© 2002 American Heart Association, Inc.
Editorials |
Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, 2002
We write to provide a progress report for Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biololgy, to provide data about some important trends and to thank several groups of people for their continued help. The goals of the Journal remain unchanged: to publish high-quality papers, provide timely review and publication, and publish papers that are of special interest to our readers.
Publication of High-Quality Papers
One key criterion for publication is the scientific validity of the conclusions, as evaluated by expert reviewers, the Editorial Board, and the Editors. A second criterion, which is more subjective, is the evaluation of the novelty and likely importance of papers. In decisions about scientific validity and importance (or priority), the Editors rely heavily on the advice of expert reviewers.
Nevertheless, assessment of the importance and quality of papers that are published is challenging. One benchmark is the impact factor. The latest available data (for 2000) indicate that the impact factor of ATVB and other journals that focus on atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and vascular biology has fluctuated during the past five years but, in general, has remained relatively constant (Figure 1). These data do not reflect the long-term, gradual increase in impact factor of ATVB during the past two decades. Compared with other journals in this area of research, it is clear that ATVB is an appropriate forum to publish excellent papers in the area.
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