To ensure uniformity, clarity, and smooth processing of submissions, manuscripts for JASN must adhere to the following writing and formatting requirements. These guidelines cover everything from the required file formats and title page information to the structure of the abstract, preparation of figures and tables (including AI‑generated artwork), and the proper packaging of supplementary materials, data statements, and references. Compliance with these standards streamlines peer review, production, and discovery of your work.
File format
Manuscripts should be submitted as editable source files—Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) or LaTeX—using the official JASN template. All text, tables, and equations must be contained within these source files. Figures and artwork should be uploaded separately in their native high‑resolution formats.
Title page
The first page must include:
- Article title (concise and descriptive)
- Full author names with institutional affiliations
- Corresponding author indicated by an asterisk, with complete postal address and daytime e‑mail
Abstract
Provide an unstructured abstract of up to 250 words summarizing the background, key methods, principal results, and main conclusions. Avoid citations and technical jargon; the abstract should be fully understandable on its own.
Keywords
List 4–6 keywords immediately following the abstract. Keywords should reflect the core topics of the paper to facilitate indexing and retrieval.
Highlights (optional)
Authors may include 3–5 bullet points (≤85 characters each) to emphasize novelty or key findings; highlights are optional and not required at initial submission.
Graphical abstract (optional)
A concise pictorial summary may be submitted but is not mandatory; if provided, it should be embedded within the manuscript file and sized for clarity when reduced.
Math formulae
All mathematical expressions must be editable and created with MathType or the built‑in equation editor. Displayed equations should be numbered sequentially (e.g., (1), (2)) and referenced in the text.
Tables
Embed tables directly in the manuscript source as editable objects. Number them consecutively (Table 1, Table 2, …) and provide a concise title above each table. Footnotes may be used for clarification.
Figures, images and artwork
Figures may be placed directly within the manuscript at the appropriate points; ensure all artwork is of sufficient resolution for print and online viewing (minimum 300 dpi), with concise captions numbered consecutively (Fig. 1, Fig. 2, …)
Generative AI and Figures, images and artwork
Please read our policy on the use of generative AI and AI‑assisted tools in figures, images, and artwork, which can be found in the Generative AI Policy for JASN.
- We do not permit the use of generative AI or AI‑assisted tools to create or alter images in submitted manuscripts.
- The only exception is if the use of AI or AI‑assisted tools is part of the research design or methods.
- In such cases, authors must describe the use in a reproducible manner within the Methods section, including the name and version of the model or tool, extension numbers, and manufacturer.
- The use of generative AI or AI‑assisted tools in the production of artwork such as for graphical abstracts is not permitted; use may only be allowed if the author obtains prior permission from the Journal Editor, demonstrates that all necessary rights have been cleared, and ensures correct content attribution
Supplementary material
Supplementary files (additional figures, tables, datasets, detailed methods) should be uploaded separately, labeled as “Supplementary Material,” and cited in the main text (e.g., Supplementary Fig. S1).
Research data
Authors are strongly encouraged to deposit primary data in recognized public repositories. Data that underpin the findings should be accessible to reviewers and readers whenever possible.
Data statement
Include a “Data availability” section at the end of the manuscript stating where and how the underlying data can be accessed, including persistent identifiers (DOIs) if available.
Data linking
When data are deposited in external repositories, provide persistent links (e.g., DOIs) in the Data availability statement to ensure long‑term access.
Research Elements
Tag key research elements—such as materials, methods, software, and protocols—according to the JASN metadata schema to support enhanced discoverability and machine‑readable indexing.
Article structure
Manuscripts should follow the standard IMRAD format:
- Introduction
- Materials and Methods
- Results
- Discussion
- Conclusions
Follow this with Acknowledgments, Author Contributions, Data Availability, and References.
References
Cite references in the text using sequential numbers in square brackets [1], [2], etc., in the order of appearance. In the Reference list, use journal abbreviations, include all author names, article title, journal name, volume, year, and page range. Ensure consistency and completeness for all entries.