JALA Information

JALA Instructions for Authors At-A-Glance

JALA accepts manuscript submissions on an ongoing basis from SLAS members and nonmembers via the Elsevier Author Gateway.

JALA publishes manuscripts in four main categories - Original Reports, Innovation Briefs, Technology Reviews and Feature Stories. Descriptions and examples follow.

Submissions will be returned to authors if they do not comply with manuscript and figure guidelines. Information follows.

Please read these Instructions for Authors completely and carefully.

Content Focus

JALA authors, readers and reviewers are academic, commercial and government researchers, scientists and engineers who conduct research and develop new technologies to increase productivity, elevate data quality, reduce lab process cycle times or enable experimentation that otherwise would be impossible.

JALA's scientific content reflects an expanding population of laboratory researchers, engineers, practitioners/clinicians, educators, administrators, undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, policy makers, global health researchers and others who recognize the profound value of interdisciplinary collaboration.

With this in mind, JALA accepts method-focused manuscripts covering a wide range of technologies, which include sample processing (liquid handling, sample storage, sample analysis, and system integration); microfluidics (design, applications, and integration); informatics (LIMS, data acquisition and management, electronic laboratory notebooks and integration).

JALA does not limit the industries or research areas in which these technologies might be used, and has accepted manuscripts from pharmaceutical, biotechnology, chemistry, clinical, biochemistry, diagnostics, genetics, food technology, food safety, forensics, biosafety, university and government laboratories and materials science-based companies, vendors, and researchers.

Manuscript Categories

Original Reports

Original Reports contribute new, original, significant information and applications. Original Reports are a minimum of 2,000 words, with no maximum word limit. Comparisons or conclusions must be supported by data. Original Reports may concentrate on improved quality, increased process speed, reductions in sample volume, reductions in process costs, or innovations in informatics or data handling to list a few examples. The editorial staff and reviewers will evaluate a manuscript's content against its length and may suggest shortening the manuscript as appropriate. Original Reports are peer-reviewed by at least two experts in the field.

Review Articles

Review Articles do not cover original research but rather accumulate the results of many different reports on a particular topic into a coherent narrative about the state of the art in that field. Review articles provide information about the topic and also provide journal references to the original research. Reviews may be entirely narrative, or may provide quantitative summary estimates. Review Articles are a minimum of 2,000 words with no maximum word limit, and are peer reviewed by at least two experts in the field.

Innovation Briefs

Innovation Briefs are practical descriptions of a process, technique, instrumentation, device, or software containing technical content that would be of interest and use to readers of JALA, but do not contain the same level of data or existing comparisons to justify publication as an Original Report. Innovation Briefs are typically shorter than Original Reports (approximately 2,000 words). Innovation Briefs are also peer-reviewed by at least two experts in the field.

Technology Reviews

Technology Reviews describe new and innovative products of interest to JALA readers. They may focus on instruments, devices, or software. Technology Reviews are a minimum of 1,000 words. All Technology Reviews are edited for commercial content. Technology Reviews are reviewed by at least one expert in the field.

Feature Stories

Feature Stories explore topics of general interest to the laboratory automation community. They may support the editorial theme of a special issue, or profile a unique or otherwise pertinent technology, person or company. They vary in length and may be invited by the editors or submitted without invitation. Feature articles are peer reviewed by at least one expert in the field.

Manuscript Guidelines

All manuscripts must be written in the English language (American English) and submitted as Microsoft Word documents. Manuscripts must be prepared with standard 12-point fonts (e.g. Times New Roman, Ariel, Symbol), double-spaced with one inch margins, and pages should be consecutively numbered. Tables may be embedded in the Word file. Figures must be provided as separate and individual files. Important - please read figure guidelines.

Manuscripts should include an introductory abstract of approximately 200 words or less that states the purposes of study or investigation, main findings, and the principal conclusions. In addition, three to five keywords should be provided for indexing purposes.

Manuscripts are expected to be concise, well organized, and clearly written. (Click here for helpful advice). The format of the paper should follow the ACS Style Guide (© 2006 by the American Chemical Society, Washington, D.C.). The author is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of all references. JALA requests and strongly recommends that article titles be included in references. Use the SI system of units and Celsius degrees; use L for liter. Where a company is mentioned, indicate location (city, state, country if non-U.S.). All abbreviations, acronyms and symbols must be defined upon their initial use in the text. Authors who speak English as a second language might like to know about language editing services, many of which are available at a discount for current or prospective JALA/Elsevier authors. Other helpful information and resources can be found at the Elsevier Resource Center for Authors.

Figure Guidelines

It is the author's responsibility to provide original, high-resolution images for all figures, photos, and illustrations. Images should be at least five inches wide and saved as TIF files at 600 dpi for line-drawn images or at least 300 dpi for color or black/white photography. Color images should be saved as CMYK. Each image submitted should be saved as a separate file, and the file name should include the lead author's last name and identified as Figure 1, Figure 2, etc.

For more information about preparing images for print publication, authors are encouraged to review the “Artwork Instructions” section of the Elsevier Author Gateway website, and to visit the Digital Expert website.

Permissions Guidelines

Any text, tables, or figures reproduced from previously published work can only be reprinted with written permission from the copyright holder. Permissions must be submitted with the manuscript, and must include print and online publication. Acquiring permission is the sole responsibility of the author. The publication from which the material is taken must be listed in the references.

Copyright and Simultaneous Submissions

Manuscripts are considered for publication with the understanding that if the paper is accepted, copyright is transferred to the Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening, and that no paper presenting the same information has been or will be published elsewhere. If part of a contribution has appeared or will appear elsewhere, the author must specify the details in the comments portion of his or her submission. Simultaneous submissions of manuscripts to multiple journals at the same time are not acceptable - please do not submit manuscripts that may be under consideration by another publication or electronic medium.

Conflicts of Interest

All prospective authors must recognize and disclose any conflict of interest, or potential conflict of interest, that may bias their work, or could be perceived to bias their work, and acknowledge all financial support and any other personal connections. JALA follows the Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors, especially as they relate to conflicts of interest.

Scientific Misconduct

In accordance with the Council of Science Editors, JALA recognizes that as a general guide, the term “research misconduct” applies to any action that involves purposeful manipulation of the scientific record such that it no longer reflects observed truth, or mistreatment of research subjects. The concepts of negligence and deceit are central to the definition of research misconduct. Research misconduct generally falls into one of four areas: fabrication of data, falsification of data, plagiarism, and unethical treatment of research subjects. [MORE] If JALA suspects misconduct by authors, reviewers, editorial staff, or other editors, it will take action. This duty extends to both published and unpublished papers. JALA will first seek a response from those accused. If JALA is not satisfied with the response, JALA will ask the employers of the authors, reviewers, or editors, or some other appropriate body (perhaps a regulatory body) to investigate. In the case of its own editorial staff, JALA will conduct the investigation itself. JALA will make all reasonable efforts to ensure that a proper investigation is conducted. If this is not possible, or does not happen for whatever reason, JALA will make all reasonable attempts to persist in obtaining a resolution to the problem and a correction of the record if it is needed.

The Peer-Review Process

The review process is confidential, and reviewers are obliged not to discuss papers or authors with anyone outside of the JALA editorial staff. Manuscripts are typically evaluated in response to these general Peer Review Guidelines and initial feedback is usually provided to authors within four weeks after submission. Manuscripts can be accepted as written by reviewers, declined as inappropriate, or as is more often the case, reviewers will suggest revisions in the spirit of mentorship. Authors are then offered the opportunity to revise and resubmit their manuscripts, or provide explanations in response to reviewer questions or suggestions. Revisions and responses are re-reviewed by editor-in-chief and/or peer reviewers before final publishing decisions are made.

Offprints and Reprints

Offprints and reprints are available through Elsevier. Elsevier will provide authors with more information and order forms after a manuscript is accepted for publication.

Other Submissions

Letters to the Editor

Comments on published articles are welcome and will be published if deemed appropriate by the Editor. Letters should not exceed three double-spaced manuscript pages. Please include a brief title succinctly stating the topic of your letter. Letters to the Editor are screened, but also may be peer-reviewed or subjected to rebuttal by the authors of the initial article. Send Letters to the Editor to [e-mail].

News Releases

New product and company news announcements that may be of interest to JALA readers should be sent to [e-mail]. They will be considered for publication in JALA and/or online in The Market Place at SLAS.org.

Editorial Contact

Send questions, suggestions, ideas, or concerns regarding JALA to:

Nan Hallock

Managing Editor

Journal of Laboratory Automation

819 Shorewood Blvd.

Manitowoc, WI 54220 USA

Tel: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

CUSTOMER SERVICE (orders, claims, online, change of address):

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Address changes must be submitted four weeks in advance.

SLAS Members: Please record change of address information at SLAS.org or e-mail [e-mail].

Yearly Subscription Rates

The annual subscription rate for U.S. and overseas members of the Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening is $90 and is included in annual association membership dues of $120. For membership information, visit SLAS.org or e-mail [e-mail].

2011 nonmember subscription rates for U.S. addresses: individual, $245 institution, $420. Outside of the U.S. and possessions: individual, $295 institution, $485. Canadian customers, please add 7% GST to international prices. Single issues $81. Current prices are in effect for back volumes and back issues. Prices subject to change without notice. Subscription rates include supplements and full-text online access.

JALA Online

Members of the Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening may access full text articles from past and present issues of JALA at http://www.journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/xyjala. To activate an online subscription, SLAS members must register or log-in at this Web site (registration is brief and free). When registering, members will be prompted to provide an SLAS membership number in the “My society membership includes this journal” box. SLAS membership numbers can be found on individual JALA mailing labels, or members may contact JALA Managing Editor Nan Hallock at [e-mail]. Last names must be entered exactly as they appear on JALA mailing labels.

When searching for JALA in the Elsevier system, enter the full name of the journal: Journal of Laboratory Automation.

Contact Elsevier Customer Service with questions. Technicians are available Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern time. Call +800.654.2452 (toll-free from U.S. and Canada) or +1.314.447.8871 (from outside U.S.), Fax [phone], or e-mail [e-mail].

Further information on this journal is available from the Publisher or from this journal's website (http://www.journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/xyjala). Information on other Elsevier products is available through Elsevier's website (http://www.elsevier.com).

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Author inquiries

For inquiries relating to the submission of articles (including electronic submission where available), please visit www.elsevier.com/authors. This site also provides the facility to track accepted articles and set up e-mail alerts to inform you of when an article's status has changed, as well as detailed artwork guidelines, copyright information, frequently asked questions, and more. Please see Information for Authors for individual journal requirements. Contact details for questions arising after acceptance of an article, especially those relating to proofs, are provided after registration of an article for publication.

The paper used in this publication meets the requirements of ANSI/NISO Z39.48–1992 (Permanence of Paper).

Reprints

For queries about author offprints, e-mail [e-mail]. To order 100 or more reprints for educational, commercial, or promotional use, contact the Commercial Reprints Department, Elsevier Inc., 360 Park Ave. South, New York, NY 10010–1710. Fax [phone], e-mail [e-mail]. Reprints of single articles available online may be obtained by purchasing Pay-Per-View access for $15 per article on the journal Web site, http://labautomation.org.

© 2011 Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening, Published by Elsevier. All rights reserved. This journal and the individual contributions contained in it are protected under copyright by the Association for Laboratory Automation, and the following terms and conditions apply to their use:

Photocopying

Single photocopies of single articles may be made for personal use as allowed by national copyright laws. Permission of the Publisher and payment of a fee is required for all other photocopying, including multiple or systematic copying, copying for advertising or promotional purposes, resale, and all forms of document delivery. Special rates are available for educational institutions that wish to make photocopies for non-profit educational classroom use.

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In the USA, users may clear permissions and make payments through the Copyright Clearance Center, Inc., 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, USA; phone: [phone], fax: [phone], and in the UK through the Copyright Licensing Agency Rapid Clearance Service (CLARCS), 90 Tottenham Court Road, London W1P 0LP, UK; phone: [phone]; fax: [phone]. Other countries may have a local reprographic rights agency for payments.

Derivative Works

Subscribers may reproduce tables of contents or prepare lists of articles including abstracts for internal circulation within their institutions. Permission of the Publisher is required for resale or distribution outside the institution.

Permission of the Publisher is required for all other derivative works, including compilations and translations.

Electronic Storage or Usage

Permission of the Publisher is required to store or use electronically any material contained in this journal, including any article or part of an article.

Except as outlined above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of the Publisher.

Address permissions requests to: Elsevier Rights Department, at the fax and e-mail addresses noted above.

Notice

No responsibility is assumed by the Publisher or the Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening for any injury and/or damage to persons or property as a matter of products liability, negligence or otherwise, or from any use or operation of any methods, products, instructions or ideas contained in the material herein. Because of rapid advances in the medical sciences, in particular, independent verification of diagnoses and drug dosages should be made.

Although all advertising material is expected to conform to ethical (medical) standards, inclusion in this publication does not constitute a guarantee or endorsement of the quality or value of such product or of the claims made of it by its manufacturer.

Indexing and Abstracting

JALA manuscript abstracts are indexed by Analytical Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts (CAS+), CINAHL, Compendex, EMBASE/Excerpta Medica, Google Scholar, Inspec, Proquest CSA Technology Research Database, Scifinder, Scirus, and Scopus. JALA Online and Elsevier ScienceDirect publish abstracts and full text articles.