20140826 edanz kyushu session 2
TRANSCRIPT
Kyushu University Department of Agriculture Seminar Series – Session 2
Dr Jeffrey Robens
26 August 2014
Seminar series
Session 1 Session 2
Effective writing Manuscript structure
Journal selection Cover letters
Methodology Peer review
Figures and Results
Section 1
Figures & Results
Present large amount of data quickly and
efficiently
Keep it simple: use separate panels if
necessary
Must be able to stand alone: clear labels and figure legends
Usually the first thing readers will look at
Figures, graphs & tables
Figures & Results Figures Clear figure legend
Kindlin-2 knockdown and focal adhesion localization. Confocal immunofluorescent microscopy with anti-β1 integrin and anti-paxillin on C2C12 cells transfected with RNAi and then changed to differentiation media for 2 days. Control cells show linear staining consistent with localization to costameres (arrows), as well as punctate focal contact staining (arrowheads). Focal contact proteins in the kindlin-2 RNAi cells fail to form linear structures and instead are concentrated in unusual appearing puncta (*). (Scale bar = 20 μM).
Dowling et al. (2008) BMC Cell Biol 9:36.
Clear indicators
Title of the experiment
Brief methodology
Key findings
Figures & Results
Data aligned and formatted
Table formatting
Muñoz et al. New Engl J Med. 2003;348:518−527.
Clear and concise table caption
Abbreviations defined
Figures & Results Is this a good table?
Alignment and formatting problems
Alignment of text
Alignment of parentheses
Alignment of decimals
Data similarity
Lines
Tumor size (mm3) before treatment Mean (±SD)
Tumor size (mm3) after treatment
Mean (±SD)
% decrease
Treatment time
Group 1 423.2 (6.23) 232.8 (3.18) 44.99 4 months
Group 2 286.43 (4.8) 157.32 (2.29) 45.08 14 weeks
Group 3 342.7 (6.88) 218.4 (5.2) 36.27 3.5 months
Group 4 404 (3) 302 (4.21) 25.247 90 days
Figures & Results Making a good table
Tumor size (mm3) before
treatment Mean (±SD)
Tumor size (mm3) after treatment
Mean (±SD)
% decrease
Treatment time
(weeks)
Group 1 423.20 (6.23) 232.80 (3.18) 44.99 16
Group 2 286.43 (4.80) 157.32 (2.29) 45.08 14
Group 3 342.70 (6.88) 218.40 (5.20) 36.27 14
Group 4 404.00 (3.00) 302.00 (4.21) 25.25 12
Tumor size (mm3) before treatment Mean (±SD)
Tumor size (mm3) after treatment
Mean (±SD)
% decrease
Treatment time
Group 1 423.2 (6.23) 232.8 (3.18) 44.99 4 months
Group 2 286.43 (4.8) 157.32 (2.29) 45.08 14 weeks
Group 3 342.7 (6.88) 218.4 (5.2) 36.27 3.5 months
Group 4 404 (3) 302 (4.21) 25.247 90 days
Figures & Results
0
5
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35
0 1 h 2 h 3 h 4 h 5 h 6 h
Drug A
Drug Bng
/ml
0
5
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0 1 h 2 h 3 h 4 h 5 h 6 h
Use high contrasting colors Clearly label axes Clear legends
Graphs
Figures & Results Graphs
Drug A
Drug B
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
01 h
2 h3 h
4 h5 h
6 h
NEVER use 3-D graphs for 2-D data
Figures & Results 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
Figures & 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
Results
Figures & Results Factual description
Drug A is more effective in treating liver cancer as we observed a 32.7% decrease in tumor size compared with only a 22.1% decrease after Drug B treatment.
The efficacy of Drug A was significantly higher than that for Drug B, with decreased tumor size 32.7% or 22.1%, respectively.
Belongs in the Discussion
Exception is when the Results and Discussion sections are combined
Figures & Results Group repetitive results
Drug A reduced tumor volume by 32.7%, increased blood pressure by 12.3%, and decreased the patient’s weight by 7.3 kg. Drug B reduced tumor volume by 22.3%, increased blood pressure by 15.6%, and decreased the patient’s weight by 2.4 kg. Drug C reduced tumor volume by 38.1%, increased blood pressure by 6.9%, and decreased the patient’s weight by 9.2 kg.
Figures & Results
Patients treated with Drug C showed the greatest reduction in tumor volume (28.1%) compared with those treated with Drug A (32.7%) or Drug B (22.3%). Drug C also had the lowest increase in blood pressure (6.9%) compared with that seen after treatment with Drug A (12.3%) or Drug B (15.65). However, patients treated with Drug C had the highest weight gain among the three groups (Drug A, 7.3 kg; Drug B, 2.4 kg; Drug C, 9.2 kg).
Group repetitive results
Activities Please see accompanying
handouts
Results
Results activity
In the following Results section, identify any common errors you can find.
Results activity
Results Food consumption The first behavioral abnormality we noticed was a significant increase in food consumption immediately after the main earthquake (Figure 2A). Measuring the food consumption of mice after earthquakes and other natural disasters has long been ignored in the literature. Daily food consumption per mouse was measured by subtracting the weight of the food at the end of the eating period with the weight at the beginning of the eating period. The day before the earthquake, food consumption was 1.7±0.13 (mean±SD) g. Three days after the main seismic event, mean food consumption increased to 2.5±0.16 g (Figure 2A). Analysis using a paired t-test revealed that the increase in food consumption was significant after the earthquake (t (5) = 18.5, p<0.001). This demonstrates that earthquakes can dramatically affect the food consumption in laboratory animals, likely caused by increased stress hormone levels. Even though food consumption continued for over one month, the body weight of earthquake-experienced mice increased only slightly during that period.
Results activity
Results Food consumption The first behavioral abnormality we noticed was a significant increase in food consumption immediately after the main earthquake (Figure 2A). Measuring the food consumption of mice after earthquakes and other natural disasters has long been ignored in the literature. Daily food consumption per mouse was measured by subtracting the weight of the food at the end of the eating period with the weight at the beginning of the eating period. The day before the earthquake, food consumption was 1.7±0.13 (mean±SD) g. Three days after the main seismic event, mean food consumption increased to 2.5±0.16 g (Figure 2A). Analysis using a paired t-test revealed that the increase in food consumption was significant after the earthquake (t (5) = 18.5, p<0.001). This demonstrates that earthquakes can dramatically affect the food consumption in laboratory animals, likely caused by increased stress hormone levels. Even though food consumption continued for over one month, the body weight of earthquake-experienced mice increased only slightly during that period.
More descriptive heading
Results activity
Results Increased food consumption The first behavioral abnormality we noticed was a significant increase in food consumption immediately after the main earthquake (Figure 2A). Measuring the food consumption of mice after earthquakes and other natural disasters has long been ignored in the literature. Daily food consumption per mouse was measured by subtracting the weight of the food at the end of the eating period with the weight at the beginning of the eating period. The day before the earthquake, food consumption was 1.7±0.13 (mean±SD) g. Three days after the main seismic event, mean food consumption increased to 2.5±0.16 g (Figure 2A). Analysis using a paired t-test revealed that the increase in food consumption was significant after the earthquake (t (5) = 18.5, p<0.001). This demonstrates that earthquakes can dramatically affect the food consumption in laboratory animals, likely caused by increased stress hormone levels. Even though food consumption continued for over one month, the body weight of earthquake-experienced mice increased only slightly during that period.
Results activity
Results Increased food consumption The first behavioral abnormality we noticed was a significant increase in food consumption immediately after the main earthquake (Figure 2A). Measuring the food consumption of mice after earthquakes and other natural disasters has long been ignored in the literature. Daily food consumption per mouse was measured by subtracting the weight of the food at the end of the eating period with the weight at the beginning of the eating period. The day before the earthquake, food consumption was 1.7±0.13 (mean±SD) g. Three days after the main seismic event, mean food consumption increased to 2.5±0.16 g (Figure 2A). Analysis using a paired t-test revealed that the increase in food consumption was significant after the earthquake (t (5) = 18.5, p<0.001). This demonstrates that earthquakes can dramatically affect the food consumption in laboratory animals, likely caused by increased stress hormone levels. Even though food consumption continued for over one month, the body weight of earthquake-experienced mice increased only slightly during that period.
“significant increase”
Results activity
Results Increased food consumption The first behavioral abnormality we noticed was a marked increase in food consumption immediately after the main earthquake (Figure 2A). Measuring the food consumption of mice after earthquakes and other natural disasters has long been ignored in the literature. Daily food consumption per mouse was measured by subtracting the weight of the food at the end of the eating period with the weight at the beginning of the eating period. The day before the earthquake, food consumption was 1.7±0.13 (mean±SD) g. Three days after the main seismic event, mean food consumption increased to 2.5±0.16 g (Figure 2A). Analysis using a paired t-test revealed that the increase in food consumption was significant after the earthquake (t (5) = 18.5, p<0.001). This demonstrates that earthquakes can dramatically affect the food consumption in laboratory animals, likely caused by increased stress hormone levels. Even though food consumption continued for over one month, the body weight of earthquake-experienced mice increased only slightly during that period.
Results activity
Results Increased food consumption The first behavioral abnormality we noticed was a marked increase in food consumption immediately after the main earthquake (Figure 2A). Measuring the food consumption of mice after earthquakes and other natural disasters has long been ignored in the literature. Daily food consumption per mouse was measured by subtracting the weight of the food at the end of the eating period with the weight at the beginning of the eating period. The day before the earthquake, food consumption was 1.7±0.13 (mean±SD) g. Three days after the main seismic event, mean food consumption increased to 2.5±0.16 g (Figure 2A). Analysis using a paired t-test revealed that the increase in food consumption was significant after the earthquake (t (5) = 18.5, p<0.001). This demonstrates that earthquakes can dramatically affect the food consumption in laboratory animals, likely caused by increased stress hormone levels. Even though food consumption continued for over one month, the body weight of earthquake-experienced mice increased only slightly during that period.
Belongs in Introduction
Results activity
Results Increased food consumption The first behavioral abnormality we noticed was a marked increase in food consumption immediately after the main earthquake (Figure 2A). Daily food consumption per mouse was measured by subtracting the weight of the food at the end of the eating period with the weight at the beginning of the eating period. The day before the earthquake, food consumption was 1.7±0.13 (mean±SD) g. Three days after the main seismic event, mean food consumption increased to 2.5±0.16 g (Figure 2A). Analysis using a paired t-test revealed that the increase in food consumption was significant after the earthquake (t (5) = 18.5, p<0.001). This demonstrates that earthquakes can dramatically affect the food consumption in laboratory animals, likely caused by increased stress hormone levels. Even though food consumption continued for over one month, the body weight of earthquake-experienced mice increased only slightly during that period.
Results activity
Results Increased food consumption The first behavioral abnormality we noticed was a marked increase in food consumption immediately after the main earthquake (Figure 2A). Daily food consumption per mouse was measured by subtracting the weight of the food at the end of the eating period with the weight at the beginning of the eating period. The day before the earthquake, food consumption was 1.7±0.13 (mean±SD) g. Three days after the main seismic event, mean food consumption increased to 2.5±0.16 g (Figure 2A). Analysis using a paired t-test revealed that the increase in food consumption was significant after the earthquake (t (5) = 18.5, p<0.001). This demonstrates that earthquakes can dramatically affect the food consumption in laboratory animals, likely caused by increased stress hormone levels. Even though food consumption continued for over one month, the body weight of earthquake-experienced mice increased only slightly during that period.
Belongs in Methods
Results activity
Results Increased food consumption The first behavioral abnormality we noticed was a marked increase in food consumption immediately after the main earthquake (Figure 2A). The day before the earthquake, food consumption was 1.7±0.13 (mean±SD) g. Three days after the main seismic event, mean food consumption increased to 2.5±0.16 g (Figure 2A). Analysis using a paired t-test revealed that the increase in food consumption was significant after the earthquake (t (5) = 18.5, p<0.001). This demonstrates that earthquakes can dramatically affect the food consumption in laboratory animals, likely caused by increased stress hormone levels. Even though food consumption continued for over one month, the body weight of earthquake-experienced mice increased only slightly during that period.
Results activity
Results Increased food consumption The first behavioral abnormality we noticed was a marked increase in food consumption immediately after the main earthquake (Figure 2A). The day before the earthquake, food consumption was 1.7±0.13 (mean±SD) g. Three days after the main seismic event, mean food consumption increased to 2.5±0.16 g (Figure 2A). Analysis using a paired t-test revealed that the increase in food consumption was significant after the earthquake (t (5) = 18.5, p<0.001). This demonstrates that earthquakes can dramatically affect the food consumption in laboratory animals, likely caused by increased stress hormone levels. Even though food consumption continued for over one month, the body weight of earthquake-experienced mice increased only slightly during that period.
No problems
Results activity
Results Increased food consumption The first behavioral abnormality we noticed was a marked increase in food consumption immediately after the main earthquake (Figure 2A). The day before the earthquake, food consumption was 1.7±0.13 (mean±SD) g. Three days after the main seismic event, mean food consumption increased to 2.5±0.16 g (Figure 2A). Analysis using a paired t-test revealed that the increase in food consumption was significant after the earthquake (t (5) = 18.5, p<0.001). This demonstrates that earthquakes can dramatically affect the food consumption in laboratory animals, likely caused by increased stress hormone levels. Even though food consumption continued for over one month, the body weight of earthquake-experienced mice increased only slightly during that period.
Results activity
Results Increased food consumption The first behavioral abnormality we noticed was a marked increase in food consumption immediately after the main earthquake (Figure 2A). The day before the earthquake, food consumption was 1.7±0.13 (mean±SD) g. Three days after the main seismic event, mean food consumption increased to 2.5±0.16 g (Figure 2A). Analysis using a paired t-test revealed that the increase in food consumption was significant after the earthquake (t (5) = 18.5, p<0.001). This demonstrates that earthquakes can dramatically affect the food consumption in laboratory animals, likely caused by increased stress hormone levels. Even though food consumption continued for over one month, the body weight of earthquake-experienced mice increased only slightly during that period.
Belongs in Discussion
Results activity
Results Increased food consumption The first behavioral abnormality we noticed was a marked increase in food consumption immediately after the main earthquake (Figure 2A). The day before the earthquake, food consumption was 1.7±0.13 (mean±SD) g. Three days after the main seismic event, mean food consumption increased to 2.5±0.16 g (Figure 2A). Analysis using a paired t-test revealed that the increase in food consumption was significant after the earthquake (t (5) = 18.5, p<0.001). Even though food consumption continued for over one month, the body weight of earthquake-experienced mice increased only slightly during that period.
Results activity
Results Increased food consumption The first behavioral abnormality we noticed was a marked increase in food consumption immediately after the main earthquake (Figure 2A). The day before the earthquake, food consumption was 1.7±0.13 (mean±SD) g. Three days after the main seismic event, mean food consumption increased to 2.5±0.16 g (Figure 2A). Analysis using a paired t-test revealed that the increase in food consumption was significant after the earthquake (t (5) = 18.5, p<0.001). Even though food consumption continued for over one month, the body weight of earthquake-experienced mice increased only slightly during that period.
Should show the data
Results activity
Results Increased food consumption The first behavioral abnormality we noticed was a marked increase in food consumption immediately after the main earthquake (Figure 2A). The day before the earthquake, food consumption was 1.7±0.13 (mean±SD) g. Three days after the main seismic event, mean food consumption increased to 2.5±0.16 g (Figure 2A). Analysis using a paired t-test revealed that the increase in food consumption was significant after the earthquake (t (5) = 18.5, p<0.001). Even though food consumption continued for over one month with an average daily consumption of 2.3±0.12 g, the body weight of earthquake-experienced mice increased only slightly during that period (186.3±1.2 g on day 1 and 188.2±1.6 g on day 30).
Introduction and Discussion
Section 2
Introduction & Discussion
General introduction
Specific aims Aims
Current state of the field
Problem in the field
Introduction
Introduction & Discussion
Major nutrient balances in small-scale vegetable farming systems in peri-urban areas in China
Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems
Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems (formerly Fertilizer Research) considers manuscripts dealing with aspects of carbon and nutrient cycling as well as management, their effect in ecological, agronomic, environmental and economic terms. Contributions may deal with subjects in agronomic, agro-forestry and fallow systems or system components such as plants and the fertility, chemistry or microbiology of soils, as well as with system inputs and losses.
Aims and Scope
Key point
Target your journal
Introduction & Discussion
Beginning should demonstrate relevance/interest
Cities in China and other developing countries continue to expand as people migrate from rural to urban areas, and agricultural land in peri-urban areas decreases rapidly as a result. Farmers are challenged to intensify production per unit area with decreasing amounts of land to satisfy food production demands and increase revenue. This intensive production will inevitably cause serious nutrient imbalances, exacerbated by the limited nutrient-retention capacity of soils in peri-urban areas. Moreover, inefficient nutrient management and concomitant nutrient enrichment of agro-ecosystems have contributed to agriculture’s impact on aquatic systems. Specifically, soils in vegetable lands are often characterized by continuous and large quantities of organic and inorganic fertilizer application, which inevitably lead to a serious pollution threat to the water environment.
Wang et al. Nutr Cycl Agroecosyst. 2008; 81: 203−218.
Interest
Writing the Introduction
Introduction & Discussion Writing the Introduction
Beginning should demonstrate relevance/interest
Cities in China and other developing countries continue to expand as people migrate from rural to urban areas, and agricultural land in peri-urban areas decreases rapidly as a result. Farmers are challenged to intensify production per unit area with decreasing amounts of land to satisfy food production demands and increase revenue. This intensive production will inevitably cause serious nutrient imbalances, exacerbated by the limited nutrient-retention capacity of soils in peri-urban areas. Moreover, inefficient nutrient management and concomitant nutrient enrichment of agro-ecosystems have contributed to agriculture’s impact on aquatic systems. Specifically, soils in vegetable lands are often characterized by continuous and large quantities of organic and inorganic fertilizer application, which inevitably lead to a serious pollution threat to the water environment.
Wang et al. Nutr Cycl Agroecosyst. 2008; 81: 203−218.
Interest
Keywords from the Aims and Scope
Introduction & Discussion
Clearly state an interesting problem in the field
Therefore, the large net balances [of N, P, and K] indicate a substantial risk of long-term effects on soil fertility, because of soil accumulation and losses to ground and surface waters. However, information on major nutrient balances driven by underlying socioeconomic factors is lacking in peri-urban areas.
Wang et al. Nutr Cycl Agroecosyst. 2008; 81: 203−218.
Writing the Introduction
Introduction & Discussion
Clearly state an interesting problem in the field
Therefore, the large net balances [of N, P, and K] indicate a substantial risk of long-term effects on soil fertility, because of soil accumulation and losses to ground and surface waters. However, information on major nutrient balances driven by underlying socioeconomic factors is lacking in peri-urban areas.
Wang et al. Nutr Cycl Agroecosyst. 2008; 81: 203−218.
Keywords from the Aims and Scope
Writing the Introduction
Introduction & Discussion
Your aims should directly address this problem
The objectives of the research were: (1) to monitor agricultural inputs and outputs of N, P, and K, to quantify and assess element balances at the field level for a two-year period; (2) to identify the main contributory factors causing element imbalances; and (3) to assess socio-economic factors that drive nutrient management. This will allow future research to explore risks for soil accumulation and potential losses to the water environment.
Wang et al. Nutr Cycl Agroecosyst. 2008; 81: 203−218.
However, information on major nutrient balances driven by underlying socioeconomic factors is lacking in peri-urban areas.
Writing the Introduction
Introduction & Discussion Flow of information
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality for men and women. Despite smoking prevention and cessation programs and advances in early detection, the 5-year survival rate for lung cancer is only 16% with current therapies. Although lung cancer incidence rates have recently declined in the United States, more lung cancer is now diagnosed when considered together in former- and never-smokers than in current smokers. Thus, even if all of the national anti-smoking campaign goals are met, lung cancer will remain a major public health problem for decades. New ways to treat or prevent lung cancer are therefore needed. One potential therapeutic target for lung cancer is the Wnt signaling pathway. The canonical Wnt signaling pathway in mammals consists of a family of secreted lipid-modified Wnt protein ligands that bind to a family of 7-pass transmembrane Frizzled (Fzd) receptors, as reviewed…
Busch et al. BMC Cancer. 2012; 13: 211.
Topic sentence
Stress sentence
Topic sentence
Support
Introduction & Discussion Discussion
Summary of findings
Relevance of findings
Implications for the field
Similarities/differences Unexpected results Limitations
Introduction & Discussion
Beginning should state the major conclusion of the study
Re-introduce the topic
Re-introduce the problem
State major conclusion to answer the problem
Summarize key data to support conclusion
Discussion
Introduction & Discussion
Beginning should re-state problem and your conclusion that answers that problem
Current management practices caused a large quantity of nutrient inputs on both sites. Two recent one-year studies, one in the same study area and the other in Hanoi, Vietnam, showed similar nutrient balances for N, P, and K. However, it is hard to show main control factors on element balances based on one-year study because of short-term observation. This paper shows that positive net N and P balances in conjunction with negative net K balances on these plots are most likely because of the irregularity of organic manure application…
Wang et al. Nutr Cycl Agroecosyst. 2008; 81: 203−218.
Writing the Discussion
Problem
Answer
Keywords from the Aims and Scope
Introduction & Discussion
End should state the major conclusion of the study
Re-state your major conclusion
Describe the key implications
Recommend future research
Writing the Discussion
Introduction & Discussion
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.
End should summarize your conclusion and clearly state implications
King et al. Plant Cell. 2014; 26: 1345−1359.
Writing the Discussion
Introduction & Discussion
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.
End should summarize your conclusion and clearly state implications
King et al. Plant Cell. 2014; 26: 1345−1359.
Implications
Conclusions
Future directions
Field advancement
Key findings
Writing the Discussion
Introduction & Discussion
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
Introduction & Discussion
Linking your ideas in your manuscript
Contamination of the soil by heavy metals is a serious
environmental problem...
Little is known how heavy metals affect membrane lipid metabolism…
Our results showing changes in total fatty acids, profiles of individual polar lipids, and unsaturation levels suggest that
Cd stress might alter membrane structure and function.
Background
Problem
Conclusion
Discussion
Introduction
Elloumi et al. Botanical Studies. 2014; 55: 61.
Our aim was to assess how Cd stress affects the composition and biosynthesis of lipids and fatty acids……
Objective
Introduction & Discussion
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
Introduction activity
S
Based on the following problem identified in the field, chose which aims are most appropriate.
Problem: Currently it is not clear which weight management program is most efficient to prevent weight gain after smoking cessation in men.
1. In this study, we evaluated the effect of working hours on the efficacy of three popular weight management programs for the prevention of weight gain in men after smoking cessation.
2. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of three popular weight management programs implemented in a working environment for the prevention of weight gain in men after smoking cessation.
3. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of three popular weight management programs for the prevention of weight gain in men after smoking cessation.
Introduction activity
S
Based on the following problem identified in the field, chose which aims are most appropriate.
Problem: Current climate change is mainly driven by historic emissions. The countries responsible for the majority of historic emissions are not necessarily the same as those responsible for the dominant share of current emissions.
1. We report on historical trends in climate change to better understand future changes.
2. This paper provides an original quantitative analysis of historic emissions by tracing sources of industrial CO2 and methane, to compare with current emissions.
3. In this paper, we identify those countries responsible for the dominant share of current emissions.
Discussion activity
Match the aims from an Introduction with the most appropriate major conclusion (to be used in a Discussion). Aims: To date, few studies have investigated the influence of different tissue pressures on tumor growth. In this study, we aimed to evaluate how varying the pressure within brain, liver, and lung tissues affected the growth of transplanted tumors.
A) Our results demonstrate the need to monitor pressures within different tissues when determining effective treatments.
Implications
Discussion activity
Match the aims from an Introduction with the most appropriate major conclusion (to be used in a Discussion). Aims: To date, few studies have investigated the influence of different tissue pressures on tumor growth. In this study, we aimed to evaluate how varying the pressure within brain, liver, and lung tissues affected the growth of transplanted tumors.
B) This study has shown that the increasing the pressure within tissues significantly reduces tumor growth.
Conclusion answers the problem
Discussion activity
Match the aims from an Introduction with the most appropriate major conclusion (to be used in a Discussion). Aims: To date, few studies have investigated the influence of different tissue pressures on tumor growth. In this study, we aimed to evaluate how varying the pressure within brain, liver, and lung tissues affected the growth of transplanted tumors.
C) In this study, we have shown that high pressure environments reduce the vascularization of growing tumors.
Key finding
Discussion activity
This study has shown that the increasing the pressure within tissues significantly reduces tumor growth. In this study, we have shown that high pressure environments reduce the vascularization of growing tumors. Our results demonstrate the need to monitor pressures within different tissues when determining effective treatments.
Key findings
Conclusion
Implications
Presentation of ideas in the Discussion
Titles and abstracts
Section 2
Titles & Abstracts
Important points
Summarize key finding Contains keywords Less than 20 words
Avoid
Effective titles
Your title should be a concise summary of your most important finding
Questions Describing methods Abbreviations “New” or “novel”
Titles & Abstracts 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
Titles & Abstracts 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
Titles & Abstracts Writing your 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.
Titles & Abstracts
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.
Writing your 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.
Implications
Titles & Abstracts Writing your 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.
Titles & Abstracts
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.
Why this study needed to be done
What you did
What you found
How can advance the field
Writing your Abstract
Titles & Abstracts SEO
Search Engine Optimization
Identify 7–8 keywords (include synonyms)
Use 2 in your title, 5–6 in the keyword list
Use 3 keywords 3–4 times in your abstract
Use keywords in headings when appropriate
Be consistent throughout your paper
Cite your previous publications when relevant • Google Scholar ranks results by citations
Activities Please see accompanying
handouts
Title and Abstract
Title activity
Which is the best title, and why? A) Characterizing the fungal infection of wheat in high altitude
environments
B) High altitude reduces fungal infection of wheat
C) Does high altitude affect the fungal infection of wheat?
D) Low oxygen and cold temperature in high altitude
environments affects the growth rate of a variety of fungi and reduces the fungal infection of wheat
Summary of key finding
Don’t use questions
Describes methodology
Too long (25 words)
Abstract activity
Activity : Your colleague has written an abstract and has asked you to review it for them. How would you recommend improving this abstract?
Abstract activity
A devastating earthquake and tsunami hit Japan on March 11, 2011. In the present study, the effects of this earthquake on laboratory mice behavior were investigated. “Earthquake-experienced” mice displayed a marked increase in food consumption without gaining body weight. The food was purchased from a company based in New Zealand. The mice also displayed enhanced anxiety. Maze performance of earthquake-experienced mice showed quicker acquisition of the task compared with that of earthquake-naive mice. Stress hormone levels, which were measured three times, were elevated compared with the naive mice. This indicated that the earthquake and aftershocks were stressful for the mice.
How is this related to mice?
Abstract activity
A devastating earthquake and tsunami hit Japan on March 11, 2011. In the present study, the effects of this earthquake on laboratory mice behavior were investigated. “Earthquake-experienced” mice displayed a marked increase in food consumption without gaining body weight. The food was purchased from a company based in New Zealand. The mice also displayed enhanced anxiety. Maze performance of earthquake-experienced mice showed quicker acquisition of the task compared with that of earthquake-naive mice. Stress hormone levels, which were measured three times, were elevated compared with the naive mice. This indicated that the earthquake and aftershocks were stressful for the mice.
Unnecessary information
How is this related to mice?
Abstract activity
A devastating earthquake and tsunami hit Japan on March 11, 2011. In the present study, the effects of this earthquake on laboratory mice behavior were investigated. “Earthquake-experienced” mice displayed a marked increase in food consumption without gaining body weight. The food was purchased from a company based in New Zealand. The mice also displayed enhanced anxiety. Maze performance of earthquake-experienced mice showed quicker acquisition of the task compared with that of earthquake-naive mice. Stress hormone levels, which were measured three times, were elevated compared with the naive mice. This indicated that the earthquake and aftershocks were stressful for the mice.
Unnecessary information
How was this measured?
No conclusions
How is this related to mice?
Cover letters
Section 8
Coverage and Staffing Plan Cover letters
Cover letter: First impression for journal editors
Significance Relevance
Writing style Interesting to their readers?
Why your work is important!
Coverage and Staffing Plan Cover letters
Read the aims and scope
Plant Molecular Biology is an international journal dedicated to rapid publication of original research articles in all areas of plant biology. The Editorial Board welcomes full-length manuscripts that address important biological problems of broad interest, including research in comparative genomics, functional genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, computational biology, biochemical and regulatory networks, and biotechnology. Because space in the journal is limited, however, preference is given to publication of results that provide significant new insights into biological problems and that advance the understanding of structure, function, mechanisms, or regulation.
Plant Molecular Biology
Broad interest
Biological problems
Coverage and Staffing Plan Cover letters
Building your cover letter
Dr Wilhelm Gruissem Editor-in-Chief Plant Molecular Biology 2 September 2013 Dear Dr Gruissem, Please find enclosed our manuscript entitled “Identification of the histone acetyltransferase HAF2 as a factor involved in natural variation for seed dormancy in Arabidopsis thaliana”, which we would like to submit for publication as a Research Article in Plant Molecular Biology.
Journal editor’s name
Manuscript title
Article type
• Have you read the aims and scope? • Have you read the author guidelines?
Coverage and Staffing Plan Cover letters
Building your cover letter
Seed dormancy is an important life-history strategy that allows plants to select favorable conditions for germination, thereby affecting long-term survival. Dormancy can be released by specific environmental factors, such as cold or dry-storage (after-ripening). However, the genetic factors that regulate this process have not been clearly elucidated. The model plant Arabidopsis has substantial natural variation in seed dormancy, and identifying genes associated with this trait is of broad interest to geneticists, ecologists, and agricultural researchers.
Introduction Problem Relevance
Second paragraph:
Current state of the field Problem researchers are facing
Coverage and Staffing Plan Cover letters
We combined genome-wide association (GWA) mapping with transcriptome analyses to screen candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms correlated with variation in seed dormancy in 108 accessions of Arabidopsis. The most likely candidate was a plant-specific histone acetyltransferase gene, HAF2. HAF2 expression was down-regulated by cold and after-ripening, which break seed dormancy, and was up-regulated in accessions with high levels of dormancy. When the HAF2 gene from a non-dormant accession was inserted into a dormant accession…
Building your cover letter
Methods Key results
Third paragraph:
Briefly describe your methodology Summarize your key findings
Coverage and Staffing Plan Cover letters
Building your cover letter
These findings are significant in elucidating the genetic mechanisms underlying a fundamental life-history trait of plants and will be of interest to Plant Molecular Biology readers, especially those focused on Arabidopsis seed dormancy. Furthermore, our integrated approach combining GWA mapping and transcriptomics offers a promising strategy to identify candidate loci in future studies.
Relevance Implications
Fourth paragraph:
Why interesting to the journal’s readership
Coverage and Staffing Plan Cover letters
Building your cover letter
We confirm that this manuscript has not been published elsewhere and is not under consideration by another journal. All authors have approved the manuscript, including authorship and order of authorship, and agree with submission to Plant Molecular Biology. This study was funded by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
Ethics Conflicts of interest
Last paragraph:
Disclaimers related to publication ethics Funding Conflicts of interest
Funding
Coverage and Staffing Plan Cover letters
Building your cover letter
We would like to recommend the following reviewers to evaluate our manuscript: 1. Reviewer 1 and contact information 2. Reviewer 2 and contact information 3. Reviewer 3 and contact information 4. Reviewer 4 and contact information Please address all correspondence to:
Reviewers Contact information
Other important information:
Recommended reviewers Author’s contact information
Coverage and Staffing Plan Cover letters
Dr Wilhelm Gruissem Editor-in-Chief Plant Molecular Biology 2 September 2013 Dear Dr Gruissem, Please find enclosed our manuscript entitled “Identification of the histone acetyltransferase HAF2 as a factor involved in natural variation for seed dormancy in Arabidopsis thaliana”, which we would like to submit for publication as a Research Article in Plant Molecular Biology. Seed dormancy is an important life-history strategy that allows plants to select favorable conditions for germination, thereby affecting long-term survival. Dormancy can be released by specific environmental factors, such as cold or dry-storage (after-ripening). The model plant Arabidopsis has substantial natural variation in seed dormancy, and identifying genes associated with this trait is of interest to geneticists, ecologists, and agricultural researchers. We combined genome-wide association (GWA) mapping with transcriptome analyses to screen candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms correlated with variation in seed dormancy in 108 accessions of Arabidopsis. The most likely candidate was a plant-specific histone acetyltransferase gene, HAF2. HAF2 expression was down-regulated by cold and after-ripening, which break seed dormancy, and was up-regulated in accessions with high levels of dormancy. When the HAF2 gene from a non-dormant accession was inserted into a dormant accession, seed dormancy was increased and HAF2 expression levels reduced. Finally, we sequenced HAF2 from 78 accessions and found that mutations were enriched in the promoter region. These findings are significant in elucidating the genetic mechanisms underlying a fundamental life-history trait of plants and will be of interest to Plant Molecular Biology readers, especially those focused on Arabidopsis seed dormancy. Furthermore, our integrated approach combining GWA mapping and transcriptomics offers a promising strategy to identify candidate loci in future studies. We confirm that this manuscript has not been published elsewhere and is not under consideration by another journal. All authors have approved the manuscript, including authorship and order of authorship, and agree with submission to Plant Molecular Biology. This study was funded by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. We would like to recommend the following reviewers to evaluate our manuscript: Reviewer 1 and contact information Reviewer 2 and contact information Reviewer 3 and contact information Reviewer 4 and contact information Please address all correspondence to: We look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience. Yours sincerely,
A good cover letter
Coverage and Staffing Plan Cover letters
Dr Wilhelm Gruissem Editor-in-Chief Plant Molecular Biology 2 September 2013 Dear Dr Gruissem, Please find enclosed our manuscript entitled “Identification of the histone acetyltransferase HAF2 as a factor involved in natural variation for seed dormancy in Arabidopsis thaliana”, which we would like to submit for publication as a Research Article in Plant Molecular Biology. Seed dormancy is an important life-history strategy that allows plants to select favorable conditions for germination, thereby affecting long-term survival. Dormancy can be released by specific environmental factors, such as cold or dry-storage (after-ripening). The model plant Arabidopsis has substantial natural variation in seed dormancy, and identifying genes associated with this trait is of interest to geneticists, ecologists, and agricultural researchers. We combined genome-wide association (GWA) mapping with transcriptome analyses to screen candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms correlated with variation in seed dormancy in 108 accessions of Arabidopsis. The most likely candidate was a plant-specific histone acetyltransferase gene, HAF2. HAF2 expression was down-regulated by cold and after-ripening, which break seed dormancy, and was up-regulated in accessions with high levels of dormancy. When the HAF2 gene from a non-dormant accession was inserted into a dormant accession, seed dormancy was increased and HAF2 expression levels reduced. Finally, we sequenced HAF2 from 78 accessions and found that mutations were enriched in the promoter region. These findings are significant in elucidating the genetic mechanisms underlying a fundamental life-history trait of plants and will be of interest to Plant Molecular Biology readers, especially those focused on Arabidopsis seed dormancy. Furthermore, our integrated approach combining GWA mapping and transcriptomics offers a promising strategy to identify candidate loci in future studies. We confirm that this manuscript has not been published elsewhere and is not under consideration by another journal. All authors have approved the manuscript, including authorship and order of authorship, and agree with submission to Plant Molecular Biology. This study was funded by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. We would like to recommend the following reviewers to evaluate our manuscript: Reviewer 1 and contact information Reviewer 2 and contact information Reviewer 3 and contact information Reviewer 4 and contact information Please address all correspondence to: We look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience. Yours sincerely,
A good cover letter
Manuscript information
Background
Key findings
Relevance
Disclaimers
Recommended reviewers
Coverage and Staffing Plan Cover letters
Specific cover letter styles
http://www.nature.com/nature/authors/submissions/subs/#a6
Coverage and Staffing Plan Cover letters Recommending
reviewers
“Authors will be asked to submit, with their manuscript…ii) the names and contact details (including e-mail address) of three potential qualified reviewers...
“The system requires authors to supply the names, e-mail addresses, and affiliations of at least four recommended reviewers.
Coverage and Staffing Plan Cover letters PNAS
http://www.pnas.org/site/authors/editorialpolicies.xhtml
Coverage and Staffing Plan Cover letters
Why recommend reviewers?
Reviewers recommended by authors are usually more favorable
1. Scharschimidt et al. J Clin Invest. 1994; 93: 1877–1880.
2. Earnshaw & Farndon. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2000; 82: 133–135.
3. Grimm. Science 2005; 309: 1974.
4. Wager et al. BMC Med. 2006; 4: 13.
5. Schroter et al. JAMA 2006; 295: 314–317.
6. Rivara et al. J Pediatr. 2007; 151: 202–205.
7. Bornmann & Daniel. Res Eval. 2009; 18: 262–272.
8. Bornmann & Daniel. PLoS One 2010; 5: e13345.
Coverage and Staffing Plan Cover letters Recommending
reviewers
Where to find them?
From your reading/references, networking at conferences
How senior? Aim for mid-level researchers
Who to avoid? Collaborators (past 5 years),
researchers from Kyushu University
International list: 1 or 2 from Asia, 1 or 2 from Europe, and 1 or 2 from North America
Choose reviewers who have published in your target journal
Peer review & revisions
Section 5
Customer Service Peer review What reviewers are looking for
The science
The manuscript
Relevant hypothesis Good experimental design Appropriate methodology Good data analysis Valid conclusions
Logical flow of information Manuscript structure and formatting Appropriate references High readability
Customer Service Peer review
Group similar comments together
Organize the reviewers’ comments
Reviewer 1: “Re-analyze the data in Figure 3 using a Mann–Whitney U test.”
Reviewer 3: “Repeat the experiments in Figure 3 with additional controls.”
Note: the comments of one reviewer may affect the comments of another
• Mann–Whitney U test: 2 groups • Kruskal–Wallis test: >2 groups
Experimental References Writing
Customer Service Peer review
Respond to every reviewer comment
Easy to see changes
Refer to line and page numbers
Use a different color font
Highlight the text
Writing response letters
Read by the journal editor, not the reviewers
Customer Service Peer review
Fernando L. Cônsoli Editor-in-Chief Neotropical Entomology 2 September 2013 Dear Dr Cônsoli, Re: Resubmission of manuscript reference No. WJS-07-5739 Please find attached a revised version of our manuscript originally entitled “Population dynamics of Drosophilids in response to humidity and temperature,” which we would like to resubmit for consideration for publication in Neotropical Entomology. The reviewer’s comments were highly insightful and enabled us to greatly improve the quality of our manuscript. In the following pages are our point-by-point responses to each of the comments. Revisions in the manuscript are shown as highlighted text. In accordance with the first comment, the title has been revised and the entire manuscript has undergone substantial English editing. We hope that the revisions in the manuscript and our accompanying responses will be sufficient to make our manuscript suitable for publication in Neotropical Entomology.
Address editor personally
Manuscript ID number
Thank reviewers
Highlight major changes
Writing response letters
Customer Service Peer review
Reviewer Comment: In your analysis of the data you have chosen to use a somewhat obscure fitting function (regression). In my opinion, a simple Gaussian function would have sufficed. Moreover, the results would be more instructive and easier to compare to previous results.
Response: We agree with the Reviewer’s assessment of the analysis. Our tailored function, in its current form, makes it difficult to tell that this measurement constitutes a significant improvement over previously reported values. We describe our new analysis using a Gaussian fitting function in our revised Results section (Page 6, Lines 12–18).
Agreeing with reviewers
Agreement
Revisions
Location
Why agree
Customer Service Peer review
Reviewer Comment: In your analysis of the data you have chosen to use a somewhat obscure fitting function (regression). In my opinion, a simple Gaussian function would have sufficed. Moreover, the results would be more instructive and easier to compare to previous results.
Response: Although a simple Gaussian fit would facilitate comparison with the results of other studies, our tailored function allows for the analysis of the data in terms of the Smith model [Smith et al., 1998]. We have now explained the use of this function and the Smith model in our revised Discussion section (Page 12, Lines 2–6).
Disagreeing with reviewers
Revisions
Location
Evidence
Customer Service Peer review
Reviewer comment: The authors looked for polymorphisms in the promoter region of the gene; however, they didn't evaluate the untranslated regions. That is one of my concerns about this methodology.
“Hidden” questions
Rephrased question: Why didn’t the authors evaluate polymorphisms in the untranslated regions of the gene?
Customer Service Peer review
Reviewer comment: The authors looked for polymorphisms in the promoter region of the gene; however, they didn't evaluate the untranslated regions. That is one of my concerns about this methodology.
“Hidden” questions
Response: In this study, we decided to focus on the promoter region of this gene because previous studies [Yajima et al., 2010; Jackson et al., 2011] have shown that its transcription was particularly affected. This has now been clarified in the Discussion section of our manuscript (Page 16, Line 24–28).
Evidence
Location
Revisions
Customer Service Peer review
Reviewer comment: Currently, the authors’ conclusion that this model is appropriate for the predicting deforestation rates worldwide is not valid because they only addressed deforestation in Asia. The authors need to include deforestation data from Africa and South America as well.
“Unfair” comments
Reasons why reviewers might make these comments
Current results are not appropriate for the scope or impact factor of the journal
Reviewer is being “unfair”
Customer Service Peer review
What you should do
First, contact the journal editor if you feel reviewer is being unfair
Do the experiments, revise, and resubmit
Withdraw submission and resubmit current manuscript to a journal with a different scope or lower impact factor
“Unfair” comments
Activities Please see accompanying
handouts
Cover letters and peer review
Peer Review Exercises
The Journal Editor has returned your manuscript along with questions from the reviewers. Write an appropriate response for each one, and then share with your group. One member of each group will then read their best response for one of the comments.
Peer Review Exercises
Reviewer #1: Although the author provided controls for the first two sets of experiments, it appears that control subjects were not included in the third set. Repeat the experiments with the proper controls and update your manuscript accordingly.
We would like to thank Reviewer #1 for their comment. We agree that it is important to include the controls. Therefore, we have repeated the third set of experiments with the proper controls. We have now updated Figure 3 and revised the Results section (page XX, lines YY–ZZ) of our revised manuscript.
Agreement
What was done
Revisions
Location
We would like to thank Reviewer #2 for identifying this oversight. We have now discussed the work from Robertson and colleagues (Robertson et al. Biophys Comm; 2005, 13: 18–29 and Robertson et al. Anal Biochem; 2008, 24: 243–252) in our revised Introduction (page XX, lines YY–ZZ).
Peer Review Exercises
Reviewer #2: In the Introduction, the authors failed to discuss the studies published by Robertson and colleagues regarding non-parametric analyses. These should be added to the revised manuscript.
Revisions
Location
Peer Review Exercises
Reviewer #3: The authors have proposed a very interesting model to explain consumer behavior in foreign countries. I wonder how this might impact the tourism industry.
Revisions
Location
We would like to thank Reviewer #3 for their comment regarding our model. We also agree it would be of interest to the tourism industry. We have added a discussion about the impact our model might have for tourism-based marketing in our revised Conclusion (page XX, lines YY–ZZ).
Agreement
Next steps
Section 6
Next steps If rejected, what should you do?
Option 1: New submission to the same journal
Fully revise manuscript Prepare point-by-point responses Include the original manuscript ID number
Option 2: New submission to a different journal
Revise manuscript Reformat according to the author guidelines
Next steps Promote your work
Promote your work on social networks
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LinkedIn ○ ○ ○
Twitter ○ ○ ○
YouTube ○ ○ ○
Blogs ○ ○ ○
Podcasts ○ ○ ○
Next steps Promote your work
Promote your work on social networks
Cell (IF, 32) posting on Facebook
Next steps
Promote your work on social networks
Promote your work
Sharing published papers on LinkedIn
Next steps
Promote your work on social networks
Promote your work
Allen et al. PLoS ONE 2013; 8: e68914.
• 16 PLOS ONE articles were promoted on social networks on one randomly chosen date
• 16 PLOS ONE articles were not
Views* Downloads*
Promoted 18±18 4±4
Not promoted 6±3 1±1
*per day
Next steps
Respond to post-publication comments
Promote your work
Next steps Promote your work
Present your work at conferences
Allows you to discuss your work personally with your peers
Get feedback about your work and future directions
Networking and collaborations
Be an effective communicator
Write effectively
Increase the readability of your manuscript
How to choose the most appropriate journal
How to logically present your research
How to write effective cover letters
Successfully navigate peer review
How to actively promote your work
Your goal is not only to be published, but also to be widely read/cited
Thank you!
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