Clinical Positron Imaging and the Transition Towards an On-Line Electronic Journal

Currently most scientific journals are still predominated by printed versions alone. Although the use of CD-ROM technology and the Internet has facilitated a transition into the domain of electronic communication and electronic journals, we still have a relatively long way to go. However, we will probably make this long journey in a relatively short amount of time (perhaps no more than 5-10 years). This article reviews the history of printed journals, the limitations of current printed journals, transitioning to newer electronic communication methods, and, finally, details of accessing the different electronic versions of the journal are provided. These electronic versions include e.CPI, CPI ONLINE, and ScienceDirect(TM). e.CPI will allow for presentation of animations, movie segments, as well as complete sets of functional images not otherwise accessible from a standard printed journal. CPI ONLINE and ScienceDirect(TM) will eventually allow for on-line access of the entire article and links to articles provided in the references. The hope is that the electronic versions may allow us to eventually transition to a fully electronic journal for the field of positron imaging.