JMSSJ On-line

JMSSJ On-line, Vol. 56 (2008) No. 2, pp. 069-076

Comments on Usage of the Alias “Mirimasu”		>> Full Text PDF >> References
Ken-ichi YOSHINO^{1, 2, 3} ¹ Biosignal Research Center, Organization of Advanced Science and Technology, and ² the Integrated Center for Mass Spectrometry, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe, JAPAN ³Editor-in-Chief

The Japanese word “mirimasu” originates from the English words “milli” and “mass.” It is normally used as an alias for “measured accurate mass” and “accurate mass measurement.” It causes confusions that “mirimasu” is also used as an alias for “high resolution mass spectrometry,” “high resolution mass spectrum (spectra),” and “mass spectrometer with high mass resolving power.” This nomenclature results from the fact that “high resolution” is confused with “high accuracy.” In addition to these interpretations, Japanese mass spectrometrists also use “mirimasu” as an alias for “one-thousandth of a unified atomic mass unit,” “one-thousandth of a dalton (mDa),” and “one-thousandth of an m/z unit.” This incorrect usage is due to a lack of understanding of the unit system of atomic mass and m/z on mass spectra. Therefore, “mirimasu” should not be used in Japanese, because it is ambiguous and involves various problems and misunderstandings.

Key words: High resolution, dalton, Unified atomic mass unit, Unit of mass, Measured accurate mass