An International Journal

Aims and Scope
Peptides will publish original reports on the chemistry, biochemistry, neurochemistry, endocrinology, gastroenterology, physiology, and pharmacology of peptides, as well as their neurological, psychological and behavioral effects.
Peptides emphasizes all aspects of peptide research, including investigations in plants, insects, lower vertebrates, animals and clinical studies in humans. A limited number of objectives, relevant reviews and brief or rapid communications will also be published. Articles will be published in English, American style.

Submission of articles
It is essential to give a fax number and e-mail address when submitting a manuscript. Articles must be written in good English, American (not British) style and spelling. Authors are encouraged to have the manuscript evaluated by a native English speaker before submission.
Submission of an article implies that the work described has not been published previously (except in the form of an abstract or as part of a published lecture or academic thesis), that it is not under consideration for publication elsewhere, that its publication is approved by all Authors and tacitly or explicitly by the responsible authorities where the work was carried out, and that, if accepted, it will not be published elsewhere in the same form, in English or in any other language, without the written consent of the Publisher.
Correspondence should be sent to Abba J. Kastin, Editor-in-Chief, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, 6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70808-4124, USA, orpeptides@pbrc.edu.
Only online submissions shall be considered for publication.
On-line submission to the journal prior to acceptance Submission to this journal proceeds totally on-line. Use the following guidelines to prepare your article viia the journal homepage ( http://www.elsevier.com/locate/peptdes) you will be guided stepwise through the creation and uploading of the various files. Once the uploading is done, our system automatically generates an electronic (PDF) proof, which is then used for reviewing. All correspondence, including notification of the Editor's decision and requests for revisions, will be by e-mail. In general, no separate proof is sent to you: the PDF is your proof. A proof will be provided only when the final layout of the article has to differ significantly from that in the initial PDF.
The above represents a very brief outline of this form of submission. It can be advantageous to print this ''Guide for Authors'' section from the site for reference in the subse-quent stages of article preparation. Electronic format requirements for accepted articles
General points
We accept most word-processing formats, but Word, or WordPerfect is preferred. Always keep a backup copy of the electronic file for reference and safety. Save your files using the default extension of the program used. Word processor documents: It is important that the file be saved in the native format of the word processor used. The text should be in single-column format. Keep the layout of the text as simple as possible. Most formatting codes will be removed and replaced on processing the article. In particular, do not use the word processor's options to justify text or to hyphenate words. However, do use bold face, italics, subscripts, superscripts etc. Do not embed ''graphically designed'' equations or tables, but prepare these using the word processor's facility. When preparing tables, if you are using a table grid, use only one grid for each individual table and not a grid for each row. If no grid is used, use tabs, not spaces, to align columns. The electronic text should be prepared in a way very similar to that of conventional manuscripts. Please import the figures into the text file for review purposes. See also the section on Preparation of electronic illustrations. To avoid unnecessary errors you are strongly advised to use the ''spellchecker'' function of your word processor.
Brief communications should be restricted to six pages, including references, and should not present more than two figures, two tables, or one of each.

Submission checklist
It is hoped that this list will be useful during the final checking of an article prior to sending it to the journal's Editor for review. Please consult this Guide for Authors for further details of any item. Ensure that the following items are present:
- One Author designated as corresponding Author
- E-mail address
- Full postal address
- Telephone and fax numbers
- All necessary files have been uploaded
- Keywords
- All figure captions
- All tables (including title, description, footnotes) Further considerations
- Manuscript has been ''spell checked''
- References are in the correct format for this journal, listed alphabetically and numbered.
- All references mentioned in the Reference list are cited in the text, and vice versa
- Permission has been obtained for use of copyrighted material from other sources (including the Web)
- Color figures are clearly marked as being intended for color reproduction on the Web (free of charge) and in print or to be reproduced in color on the Web (free of charge) and in black-and-white in print
- If only color on the Web is required, black and white versions of the figures are also supplied for printing purposes
For any further information please contact the Author Support Department at authorsupport@elsevier.com

US National Institutes of Health (NIH) voluntary posting (" Public Access") policy

Elsevier facilitates author response to the NIH voluntary posting request (referred to as the NIH "Public Access Policy"; see http://www.nih.gov/about/publicaccess/index.htm) by posting the peer-reviewed author's manuscript directly to PubMed Central on request from the author, 12 months after formal publication. Upon notification from Elsevier of acceptance, we will ask you to confirm via e-mail (by e-mailing us at NIHauthorrequest@elsevier.com) that your work has received NIH funding and that you intend to respond to the NIH policy request, along with your NIH award number to facilitate processing. Upon such confirmation, Elsevier will submit to PubMed Central on your behalf a version of your manuscript that will include peer-review comments, for posting 12 months after formal publication. This will ensure that you will have responded fully to the NIH request policy. There will be no need for you to post your manuscript directly with PubMed Central, and any such posting is prohibited.

Preparation of text

General
Please write your text in good English. Only American usage is accepted, e.g., utilize, not utilise; color, not colour; while, not whilst. Italics are not to be used for expressions of Latin origin, for example, in vivo, et al., per se. For numbers, use decimal points (not commas); use a space for thousands (10 000 and above).
Authors in Japan please note that, upon request, Elsevier Japan will provide authors with a list of people who can check and improve the English of their paper (before sub-mission).
Please contact our Tokyo office: Elsevier, 4F Higashi-Azabu, 1 Chome Bldg, 1-9-15 Higashi-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0044, Japan; phone: (03)-5561- 5032; fax: (03)-5561-5045; e-mail: jp.info@elsevier.com.
Provide the following data on the title page (in the order given).
Title. Concise and informative. Titles are often used in information-retrieval systems. Avoid abbreviations and formulae where possible.
Author names and affiliations. Where the family name may be ambiguous (e.g., a double name), please indicate this clearly. Present the Authors' affiliation addresses (where the actual work was done) below the names. Indicate all affiliations with a lower-case superscript letter immediately after the Author's name and in front of the appropriate address. Provide the full postal address of each affiliation, including the country name, and, if available, the e-mail address of each Author. Do not include academic degree information after the Authors' names.
Corresponding Author. Clearly indicate who is willing to handle correspondence at all stages of refereeing and publication, also post-publication. Ensure that telephone and fax numbers (with country and area code) are provided in addition to the e-mail address and the complete postal address.
Present/permanent address. If an Author has moved since the work described in the article was done, or was visiting at the time, a ''Present address'' (or ''Permanent address'') may be indicated as a footnote to that Author's name. The address at which the Author actually did the work must be retained as the main, affiliation address. Superscript Arabic numerals are used for such footnotes.
Abstract. A concise and factual abstract is required (not more than 250 words). The abstract should state briefly the purpose of the research, the principal results and major conclusions. It should not end in a vague statement about results being discussed. References should be avoided. Non-standard or uncommon abbreviations should be avoided, but if essential they must be defined at their first mention in the abstract itself.
Keywords. Immediately after the abstract, provide a list of 3 to 6 keywords, avoiding general and plural terms and multiple concepts (avoid, for example, ''and'', ''of''). Be sparing with abbreviations: only abbreviations firmly established in the field may be eligible. These keywords will be used for indexing purposes.

Arrangement of the article

Subdivision of the article. Divide your article into clearly defined and numbered sections. Subsections should be numbered 1.1 (then 1.1.1, 1.1.2, ...),1.2, etc. (the abstract is not included in section numbering). Use this numbering also for internal cross-referencing: do not just refer to ''the text.'' Any subsection may be given a brief heading. Each heading should appear on its own separate line.
Introduction. State the objectives of the work and provide an adequate background, avoiding a detailed literature survey or a summary of the results.
Experimental/Materials and methods. Provide sufficient detail to allow the work to be reproduced. Methods already published should be indicated by a reference: only relevant modifications should be described.
Results. Results should be clear and concise. Results and Discussion sections should be separate, even for papers submitted as Brief Communications.
Discussion. This should explore the significance of the results of the work, not repeat them. Avoid extensive citations and discussion of published literature.
Conclusions. The main conclusions of the study may be presented in a short Conclusions section, which may stand-alone or form a subsection of a Discussion section. Drugs. Proprietary (trademarked) names should be capita-lized.
The chemical name should precede the trade, popular name, or abbreviation of a drug the first time it occurs.
Amino Acids. The first letter of the 3-letter abbreviations for amino acids should be capitalized.
Anesthesia. In describing surgical procedures on animals, the type and dosage of the anesthetic agent should be specified. Curarizing agents are not anesthetics; if these were used, evidence must be provided that anesthesia of suitable grade and duration was employed.
Glossary/Nomenclature. Please supply, as a separate list, the definitions of field-specific terms used in your article. Appendices. If there is more than one appendix, they should be identified as A, B, etc. Formulae and equations in appendices should be given separate numbering: (Eq. A.1), (Eq. A.2), etc.; in a subsequent appendix, (Eq. B.1) and so forth.
Acknowledgements. Place acknowledgements, including information on grants received, before the references, in a separate section, and not as a footnote on the title page. Figure captions, tables, figures, schemes. Present these, in this order, at the end of the article. They are described in more detail below. High-resolution graphics files must always be provided separate from the main text file (see Preparation of illustrations).
Mathematical formulae. Present simple formulae in the line of normal text where possible. In principle, variables are to be presented in italics. Use the solidus (/) instead of a horizontal line, e.... g.... ;Xp Ym rather than Xp Ym Powers of e are often more conveniently denoted by exp. Number consecutively any equations that have to be dis-played separate from the text (if referred to explicitly in the text).
Formulas and equations. Structural chemical formulas, process flow diagrams, and complicated mathematical expressions should be kept to a minimum. Usually chemical formulas and flow diagrams should be drawn in India ink for reproduction as line cuts. All subscripts, superscripts, Greek letters, and unusual characters must be clearly identified.
Footnotes. Footnotes should be used sparingly. Number them consecutively throughout the article, using superscript Arabic numbers. Many word processors build footnotes into the text, and this feature may be used. Should this not be the case, indicate the position of footnotes in the text and present the footnotes themselves on a separate sheet at the end of the article. Do not include footnotes in the Reference list.
Table footnotes. Indicate each footnote in a table with a superscript lowercase letter.
Tables. Number tables consecutively in accordance with their appearance in the text. Place footnotes to tables below the table body and indicate them with superscript lowercase letters. Avoid vertical rules. Be sparing in the use of tablesand ensure that the data presented in tables do not duplicate results described elsewhere in the article.
DNA sequences and GenBank Accession numbers. Many Elsevier journals cite ''gene accession numbers'' in their running text and footnotes. Gene accession numbers refer to genes or DNA sequences about which further information can be found in the databases at the National Center for Biotechnical Information (NCBI) at the National Library of Medicine. Elsevier Authors wishing to enable other scientists to use the accession numbers cited in their papers via links to these sources, should type this information in the following manner:
For each and every accession number cited in an article, Authors should type the accession number in bold, under-lined text. Letters in the accession number should always be capitalized. (See Example below). This combination of letters and format will enable Elsevier's typesetters to recognize the relevant texts as accession numbers and add the required link to GenBank's sequences. Example: '' GenBank accession nos. AI631510, AI631511, AI632198,andBF223228), a B-cell tumor from a chronic lymphatic leukemia (GenBank accession no. BE675048), and a T-cell lymphoma (GenBank accession no. AA361117)''.
Authors are encouraged to check accession numbers used very carefully. An error in a letter or number can result in a dead link. In the final version of the printed article, the accession number text will not appear bold or underlined. In the final version of the electronic copy, the accession number text will be linked to the appropriate source in the NCBI databases enabling readers to go directly to that source from the article.
Preparation of supplementary data. Elsevier now accepts electronic supplementary material (e-components) to support and enhance your scientific research. Supplementary files offer the Author additional possibilities to publish supporting applications, movies, animation sequences, high-resolution images, background datasets, sound clips and more. Supplementary files supplied will be published online alongside the electronic version of your article in Elsevier Web products, including ScienceDirect: http://www.sciencedirect.com. In order to ensure that your sub-mitted material is directly usable, please ensure that data is provided in one of our recommended file formats. Authors should submit the material in electronic format together with the article and supply a concise and descriptive caption for each file. For more detailed instructions please visit our artwork instruction pages at the Author Gateway at http://www.elsevier.com/artworkinstructions..
References
Responsibility for the accuracy of bibliographic citations lies entirely with the Authors. References for Peptides should be listed alphabetically by first author's last name, numbered, and that number inserted into the text. Citations in the text: Please ensure that every reference cited in the text is also present in the reference list (and viceversa). Unpublished results and personal communications are not recommended in the reference list, but may be mentioned in the text. If these references are included in the reference list they should follow the standard reference style of the journal and should include a substitution of the publication date with either ''Unpublished results'' or ''Personal communication'' Citation of a reference as ''in press'' implies that the item has been accepted for publication. References to abstracts or thesis are discouraged Citing and listing of Web references: As a minimum, the full URL should be given. Any further information, if known (Author names, dates, reference to a source publication, etc.), should also be given. Web references can be listed separately (e.g., after the reference list) under a different heading if desired, or can be included in the reference list.
Text: Indicate references by number(s) in square brackets in line with the text. The actual Authors can be referred to, but the reference number(s) must always be given.
Examples:
Reference to a journal publication:
[1] Van der Geer J, Hanraads JAJ, Lupton RA. The art of writing a scientific article. J Sci Commun2000;163:51-9.
Reference to a book:
[2] Strunk Jr W, White EB. The elements of style. 3rd ed. New York: Macmillan; 1979.
Reference to a chapter in an edited book:
[3] Mettam GR, Adams LB. How to prepare an electronic version of your article. In: Jones BS, Smith RZ, editors. Introduction to the electronic age, New York: E-Publishing Inc; 1999, p. 281-304.
Note shortened formfor last page number. e.g., 51-9, and that for more than 6 Authors the first 6 should be listed followed by '' et al.'' For further details you are referred to '' Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts submitted to Biomedical Journals'' (J Am Med Assoc 1997;277:927-934) (see also http://www.nejm.org/general/text/requirements/1.htm)

Preparation of illustrations

Preparation of electronic illustrations
Submitting your artwork in an electronic format helps us to produce your work to the best possible standards, ensuring accuracy, clarity and a high level of detail. General points:
- Always retain high-quality printouts of your artwork, in case conversion of the electronic artwork is problematic.
- Make sure you use uniform lettering and sizing of your original artwork.
- Save text in illustrations as '' graphics'' or enclose the font.
Only use the following fonts in your illustrations: Arial, Courier, Helvetica, Times, Symbol.
- Number the illustrations according to their sequence in the text.
- Use a logical naming convention for your artwork files, and supply a separate listing of the files and the software used.
- Provide captions to illustrations separately. Produce images near to the desired size of the printed version.

This journal offers electronic submission services and gra-phic files can be uploaded via the Author Gateway page of this journal via http://www.elsevier.com/locate/peptides. A detailed guide on electronic artwork is available on our website: http://www.elsevier.com/artworkinstructions You are urged to visit this site; some excerpts from the detailed information are given here.
Formats
Regardless of the application used, when your electronic artwork is finalised, please ''save as'' or convert the images to one of the following formats (Note the resolution requirements for line drawings, halftones, and line/halftone combinations given below.):
EPS: Vector drawings. Embed the font or save the text as '' graphics''.
TIFF: Color or grayscale photographs (half-tones): always use a minimum of 300 dpi.
TIFF: Bitmapped line drawings: use a minimum of 1000 dpi.
TIFF: Combinations bitmapped line/half-tone (color or grayscale): a minimum of 500 dpi is required.
DOC, XLS or PPT: If your electronic artwork is created in any of these Microsoft Office applications please supply ''as is''.
Please do not:
- Supply embedded graphics in your word processor (spreadsheet, presentation) document;
- Supply files that are optimized for screen use (like GIF, BMP, PICT, WPG); the resolution is too low;
- Supply files that are too low in resolution;
- Submit graphics that are disproportionately large for the content.
Captions
Ensure that each illustration has a caption. Supply captions on a separate sheet, not attached to the figure. A caption should comprise a brief title (not on the figure itself) and a description of the illustration. Keep text in the illustrations themselves to a minimum but explain all symbols and abbreviations used
Line drawings
The lettering and symbols, as well as other details, should have proportionate dimensions, so as not to become illegible or unclear after possible reduction; in general, the figures should be designed for a reduction factor of two to three. The degree of reduction will be determined by the Publisher.
Illustrations will not be enlarged. Consider the page format of the journal when designing the illustrations. Do not use any type of shading on computer-generated illustrations.
Color illustrations
Submit color illustrations as high-quality computer prints or transparencies, close to the size expected in publication, or as 35 mm slides. Please make sure that artwork files are in an acceptable format (TIFF, EPS or MS Office files) and with the correct resolution. If, together with your accepted article, you submit usable color figures then Elsevier will ensure, at no additional charge, that these figures will appear in color on the Web (e.g., ScienceDirect and other sites) regardless of whether or not these illustrations are reproduced in color in the printed version. For color reproduction in print, you will receive information regarding the costs from Elsevier after receipt of your accepted article.
Please indicate your preference for color in print or on the Web only. For further information on the preparation of electronic artwork, please see http://www.elsevier.com/artworkinstructions artwork.
Please note: Because of technical complications which can arise by converting color figures to ''gray scale'' (for the printed version should you not opt for color in print) please submit in addition usable black and white versions of all the color illustrations.

Authors should note that a request to revert from full colour to colour only in the electronic publication at the stage of typesetting and proof correction, will require separate editorial agreement, with possible re-review if necessary, and may significantly delay publication of your manuscript. Proofs When your manuscript is received by the Publisher it is considered to be in its final form. Proofs are not to be regarded as ''drafts''. One set of page proofs in PDF format will be sent by e-mail to the corresponding Author, to be checked for typesetting/editing. No changes in, or additions to, the accepted (and subsequently edited) manuscript will be allowed at this stage. Proofreading is solely your responsibility. A form with queries from the copyeditor may accompany your proofs. Please answer all queries and make any corrections or additions required.
The Publisher reserves the right to proceed with publica-tion if corrections are not communicated. Return corrections within 48 hours of receipt of the proofs. Should there be no corrections, please confirm this. Elsevier will do everything possible to get your article corrected and published as quickly and accurately as possible. In order to do this we need your help. When you receive the (PDF) proof of your article for correction, it is important to ensure that all of your corrections are sent back to us in one communication. Subsequent corrections will not be possible, so please ensure your first sending is complete. Note that this does not mean you have any less time to make your corrections, just that only one set of corrections will be accepted.
Offprints. The corresponding author, at no cost, will be provided with a PDF file of the article via e-mail. The PDF file is a watermarked version of the published article and includes a coversheet with the journal cover image and a disclaimer outlining the terms and conditions of use. Each corresponding author will also receive with the page proofs a paper offprint order form that must be completed and returned with the proofs. Authors of papers that significantly exceed average size (six printed pages) are requested to purchase 200 offprints of their article.
Copyright. Publications are copyrighted for the protection of the authors and the publisher. A Transfer of Copyright Agreement will be sent to the author who submits the manuscript. The form must be completed and returned to the publisher before the article can be published.
Peptides has no page charges.

Disclaimer:

Whilst every effort is made by the publishers and editorial board to see that no inaccurate or misleading data, opinion or statement appears in this journal, they wish to make it clear that the data and opinions appearing in the articles and advertisements herein are the sole responsibility of the contributor or advertiser concerned. Accordingly, the publishers, the editorial board and editors and their respective employees, officers and agents accept no responsibility or liability.