Instructions to Contributors

 

 

 

Scope: Neuroscience-Net is a general interest neuroscience journal, published only in electronic form on the Internet. Articles pertaining to all aspects of neuroscience, whether they are basic neurobiology or clinical in nature, are welcome. However, articles submitted should be of very high impact, where it is imperative that the data be communicated as quickly as possible, and to as many scientists around the world as feasible.

Format: All material in the manuscript, including text and figures, are to be submitted electronically by E-Mail.

      • Text
        Manuscript text should be submitted as word processor file, such as Microsoft Word.
         

      • Tables
        Tables should be submitted as separate files in the original word processor format. For example, in Microsoft WordTM, the table would have a *.doc name, and for Word PerfectTM, *.wp. Group the tables all together in one file.
         

      • Graphics
        Graphics should be in the form of GIFs (for charts and graphs) and JPGs (for micrographs).
         

      • Video and Sound bites
        Sound bites and full motion video can also be published by special arrangements. (For example, a video of Parkinsonian patients before and after treatment with a new drug).

Graphics We have some Sample Graphics which will illustrate color and black & white figures that will be displayed in this journal.

Manuscripts must be divided as follows:

How to submit your manuscript:

Abstract -- The Abstract should state:

      1. The general experimental problem -- XYZ neurological disease affects 2.3% of the world's population.

      2. Specific experimental problem addressed in the manuscript -- Several neurotransmitters are altered in this disease.

      3. Hypothesis tested -- Are ABC neurotransmitter receptors upregulated in brain region G during the onset of this illness?

      4. The method employed -- ...used receptor binding assay.

      5. Findings -- Receptors were upregulated.

      6. Relevance to neuroscience -- Improved our understanding of this serious disorder.

         

Note: At the top of the abstract, put the title of the article, then two hard carriage returns, then list all authors with their affiliations, then two hard carriage returns, then the abstract. Underneath the abstract, list up to 10 key words (such as those used in Index Medicus). This information will be used in conjunction with a search engine on our website, and also by abstract indexing services from other organizations.

Introduction -- This section should contain items 1, 2, 3, and 4 listed above, but in more detail. Cite only those references that are really necessary to the understanding of why you performed the reported research. Cite them in the text first by most recent date, then by alphabetical order as in the following example:

      • Recent research indicates that brain region G shows physiological changes during the course of XYZ disease (Kingsley and Robertson, 1996; Smith and Jackson, 1996; Jones et al., 1995; Jones et al., 1994).

Materials and Methods -- This section should indicate the type of experimental subjects (human or animal), their sex, age, housing conditions (food, water, lighting), and experimental protocol. If the protocol is unchanged from previously published reports, cite those reports rather than duplicate the description, but give basic details. A statement should be made as to animal handling under proper care guidelines.

Results -- Describe the results in a straightforward, lucid manner. As many graphics as you wish can be included for the $650 electronic reprint charge (see below), as long as the total size of the manuscript text and all graphics does not exceed 1 Megabyte.
Graphics can include light microscopy, electron microscopy, electrophysiological recordings, PET scans, bar graphs, and line graphs. There is no extra charge for color graphics, including bar and line graphs which may be in color (in fact, we suggest that you design bar and line graphs in color). Be sure to:

      • Place a small circled number in the bottom right hand corner of the graphic.

      • Indicate the magnification of micrographs with a Micron bar in one corner of the figure.

      • Scan all halftone graphics, whether they are color or black and white (such as micrographs) at 72 dots resolution. For micrographs, also scan them at 200 dots per inch, and keep them on file in case referees request higher resolution graphics for review. Send only the low resolution graphics initially.

      • save halftone graphics as *.jpg files with zero compression.

      • save bar graphs and line art as *.gif files.

Refer to the complete instructions for creating graphics described under Format at the beginning of this section.

Discussion -- Describe the relevance of your findings in terms of the specific hypothesis that you have tested, and also in terms of the global impact on the field of neuroscience. Cite only those references that are absolutely necessary.

Acknowledgements -- Self explanatory

References -- List the references in alphabetical order as in the following examples:

      • Pilotte, N. S., Sharpe, L. G., Rountree, S. D., and Kuhar, M. J. (1996) Cocaine withdrawal reduces dopamine transporter binding in the shell of the nucleus accumbens. Synapse, 22: 87-92.

      • Taylor, J.B., and Benes, F.M. (1996) Colocalization of glutamate decarboxylase, tyrosine hydroxylase and serotonin immunoreactivity in rat medial prefrontal cortex. Neuroscience-Net, 1: Article # 10001, April 24.

      • Witter, M.P. (1989) Connectivity of the rat hippocampus. In: The Hippocampus, New Vistas, V. Chan-Palay and C. Kohler, eds., Alan R. Liss, Inc., New York, pp. 53-69.

The titles of journals may be abbreviated when appropriate.

Legends -- List the legends of each figure. After the figure number, put the filename in parentheses, then the text of the legend. For example:

      • Figure 1  -- This micrograph shows...

Refer to the complete instructions for naming files described under Format at the beginning of this section.

Cover Letter -- A cover letter should be sent with the manuscript, providing:

      1. The title of the manuscript

      2. Full names of all authors

      3. The corresponding author with full address (regular mail as well as E-Mail) and phone number.

      4. A statement must be included to the effect that the manuscript is not under current consideration in any other journal.

      5. List the filenames of the manuscript and all figures -- carefully follow the instructions for naming files described under Format at the beginning of this section.

      6. Include a list of four scientists -- with their E-Mail addresses, institutional addresses, and phone numbers -- who would be appropriate referees.

      7. Send the cover letter with the manuscript electronically, and also fax a signed (corresponding author) copy to the editor at 650-367-9630 (USA).

Reviews and Charges -- All manuscripts are peer-reviewed electronically. Upon acceptance, the authors will be expected to assist in the correction of the formatted manuscript in html (the programming language of the Internet) in preparation for publication. There are many excellent html editors available, including Front Page (Microsoft), HomeSite (http://www.allaire.com), Hot Dog Pro (http://www.sausage.com), and Hot Metal Pro (http://www.softquad.com). These editors are inexpensive and function like word processors. There is no charge for publication, storage, or transfer (readers downloading your article). Graphics may be in color or black & white (no charge for either type).

Digital files for graphs and charts are already stored as such when you create the graphics. In the case of photographs, such as micrographs, authors are expected to scan them in as tiff files or other uncompressed formats, and then convert them to jpg or gif at their own facilities. Scanners are available for less than $200 and are easy to use. Sound bites and full motion video can also be published by special arrangements (for example, a video of Parkinsonian patients before and after treatment with a new drug). Contact the editor at jej at neuroscience dot com (Spam Buster Designation) for more information.

Submission Procedure -- Send the manuscript and attached graphics by E-Mail to Dr. John E. Johnson, Jr., Editor-in-Chief, Neuroscience-Net at the following address: jej at neuroscience dot com, or jej123 at sbcglobal dot net.

You will be notified of the manuscript receipt date with a manuscript number assigned. The manuscript will be reviewed electronically, and you will be notified by E-Mail of its status. If the manuscript requires revisions, you will be required to perform this task electronically and resubmit it to the original section editor. When the manuscript is submitted, while it is being reviewed, and when the authors proof the web-formatted final version, it will be handled as a private document. Upon publication, the article is available world-wide, free to all who wish to access it.

If your manuscript is accepted for publication, download the copyright transfer agreement from the web site, have the appropriate person sign it, and fax it to the Editor-in-Chief at 650-367-9630.

Manuscripts will be published within two weeks of acceptance during which time the copyright transfer agreement must be signed and transmitted, and authors must proof their manuscript electronically. Details of the proofing procedure will be sent to you by e-mail.

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