Toxins: State of Journal Report, 2016 - MDPI

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Dec 15, 2015 - Toxins: State of Journal Report, 2016 ... Department of Microbial and Molecular Pathogenesis, Medical Research and Education Building, ... In the “Message from the Editor-in-Chief” posted on the Toxins website (see ... reflect, first, the hard work of investigators submitting their best work to the journal;.
Editorial 

Toxins: State of Journal Report, 2016  Vernon L. Tesh 1 and Bryan Grieg Fry 2  Received: 9 December 2015; Accepted: 9 December 2015; Published:  Editorial

  Department of Microbial and Molecular Pathogenesis, Medical Research and Education Building, Room 3002,  College of Medicine, Texas A & M University System Health Science Center, 8447 State Highway 47,  Bryan, TX 77807, USA; [email protected]  Vernon L. Tesh 1 and Bryan Grieg Fry 2 2  Venom Evolution Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia,    Received: 9 December 2015; Accepted: 9 December 2015; Published: 15 December 2015 QLD 4072, Australia; [email protected]  1

 

Toxins: State of Journal Report, 2016

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Department of Microbial and Molecular Pathogenesis, Medical Research and Education Building, Room 3002, College of Medicine, Texas A & M University System Health Science Center, State Highway 47, Bryan, TX 77807,Editor‐in‐Chief”  USA; [email protected] In  the 8447“Message  from  the  posted  on  the  Toxins  website  2 Venom Evolution Laboratory, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, (see  www.mdpi.com/journal/toxins/toxins‐flyer.pdf),  we  wrote:  “The  editorial  board  and  staff  of  QLD 4072, Australia; [email protected]

 

Toxins  are  dedicated  to  providing  a  timely,  peer‐reviewed  outlet  for  exciting,  innovative  primary  research  articles  and  concise,  informative  reviews  from  investigators  in  the  myriad  of  disciplines  In the “Message from the Editor-in-Chief” posted on the Toxins website (see contributing to our knowledge on toxins. We are committed to meeting the needs of the toxin research  www.mdpi.com/journal/toxins/toxins-flyer.pdf), we wrote: “The editorial board and staff of community by offering useful and timely reviews of all manuscripts submitted”. Now, on behalf of  Toxins are dedicated to providing a timely, peer-reviewed outlet for exciting, innovative primary the editors‐in‐chief, the editorial board, and the editorial staff of Toxins, we are pleased to present the  research articles and concise, informative reviews from investigators in the myriad of disciplines following information in support of meeting our charge and commitment to our colleagues.  contributing to our knowledge on toxins. We are committed to meeting the needs of the toxin research community by offering useful and timely reviews of all manuscripts submitted”. Now, on behalf of First, it is our pleasure to announce that the journal impact factor for 2014 is 2.938, with a five‐year  the editors-in-chief, the editorial board,place  and the editorial staffout  of Toxins, are pleased to present thefields  of  impact  factor  of  3.283.  These  rankings  Toxins  28th  of  87 we journals  covering  the  following information in support of meeting our charge and commitment to our colleagues. toxicology. The growth in the number of citations from Toxins is impressive (see Figure 1). As might  First, it is our pleasure to announce that the journal impact factor for 2014 is 2.938, with a be expected, coincident with the increase in our impact factor, the numbers of manuscripts submitted  five-year impact factor of 3.283. These rankings place Toxins 28th out of 87 journals covering the fields to Toxins has also increased, from 256 in 2013 to 359 in 2014 and 463 in 2015 (see Figure 2). Over the  of toxicology. The growth in the number of citations from Toxins is impressive (see Figure 1). As might be expected, coincident with the has  increase in our impact the numbers of manuscripts submitted same  period,  our  acceptance  rate  changed  from factor, 75.35%  (2013)  to  57.93%  (2014)  and  65.43%    to Toxins has also increased, from 256 in 2013 to 359 in 2014 and 463 in 2015 (see Figure 2). Over (see  Figure  3).  Finally,  half  of  the  papers  were  published  within  60  days  in  2015.  Taken  together,    the same period, our acceptance rate has changed from 75.35% (2013) to 57.93% (2014) and 65.43% these numbers reflect, first, the hard work of investigators submitting their best work to the journal;  (see Figure 3). Finally, half of the papers were published within 60 days in 2015. Taken together, second, the hard work of our editorial board members and ad hoc reviewers in providing timely and  these numbers reflect, first, the hard work of investigators submitting their best work to the journal; insightful reviews; and third, the expert assistance of the editorial staff to produce the high quality  second, the hard work of our editorial board members and ad hoc reviewers in providing timely and insightful reviews; and third, the expert assistance of the editorial staff to produce the high quality presentation expected of papers published in a high impact journal.  presentation expected of papers published in a high impact journal.

  Figure 1. Growth in citations of Toxins papers since 2011. * Data collected as of November 2015 from

Figure 1. Growth in citations of Toxins papers since 2011. * Data collected as of November 2015 from  Web of Science. Web of Science. 

Toxins 2015, 7, 5459–5461; doi:10.3390/toxins7124895

www.mdpi.com/journal/toxins

Toxins 2015, 7, page–page  Toxins 2015, 7, 5459–5461 Toxins 2015, 7, page–page 

   

Figure 2. Growth in number of manuscripts submitted to Toxins since year 2011. * Data collected as  Figure 2. Growth in number of manuscripts submitted to Toxins since year 2011. * Data collected as of Figure 2. Growth in number of manuscripts submitted to Toxins since year 2011. * Data collected as  of November 2015 from Web of Science.  November 2015 from Web of Science. of November 2015 from Web of Science. 

   

Figure 3. Acceptance rates for manuscripts submitted to Toxins since year 2011. * Data collected as of

Figure 3. Acceptance rates for manuscripts submitted to Toxins since year 2011. * Data collected as of  November 2015 from Web of Science. Figure 3. Acceptance rates for manuscripts submitted to Toxins since year 2011. * Data collected as of  November 2015 from Web of Science.  November 2015 from Web of Science.  In response to input from Toxins’ authors, reviewers and editors, we have decided to make In response to input from Toxins’ authors, reviewers and editors, we have decided to make the  theIn response to input from Toxins’ authors, reviewers and editors, we have decided to make the  following changes to the editorial process. Since launching in 2009, Toxins has used single following changes to the editorial process. Since launching in 2009, Toxins has used single blind peer‐ blind peer-review, in which authors’ names are known to reviewers but the reviewers’ identities are following changes to the editorial process. Since launching in 2009, Toxins has used single blind peer‐ review, in which authors’ names are known to reviewers but the reviewers’ identities are unknown  unknown to the authors. Effective on the first issue of 2016, a double blind peer-review procedure will review, in which authors’ names are known to reviewers but the reviewers’ identities are unknown  to the authors. Effective on the first issue of 2016, a double blind peer‐review procedure will be used  be used for all the manuscripts submitted to Toxins: authors’ names will not be known to reviewers to the authors. Effective on the first issue of 2016, a double blind peer‐review procedure will be used  for all the manuscripts submitted to Toxins: authors’ names will not be known to reviewers until the  until the paper is published. The rationale for this change is a growing concern that bias—both for all the manuscripts submitted to Toxins: authors’ names will not be known to reviewers until the  paper is published. The rationale for this change is a growing concern that bias—both deliberate and  deliberate and unconscious—can affect the review process. We feel that a double-blind review paper is published. The rationale for this change is a growing concern that bias—both deliberate and  unconscious—can affect the review process. We feel that a double‐blind review procedure will help  procedure will help preserve objectivity in the peer-review process. Technical details on preparation unconscious—can affect the review process. We feel that a double‐blind review procedure will help  preserve objectivity in the peer‐review process. Technical details on preparation of a manuscript for  of a manuscript for double-blind peer-review can be found in the Instructions for Authors section preserve objectivity in the peer‐review process. Technical details on preparation of a manuscript for  double‐blind peer‐review can be found in the Instructions for Authors section of the Toxins website:  of the Toxins website: http://www.mdpi.com/journal/toxins/instructions. In response to author double‐blind peer‐review can be found in the Instructions for Authors section of the Toxins website:  http://www.mdpi.com/journal/toxins/instructions.  In  response  to  articles. author  and  reader  feedback,    and reader feedback, we have also updated the layout of published PDF files remain the http://www.mdpi.com/journal/toxins/instructions.  In  response  to  author  and  reader  feedback,    we have also updated the layout of published articles. PDF files remain the predominant way that  predominant way that research articles are read and we want to ensure that Toxins produces attractive we have also updated the layout of published articles. PDF files remain the predominant way that  and readable papers. The new layout condenses a great deal of information in the front matter and research articles are read and we want to ensure that Toxins produces attractive and readable papers.  research articles are read and we want to ensure that Toxins produces attractive and readable papers.  simplifies a number of elements throughout the design. We have also updated some of the technical The new layout condenses a great deal of information in the front matter and simplifies a number of  The new layout condenses a great deal of information in the front matter and simplifies a number of  aspects of production to give a higher quality final product. elements throughout the design. We have also updated some of the technical aspects of production  elements throughout the design. We have also updated some of the technical aspects of production  During the course of discussions at the Toxins Editorial Board meeting in Oxford last fall to give a higher quality final product.  to give a higher quality final product.  (Figure 4), the  the course  need forof adiscussions  standardizedat nomenclature for snakeBoard  venoms becamein  clear. To assist During  the  Toxins  Editorial  meeting  Oxford  last  fall    During  the  course  of  discussions  at  the  Toxins  Editorial  Board  meeting  in  Oxford  last  fall    investigators in the field, Associate Professor Bryan Grieg Fry, Toxins Section Editor-in-Chief (Figure  4),  the  need  for  a  standardized  nomenclature  for  snake  venoms  became  clear.  To  assist  (Figure  4),  the  need  for  a  standardized  nomenclature  for  snake  venoms  became  clear.  To  assist  for Animal Toxins, has agreed to review the nomenclature of snake venoms and recommend a investigators  in  the  field,  Associate  Professor  Bryan  Grieg  Fry,  Toxins  Section  Editor‐in‐Chief  for  standardized to characterize these venoms thatGrieg  will greatly benefitSection  investigators in the field. for  investigators  in scheme the  field,  Associate  Professor  Bryan  Fry,  Toxins  Editor‐in‐Chief 

Animal  Toxins,  has  agreed  to  review  the  nomenclature  of  snake  venoms  and  recommend  a  Animal  Toxins,  has  agreed  to  review  the  nomenclature  of  snake  venoms  and  recommend  a  standardized scheme to characterize these venoms that will greatly benefit investigators in the field.  standardized scheme to characterize these venoms that will greatly benefit investigators in the field.  5460 2

Toxins 2015, 7, 5459–5461 Toxins 2015, 7, page–page 

Toxins 2015, 7, page–page 

  Figure 4. Toxins editorial board meeting, Oxford, England, Fall 2015.  Figure 4. Toxins editorial board meeting, Oxford, England, Fall 2015.

  Figure 4. Toxins editorial board meeting, Oxford, England, Fall 2015.  ItIt is our pleasure to welcome Dr. Nilgun Tumer (Figure 5), Professor in the Department of Plant  is our pleasure to welcome Dr. Nilgun Tumer (Figure 5), Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology, Biotechnology Center for Agriculture and the Environment at Rutgers University, as the  Pathology, Biotechnology Center for Agriculture and the Environment at Rutgers University, as the It is our pleasure to welcome Dr. Nilgun Tumer (Figure 5), Professor in the Department of Plant  new Section Editor‐in‐Chief for Plant Toxins. Dr. Tumer will help us cover an important research area  new SectionPathology, Biotechnology Center for Agriculture and the Environment at Rutgers University, as the  Editor-in-Chief for Plant Toxins. Dr. Tumer will help us cover an important research area new Section Editor‐in‐Chief for Plant Toxins. Dr. Tumer will help us cover an important research area  ofof toxinology. We are also in the process of identifying “Leading Opinions” editors who will assist  toxinology. We are also in the process of identifying “Leading Opinions” editors who will assist with soliciting and evaluating review articles from recognized leaders in various fields of toxinology.  of toxinology. We are also in the process of identifying “Leading Opinions” editors who will assist  with soliciting and evaluating review articles from recognized leaders in various fields of toxinology.

with soliciting and evaluating review articles from recognized leaders in various fields of toxinology. 

  Figure 5. Dr. Nilgun Tumer, Section Editor‐in‐Chief for Plant Toxins. 

  for Plant Toxins. Figure 5. Dr. Nilgun Tumer, Section Editor-in-Chief MDPI  has  agreed  to  partner  with  Publons  (https://publons.com),  a  company  providing  Figure 5. Dr. Nilgun Tumer, Section Editor‐in‐Chief for Plant Toxins.  recognition for peer reviewers. Publons will make publicly available details of which journal scholars  MDPI have  has reviewed  agreed for  to (without  partneridentifying  with Publons (https://publons.com), a log  company the  specific  paper).  The  reviewer  can  then  onto  the  providing MDPI  has  agreed  to  partner  with  Publons  (https://publons.com),  a  company  recognition for peerwebsite  reviewers. Publons will make publicly details of which journal scholars Publons  and  decide  if  they  wish  to  make  more  available details  about  their  review  available.   providing  recognition for peer reviewers. Publons will make publicly available details of which journal scholars  We believe that providing credit for reviewers will motivate them to accept review invitations, and  have reviewed for (without identifying the specific paper). The reviewer can then log onto the that this is also an appropriate method for publicly acknowledging their contribution, which is almost  have  reviewed  for  (without  identifying  specific  paper).  The  their reviewer  can  then  log We onto  the  Publons website and decide if they wish to the  make more details about review available. believe always anonymous and difficult to quantify.  Publons  website  and  decide  if  they  wish  to  make  more  details  about  their  review  available.  that providing credit for reviewers will motivate them to accept review invitations, and that this is   MDPI Publishing and Toxins are making a significant investment in the future of toxin research  We believe that providing credit for reviewers will motivate them to accept review invitations, and  by  supporting  two  Travel  Awards  for  post‐doctoral  fellows  graduate  students  to  attend  a  also an appropriate method for publicly acknowledging theiror contribution, which is almost always conference in 2016 to deliver an oral or poster presentation on research related to toxins. We trust you  that this is also an appropriate method for publicly acknowledging their contribution, which is almost  anonymous encouraged  and difficult to quantify. your  students  to  participate  in  this  competition.  Look  for  the  announcement  of  the  always anonymous and difficult to quantify.  MDPI Publishing and Toxins are making a significant investment in the future of toxin research winners next month.  MDPI Publishing and Toxins are making a significant investment in the future of toxin research  by supporting In closing, we hope this brief update on the state of the journal demonstrates the desire of the  two Travel Awards for post-doctoral fellows or graduate students to attend a by  supporting  two  Travel  Awards  for  post‐doctoral  fellows  or  graduate  students  to  attend  a  editorial board and staff of Toxins to meet the needs of the toxin research community. We are always  conference in 2016 to deliver an oral or poster presentation on research related to toxins. We trust amazed by the creativity and inventiveness of our colleagues in the world of toxins, and by all means,  conference in 2016 to deliver an oral or poster presentation on research related to toxins. We trust you  you encouraged your students to participate in this competition. Look for the announcement of the do not hesitate to contact us, or any member of the editorial board or staff, to let us know how we  encouraged can better meet your needs.  your  students  to  participate  in  this  competition.  Look  for  the  announcement  of  the  winners next month.

winners next month.  In closing, we hope this brief update on the state of the journal demonstrates the desire of the ©  2015  by  the authors;  licensee  MDPI,  Basel, Switzerland.  This  article is an  open  access  In closing, we hope this brief update on the state of the journal demonstrates the desire of the  editorial board and staff ofarticle distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons by Attribution  Toxins to meet the needs of the toxin research community. We are always editorial board and staff of Toxins to meet the needs of the toxin research community. We are always  (CC‐BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). amazed by the creativity and inventiveness of our colleagues in the world of toxins, and by all means, amazed by the creativity and inventiveness of our colleagues in the world of toxins, and by all means,  do not hesitate to contact us, or any member of the3editorial board or staff, to let us know how we can do not hesitate to contact us, or any member of the editorial board or staff, to let us know how we  better meet your needs. can better meet your needs. 

©2015  2015by  bythe authors;  the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open ©  licensee  MDPI,  Basel, Switzerland.  This  article is an  open  access  access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons by article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons by Attribution  Attribution (CC-BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). (CC‐BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

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