Jeffrey Robens, PhD Senior Research Consultant
Education Group Leader
Effectively Communicating Your Research
Zoological Society of Japan
13 September 2014
Be an effective communicator
Your goal should not only to be published, but also to be widely read/cited
Choose the best journal
Logically organize your ideas
Write effectively
Journal selection
Section 1
Reading Strategies Journal selection When should you choose your journal?
Author guidelines • Manuscript structure • Word limits • Reference style
Aims and scope • Topics • Readership • Be sure to emphasize
Relevant references Writing style
Choose your journal before you write your manuscript!
Reading Strategies Journal selection Factors to consider when choosing a journal
Aims & scope Readership
Open access
Which factor is most important to you?
Impact factor Indexing
Reading Strategies Journal selection Evaluating significance
How new are your findings? Novelty
How broadly relevant are your findings? Relevance
What are the important real-world applications?
Appeal
Reading Strategies Journal selection
Insert your proposed abstract
Journal Selector www.edanzediting.co.jp/journal_selector
Reading Strategies Journal selection
Recommended journals
Filter by: • Impact factor • Publishing frequency • Open access
Journal Selector www.edanzediting.co.jp/journal_selector
Reading Strategies Journal selection
Journal’s IF, aims & scope, and publication frequency
Are they currently publishing similar articles? Have you cited some of these articles?
Similar published articles
Journal Selector www.edanzediting.co.jp/journal_selector
Manuscript structure
Section 2
Coverage and Staffing Plan Manuscript
structure Manuscript
structure Abstracts
First impression of your paper
Importance of your results
Validity of your conclusions
Relevance of your aims
Judge your writing style
Probably only part that will be read
Coverage and Staffing Plan Manuscript
structure Manuscript
structure Sections of an abstract
Aims
Background
Methods
Results
Conclusion
Why the study was done
Your hypothesis
Techniques
Most important findings
Conclusion & implications
Concise summary of your research
Coverage and Staffing Plan Manuscript
structure Manuscript
structure Unstructured abstract
Induced penetration resistance is triggered by failed penetration attempts of nonpathogenic fungi. The
resistance mechanism is an important nonhost reaction in plants that can block the invasion of filamentous
pathogens such as fungi and oomycetes. However, it remains unclear whether the mechanical stimuli
accompanying fungal penetration play a role in induced penetration resistance, whereas the perforation of the
cell wall may provide significant stimuli to plant cells. Here, we used microneedles or biolistic bombardment to
mimic fungal penetration pegs and a micromanipulation transfer technique of the bio-probe, a germling of
Blumeria graminis hordei, to the wounded cells to demonstrate that microwounds derived from fungal
penetration attempts may trigger induced penetration resistance in plant cells. When preinoculated with the
nonpathogenic fungi Erysiphe pisi and Colletotrichum orbiculare, which were unable to penetrate a barley cell,
the penetration of a bio-probe that was transferred by micromanipulation onto the same cell was completely
blocked. Fungal penetration was essential to the triggering of induced penetration resistance because a
penetration-peg-defective mutant of C. orbiculare completely lacked the ability to trigger resistance. The
artificial microwounds significantly, but not completely, blocked the penetration of the bio-probe. Treatment
with the actin polymerization inhibitor cytochalasin A or expression of the actin depolymerizing protein HvPro1
caused complete ablation of the induced penetration resistance triggered by either failed fungal penetration or
artificial microwounds. These results strongly suggest that microwounding may trigger actin-dependent
induced penetration resistance. Manipulation of induced penetration resistance may be a promising target to
improve basic disease resistance in plants.
Kobayashi and Kobayashi. Planta 2013; 237: 1187−1198.
Coverage and Staffing Plan Manuscript
structure Manuscript
structure
Here, we used microneedles or biolistic bombardment to mimic fungal penetration pegs and a micromanipulation
transfer technique of the bio-probe, a germling of Blumeria graminis hordei, to the wounded cells to demonstrate that
microwounds derived from fungal penetration attempts may trigger induced penetration resistance in plant cells.
When preinoculated with the nonpathogenic fungi Erysiphe pisi and Colletotrichum orbiculare, which were unable to
penetrate a barley cell, the penetration of a bio-probe that was transferred by micromanipulation onto the same cell
was completely blocked… …Treatment with the actin polymerization inhibitor cytochalasin A or expression of the actin
depolymerizing protein HvPro1 caused complete ablation of the induced penetration resistance triggered by either
failed fungal penetration or artificial microwounds.
These results strongly suggest that microwounding may trigger actin-dependent induced penetration resistance.
Manipulation of induced penetration resistance may be a promising target to improve basic disease resistance in
plants.
Kobayashi and Kobayashi. Planta 2013; 237: 1187−1198.
Induced penetration resistance is triggered by failed penetration attempts of nonpathogenic fungi. The resistance
mechanism is an important nonhost reaction in plants that can block the invasion of filamentous pathogens such as
fungi and oomycetes. However, it remains unclear whether the mechanical stimuli accompanying fungal penetration
play a role in induced penetration resistance, whereas the perforation of the cell wall may provide significant stimuli to
plant cells.
Implications
Writing your abstract
Coverage and Staffing Plan Manuscript
structure Manuscript
structure
Induced penetration resistance is triggered by failed penetration attempts of nonpathogenic fungi. The
resistance mechanism is an important nonhost reaction in plants that can block the invasion of filamentous
pathogens such as fungi and oomycetes. However, it remains unclear whether the mechanical stimuli
accompanying fungal penetration play a role in induced penetration resistance, whereas the perforation of the
cell wall may provide significant stimuli to plant cells. Here, we used microneedles or biolistic bombardment to
mimic fungal penetration pegs and a micromanipulation transfer technique of the bio-probe, a germling of
Blumeria graminis hordei, to the wounded cells to demonstrate that microwounds derived from fungal
penetration attempts may trigger induced penetration resistance in plant cells. When preinoculated with the
nonpathogenic fungi Erysiphe pisi and Colletotrichum orbiculare, which were unable to penetrate a barley cell,
the penetration of a bio-probe that was transferred by micromanipulation onto the same cell was completely
blocked. Fungal penetration was essential to the triggering of induced penetration resistance because a
penetration-peg-defective mutant of C. orbiculare completely lacked the ability to trigger resistance. The
artificial microwounds significantly, but not completely, blocked the penetration of the bio-probe. Treatment
with the actin polymerization inhibitor cytochalasin A or expression of the actin depolymerizing protein HvPro1
caused complete ablation of the induced penetration resistance triggered by either failed fungal penetration or
artificial microwounds. These results strongly suggest that microwounding may trigger actin-dependent
induced penetration resistance. Manipulation of induced penetration resistance may be a promising target to
improve basic disease resistance in plants.
Kobayashi and Kobayashi. Planta 2013; 237: 1187−1198.
Writing your abstract
Coverage and Staffing Plan Manuscript
structure Manuscript
structure
Induced penetration resistance is triggered by failed penetration attempts of nonpathogenic fungi. The
resistance mechanism is an important nonhost reaction in plants that can block the invasion of filamentous
pathogens such as fungi and oomycetes. However, it remains unclear whether the mechanical stimuli
accompanying fungal penetration play a role in induced penetration resistance, whereas the perforation of the
cell wall may provide significant stimuli to plant cells. Here, we used microneedles or biolistic bombardment to
mimic fungal penetration pegs and a micromanipulation transfer technique of the bio-probe, a germling of
Blumeria graminis hordei, to the wounded cells to demonstrate that microwounds derived from fungal
penetration attempts may trigger induced penetration resistance in plant cells. When preinoculated with the
nonpathogenic fungi Erysiphe pisi and Colletotrichum orbiculare, which were unable to penetrate a barley cell,
the penetration of a bio-probe that was transferred by micromanipulation onto the same cell was completely
blocked. Fungal penetration was essential to the triggering of induced penetration resistance because a
penetration-peg-defective mutant of C. orbiculare completely lacked the ability to trigger resistance. The
artificial microwounds significantly, but not completely, blocked the penetration of the bio-probe. Treatment
with the actin polymerization inhibitor cytochalasin A or expression of the actin depolymerizing protein HvPro1
caused complete ablation of the induced penetration resistance triggered by either failed fungal penetration or
artificial microwounds. These results strongly suggest that microwounding may trigger actin-dependent
induced penetration resistance. Manipulation of induced penetration resistance may be a promising target to
improve basic disease resistance in plants.
Kobayashi and Kobayashi. Planta 2013; 237: 1187−1198.
Writing your abstract
Why this study needed to be done
What you did
What you found
How advances the field
Coverage and Staffing Plan Manuscript
structure Manuscript
structure
General introduction
Specific aims Aims
Current state of the field
Problem in the field
Introduction
Coverage and Staffing Plan Manuscript
structure Manuscript
structure
Your aims should directly address the problem
Writing the Introduction
New ways to treat or prevent lung cancer are therefore needed.
This study explored the hypothesis that inhibition of TNKS…would inhibit lung cancer growth in vitro and in vivo…
Problem
Aims
Busch et al. BMC Cancer 2012; 13: 211.
Coverage and Staffing Plan Manuscript
structure Manuscript
structure Methods
How it was done
General methods Specific techniques (discuss controls)
Quantification methods Statistical methods
What was used
Samples or participants Materials
How data were analyzed
Experimental Design
Coverage and Staffing Plan Manuscript
structure Manuscript
structure Results
1. Novel observation 2. Characterization 3. Application
Logical presentation
Example:
1. New gene expressed in the heart 2. Regulation of gene expression, when it is
expressed, function of the produced protein 3. Role of the gene in heart development
Coverage and Staffing Plan Manuscript
structure Manuscript
structure Results
1. Novel observation 2. Characterization 3. Application
Each subsection corresponds to
one figure
What you found, not what it means
Logical presentation
Subsections
Factual description
Coverage and Staffing Plan Manuscript
structure Manuscript
structure Discussion
Summary of findings
Relevance of findings
Implications for the field
Similarities/differences Unexpected results Limitations
Coverage and Staffing Plan Manuscript
structure Manuscript
structure
In summary, we identified a P. infestans RXLR-WY–type effector, PexRD2, which interacts with MAPKKKε and perturbs plant immunity associated signaling pathways dependent on this kinase. Either overexpression of PexRD2 or knockdown of MAPKKKε supports enhanced pathogen growth and suppression of MAPKKKε-triggered or -dependent cell death readouts in N. benthamiana. This study represents a step toward understanding how oomycete RXLR-type effectors directly interact with MAPK cascades, which are well established as key regulators of plant immunity. The next challenge is to better understand the role of PexRD2 and PexRD2-like effectors, and their targets, in the progression of disease in important host crop plants, such as tomato and potato. The ultimate aim of this would be to manipulate these interactions to tip the balance in the coevolutionary arms race between pathogen and host in favor of the plant.
Why your work is important to the field
King et al. Plant Cell. 2014; 26: 1345−1359.
Writing the Discussion
Coverage and Staffing Plan Manuscript
structure Manuscript
structure
In summary, we identified a P. infestans RXLR-WY–type effector, PexRD2, which interacts with MAPKKKε and perturbs plant immunity associated signaling pathways dependent on this kinase. Either overexpression of PexRD2 or knockdown of MAPKKKε supports enhanced pathogen growth and suppression of MAPKKKε-triggered or -dependent cell death readouts in N. benthamiana. This study represents a step toward understanding how oomycete RXLR-type effectors directly interact with MAPK cascades, which are well established as key regulators of plant immunity. The next challenge is to better understand the role of PexRD2 and PexRD2-like effectors, and their targets, in the progression of disease in important host crop plants, such as tomato and potato. The ultimate aim of this would be to manipulate these interactions to tip the balance in the coevolutionary arms race between pathogen and host in favor of the plant.
Why your work is important to the field
King et al. Plant Cell. 2014; 26: 1345−1359.
Implications
Conclusions
Future directions
Field advancement
Key findings
Writing the Discussion
Coverage and Staffing Plan Manuscript
structure Manuscript
structure Linking your ideas in
your manuscript
General background
Objectives
Methodology
Results and figures
Summary of findings
Implications for the field
Relevance of findings
Problems in the field
Logically link your ideas throughout your manuscript
Current state of the field Introduction
Methods
Results
Discussion
Coverage and Staffing Plan Manuscript
structure Manuscript
structure Linking your ideas
New ways to treat or prevent lung cancer are therefore needed.
This study explored the hypothesis that inhibition of TNKS…would inhibit lung cancer growth…
Pharmacological or genetic inhibition of TNKS1 and TNKS2…reduces lung cancer proliferation...
Problem
Objectives
Conclusion
Discussion
Introduction
Busch et al. BMC Cancer 2012; 13: 211.
Coverage and Staffing Plan Manuscript
structure Manuscript
structure Writing effective
conclusions
Your conclusion is a summary of your findings
Your conclusion should be the answer to your research problem that is supported by your findings
Emphasizes how your study will help advance the field
Effective writing
Section 3
Readability Effective writing Improving readability
Use short sentences Limit your sentences to 15–20 words
One idea per sentence
Use active voice More simple, direct, and easier to read
ACS Style Guide: “Use the active voice when it is less wordy and more direct than the passive”. (3rd ed., pg. 42)
Readability Effective writing
Readers focus at the end of the sentence to determine what is important.
1. You deserve a raise, but the budget is tight.
Which sentence suggests that you
will get a raise?
2. The budget is tight, but you deserve a raise.
http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/flow/
Sentence structure
Readability Effective writing
The budget is tight, but you deserve a raise. Your salary
will increase at the beginning of next year. Stress position Topic position
The topic position introduces the idea of the current sentence
The stress position also introduces the topic of the next sentence
Sentence structure
Readability Effective writing
Compared with is for comparing similar things
Compared to is for comparing different things
This year’s deforestation rates were compared to those from last year.
This year’s deforestation rates were compared with those from last year.
Comparisons
Readability Effective writing
Use between for comparisons of two items
Use among for more than two items
‘Between’ or ‘among’?
… the only difference between the control group and the experimental group is ...
… significant differences were observed in the values among the five groups.
Readability Effective writing Data is plural
Data is the plural form of datum
The data was analyzed... This data suggests…
The data were analyzed… These data suggest…
Readability Effective writing
Nature’s guide to authors:
Contributions should…be written clearly and simply so that they are accessible to readers in other disciplines and to readers for whom English is not their first language.
www.nature.com/nature/authors/gta/index.html#a4
“I should use complex words to make my writing more impressive.”
Readability Effective writing Complex words
To ascertain the efficaciousness of the program, we interrogated the participants upon completion.
To determine the success of the program, we questioned the participants upon completion.
Readability Effective writing Simple words
Preferred Enough Clear Try Very Size Asked Keep Later Enough End Use
Avoid Adequate Apparent Endeavor Exceedingly Magnitude Requested Retain Subsequently Sufficient Terminate Utilization
Be an effective communicator
Your goal should not only to be published, but also to be widely read/cited
Choose the best journal
Logically organize your ideas
Write effectively
Thank you!
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Jeffrey Robens: [email protected]