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Glossaries are often found in complex research papers containing many mathematical symbols and equations. Authors do not always list them as such, however; sometimes they are called "abbreviations" or "nomenclature" and are attached to the paper as a separate list. Use your judgment and "create" a glossary if needed. Always query the author in such a case.
If the list describes the symbols and variables used primarily in equations, you are dealing with a glossary and you need to place it before the occurrence of the first equation, which is frequently the beginning of the METHODS section (confirm placement with the author). If the provided glossary is an enumeration of the abbreviated terms used in the body of the text, delete the list and define abbreviations at first use, per APS style.In many Glossaries, the symbols are listed in alphabetical order, with the Greek-letter symbols following at the end. This is the preferred style, but do not make arbitrary changes if the order is different. There may be an internal logic to the way the list is organized, not necessarily obvious to a nonspecialist. Follow the author's choice or query if you can offer a better/clearer solution.
Pay special attention to the consistent use of symbols in equations and in the Glossary, and make sure that all the symbols are defined. Sometimes, the author may use an identical symbol to describe two different concepts — make sure to query and clarify all such cases before sending the manuscript for composition.
Glossaries follow a two-column page makeup.The title "Glossary" should be a level 2 heading.
Symbols are placed first, followed by a 2-em pace and a definition starting with a cap letter. Symbols are always right-aligned on the longest term (this is to avoid extensive readjustment at proof stage if there are corrections).
Long descriptions running over to a second line are indented 1 em.
Units of measure are placed after the description; they may be given in parentheses or follow a comma.
See this article for an example of a glossary in text.
Use the «gloss» code to denote the beginning of a glossary.
After the beginning «gloss» code, provide the title "Glossary" as a level 2 heading.
After the title, list the first term followed by the first definition, then the second term followed by the second definition, and so on through the end of the glossary. Each term and each definition should be in its own separate paragraph, preceded by the «p» code.
Subheadings within the glossary should also be level 2 headings.
End the glossary with the «/gloss» code.
«gloss»
«h2»Glossary«/h2»
«p»Aav
«p»Aortic valve area (cm2)
«p»Amv
«p»Mitral valve area (cm2)
«p»Apv
«p»Pulmonary valve area (cm2)
«p»Atv
«p»Tricuspid valve area (cm2)
...
«h2»Subheading Within Glossary«/h2»
«p»Ωra
«p»Right arterial viscoelastance (mmHg·s·ml«minus»1)
...
«/gloss»
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last edited 06/23/03