The past, present, and future of AJP-Cell
Paul A. Insel
2013
American Journal of Physiology - Cell Physiology
Physiology: Cell Physiology will provide a new, attractive outlet for all investigators working in cellular and membrane physiology. The principal aim of the journal is to publish reports dealing with original studies of biological, chemical, physical, regulatory, and adaptive processes at the cellular and subcellular level." Over the subsequent 36 years, cell physiology-like other biological sciences-has entered an exciting era. The approaches used "to do" science, including physiology, have
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... come even more cellular and molecular than when AJP-Cell was launched. Genomic (and other "omic") approaches and the generation of genetically altered animals are two of the major changes that have helped drive research efforts. Such new tools have allowed physiologic questions to be asked in greater depth and with far more precision and have helped to redirect studies in physiology. In addition, new approaches have driven a renaissance in the use of physiologic techniques to define phenotypes in genetically altered animals and have led to even greater interest in cell and molecular studies. A consequence of this changing scientific landscape has been a growth in com-petition for articles within the domain of AJP-Cell. This competition, along with other factors, has led to a(n unexpected) decrease in submissions to the journal over the past several years. The Associate Editors and I have developed multiple strategies to make AJP-Cell the best journal in cell physiology and to enhance its appeal for authors and readers. Aside from cosmetic changes (such as improving our web site), we are making other more substantive alterations: 1) We have revised the composition of the Editorial Advisory Board, increasing the number of international scientists and expanding the range of expertise. 2) We are speeding up the review process, seeking to make initial decisions within 2 weeks. 3) We are increasing the number of review articles (either as stand-alone reviews or as part of a Theme series of reviews) and Editorial Focus articles, which highlight research articles that we identify as being of particular interest. 4) We have issued, and will continue to issue, Calls for Papers in scientific areas that we think are well-suited for AJP-Cell. Our goal is make AJP-Cell "the home" for the submission and publication of research studies and reviews in cell and molecular physiology and pathophysiology. However, some aspects will not change. As Paul Horowicz wrote so aptly in closing his Editorial in the first issue of AJP-Cell, "The Editors welcome comments and suggestions from all interested readers and contributors."
doi:10.1152/ajpcell.00356.2012
fatcat:h5lpmcf26vac7muup43zyqzequ