Why Physiologists Choose JNPP

The Journal of Nervous System and Physiological Phenomena provides a specialized platform for researchers investigating the intricate mechanisms of physiological systems. Our journal focuses on mechanistic studies that advance our understanding of how nervous systems and other physiological systems function at molecular, cellular, organ, and systems levels. Whether you're exploring cardiovascular regulation, neural signaling pathways, metabolic homeostasis, or developing novel physiological models, JNPP offers the rigorous peer review and global visibility your research deserves.

Two Convenient Submission Methods

We offer two streamlined pathways for submitting your physiological research. Choose the method that best fits your workflow and manuscript complexity.

Manuscript Types We Publish

JNPP welcomes diverse manuscript types that advance physiological knowledge through mechanistic investigation, methodological innovation, and integrative analysis. All submissions undergo rigorous peer review by physiologists with expertise in your specific research area.

Peer Review Timeline

We are committed to providing timely, constructive peer review while maintaining rigorous scientific standards. Our streamlined process ensures your physiological research receives expert evaluation without unnecessary delays.

Pre-Submission Checklist

Ensure your manuscript is complete and properly formatted before submission. This checklist helps prevent delays during editorial screening and peer review.

What Happens After Submission

Initial Editorial Assessment

Within 3 days of submission, our editorial team conducts a preliminary assessment to ensure your manuscript aligns with JNPP's scope and meets basic submission requirements. We evaluate whether your research focuses on physiological mechanisms rather than purely clinical outcomes. Manuscripts outside our scope receive prompt notification with suggestions for more appropriate journals.

Plagiarism Screening

All submissions undergo automated similarity checking using iThenticate. We assess text overlap with published literature and preprint servers. Manuscripts with similarity indices exceeding 30% (excluding references and standard methods descriptions) are returned for revision before peer review. This protects the integrity of physiological research and ensures originality.

Reviewer Selection

We carefully match your manuscript with reviewers who have demonstrated expertise in your specific physiological subdiscipline. Our reviewer database includes specialists in cardiovascular physiology, neurophysiology, respiratory physiology, renal physiology, endocrine physiology, gastrointestinal physiology, and integrative systems physiology. We consider your suggested reviewers while maintaining independence and avoiding conflicts of interest.

Peer Review Process

JNPP employs single-blind peer review, where reviewer identities remain confidential but author identities are known to reviewers. Reviewers evaluate scientific rigor, experimental design, data quality, statistical analysis, interpretation of physiological findings, and contribution to the field. They provide constructive feedback to improve manuscript quality regardless of the final decision.

Editorial Decision Categories

Accept: Manuscript is scientifically sound and requires no further revisions. Proceeds directly to production.

Minor Revisions: Manuscript is fundamentally sound but requires small clarifications, additional data presentation, or improved discussion of physiological implications. Typically reviewed by editor only after revision.

Major Revisions: Manuscript has merit but requires substantial additional experiments, reanalysis of data, or significant restructuring. Returns to original reviewers after revision to verify concerns are addressed.

Reject: Manuscript does not meet publication standards due to fundamental flaws in experimental design, insufficient data, inappropriate interpretation, or misalignment with journal scope. Detailed feedback provided to guide future submissions.

Revision Guidelines

If revisions are requested, carefully address each reviewer comment in a point-by-point response document. Clearly indicate where changes were made in the revised manuscript (using track changes or color highlighting). If you disagree with a reviewer comment, provide a respectful, evidence-based explanation. Include any new data or analyses requested by reviewers. Submit revisions within the specified timeframe (typically 60 days for major revisions, 30 days for minor revisions) to maintain your position in the review queue.

Post-Acceptance Process

Upon acceptance, your manuscript undergoes professional copyediting to ensure clarity and adherence to journal style. You receive proofs for final review and approval. During this stage, only minor corrections are permitted—no new data or substantial changes. After proof approval, your article receives a DOI and is published online in the next available issue. Open access ensures immediate worldwide visibility to the global physiology community.

Open Access and Article Processing Charges

JNPP is a fully open access journal, ensuring your physiological research reaches the widest possible audience without subscription barriers. All published articles are freely accessible to researchers, clinicians, students, and the public worldwide immediately upon publication.

Benefits of Open Access Publication

Open access publication in JNPP provides several advantages for physiological research dissemination. Your work achieves greater visibility and citation impact compared to subscription-based journals. Researchers in developing countries and institutions without expensive journal subscriptions can access your findings. Your data and methodologies can be more easily replicated and built upon by the global physiology community. Open access aligns with funding agency mandates from NIH, NSF, Wellcome Trust, and other major research funders requiring public access to research results.

Article Processing Charges

To sustain our open access model while maintaining rigorous peer review, JNPP charges article processing charges (APCs) for accepted manuscripts. APC rates vary by article type and are clearly listed on our website. Many institutions have open access funds or agreements that cover APCs. Check with your library or research office about available support.

Waiver Policy

We are committed to ensuring financial constraints do not prevent publication of high-quality physiological research. APC waivers or discounts are available for authors from low-income countries, early-career researchers without institutional funding, and authors facing genuine financial hardship. Waiver requests are evaluated confidentially and do not influence editorial decisions. To request a waiver, indicate your need during the submission process and provide a brief justification.

Copyright and Licensing

Authors retain copyright of their work published in JNPP. Articles are published under Creative Commons licenses (typically CC BY 4.0), allowing others to share and adapt your work with appropriate attribution. This licensing framework maximizes the impact and reuse of physiological research while protecting author rights. You may deposit your published article in institutional repositories and share it freely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I submit a manuscript that includes both physiological mechanisms and clinical outcomes?

JNPP focuses primarily on mechanistic physiological research. Manuscripts that investigate physiological mechanisms underlying clinical conditions are appropriate if the emphasis is on understanding system function rather than clinical management. For example, a study examining cardiovascular reflex mechanisms in heart failure patients would be suitable, while a clinical trial comparing treatment outcomes would not. Contact our editorial office if you're uncertain about scope alignment.

What statistical analysis standards does JNPP require?

We expect rigorous statistical analysis appropriate to your experimental design. Report sample sizes with justification (power analysis when applicable). Specify statistical tests used and verify assumptions are met. Report exact p-values rather than inequalities when possible. For complex physiological datasets, consider consulting a biostatistician. Include measures of variability (standard deviation, standard error, confidence intervals) in all data presentations. Our reviewers carefully evaluate statistical rigor.

How should I handle previously published preliminary data?

You may include preliminary data previously presented at conferences or published as abstracts, provided the current manuscript contains substantial new data and analysis. Clearly cite previous presentations in your cover letter and Methods section. The manuscript should represent a significant advance beyond preliminary findings. Preprint posting (e.g., bioRxiv) does not preclude submission to JNPP and can accelerate dissemination of your physiological research.

Can I suggest specific reviewers or request exclusions?

Yes, you may suggest potential reviewers with relevant expertise in your cover letter. Provide names, affiliations, and email addresses. Ensure suggested reviewers have no conflicts of interest with your work. You may also request exclusion of specific individuals due to conflicts of interest or competitive concerns. While we consider suggestions, final reviewer selection remains at editorial discretion to ensure independence and expertise.

What if I disagree with reviewer comments?

Reviewer feedback aims to improve manuscript quality, but reviewers may occasionally misunderstand aspects of your work or request unnecessary experiments. In your revision response, you may respectfully disagree with specific comments if you provide clear scientific justification. Explain your reasoning thoroughly and cite supporting literature when appropriate. The handling editor will evaluate both reviewer concerns and your responses when making a final decision.

How long do I have to submit revisions?

Major revisions typically allow 60 days for resubmission, while minor revisions allow 30 days. If you need additional time due to experimental delays or other circumstances, contact the editorial office to request an extension before the deadline. Extensions are generally granted for reasonable requests. However, extended delays may require re-review if significant new literature emerges in your research area.

Will my manuscript be published if I cannot pay the APC?

Yes. Editorial decisions are made independently of financial considerations. If your manuscript is accepted and you cannot pay the APC, request a waiver during the submission process or after acceptance. We evaluate waiver requests confidentially and work with authors to find solutions. Financial constraints should never prevent publication of important physiological research.

Ready to Submit Your Research?

Join the growing community of physiologists advancing our understanding of nervous system function and physiological mechanisms through JNPP. Our streamlined submission process, expert peer review, and commitment to open access ensure your research achieves the visibility and impact it deserves.