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August 2011

Comments in Physical Review C

The Comments section of Physical Review C is restricted to papers that criticize or correct papers of other authors previously published in Physical Review C. While Comments may criticize the work, they should not criticize the authors. Comments may point out specific errors, misinterpretations, or omissions of references to earlier work. However, when possible, an Erratum should be used for these purposes rather than a Comment. Comments should not contain polemics, nor should they reiterate previously published disagreements.

A Comment is usually sent to the authors of the work to which the Comment refers for their opinions. If these authors consider the Comment useful, we usually publish it. If they feel that it should not be published or if they recommend revisions before publication, they should not regard themselves as anonymous referees. The Comment and the response (if any) will be sent to an Editorial Board member for a signed advisory opinion to the Editors as to whether to publish the Comment. The Board member may seek additional expert opinion before providing advice.

If the Comment is accepted for publication, the authors to whose work the Comment refers may wish to submit a Reply to the Comment. This can be done at any time. If they want both the Reply and the Comment to be published together, they must provide a Reply in a timely fashion following notification of acceptance of the original Comment. The Reply will be sent to the authors of the original Comment for evaluation. If they feel the Reply should not be published, or if they recommend revision, their response will be sent over their signature to an Editorial Board member for a signed advisory opinion to the Editors as to whether to publish the Reply. The Board member may seek additional expert opinion before providing advice.

Once a Comment or a Reply to the Comment has been received, only revisions to the manuscripts requested by the Editors will be allowed (except for minor matters such as spelling or grammar).

Notice of the decisions reached on Comments and Replies will be sent to their corresponding authors, along with pertinent correspondence.

Comments in Physical Review C are limited in length to 1500 words (roughly two journal pages).