Created: 19th June 1998, last updated: 19th June 1998, © 1998 ABRF
Editorial Policy and Call for Articles
ABRFnews is a peer-reviewed publication issued quarterly by the Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities. It was established to promote the central role biotechnology plays in contemporary research activities, to disseminate information among biomolecular resource facilities, and to communicate the biotechnology research conducted by the Association's Research Groups, Association members, and interested investigators.
The publication has an international audience and is intended for professionals engaged in biotechnology research and service. We welcome contributions from specialists in protein and nucleic acid chemistry, mass spectrometry, bioinformatics, biomolecular resource facilities operations and management, and related areas. To keep the publication focused on topics of interest, articles are often solicited by the Editorial Board. Direct submissions or inquiries about the suitability of proposed articles may be directed to the Editor, Clayton W. Naeve, Ph.D., Center for Biotechnology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38101, Tel: (901) 495-3861, Fax: (901) 495-2945,
E-mail: clayton.naeve@stjude.org.
ABRFnews is published in English and features two types of articles: Methods & Reviews and Tips Articles. The purpose and requirements of both types are discussed in the 'Instructions to Authors'. The newsletter is also published electronically on the Association's Web site: http://www.abrf.org.
Instructions to Authors
General instructions
Manuscripts should be prepared according to the ìUniform Requirements for Manuscripts Submitted to Biomedical Journalsî [Ann. Intern Med 1997: 126:36-47]. A digital version is available on various Web sites including http://www.acponline.org/journals/resource/unifreqr.htm.
All articles are reviewed by at least two independent reviewers. The editor reserves the right to edit articles for clarity and to modify the format to fit the publication style of ABRFnews.
Manuscripts should be sent in both hardcopy and electronic form (on diskette or by e-mail). Most electronic formats can be handled; however, we prefer that text be sent in plain text (ASCII), MS Word, or WordPerfect formats for the PC.
Submit photographs as glossy, camera-ready photographic prints. Electronic submission of graphics are accepted and most formats can be handled; however, we prefer that graphics be sent in .TIF, .GIF, or .EPS format for the PC. The preferred font for graphics is Times New Roman. If possible, convert Macintosh graphics files to any of the suggested formats. Resolutions to 1200 dpi are supported.
References should be numbered consecutively in the order in which they are first mentioned in the text. Use the styles for articles in journals, books, electronic material, etc as illustrated in the ìUniform Requirements for Manuscripts....î cited above. The titles of journals should be abbreviated according to the style used in Index Medicus. This list can be obtained from the NLM or obtained through the library's Web site at http://www.nlm.nih.gov.
Send four complete copies of all manuscripts to the Editor at the address above. Invited articles may be submitted directly to the Associate Editor coordinating the review.
Methods & Reviews and Tips manuscripts may be submitted at any time. Content destined for a specific issue (e.g. News & Events items) is typically submitted in camera-ready form one month prior to publication; i.e. Feb.1, May 1, Aug. 1, and Nov. 1.
Methods & Reviews
Methods and Reviews articles describe a technology comprehensively in broad terms as it is conducted in several laboratories or may emphasize problem-solving. Methods and Reviews articles generally serve to keep the reader apprised of new technology and to aid in planning.
Begin each of the following sections on a new page and in this order: title and authors, abstract, text, acknowledgements, references, each table, figure legends, and each figure.
Methods & Reviews articles generally do not exceed 5000 words and 8-10 figures and tables.
TIPS Articles
TIPS articles provide practical details about a technology as it is conducted in a specific laboratory. Usually a TIPS article addresses a technology that is already widespread or that can be readily introduced into a laboratory. TIPS articles help readers improve their current capabilities.
Begin each of the following sections on a new page and in this order: title and authors, text, acknowledgements, references, each table, figure legends, and each figure.
TIPS articles generally do not exceed 1000 words and contain 6-7 figures and tables.