.I.*2 systems.“Visibility of stents*3 and microcatheters

The “DIGITEX Safire HC” cardiovascular X-ray diagnostic system equipped with direct-conversion FPD is packaged witha ceiling-mounted C-arm. A system with a floor-mounted C-arm, “DIGITEX Safire HF,” is also available.

Test image obtained by conventionalI.I./CCD camera system

Test image obtained by direct-conversion FPD

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A Paradigm Shift in X-ray Imaging

in blood vessels, which were hard tomake out with the conventional I.I. sys-tem, has greatly improved. It seems thatwe can anticipate many benefits as aresult, such as shorter examinationtimes, reduced radiation dose and lowervolumes of contrast medium,” saysTsunekazu Matsuyama, GeneralManager, Medical Systems Division,Shimadzu Corporation.

Creating New Possibilities inInterventional CardiovascularTherapy

This system offers a wide 9˝×9˝ field ofview without peripheral distortion thanksto the flat-panel design. Even though theI.I. offers a circular field of view with a 9-inch diameter, it is impossible to preventperipheral distortion (see photographsbelow). The FPD produces clear, undis-torted images over the entire field.

“This means that the catheter operationtime can be shortened. This reducesboth the burden on the doctor and theinvasiveness on the patient,” saysMatsuyama.Shimadzu is currently developing a17˝×17˝ direct-conversion FPD. Whenthis is completed, it will be able to coverthe entire chest region. Its application togeneral X-ray imaging is keenly anticipat-ed.

Contributing to Society throughHealthcare using X-rays

“At present, Japan’s medical technologyranks as one of the most advanced in theworld and high-level medical treatment isavailable to everybody. On the otherhand, as the population continues to age,healthcare costs continue to increase. Inorder to reduce these costs and improvethe level of patient care, major reforms ofthe health service are unavoidable.”“Here at Shimadzu, in addition to devel-oping cardiovascular X-ray systems, weplan to use the direct-conversion FPD in avariety of X-ray diag-nostic systems. If thesesystems become widelyused, the digitalizationof images will becomepossible at medicalfacilities that still usemainly film. We believethat this will encouragethe use of IT in thefield of medical imag-ing and advance tele-

radiology technology based on digitalimage communications, thereby reduc-ing differences in medical expertise lev-els among regions and enabling fasterdiagnosis and treatment,” explainsMatsuyama.Shimadzu’s X-ray technology has a histo-ry of more than 100 years. Its accumulat-ed knowledge and technological frame-work as well as consideration of theneeds of medical facilities and patientshave led to the birth of the direct-conver-sion FPD.

*1 Cardiovascular X-ray imaging system :By injecting a contrast medium into the blood vessels, theblood vessels and blood flow around the heart can beobserved in dynamic images. This system is used tocheck for disorders, such as coronary arterial stenosis,and to perform procedures for expanding narrowed bloodvessels.

*2 I.I. :“I.I.” stands for “image intensifier” and is the vacuum-tube device traditionally used to produce fluoroscopicimages.

*3 Stent :A special wire-mesh tube used to expand a narrowedblood vessel from the inside.

Profile

Mechanism ofDirect-conversion FPD

Direct Conversion of X-rays to Electric SignalsInnovative Technology That Minimizes Deterioration in

Image QualityWith the conventional I.I., there are several conversion processesbetween the incidence of X-rays and the creation of electric signals fordisplaying the image, and it is impossible to prevent loss of informationand generation of noise. Even the indirect-conversion FPD offers nomajor improvements in this respect. The direct-conversion FPD, howev-er, converts X-rays directly to electric signals in the conversion material(amorphous selenium). This optimizes the conversion process andreduces deterioration in image quality to the absolute minimum.

a-Se

X-ray

Pixel electrode

Direct-conversion FPD

X-ray

Electric signal

CsI

X-ray

Indirect-conversion FPD

PhotodiodePixel electrode

X-ray

Light (CsI)

Electrons (photodiode)

Electric signal

Intermediate process

I.I./T.V. System

X-ray

Light (fluorescent screen on input side)

Charge (CCD camera)

Electric signals

Electrons (photocathode)

Light (fluorescent screen on output side)

Intermediate process

（CsI）

Fluorescent screen on input side

X-rays

（ZnS）

Fluorescent screen on output side

Optical lenses

Light image

（Sb-Cs） Photocathode

CCD camera

Tsunekazu MatsuyamaDirector of Shimadzu CorporationGeneral Manager, Medical Systems Division

9-inch I.I. Direct-conversion FPD (Safire)

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A Powerful Weapon in the Fight against Heart DiseaseWe moved to the present site in January this year in order to expandour services by opening a heart-surgery department. At the same time,we purchased and installed Shimadzu’s DIGITEX Safire system, whichis equipped with a direct-conversion FPD. Although I had seen the visu-al clarity with prototypes, I was still very impressed. The image qualitywas significantly better than that of the I.I. (image intensifier) we hadbeen using and even fine blood vessels could be clearly visualized.There is no peripheral distortion or blurring and no halation, making iteasy to see fine blood vessels. The thing that surprised me most wasthat the stent could be seen clearly without injecting a contrast medi-um. The most common treatment in current interventional cardiology isthe prevention of restenosis of the blood vessels using stents.Positioning the stent has always been very difficult but since weinstalled the Safire system, it has become possible to place the stent atthe exact position with just one test shot of contrast medium. As aresult, both the radiation dose to the patient and the amount of contrastmedium injected can be significantly reduced. The amount of contrastmedium is typically 20% less than before. We can also anticipategreater success with restenosis prevention.Because fine details can be seen with the Safire system, some condi-tions that would usually have necessitated surgical treatment can nowbe treated with less invasiveness. This means that the burden onpatients can be reduced and makes the Safire system a powerful toolfor medical practitioners.A new treatment using a “drug-eluting stent”*1 is due for approval inJapan this autumn. The introduction of this treatment is expected tofurther reduce the angina recurrence rate and heralds the start of a newera in interventional cardiology. Accurate stent positioning is veryimportant with this treatment. It is very encouraging to know that we

will be able to implement this treatment with the help of such clearimages.

High Praise for Shimadzu's Support FrameworkIn a sense, the catheterization lab is a battlefield. We are fighting dis-ease in order to protect the patient. If our “weapon” is broken, we areno longer able to fight. It is therefore very important for clinicians toknow that the equipment is durable and stable. Nevertheless, the possi-bility of malfunction cannot be completely avoided with any machine. Itis important to know what to do when the machine malfunctions andwhat kind of help is available. In this area, Shimadzu is a company wor-thy of special mention. Whenever there is a problem, a techniciancomes straight away and, in cases where lengthy repair work isrequired, continues working throughout the night so that the equipmentis in perfect working order for the next day. I very much appreciate thislevel of response.

Establishing Regional CoordinationAlthough Hokkaido is a very large area, the number of doctors andmedical facilities here is very limited. With the aim of creating a net-work of cardiovascular specialists working in the region, for the past 5years I have been conducting demonstrations dubbed “HokkaidoEducation Live”.At this year’s demonstration, which was held at a hotel in Sapporo City,we connected to my own hospital, Hokuto Cardiovascular Hospital, anda hospital in Muroran (another large city in Hokkaido) via fiber-opticlink and showed a PCI procedure*2 to doctors involved in interventionalcardiology and heart surgery in Hokkaido. The quality of the imagesproduced by the Safire system raised quite a stir.In the future, by holding similar demonstrations connecting Sapporo toother major cities in Hokkaido via fiber optics, I hope to foster the cre-ation of a network stretching all over Hokkaido and gradually establisha system for the regional coordination of medical treatment.

● Dr. Hideki Abe1980: Graduated from Sapporo MedicalUniversity; 2000: Appointed Chairman ofHokuto Cardiovascular Hospital. Certified bythe Japanese Society of Internal Medicine;registered as a specialist with the JapaneseCirculation Society; panel member at theJapanese Society of InterventionalCardiology and executive officer for theHokkaido region; director at JapaneseAssociation of Cardiovascular Therapeutics;visiting professor at the affiliated hospital ofFujita Health University’s School of MedicineHospital; professor emeritus at DalianCentral Hospital in China.

*1 Drug-eluting stent : Restenosis may occur in a coronary artery even if a stent is used. As an improvement on the conventional stent, a "drug-eluting stent", namely, a stent that hasbeen coated with a drug that prevents restenosis, is used.

*2 PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention) procedure : General term that refers to any procedure used to perform coronary revascularization with a catheter by expanding a bloodvessel at a point where stenosis has occurred due to ischemic heart disease, such as angina or myocardial infarction.

X-ray Imaging System Equipped with Direct-conversion FPD Supports the Latest Treatment

Striving for Patient-centered TreatmentHokuto Cardiovascular Hospital (Sapporo City, Hokkaido Japan), which carries out advanced, specialized treatments for heart

disease, currently uses two DIGITEX Safire systems. Dr. Hideki Abe, Chairman of the hospital and head of its cardiology depart-ment, abides by a personal philosophy of “patient-centered treatment” and has carried out over 2,000 stent procedures.

We asked him about his impressions of the Safire system and his visions for the future of community healthcare.

Hokuto CardiovascularHospitalKita 25-jo Higashi 20-7-1,Higashi-ku, Sapporo City,Hokkaido, Japan

● Hokkaido EducationLive Demonstration,Jan.2004

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Identifying Disease from BodyFunctions

The PET (FDG-PET) examination hasbecome the subject of increasing expec-tations as a means of further investiga-tion when the results of a urine or bloodtest suggest the possibility of cancer.While MRI and CT scans are used mainlyto investigate forms within the body, PETscans are used to observe functional andphysiological processes, such as the con-sumption of glucose.In examinations for cancer, a radioactiveisotope and a constituent similar to glu-cose are combined to produce a drugcalled 18F-FDG and this is injected intothe patient’s body. Taking PET scansonce the FDG has flowed all over thebody provides images that make it possi-ble to observe the way that, for example,the FDG gathers around malignanttumors. The whole body can be screenedin just one examination and so there is

little invasiveness on the patient, andeven in the early stages of cancer it maybe possible to find tumors in places otherthan those already known.In the U.S., this treatment has become sowidespread that many medical practition-ers observe a policy of “PET first” whenfaced with a suspected tumor. Followingthe decision to extend public insurancecover to 18F-FDG in April 2002, it ishoped that the treatment will becomeequally widespread in Japan.

Anticipating an Expanded Rangeof Application

Shimadzu has been performing R&D inPET technology for over 20 years and isthe only manufacturer of clinical PETsystems in Japan. Shimadzu possesses ahigh level of technology in this field, withthe capacity to achieve quantitativity andshort acquisition times. The new modeldue for release this spring offers an even

higher level of resolution than previousmodels and, as a whole-body clinical PETsystem, it currently offers the highestspatial resolution in the world. Thepotential of this system to discover early-stage cancer that would, until now, havegone undetected is keenly anticipated.The application of PET is not restrictedto examinations for cancer. The samefundamental technique can be used toperform examinations for heart or braindisease by injecting, for example, 15O-water or 13N-ammonia. The whole bodycan be examined in one screening withminimal burden on the patient. Withincreased resolution, the capabilities ofPET seem set to expand even further.Shimadzu’s new PET system Eminence-G was introduced to the Japanese marketthis spring at the International TechnicalExhibition of Medical Imaging and theJapan Radiology Congress 2004 held inYokohama.

Eminence-G systemT he PET (Positron Emission

Tomography) system diag-

noses cancer and other

diseases by identifying changes in

body functions. Shimadzu is cur-

rently the only manufacturer of

clinical PET systems in Japan. The

new PET-Eminence-G system,

released in Japan this spring,

offers even higher resolution and

will create new possibilities in PET

examinations.

Whole-body PET System

Even Smaller, Even FasterAn Eye That Watches for Changesin Body Functions

A Paradigm Shift in X-ray Imaging

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Enhance the group’s ability tosatisfy customers

One year has passed since I becamepresident last June.

Shimadzu Group achieved most of thegoals for the second year in its three-yearmedium-term management plan (FY2002to 2004). This is the last fiscal year of the medium-term management plan. We are workinghard to build a firm foundation to achieveour sales goal of ¥230 billion. Shimadzu Group consists of companieswith the sprit of self-sustainment. Eachcompany is specialized in a unique fieldwith the technology, products, know-how, and personnel particular to thatarea. After studying our group’s strate-gies, we decided to restructure manage-

ment because a lot more can be accom-plished by streamlining the group’sresources. We are working towards a system thatcan attain even higher levels of customersatisfaction by sharing information withinthe group and improving each company’sability to deal with customers and devel-op products. We are also strengtheningthe training programs for sales and ser-vice personnel in our overseas bases.

Strengthening bases in the USand China

I n reviewing group management, weare prioritizing the demands of cus-

tomers overseas. We plan to strengthen and expand ourcustomer support systems in the US, the

world’s largest market, and China withits rapidly growing economy. Because of cutting-edge research in thebiotechnology, information technology,and nano-technology fields in the US,there is a high demand for our mainproducts, analytical and measuringinstruments in the US market. We areincreasing significantly the number ofcustomer support personnel includingservice persons. We are also enhancingthe level and number of our salespersonsin order to expand our business in theUS. We are striving to address cus-tomers’ needs more accurately, respondto them quicker, and improve our cus-tomer support systems so that customersbecome more aware of the Shimadzubrand.

Pr e s i d e n t In t e r v i e w

In order to truly satisfy our customers

●－Sale bases of SHIMADZU (Hong Kong) Ltd.▲－Production bases

The latest technology or excellent products do not always meet the needs of customers without adequate cus-tomer support. In addition to providing the latest quality products, Shimadzu offers complete customer satisfac-tion by working with individual customers to meet their specific needs. In this article, Mr. Shigehiko Hattori,President & CEO of Shimadzu Corporation, tells how Shimadzu does it.

Shenyang Office

Urumqi Office

Xi-an Office

Chengdu Office

Chongqing Office

Kunming Office

Beijing Office Beijing Analysis Center

Nanjing Office

Shanghai Office

Guangzhou Office

Sale of and services for analytical, medical, and industrial instruments

SHIMADZU (Hong Kong) Ltd.Production of analytical and environmental measuring instruments

Shimadzu (Suzhou) Instruments Manufacturing Co., Ltd.

Sale of analytical and environmental measuring instruments

Shimadzu International Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.

Production of hydraulic equipment

Tianjin Shimadzu Hydraulic Equipment Co., Ltd.

Production of and services for medical instruments

Beijing Shimadzu Medical Equipment Co., Ltd.

Shimadzu Group’s bases in China

●－SSI sales bases ※1 SHIMADZU SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS, INC.●－SPI sales bases ※2 SHIMADZU PRECISION INSTRUMENTS, INC.

（Medical systems:SHIMADZU MEDICAL SYSTEMS DIV.）▲－Production base ※3 SHIMADZU U.S.A. MANUFACTURING, INC.

Production of analytical and measuring instruments

SUM ※3

California(analytical))

Seattle(aviation)

Santa Clara (semiconductor)

Dallas(analytical)

Houston(analytical)Austin(semiconductor)

Dallas(medical)

Phoenix(aviation)

Kansas (analytical))

Atlanta(analytical)

Mid-Atlantic(analytical)

New Jersey(analytical)

New England (analytical)

Cleveland (medical)

Chicago(analytical)

Sale of analytical and measuring instruments

SSI ※1

Sale of aviation, semiconductor, and medical instruments

SPI ※2

Sale of surface analytical instruments Kratos Analytical,INC.

Shimadzu Group’s bases in the US

Quality customer support ithe value of our products

11-12 04.7.2 10:33 AM ページ11


China is another important part of ouroverseas strategy. The Chinese economyrapidly grew after joining WTO inDecember 2001. Because Chinese com-panies are trying to improve productquality, demands for analytical and mea-suring instruments are rapidly increas-ing. In addition to product qualityimprovement, efforts to achieve an inter-national-level in environmental protectionand medical care are being made. As aresult, more sales in these areas areexpected.The relationship between Shimadzu andChina started at the First Beijing,Shanghai, Japan Trade Show held in1956. We opened a business base therein 1979. Because of our long-standingrelationship, a number of Chinese institu-tions have installed Shimadzu products.We have established business bases inboth inland and coastal areas. We plan toexpand our distributors network basedon our ten sales bases in China in orderto satisfy customers’ needs.

Meeting the demand to seethings once not visible

We have developed world-classproducts that are useful in various

fields. Our analytical and measuringinstruments became well-known afterShimadzu’s Mr. Tanaka received a Nobel

Prize in 2002. In the field of medicalinstrumentation, last year’s newly-released flat panel detector, a revolutionin x-ray technology, has been met withaccolades in Japan and foreign countriesfor its high performance. Shimadzu has worked hard to meet thedemands of researchers and medical pro-fessionals since its foundation. To seethings once not visible and to measurethings once not measurable has longbeen the dream of people in these fields.With a highly qualified and innovative

product development staff, Shimadzuworks towards making those dreams areality in its quest to produce qualityproducts.Based on this basic belief, Shimadzu con-tinues to work towards satisfying ourcustomers by reforming our organizationand increasing staff consciousness andmotivation. Through this process, wecontinue a tradition of easy-to-use appli-cations and quality support systems.We are doing our best to become evenbetter.

Shigehiko Hattori, President & CEO of Shimadzu Corporation

Shigehiko Hattori1964 Joined Shimadzu Corporation.

1993 Appointed Director, Member of the Board. Became the President of Shimadzu Scientific

Instruments, Inc. (US).1997 Promoted to Managing Director of

Shimadzu Corporation. 2003 Appointed President & CEO of

Shimadzu Corporation.

P r o f i l e

rt increases

11-12 04.7.2 10:33 AM ページ12

・The prevention of waste electrical and electronic equipment・The reuse, recycling and other forms of recovery of such wastes so as to reduce the disposal

of waste

■Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)―― Effective from February 13, 2003

1. Large household appliances: Refrigerators, washing machines, microwaves, air conditioners, etc.2. Small household appliances: Vacuum cleaners, irons, hair dryers, clocks, etc.3. IT and telecommunications equipment: Personal computers, telephones, cellular telephones, etc.4. Consumer equipment: Radio sets, television sets, musical instruments, etc.5. Lighting equipment: Luminaires for fluorescent lamps with the exception of luminaires in households, etc.6. Electrical and electronic tools: Lathes, welding tools, spraying tools, etc. (not including large stationary industrial tools)7. Toys: Electric trains, car racing sets, video games, etc.8. Medical devices: Radiotherapy equipment, cardiology equipment, analyzers, monitors, etc.9. Monitoring and control instruments: Smoke detectors, thermostats, industrial monitoring and control instruments, etc.

10. Automatic dispensers

・Coordinate the laws of the member states on the restrictions of the use of hazardous substances in electrical and electronicequipment.・Contribute to the protection of human health and the environmentally sound recovery and disposal of waste electrical and elec-

tronic equipment.Note: This directive will ensure that from 1 July 2006, new electrical equipment does not contain heavy metals mercury, cadmi-

um, lead, and hexavalent chromium, or brominated flame retardants polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) or polybrominateddiphenyl ethers (PBDE).

■Directive on the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electricaland Electronic Equipment (RoHS) ―― Effective from February 13, 2003Purpose

WEEE product categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10, plus electric light bulbs and luminaires in householdsScope of Products

The reuse, recycling and other forms of recovery of end-of-life vehicles and their components so as to reducethe disposal of waste

■Directive on End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) ―― Enforced on July 1, 2003Purpose

The use of lead, mercury, cadmium, and hexavalent chromium is prohibited from 1 July 2003.Prohibited Substances

Symbol marking to beapplied to products sub-ject to WEEE


The E.U. Environmental DirectivesWith industrial growth and concentratedpopulations, Europe is facing seriousproblems with environmental pollution(such as the Chernobyl accident, RhineRiver pollution, acid rain problem, andthe mounting industrial waste from auto-motive and electronic industries). Inresponse, the E.U. has issued two envi-ronmental directives in February 2003:the Directive on Waste Electrical andElectronic Equipment (WEEE) and theDirective on the Restriction of the Use ofCertain Hazardous Substances inElectrical and Electronic Equipment(RoHS). All the member countries mustachieve the results specified in these

directives, but each membercountry is responsible for

choosing by what meth-

RoHS directive and are working to estab-lish green procurement systems thatcomply with the RoHS directive.Furthermore, they have the urgent taskof setting up inspection systems in orderto eliminate the hazardous substancesfrom the parts or materials they pur-chase.The effects of these directives are notlimited only to European regions. Chinaand Korea are moving toward establish-ing regulations that consider these direc-tives. In the United States, California hasalready passed a recycling law modeledafter the WEEE and RoHS directives. Inaddition, the number of member statesincluded in the E.U. itself, which wasresponsible for establishing these direc-

ods and procedures. The purpose ofWEEE is to prevent and reduce thewaste of electronic and electrical equip-ment through recycling, reuse and recov-ery. WEEE applies to almost all electricand electronic devices.The RoHS directive prohibits the use ofsix substances that are considered highlyhazardous (mercury, cadmium, lead,hexavalent chromium, and brominatedflame retardants polybrominatedbiphenyl (PBB) and polybrominateddiphenyl ether (PBDE). These sub-stances are very toxic, so they haveraised concerns regarding soil and waterpollution and their effect on living organ-isms.WEEE requires that each member coun-try have domestic laws in place byAugust 13, 2004, and have manufacturers

take responsibility for their waste fromAugust 8, 2005 by implementing suchmeasures as applying symbol markings(see figure) to applicable products. RoHSalso requires that each member countryhave domestic laws in place by August13, 2004, and prohibits the use of the sixhazardous substances in electrical andelectronic equipment from July 2006.Sales of products containing any of thesesix substances will be prohibited in theE.U.

Japanese Companies Respondto E.U. Requirements

Japanese companies that export productsto any member country of the E.U. areunder pressure to quickly comply.Final assembly manufacturers are askingtheir contract suppliers to prepare for theTotalSolutions

forM

eetingEuropean

EnvironmentalR

egulations

Purpose

Scope of Products

The European Union has issued two note-worthy environmental directives last year. These directives seek tohave the companies that manufacture electronic products be socially responsible for protecting the environment.With a corporate philosophy of realizing the wishes for the “Well-being of Mankind and the Earth”, Shimadzu ismoving rapidly to have their own products fulfill these directives. Furthermore, Shimadzu is strengthening its abil-ity to help customers meet the E.U. standards through its analytical and measuring instruments.

The key to green procurement is being able toperform inspections accurately and quickly

13-14 04.7.2 10:37 AM ページ13


tives, increased from 15 to 25 in May2004. The E.U. is predicted to grow evenmore over the next ten years. Therefore,the E.U. will have an even greater influ-ence on the environmental policy of indi-vidual countries throughout the world.

Shimadzu Provides Support to MeetEnvironmental Regulations

Based on technology cultivated overmany years, Shimadzu has developedmany environment-related productswhich are not only highly accurate and

sensitive, but are also designed withease-of-use in mind. For example,Shimadzu technology simplifies or elimi-nates pretreatment procedures andallows one machine to inspect simultane-ously for multiple hazardous substances.Shimadzu can help customers establish afast efficient inspection system focusedon material inspection productivity.Shimadzu’s strength is being able to pro-vide customers a complete system ofproducts to handle all the substancesgoverned by the RoHS directive — total

solutions tailored to the customer’s spe-cific product line. Shimadzu frequentlyconducts RoHS/ELV-related seminarsthroughout Japan which provide the lat-est information regarding the situation inEurope. Building accurate and efficientinspection systems is an extremelyimportant issue. It is the foundation thatmust support global environmental poli-cy. In order to realize the “Well-being ofMankind and the Earth”, the expecta-tions placed on Shimadzu analyticalinstruments are great.

EDX-700HS X-Ray FluorescenceSpectrometer

ICPS-7510Sequential Plasma Emission Spectrometer

AA-6300Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer

UVmini-1240Ultraviolet-Visible Spectrophotometer

1. The “ppm min.” values are the minimum detection limits. The detection limits given for ICP and AA instruments represent the values obtained when 1g of the sample is dissolved in 100 mL of solvent.2. Because boiling water,for example,is used for extraction in the pretreatment stage, hexavalent chromium is extracted from the surface layer only. Not all the hexavalent chromium is extracted.3. The RoSH limits given in the table are tentative values that were still subject to discussion at the end of November 2003. They had not been officially recognized at this time.

Notes

Regulated Elements/Substances and the Corresponding Analytical Instruments

Cd,Pb,Hg

Hexavalentchromium

Brominated flameretardants

ELV andRoHS Directives

ELV andRoHS Directives

RoHS Directive

Cd:100 ppmPb,Hg:1,000 ppm

1,000 ppm

1,000 ppm

Sequential Plasma Emission SpectrometerICPS-7510/ICPS-8100 (0.1 ppm min.)

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass SpectrometerICPM-8500 (0.0001 ppm min.)

Atomic Absorption SpectrophotometerAA-6800/AA6300 (0.1 ppm min.)

For analysis of total Chromium:Sequential Plasma Emission Spectrometer

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass spectrometerAtomic Absorption Spectrophotometer

UV-VIS Spectrophotometer

Gas Chromatograph Mass SpectrometerGCMS-QP2010

Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer

EDX-700HS/ µEDX-1200(5 ppm min.)

For selective analysis of hexavalent chromium:(See note 2.)UVmini-1240 UV-VIS Spectrophotometer

+Water-quality Measurement Program Pack (0.02 ppm min.)

For analysis of total chromium:Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer

EDX-700HS/ µEDX-1200 (100 ppm min.)For selective analysis:

Fourier Transform Infrared SpectrophotometerIRPrestige-21/FTIR-8400S (5% min.)

For analysis of total bromine:Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer

EDX-700HS/ µEDX-1200 (5 ppm min.)

Hazardousmetal/substance

DirectivePrescribed ELV and

RoHS limits (See note 3.)

Recommended instrument for inspection

High-precision analysis Screening

Compatible with all substances regulated in RoHS and ELV directivesShimadzu’s Product Line of Analytical Instruments

ICPM-8500Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer

IRPrestige-21Fourier Transform

Infrared Spectrophotometer

13-14 04.7.2 10:37 AM ページ14


The World of Billionths of aM eter

Consider vinyl records making a notice-able comeback recently among youngpeople. A record player produces soundby rubbing a stylus made of diamond orruby along a bumpy groove cut into apolyvinyl chloride disk. A coil convertsthe resulting vibration into an electricsignal, which the amplifier amplifies. The

grooves on a LP record are about 0.05millimeters wide and the needle thick-ness is about 0.026 millimeters, or 26microns. In contrast, the world of carbonnanotubes is at a scale one thousandtimes smaller.In the U.S., a music critic once became atopic of conversation in the 1980’s byidentifying song titles from looking onlyat the record grooves. However, thenano-world cannot be seen with thenaked eye. At the nano-level, one is ableto see DNA, molecules and even individ-ual atoms. Now carbon nanotubes aretrying to provide a clear view into thatsmallest of worlds.

The Hardest and MostFlexible of Materials

Carbon nanotubes are a mesh of carbonatoms connected together like a beehivethat forms a tube. The tube is a mere one

to a dozen or more nanometers in diame-ter. Claimed to be the lightest andstrongest material on earth, a 0.3 millime-ter thick tube would have the strength tolift an automobile weighing a ton. Theseamazing properties have attracted theattention of researchers and companiesaround the world.Sumio Iijima discovered carbon nan-otubes in 1991. He announced his discov-ery in the science magazine “Nature.”Mr. Iijima currently heads the ResearchCenter for Advanced Carbon Materials atthe National Institute of AdvancedIndustrial Science and Technology.Carbon nanotubes have caused quite areaction. “To be honest, I thought thiscould be a winner,” recalls YoshikazuNakayama, of Osaka PrefectureUniversity, Graduate School ofEngineering. At the time, Prof.Nakayama was studying in the United

An “Ultra-Small ElectronMicroscope” Born fromCarbon Nanotubes

A carbon nanotube attached to the tip of a tungstenneedle

State-of-the-Art Technology

Professor Yoshikazu NakayamaProfessor at Osaka Prefecture University Graduate School of Engineering,special professorship at Osaka University Graduate School of Engineering,Frontier Research Center, and Doctor of Engineering. Graduated 1972 fromOsaka Prefecture University College of Engineering. After working forMatsushita Electronic Industries Co., Ltd., moved to Osaka PrefectureUniversity College of Engineering in 1979. Has held current position since2000. Awarded the 2003 “Nano Probe Technology Award” from the JapanSociety for the Promotion of Science.

The relationship between industry and academia is becoming moreactive in recent years. Shimadzu has long held a close relationshipwith the academic community through development of variousproducts for researchers and is continuing its joint developmentprograms enthusiastically. One of those joint development projectshas born fruit with great potential. A single nanotube, developedin partnership with Professor Yoshikazu Nakayama of OsakaPrefecture University, has given birth to technology for making thekey component of an electron microscope.

The Fruit ofCollaborationbetweenAcademia andIndustry

15-16 04.7.2 10:39 AM ページ15


States. As soon as he saw the news heimmediately realized the potential andbegan research. That research resultedin the probe used in scanning probemicroscopes (SPMs).That probe consists of a plate spring,called a cantilever, that is fixed on oneend and has a carbon nanotube attachedto the free end. By drawing the probeacross the sample surface, the contour ofthe sample surface can be measured. Atypical application of the SPM technologyis the atomic force microscope (AFM),which detects the atomic forces (theattractive forces generated betweenatoms) acting between the probe tipatoms and the sample atoms. Theobtained data is processed into a threedimensional image by a computer.“Carbon nanotubes have five to ten timesthe hardness of steel, yet are very flexi-ble and won’t break easily even if theyare bent over. That’s why I thought theywere worth pursuing,” explains Prof.Nakayama. Two years later, a scanningprobe microscope containing a carbonnanotube was sent out into the world viaa joint venture with a commercial compa-ny. Prof. Nakayama has also developedother products that employ carbon nan-otubes, such as tweezers. “They’re theperfect size for gripping DNA. I’d behappy if they are used as a set,” Prof.Nakayama stated laughingly.

Potential ElectronSource

Carbon nanotubes also haveanother property that is worthpointing out. That is theirhigh electrical current capaci-ty, said to be more than tentimes greater than copper,and their high aspect ratio.When a high voltage isapplied to a carbon nanotube,an electric field builds up atits tip. Based on this fact, elec-trons can be discharged froma very narrow range on its tip.Shimadzu is working on applying thisproperty to emit electrons or x-ray radia-tion for next-generation electron micro-scopes. “It would allow us to easily focus a micro-scope, so in the future perhaps we canmake electron microscopes the size of amagnifying glass.” That’s how ShigekiHayashi, senior researcher at Shimadzu’sTechnology Research Laboratory pro-motes the idea. “In order to make thiselectron microscope a reality, we mustfirst attach a carbon nanotube to the tipof a tungsten needle that has a radius ofonly 100 nanometers and to do that Prof.Nakayama’s help is essential.”That is how Shimadzu began researchingthe use of carbon nanotubes as microfield electron emitters. The results wereextremely promising. Compared to previ-ous electron emitters, electrons dis-charged from the newly developed emit-ter fell within a range that was about onetenth as broad. “That means we canincrease resolution that much more andincrease accuracy. Once we obtain stableresults then we should be able to makeelectron microscopes that are dramatical-ly smaller than current systems,” Mr.Hayashi stated.Furthermore, standard electron emittersrequire use in an ultrahigh vacuum envi-

ronment to prevent reactions with impu-rities in the air. However, carbon nan-otubes do not react easily with impuri-ties, so they are able to operate in vacu-um levels that are one hundredth lowerthan the vacuum level required for stan-dard emitters. “Electron microscopes canbe used without installing an expensivevacuum pump system. That shouldincrease their usage to a new level,” pre-dicts Hayashi.

Sending Them Out into theW orld As Soon As Possible

Shimadzu is already looking ahead andconsidering applying the technology to x-ray emission. The idea is to look insideobjects using a nano-sized x-ray beam.For example, it would make it possible tocheck the internal circuits inside finishedsemiconductors.Prof. Nakayama stated, “It’s fun workingwith Shimadzu. The researchers are pas-sionate and always pursuing theirdreams. This is the result of taking fulladvantage of the properties of carbonnanotube, like its application in SPMprobes. I want to send them out into theworld as soon as possible.” This new fruitborn of a collaboration between industryand academia is about to be sent into theworld soon.

Shigeki HayashiSenior Researcher at Shimadzu Corporation’sTechnology Research Laboratory

Carbon nanotube development is a cutting-edge field attracting consider-able attention from around the world.

15-16 04.7.2 10:39 AM ページ16


Proteomics — a Business of the FutureDr. Osamu Nishimura is a pharmaceutical spe-cialist who participated in the development ofmany drugs at Takeda Chemical Industries, Ltd.He has a unique background among themechanical, electrical and applied physics spe-

cialists at Shimadzu Corporation. Nishimura moved to Shimadzu in July 2001.Former Takeda president Masahiko Fujino (cur-rently Corporate Advisor) had been Nishimura’simmediate superior from the time he enteredthe company. There was a reason why Fujino lethis favorite disciple, who held the importantposition of General Manager of thePharmaceutical Discovery Research Division,go to Shimadzu. As the analysis of the human genome pro-gressed, the focus of pharmaceutical develop-ment shifted to genome-based drug discovery.This is a method to develop the most effectivedrugs to combat a disease through investiga-tions into the idiosyncratic actions of genesduring the disease. Takeda was close to com-pleting a system for research on drug discoverybased on genomic information. However, Nishimura, as a scientist, wasn’tentirely satisfied. “Genes are the blueprints forproteins, and the body is essentially composedof proteins. These proteins change ceaselesslymoment by moment due to the effects of hor-mones, water, and other proteins in the body. Icame to think that we couldn’t make effectivedrugs without investigating the actions of suchproteins.”The future lifeline of pharmaceutical develop-ment is simply the careful examination andstudy of protein actions. Fujino certainlybelieved this as well. Sothey sought a settingwhere they could intensive-ly conduct their investiga-tions into proteins.At the time, Shimadzu wasestablishing itself in thepromising business field ofprotein analysis, centeredon its “soft laser desorp-tion/ ionization methods.” Shimadzu Corporation had many excellentmechanical, electrical and applied physics spe-cialists, but it lacked biologists and chemists.Top management realized that people with acomprehensive knowledge across the field wereessential to seriously tackle the life sciences,and began headhunting. Thus Nishimura wassingled out as a person who could effectivelybridge the expertise of the two companies.

“After being appointed, my first task was toestablish the Life Science Laboratory inShimadzu. Due to the lack of experts in biologyand chemistry at the company, first I had togather personnel from a variety of places,”recalls Nishimura.

Tagging Amino AcidsThe Life Science Laboratory, which initiallystarted with just ten staff members, hasachieved a remarkable result. It developed anew analytical method to discover proteins inblood or tissue that are generated during an ill-ness. Trace amounts of proteins not normally foundare generated when an illness occurs, creating adifferent protein balance from the healthy state.The compilation of data on diseased andhealthy states will possibly permit the accuratediagnosis of the name and severity of the illnessin the future simply by investigating theamounts of protein present. Proteome analysis, as a field of life science, iscurrently generating the most interest aroundthe world. This analysis method might form thelaunch pad for developing medicines based onprotein information. Nishimura is the central figure in this develop-ment.Nishimura focused on the amino acid trypto-phan for a method of efficient proteome analy-

sis. Tryptophan is anamino acid that plays animportant role in proteins.It occurs in almost all ofthe tens of thousands ofproteins but the amountcontained in one individualprotein is among the low-est of all amino acids. Nishimura’s idea was to“tag” tryptophan. He

ground up cells taken from the body and addedtags to the tryptophan in the sample. He thenused a mass spectrometer to list the proteins inthe sample sequentially from lightest to heavi-est.

The Eye That Studies the BodyThis method was applied to the cells of healthyand diseased subjects. The tryptophan of

Osamu NishimuraSenior Corporate Officer, Shimadzu CorporationDeputy General Manager, Analytical & MeasuringInstruments DivisionGeneral Manager, Life Science LaboratoryManager, Proteome Analysis Center

Joined Takeda Chemical Industries, Ltd. after obtaining amaster’s degree from Graduate School of PharmaceuticalSciences, Kyoto University. Successively became General Manager of the TakedaBiotechnology Research Laboratory and PharmaceuticalDiscovery Research Division. Joined Shimadzu Corporationin 2001. Doctorate in PharmacyVisiting Professor at Osaka University

Stable Isotope Identification Kit for Proteome Expression Analysis

Keeping “Eyes”on the PHuman bodies are made of proteins. Grasping their form should give us an understanding of the structure of our bodiesThe mass spectrometer is an instrument that lets us see how proteins work inside the body. Shimadzu Corporation pro-Shimadzu developed a new method that dramatically simplifies protein analysis. The discovery of idiosyncratic proteins during disease is expected to revolutionize drug development and medical treat-

Interview

17-18 04.7.2 10:42 AM ページ17


healthy people was tagged, for example,“green”, and the tryptophan of diseased peoplewas tagged “red”. They were then mixedtogether. This resulted in a matching number of“green” and “red” tags for most proteins, butsome non-matching tags were also discovered.These proteins change in quantity idiosyncrati-cally during an illness. A database of diseases and the idiosyncraticincrease or reduction in proteins correlating toeach disease can be created from data accumu-lated by repeatedly applying this method. Thisshould allow disease identification from a sim-ple blood test. The tags used in practice are carbon isotopes.Tags incorporating the carbon isotopes 12C and13C, which have different masses, were attachedto the tryptophan. Nishimura’s extensive knowledge of biochem-istry was a major factor in focusing on trypto-phan. Although significant research is beingconducted around the world, few successeshave been achieved so far. Most of theseattempts use the amino acid cysteine as the tar-get. Nishimura explains, “After long years of study-ing the human body, I had a gut feeling that weshould choose tryptophan to investigate theamounts of protein.”“The reason I am so pleased to have come toShimadzu is that they produce world-classmass spectrometers and I hadaccess to the next-generationprototypes. Without such highsensitivity, I may never havethought of measuring suchsmall mass differences.”The meeting of the “eye” withwhich Nishimura studies thehuman body and the “eye” ofthe mass spectrometer thatviews proteins has achievedsignificant results. They watch over the brightpath of proteomics.

A More Sensitive and AccurateView of ProteinsIn 2002, Koichi Tanaka was awarded the NobelPrize in Chemistry for the soft Laser desorption/ionization method that he invented in 1985. Themass spectrometer based on this method has

been significantly improved since the 1980s,particularly in terms of enhanced sensitivity andaccuracy. Where instruments at that time couldonly detect the weight of 600 trillion proteinmolecules, today’s instruments are over a mil-lion times more sensitive and are able to detectjust a few hundred million molecules. Similarly, the accuracy has improved from theinitial ±0.1% error to just 0.001% in the latestAXIMA Series instruments. These improve-ments now offer accurate, sensitive and rapidmass spectrometry. The success of the trypto-phan method described before is attributedentirely to the performance of the AXIMASeries. Tanaka states that he used the AXIMA Series tohelp confirm the ideas that Nishimura had beenconsidering over a long period. Protein analysis using these instruments hasformed the basis of realizing the dream of dis-ease diagnosis.“The next step was to determine what type ofsystem we could create using this method andthe proper reagents to achieve good proteomeanalysis,” stated Tanaka.

Bedside Protein AnalysisTanaka, who is once again able to work as aresearcher and scientist, looked back over theresearch for which he was awarded the NobelPrize: “At that time, I was concentrating on

doing research everyday. Even now, mydays revolve aroundsolid research. Iachieved my dreamsthrough this accumu-lated bulk of work. Themost important thingis to maintain a bal-ance between pursuingdreams and achieving

results through steady fundamental and appliedresearch.”One of those dreams is research into sugarchains. As the name suggests, these are sub-stances formed from sugars linking togetherlike a chain. They play an extremely importantrole in a various protein functions. An estimated30% of proteins function due to bonded sugarchains. Consequently, research into proteins

alone cannot provide greater understanding oflife or human molecular mechanisms. Researchinto the sugar chains attached to the surfaces ofproteins is important in understanding the phe-nomenon of life.The analysis of sugar chains is extremely diffi-cult and the existence of sugar chains was con-ventionally ignored when studying proteins.This situation is now changing, thanks to theAXIMA Series. “Japan is the world leader in sugar-chainresearch. To further promote this research, Ihope to aid other researchers by developing ananalysis method for sugar chains,” explainsTanaka.Another of his dreams is to use proteins toscreen for disease. The ability to rapidly detectdisease through protein analysis of blood sam-ples would dramatically improve public healthscreening initiatives. The sensitivity, accuracy,and compact nature of the analytical instru-ments are the key to such research and devel-opment. Tanaka added, “Protein analysis by mass spec-trometry is extremely effective for screenings todetermine the presence of disease.Abnormalities can be detected in the tinyamounts of protein present in minute samplesof blood. I hope that protein analysis willbecome one means of health screening in thefuture.”Work in the current topic, development ofreagents for proteome analysis, should be onestep along this path. In the near future, proteinanalysis may be as simple as blood pressuremeasurements are today.

MALDI-Quadrupole Ion Trap-TOF Mass Spectrometer AXIMA-QIT

e Path to Proteomicsand the overall mechanisms of life, including memories and thoughts. duces the premier mass spectrometers and protein analysis methods. In July last year,

ments. Osamu Nishimura and Koichi Tanaka were the key to this development.

Koichi TanakaShimadzu FellowDirector, Koichi Tanaka Mass Spectrometry ResearchLaboratory,Shimadzu Corporation

Joined Shimadzu in 1983 after graduation from TohokuUniversity. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2002 for the devel-opment of soft desorption ionization methods for massspectrometric analyses of biological macromolecules.Visiting Professor at Tohoku University, Kyoto University,Tsukuba University, and Ehime University

17-18 04.7.2 10:42 AM ページ18


T his research laboratory wasestablished in April 1997 as a

wholly owned subsidiary of ShimadzuCorporation. It later became a subsidiaryof Shimadzu Europe Ltd. (SEL), which isa regional holding company of Shimadzuin Europe. Since then we have been pri-marily engaged in work commissionedby Shimadzu headquarters and havefunctioned as a European base for coretechnology R&D as well as collecting andproviding technical information for theShimadzu Group. The U.K. was selectedas our base of operations because of itsacademic environment, which has great-ly contributed to technological develop-ment in the fields of mass spectrometryand surface analysis. The U.K. also has along tradition and history of fosteringbasic research. Another reason that SRLwas established in Manchester, U.K.,was to share premises and facilities witha closely affiliated firm in the Shimadzugroup, KRATOS, who produce surfaceanalysis equipment and MALDI- TOFmass spectrometers.

O ur establishment as a researchlaboratory in 1997 was accompa-

nied by assignments from ShimadzuCorporation to push forward the develop-ment of basic technology for mass spec-trometers and scanning electron micro-scopes (SEM). These projects lasted upto five years. One result of our researchis the MALDI-Quadrupole Ion Trap-TOFMass Spectrometer AXIMA-QIT, which

has been released as a product byKRATOS.

S ince then, while centering on hard-ware development for mass spec-

trometers and SEMs, we have graduallyexpanded our research areas to includebio and nanotechnology. In the field ofmass spectrometry, we have startedbasic research on new types of ion-traptechnology, algorithms for determiningthe amino-acid sequences of proteins,and reagents for the quantitative andcomparative analysis of proteins. In thefield of SEMs, we are pushing forwardwith research on algorithms for process-ing spectral imaging data, ultrasensitiveelectron-energy analyzers, ultra-lowacceleration compact SEMs, and aberra-tion-corrected electronic optical systems.These research projects are just startingto bear fruit. How to make effective useof research results is the subject of con-tinuing debate, but one option being con-sidered is the transfer of technology to

either the Technology ResearchLaboratory or the Koichi Tanaka MassSpectrometry Research Laboratory atShimadzu Corp. so that the technologymay be further evaluated for potentialapplications and its feasibility for com-mercialization assessed.

T he SRL is a re la t ive ly smal l -sca le operation and we place

great importance on cooperation withresearchers outside the company. Wewill continue striving to improve the qual-ity of research by strengthening our rela-tionships with other research organiza-tions. We are also accumulating technicalknow-how in areas such as design tech-nology for electron/ion-beam optical sys-tems, algorithms for processing data andcontrolling equipment, and the design ofhigh-precision power supplies. All of ushere will continue to make every effort toensure that these research activities leadto bigger growth of the whole ShimadzuGroup.

Location

Manchester

Location : Manchester, U.K.Date of foundation : April 1997Capital : £300,000Number of employees : 25Research areas : Surface analysis, mass spec-

trometry, optical technology, col-lection and provision of technicalinformation

Managing Director: Sumio Kumashiro

Whois

beyond the OceanShimadzu Research Laboratory (Europe) Ltd. (SRL)

Improving the Quality ofResearch through

Cooperation with OutsideResearchers

▲ Employees at a meeting

蜻 R&D for mass spectrometers

Development of SEMs and related technology 蜷

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N & T N e w s & To p i c s f r o m S H I M A D Z U

ITEM2004 in YokohamaInnovations for Advanced Imaging-Advancement

of Key TechnologyThe International Technical Exhibition of Medical Imaging 2004

(ITEM2004) is Japan’s largest medical imaging system exhibition. This

year the exhibition was held from April 8th to 10th at the Pacifico

Yokohama Exhibition Hall (Yokohama, Japan) together with the Japan

Radiology Congress (JRC).

Shimadzu Corporation was an anchor exhibitor with one of the largest

booths. With the theme of “Innovations for Advanced Imaging –

Advancement of Key Technology,” Shimadzu exhibited digital X-ray sys-

tems equipped with a new-generation direct-conversion flat-panel detector

(FPD) and a new PET system. A record number of visitors visited the

Shimadzu booth and the exhibition was a success.

The Cardiac & Vascular Imaging System “DIGITEX Safire” with direct-conversion FPD (9˝x9˝),

released last October in Japan, created waves because of its outstanding image quality. The

booth was filled with interested visitors and interventional radiologists keenly listened to expla-

nations about the system. Many customers and other vendors visited the booth to learn about

the large-area FPD (17˝x17˝) that is scheduled to be released soon. The Shimadzu booth was

one of the most popular at the exhibition, reaffirming Shimadzu’s strong presence and out-

standing reputation as an FPD manufacturer.

There were many international visitors, some of which came with the specific purpose of ask-

ing Shimadzu’s top management to release FPD-equipped systems overseas as soon as pos-

sible.

PITTCON2004 in ChicagoShimadzu Introduces its Latest Technology

to the WorldPITTCON2004 was held in Chicago, Illinois from March 7th to 12th. This

year there were about 25,000 visitors, a ten percent increase from last

year’s total (22,628). One reason for the increase was that the event was

held in the North after being held in the South for several consecutive years.

This was a very special PITTCON for Shimadzu. On the 8th, Shimadzu’s

Fellow Koichi Tanaka and Prof. Kurt Wüthrich of Switzerland, 2002 Nobel

Prize laureate in chemistry, gave special lectures. Mr. Tanaka’s lecture was

titled “The Origin and the Future of Macromolecule Ionization by Laser

Irradiation.” Presented in the main lecture hall, the lecture was well received

by many visitors. Shimadzu’s Chairman Hidetoshi Yajima also paid a formal

visit to the event as chairperson of the Japan Analytical Instruments

Manufacturers Association (JAIMA) to discuss strengthening the cooperative

relationship between the analytical instrument industries of the United States

and Japan. In the exhibition held from March 8th to 11th, Shimadzu exhibit-

ed many new products such as the state-of-the-art spectrophotometer Solidspec-3700; Accuspot, a microfractionation spotter for MALDI-TOF/MS

used in life science; and CHIP-1000 Chemical Printer for sample preparation in proteomics analysis. Shimadzu’s new products impressed visitors

with their excellence. “Laboratory Informatics” was the key topic of this year’s exhibition, which epitomized the ongoing evolution of software in the

analytical instrument industry in the era of information technology.

Exhibition

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N & T N e w s & T o p i c s f r om S H I M A DZ U

Non-destructive Testing of Large Specimens for Electrical/Optical Applications

SolidSpec-3700/3700DUV UV-VIS SpectrophotometerShimadzu has launched the SolidSpec-3700 (standard model) and

3700DUV (deep-UV model) UV-VIS spectrophotometers best suited

for the testing of electrical and

optical components. They per-

mit measurements of spectra

across a wide wavelength

range from deep UV to near

IR, by switching between

three detectors. They also

have a large sample compart-

ment to analyze large speci-

mens without cutting.

The SolidSpec-3700 can

measure highly accurate spectra across a wide wavelength range for

full-surface measurements on 12-inch wafers, non-destructive testing

of increasingly large FPD materials, and measurements for the evalu-

ation and quality control of optical materials used in exposure equip-

ment for semiconductor manufacturing.

LCMS-IT-TOF Liquid Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer

World First! Accurate MSn mass measurements by rapid, simultaneousmeasurements of positive and negative ions

Shimadzu has launched the world's

first liquid chromatograph mass

spectrometer combining a high-per-

formance liquid chromatograph that

can separate a variety of chemical

compounds, an ion trap (IT) mass

spectrometer able to fragment mol-

ecules, and a time-of-flight (TOF)

mass spectrometer permitting high-

resolution and high-accuracy mass measurements. It takes full advantage of the

features of the two mass spectrometers (IT and TOF) to achieve sensitive and

accurate measurements of detailed molecular structures.

In addition to the easy-to-use, high-throughput MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer

AXIMA Series, Shimadzu now offers easily automated LCMS-IT-TOF Liquid

Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer that provides more diverse information. This

powerful combination will contribute to reduced analysis times and higher relia-

bility in life sciences and pharmaceuticals research.

New ProductsHigh-resolution Images Support Cardiac

Examination and Treatment X-ray Cardiac & Vascular System Featuring Direct-conversion FPD

Shimadzu has launched the DIGITEX Safire Cardiac & Vascular System fea-

turing a direct-conversion flat panel detector (FPD) (an extremely high-sensi-

tivity and high-resolution X-ray sensor) mounted to the C-arm. The X-ray car-

diac and vascular system is a high-tech medical instrument that supports car-

diac diagnosis and treatment. It comprises a C-arm equipped with an X-ray

tube and an FPD, a table, an image-processor, and image-display monitors.

There are two versions available: the HC model with ceiling-suspended C-

arm and HF model with floor-mounted C-arm. (See article on pages 6 - 9 of

this issue.)

▲DIGITEX Safire HF ▲DIGITEX Safire HC

Quick, Positive Positioning Supports SurgeryOPESCOPE ACTIVO Surgical Mobile C-arm Imaging System

Shimadzu has launched the OPESCOPE ACTIVO Surgical Mobile C-arm

Imaging System. To maintain cleanliness and ensure easy positioning, no

cables protrude from the

C-arm that handles X-ray

irradiation. This state-of-

the-art design ensures

steri l i ty and caters for

smooth and efficient sur-

gical operation. The fully

balanced positioning sys-

tem ensures quick and

accurate C-arm position-

ing operations. The high-

capacity X-ray tube permits continuous fluoroscopy over extended periods.

Users can store up to eight fluoroscopic images as standard. Pulsed fluo-

roscopy and a compensation filter reduce total X-ray dose without compro-

mising image quality.

New Handle Design and IlluminationFunctions Enhance Workflow

X-ray Tube Support and High Frequency Inverter GeneratorShimadzu has launched a

ceil ing-suspended X-ray

tube support and high fre-

quency inverter generator to

improve workflow in general

radiography rooms and con-

tribute to increased produc-

tivity. The new rounded han-

dle shape simplifies posi-

tioning at all angles, includ-

ing the complex angles

required for radiography in

orthopedic cases. The han-

dle significantly enhances positioning operability. This equipment provides

a powerful tool for X-ray radiography in not only normal examinations, but

also in emergency situations where the patient cannot be moved.

▲CH-200M X-ray Tube Support andUD150B-40/L-40 Generator

19-22 04.7.2 10:45 AM ページ21


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High-throughput Proteome Analysis AccuSpot LC Microfractionation Spotter for MALDI Plates

Shimadzu has launched the AccuSpot LC Microfractionation Spotter

for MALDI plates. AccuSpot automatically

spots eluates separated by HPLC

onto target plates for MALDI-TOF

mass spectrometers such as

Shimadzu AXIMA Series. It

enhances the work efficiency of

MALDI-TOFMS analysis by automat-

ing sample spotting procedures.

AccuSpot allows Shimadzu to offer a

total analysis system for all stages

from separation by HPLC to analysis

by MALDI-TOFMS.

To speed up the development of the life sciences, this product is

sold in combination with 2D micro-HPLC, another effective tool for

proteome analysis.

Micro-scale On-membrane Digestion for Protein Analysis CHIP-1000 Chemical Printer

During pretreatment of protein samples for analysis by a MALDI-TOF

mass spectrometer, proteins are separated by

2D electrophoresis and dispensed as spots

(approx. 1 mm diameter) onto a mem-

brane. The CHIP-1000 Chemical

Printer delivers picoliter volumes of

reagent to specific locations within the

protein spot of interest.

Thanks to technologies for accurate

positioning on the membrane and for dis-

pensing minute samples (similar to the technol-

ogy used for inkjet printers), the CHIP-1000 Chemical

Printer is the first instrument in the world to allow microanalysis within pro-

tein spots. Shimadzu jointly developed the CHIP-1000 with Proteome

Systems Ltd. (PSL), an Australian bio-venture.

New Reagents Launched for Protein Analysis by MS

Contributing to Protein Research for Medicine and Drug DiscoveryShimadzu has launched a Stable Isotope Labeling Kit for the quantitative

comparison and analysis of protein expression by mass spectrometry.

The reagent kit is ideal for the comprehensive and quantitative analysis

of protein expression unique to specific diseases in biosamples, includ-

ing blood, cells, or tissue. It is highly effective for the identification of dis-

eases and the development of effective new drug for the treatment.

The reagents work on the tryptophan in the proteins, making the analysis

results of mass spectra clear and simplifying analysis. Analysis costs can

be reduced by combining the reagents in this kit with a simple concentra-

tion method.

(See article on pages 17 - 18 of this issue.)

Accurate Control and Measurement of MicroDisplacements and Micro Test Forces

Micro Strength Tester for Electronic Components

MST-I Micro AutographShimadzu has launched the MST-I Micro Autograph to conduct

accurate strength testing through the control and measurement of

micro-range displacements (0.02 µm min.) and test forces (2 mN),

targeting testing of electronic chip components. A servomotor and

precision ballscrew apply loads to samples at 5-nanometer control

resolution. Forces in the specimen are controlled and measured by

a load cell, while deflections are controlled and measured by a lin-

ear scale. The optional TRAPEZIUM 2 data-processing software

offers additional functions including ultra-high-speed sampling,

voice navigation, network compatibility, and storing of various test-

ing parameters.

New Products

Distortion-free Images even from Tilted Anglesby Using Flat-panel Detector

SMX-1000 Digital Microfocus Industrial X-ray TV SystemShimadzu has launched the SMX-1000 Digital Microfocus X-ray TV

System for use in industrial applications. It adopts a flat-

panel detector (FPD) that detects X-ray images of the speci-

men as digital image data to ensure clear distortion-free

images. The equipment displays

a fluoroscopic image of a speci-

men by passing X-rays gener-

ated from an extremely small

X-ray source through the

specimen. This type of non-

destructive test instrument is

widely used in the electronics

and other industries.

Software for image process-

ing and instrument control

makes operation simple and

easy.

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