Writing Scientific Manuscripts in English Dr. M. Kevin O Carroll BDS, MSD Fellow, American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Diplomate, American.

Writing Scientific Manuscripts in English Dr. M. Kevin O Carroll BDS, MSD Fellow, American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Diplomate, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Professor Emeritus, University of Mississippi School of Dentistry International Consultant, Chiang Mai University Faculty of Dentistry

Scientific Paper Written and published report describing original research results Written and published report describing original research results Must be written in a certain way Must be written in a certain way Must be published in a certain way Must be published in a certain way

Scientific Paper What do we mean by “written in a certain way?” What do we mean by “written in a certain way?” Following a certain format Following a certain format IMRAD IMRAD Introduction Introduction Methods Methods Results and Results and Discussion Discussion

Scientific Paper What do we mean by “published in a certain way?” What do we mean by “published in a certain way?” “Valid” or “Primary” Publication “Valid” or “Primary” Publication Difficult concept to explain Difficult concept to explain A number of tests A number of tests

Scientific Paper Examples of non-primary publications Abstracts Abstracts Theses Theses Conference Reports Conference Reports Government Reports Government Reports Institutional Bulletins Institutional Bulletins

Scientific Paper Tests for Primary Publication First disclosure containing sufficient information to enable peers to First disclosure containing sufficient information to enable peers to 1) assess observations 1) assess observations 2) repeat experiments and 2) repeat experiments and 3) evaluate intellectual processes 3) evaluate intellectual processes

Scientific Paper Tests for Primary Publication Susceptible to sensory perception Susceptible to sensory perception Essentially permanent Essentially permanent Available to scientific community without restriction Available to scientific community without restriction Available for regular screening by secondary services (indexing) Available for regular screening by secondary services (indexing)

Scientific Paper What Does All This Mean? First Disclosure First Disclosure Oral presentation? – No Oral presentation? – No Scientific abstract from a meeting? – No Scientific abstract from a meeting? – No First Disclosure must be in a form that allows the peers of the author, either now or later, to fully comprehend and use the information that is disclosed First Disclosure must be in a form that allows the peers of the author, either now or later, to fully comprehend and use the information that is disclosed

Scientific Paper What Does All This Mean? Peers must be able to Peers must be able to 1) assess the observations 1) assess the observations Did you do a proper literature review? Did you do a proper literature review? Did you design the experiment properly? Did you design the experiment properly? 2) repeat the experiments 2) repeat the experiments Are they described in sufficient detail that I can repeat them? and Are they described in sufficient detail that I can repeat them? and 3) evaluate intellectual processes 3) evaluate intellectual processes Are your conclusions justified by the results? Are your conclusions justified by the results?

Scientific Paper What Does All This Mean? Susceptible to sensory perception Susceptible to sensory perception Normally it means “published” but now includes media such as: Normally it means “published” but now includes media such as: Print Print Journals, film, microfiche Journals, film, microfiche Audio Audio Electronic Electronic Must still pass the other tests Must still pass the other tests

Scientific Paper What Does All This Mean? Permanent Permanent In a form that libraries will keep in their permanent collections In a form that libraries will keep in their permanent collections So, not newsletters or bulletins that may be thrown away after short periods such as a few months or a year So, not newsletters or bulletins that may be thrown away after short periods such as a few months or a year

Scientific Paper Summary Primary publication is Primary publication is The first publication of original research The first publication of original research In a form whereby peers can repeat the experiments and test the conclusions, and In a form whereby peers can repeat the experiments and test the conclusions, and In a journal or other source document readily available to the scientific community In a journal or other source document readily available to the scientific community

Scientific Paper Summary Peers of the author is now generally accepted to mean pre-publication peer-review Peers of the author is now generally accepted to mean pre-publication peer-review So, just any journal, even if it is in a library’s permanent collection, does not constitute primary or valid publication So, just any journal, even if it is in a library’s permanent collection, does not constitute primary or valid publication It must be a peer-reviewed journal It must be a peer-reviewed journal

Peer-reviewed Journals Editor Editor Editorial Board Editorial Board Helps the editor establish editorial policy Helps the editor establish editorial policy Manuscript reviewers Manuscript reviewers Help the editor identify manuscripts for publication Help the editor identify manuscripts for publication Accept Accept Reject Reject Accept after modifications Accept after modifications

Peer-reviewed Journals Manuscript reviewers Manuscript reviewers Editor usually selects 2 or 3 reviewers per manuscript Editor usually selects 2 or 3 reviewers per manuscript Very specific instructions Very specific instructions Evaluate the experimental procedure Evaluate the experimental procedure Do the results justify the conclusions? Do the results justify the conclusions? Check one third of the references for accuracy Check one third of the references for accuracy

Scientific Paper Understanding the concepts of valid or primary publication and proper form will make the writing task easier than it would otherwise be. Understanding the concepts of valid or primary publication and proper form will make the writing task easier than it would otherwise be.

Scientific Manuscript Before a scientific paper is published it is referred to as a scientific manuscript Before a scientific paper is published it is referred to as a scientific manuscript After publication it may be referred to as a paper or an article After publication it may be referred to as a paper or an article

Scientific Manuscripts Title Title Author(s) and addresses Author(s) and addresses Abstract Abstract Introduction Introduction Materials and Methods Materials and Methods Results Results Discussion Acknowledgements References Tables Illustrations Other considerations

Title Title is read by thousands of people Title is read by thousands of people Abstract is read perhaps by hundreds Abstract is read perhaps by hundreds Whole article may be read by only a few people Whole article may be read by only a few people Isn’t that a great pity, especially after you have spent so may hours writing the manuscript? Isn’t that a great pity, especially after you have spent so may hours writing the manuscript? Sad but true Sad but true

Title If your title does not convey the essence of the paper, nobody will bother to read the paper If your title does not convey the essence of the paper, nobody will bother to read the paper Every word in the title must be chosen with great care Every word in the title must be chosen with great care The syntax (relationship between the words) must be carefully managed The syntax (relationship between the words) must be carefully managed Think of the title as a label for the paper, something that will entice the reader Think of the title as a label for the paper, something that will entice the reader

Title The fewest possible words that adequately describe the contents of the paper The fewest possible words that adequately describe the contents of the paper Ideally not a sentence Ideally not a sentence Unless you have a strong message backed up by strong evidence Unless you have a strong message backed up by strong evidence No waste words (A, the, an, “Observations on”) No waste words (A, the, an, “Observations on”) Long titles are usually less meaningful than short ones Long titles are usually less meaningful than short ones

Title Specific Specific “Actions of antibiotics on bacteria” “Actions of antibiotics on bacteria”

Title Specific Specific “Actions of antibiotics on bacteria” “Actions of antibiotics on bacteria” Short but tells us little Short but tells us little

Title Specific Specific “Actions of antibiotics on bacteria” “Actions of antibiotics on bacteria” Short but tells us little Short but tells us little “Preliminary observations on the effect of certain antibiotics on various species of bacteria” “Preliminary observations on the effect of certain antibiotics on various species of bacteria”

Title Specific Specific “Actions of antibiotics on bacteria” “Actions of antibiotics on bacteria” Short but tells us little Short but tells us little “Preliminary observations on the effect of certain antibiotics on various species of bacteria” “Preliminary observations on the effect of certain antibiotics on various species of bacteria” Longer but tells us no more Longer but tells us no more

Title Specific Specific “Actions of antibiotics on bacteria” “Actions of antibiotics on bacteria” Short but tells us little Short but tells us little “Preliminary observations on the effect of certain antibiotics on various species of bacteria” “Preliminary observations on the effect of certain antibiotics on various species of bacteria” Longer but tells us no more Longer but tells us no more “Action of streptomycin on Mycobactrium tuberculosis” “Action of streptomycin on Mycobactrium tuberculosis”

Title Specific Specific “Actions of antibiotics on bacteria” “Actions of antibiotics on bacteria” Short but tells us little Short but tells us little “Preliminary observations on the effect of certain antibiotics on various species of bacteria” “Preliminary observations on the effect of certain antibiotics on various species of bacteria” Longer but tells us no more Longer but tells us no more “Action of streptomycin on Mycobactrium tuberculosis” “Action of streptomycin on Mycobactrium tuberculosis” Better, but still too general Better, but still too general

Title Specific Specific “Actions of antibiotics on bacteria” “Actions of antibiotics on bacteria” Short but tells us little Short but tells us little “Preliminary observations on the effect of certain antibiotics on various species of bacteria” “Preliminary observations on the effect of certain antibiotics on various species of bacteria” Longer but tells us no more Longer but tells us no more “Action of streptomycin on Mycobactrium tuberculosis” “Action of streptomycin on Mycobactrium tuberculosis” Better, but still too general Better, but still too general “Inhibition of growth of Mycobactrium tuberculosis by streptomycin” “Inhibition of growth of Mycobactrium tuberculosis by streptomycin”

Title Syntax very important in titles Syntax very important in titles “Mechanism of suppression of non- transmissible pneumonia in mice induced by Newcastle disease virus” “Mechanism of suppression of non- transmissible pneumonia in mice induced by Newcastle disease virus”

Title Syntax very important in titles Syntax very important in titles “Mechanism of suppression of non-transmissible pneumonia in mice induced by Newcastle disease virus” “Mechanism of suppression of non-transmissible pneumonia in mice induced by Newcastle disease virus” Mice that were induced by... virus? Mice that were induced by... virus? Pneumonia that was induced Pneumonia that was induced So, why separate the “induced” from the “pneumonia?” So, why separate the “induced” from the “pneumonia?”

Title “Mechanism of suppression of non- transmissible pneumonia in mice induced by Newcastle disease virus” “Mechanism of suppression of non- transmissible pneumonia in mice induced by Newcastle disease virus” Revision: Revision: “Mechanism of suppression of non- transmissible pneumonia induced in mice by Newcastle disease virus” “Mechanism of suppression of non- transmissible pneumonia induced in mice by Newcastle disease virus”

Title “Multiple infections among newborns resulting from implantation with staphylococcus aureus” “Multiple infections among newborns resulting from implantation with staphylococcus aureus” Revision: Revision: “Multiple infections resulting from implantation of newborns with staphylococcus aureus” “Multiple infections resulting from implantation of newborns with staphylococcus aureus”

Title Be careful when you use “using” Be careful when you use “using” Most common dangling participle in scientific writing Most common dangling participle in scientific writing “Isolation of antigens from monkeys using compliment fixation techniques.” “Isolation of antigens from monkeys using compliment fixation techniques.”

Title Revision: Revision: “Isolation of antigens from monkeys by means of compliment fixation techniques.” “Isolation of antigens from monkeys by means of compliment fixation techniques.”

Title Do not use abbreviations Do not use abbreviations “hydrochloric acid” or “HCl” in a title? “hydrochloric acid” or “HCl” in a title? If you were looking for an article in an index, you would look under “hy” not “hc” If you were looking for an article in an index, you would look under “hy” not “hc” Furthermore, if you were compiling a bibliography from a computer service, you would find only some of the literature if some authors used (or editors accepted) abbreviations and others did not Furthermore, if you were compiling a bibliography from a computer service, you would find only some of the literature if some authors used (or editors accepted) abbreviations and others did not

Title Do not use jargon, proprietary names or outdated terminology Do not use jargon, proprietary names or outdated terminology They lead to problems with indexing They lead to problems with indexing

Title Do not use series titles (“... Part I.....” etc.) Do not use series titles (“... Part I.....” etc.) The part before the Roman numeral is usually so general as to be useless The part before the Roman numeral is usually so general as to be useless The article can be hard to understand unless all parts are available to the reader The article can be hard to understand unless all parts are available to the reader They cause problems for editors (What happens if Part IV is accepted but Part III is rejected or delayed in review?) and indexers They cause problems for editors (What happens if Part IV is accepted but Part III is rejected or delayed in review?) and indexers

Title A hanging title is better (a colon is used instead of the Roman numeral) but still causes indexing problems A hanging title is better (a colon is used instead of the Roman numeral) but still causes indexing problems Editors increasingly believe that each published paper should present the results of an independent, cohesive study Editors increasingly believe that each published paper should present the results of an independent, cohesive study

Authors and addresses Order of names Order of names No universal agreement No universal agreement Most popular is listing in order of seniority (in relation to the study) Most popular is listing in order of seniority (in relation to the study) First author should be the one who did most or all of the research First author should be the one who did most or all of the research Subsequent authors should be in order of importance to the study Subsequent authors should be in order of importance to the study

Authors and addresses Order of names Order of names The tendency of laboratory directors or department chairs to have their names on all manuscripts coming out of their labs or departments should be discouraged The tendency of laboratory directors or department chairs to have their names on all manuscripts coming out of their labs or departments should be discouraged Nobody in the scientific community is fooled Nobody in the scientific community is fooled

Authors and addresses Order of names Order of names Some journals now require all authors to sign a statement accepting intellectual responsibility for the research results being reported Some journals now require all authors to sign a statement accepting intellectual responsibility for the research results being reported In the US there have been cases of institutions having to return millions of dollars of research funding to the government because of such fraudulent authorship In the US there have been cases of institutions having to return millions of dollars of research funding to the government because of such fraudulent authorship

Authors and addresses Proper and consistent form Proper and consistent form Last name, first name, middle initial(s) Last name, first name, middle initial(s) Always use the same form Always use the same form If you sometimes use John K. Smith and other times J. K. Smith, your work will be difficult to locate If you sometimes use John K. Smith and other times J. K. Smith, your work will be difficult to locate If you change your name (e.g., upon marriage) people who do not know you will not be able to find all your work If you change your name (e.g., upon marriage) people who do not know you will not be able to find all your work

Authors and addresses Degrees and titles Degrees and titles This will be determined by the specific journal This will be determined by the specific journal There are two principal journals in my field and they have different philosophies One accepts degrees but not titles (Dr., Prof., etc), the other does not. There are two principal journals in my field and they have different philosophies One accepts degrees but not titles (Dr., Prof., etc), the other does not. No matter where you wish to publish, read the Instructions to Authors first. They will provide the information you need. No matter where you wish to publish, read the Instructions to Authors first. They will provide the information you need.

Authors and addresses Degrees and titles Degrees and titles An interesting problem for indexers. An interesting problem for indexers. George Kennedy and Desmond Brown, colleagues of mine published a paper. George Kennedy and Desmond Brown, colleagues of mine published a paper. George’s degrees and qualifications were B.D.S., D. Orth., F.D.S., R.C.S. and Desmond’s was B.D.S. George’s degrees and qualifications were B.D.S., D. Orth., F.D.S., R.C.S. and Desmond’s was B.D.S. When the article appeared in the Index to Dental Literature, the authors were listed as: When the article appeared in the Index to Dental Literature, the authors were listed as: Kennedy G, Orth D, Brown D Kennedy G, Orth D, Brown D It looked as if there were three authors because the indexer misidentified George’s second degree as an author It looked as if there were three authors because the indexer misidentified George’s second degree as an author

Authors and addresses Addresses Addresses With one author, one address is given, the one where the research was done With one author, one address is given, the one where the research was done If, before publication, an author has moved to another address, the new address should be indicated in a “Present address” footnote If, before publication, an author has moved to another address, the new address should be indicated in a “Present address” footnote With multiple authors, each in a different institution, the addresses should be listed in the same order as the authors With multiple authors, each in a different institution, the addresses should be listed in the same order as the authors

Authors and addresses Addresses Addresses With three authors in two instutions, problems sometimes arise With three authors in two instutions, problems sometimes arise A common solution is to place a superscript a, b, or c after their names and before the addresses A common solution is to place a superscript a, b, or c after their names and before the addresses Consult the Instructions for Authors Consult the Instructions for Authors

Abstract Mini-version of the paper Mini-version of the paper Brief summary of each section of the paper Brief summary of each section of the paper Written in one paragraph <250 words Written in one paragraph <250 words Some journals now require a structured abstract consisting of a few paragraphs Some journals now require a structured abstract consisting of a few paragraphs Headings matching the sections of the paper Headings matching the sections of the paper Although read first, it should be written after the manuscript is finished, when you know what to put in it Although read first, it should be written after the manuscript is finished, when you know what to put in it

Abstract Purpose of abstract Purpose of abstract Enables reader to Enables reader to identify the contents of the paper quickly and accurately identify the contents of the paper quickly and accurately determine its relevance to their interests, and determine its relevance to their interests, and decide whether they need to read the whole paper decide whether they need to read the whole paper

Abstract Structure of abstract Structure of abstract State the principal objectives and scope of the investigation State the principal objectives and scope of the investigation Describe the methods employed Describe the methods employed Summarize the results Summarize the results State the principal conclusions State the principal conclusions Write it in the past tense because it refers to work completed Write it in the past tense because it refers to work completed Never place results or conclusions in the abstract that are not stated in the paper Never place results or conclusions in the abstract that are not stated in the paper

Abstract Structure of abstract Structure of abstract Will be published by itself, so should be self- contained Will be published by itself, so should be self- contained Should not contain any abbreviations or references Should not contain any abbreviations or references Language should be familiar to potential reader Language should be familiar to potential reader Omit all unnecessary details Omit all unnecessary details Remember, the first person who will read it is the reviewer Remember, the first person who will read it is the reviewer If the abstract is not good, the paper may be rejected If the abstract is not good, the paper may be rejected

Introduction Purpose of Introduction Purpose of Introduction Awaken the reader’s interest Awaken the reader’s interest Prepare the reader, whether or not they are specialists in your field, to understand the paper Prepare the reader, whether or not they are specialists in your field, to understand the paper

Introduction Suggested rules Suggested rules Consider the level of audience and determine the amount of description you need to provide Consider the level of audience and determine the amount of description you need to provide Begin writing while the work is still in progress Begin writing while the work is still in progress Everything is fresh in your mind Everything is fresh in your mind Writing early may identify problems in methodology Writing early may identify problems in methodology Co-authors are still available for consultation Co-authors are still available for consultation

Introduction Suggested rules Suggested rules Provide sufficient background information to enable the reader to understand and evaluate the results of the present study without having to refer to previous publications Provide sufficient background information to enable the reader to understand and evaluate the results of the present study without having to refer to previous publications Provide the rationale for the study Provide the rationale for the study Clearly and briefly describe your purpose in writing the paper Clearly and briefly describe your purpose in writing the paper

Introduction Suggested rules Suggested rules Write in the present tense because you are describing what is known and what question or problem you want to investigate Write in the present tense because you are describing what is known and what question or problem you want to investigate Present the nature and scope of the problem Present the nature and scope of the problem Review the pertinent literature Review the pertinent literature State the method of the investigation State the method of the investigation If necessary, the reason for choosing a particular method should be stated If necessary, the reason for choosing a particular method should be stated

Introduction Suggested rules Suggested rules Some controversy regarding what else should be in the Introduction Some controversy regarding what else should be in the Introduction

Introduction Some say Some say State the principal results of the investigation State the principal results of the investigation State the principal conclusions suggested by the results State the principal conclusions suggested by the results Do not keep the reader in suspense; this is not a detective story! Do not keep the reader in suspense; this is not a detective story! If you hold back the results until later in the paper, the reader may lose interest If you hold back the results until later in the paper, the reader may lose interest

Introduction Others say Others say The answers to the question should not be in the Introduction The answers to the question should not be in the Introduction Similarly, results should not be in the Introduction, nor should implications Similarly, results should not be in the Introduction, nor should implications Purpose of Introduction is leading in Purpose of Introduction is leading in Answers and implications sound like the end of the abstract. They close off rather than lead in Answers and implications sound like the end of the abstract. They close off rather than lead in

Introduction Safest policy is to study the style of the journal in which you wish to publish Safest policy is to study the style of the journal in which you wish to publish

Introduction Suggested rules Suggested rules If you have published a preliminary note or abstract on this study, you should mention it, with the reference, in the Introduction If you have published a preliminary note or abstract on this study, you should mention it, with the reference, in the Introduction If related work is about to be published elsewhere, say so in the Introduction, usually towards the end If related work is about to be published elsewhere, say so in the Introduction, usually towards the end Such references help to keep the literature tidy for those who have to search it Such references help to keep the literature tidy for those who have to search it

Introduction Suggested rules Suggested rules The Introduction is the place to define any specialised terms or abbreviations you intend to use, especially for readers who are not in your specialty The Introduction is the place to define any specialised terms or abbreviations you intend to use, especially for readers who are not in your specialty Use only standard abbreviations unless you will be using them often in the paper Use only standard abbreviations unless you will be using them often in the paper

Materials and Methods Purpose of Materials and Methods Purpose of Materials and Methods Describe in detail the experimental method Describe in detail the experimental method Defend, if necessary, the experimental design Defend, if necessary, the experimental design Enable the reader to duplicate the study Enable the reader to duplicate the study

Materials and Methods Most readers will probably skip this section Most readers will probably skip this section You (should) have summarised the methods in the Introduction You (should) have summarised the methods in the Introduction So, why give details? So, why give details? The scientific method requires that your results, to have scientific merit, must be reproducible, and for the results to be judged reproducible, you must provide the basis for repetition of the study by others The scientific method requires that your results, to have scientific merit, must be reproducible, and for the results to be judged reproducible, you must provide the basis for repetition of the study by others

Materials and Methods The fact that the experiments are not likely to be reproduced is beside the point; the potential for reproducing the same or similar results must exist or your paper does not represent good science The fact that the experiments are not likely to be reproduced is beside the point; the potential for reproducing the same or similar results must exist or your paper does not represent good science When your paper is submitted for peer review, a good reviewer will read this section very carefully When your paper is submitted for peer review, a good reviewer will read this section very carefully

Materials and Methods If there is serious doubt that your experiments could be repeated, the reviewer will recommend rejection of your manuscript no matter how awe-inspiring your results If there is serious doubt that your experiments could be repeated, the reviewer will recommend rejection of your manuscript no matter how awe-inspiring your results

Results Do not start the Results section by describing methods you forgot to include in the materials and methods section! Do not start the Results section by describing methods you forgot to include in the materials and methods section! Write in the past tense Write in the past tense Provide representative data, not endlessly repetitive data Provide representative data, not endlessly repetitive data

Results If one or just a few determinations are to be presented, they should be described in the text If one or just a few determinations are to be presented, they should be described in the text Repetitive determinations should be presented in tables Repetitive determinations should be presented in tables Any determinations should be meaningful Any determinations should be meaningful If statistics are used to describe the results, they should be meaningful statistics If statistics are used to describe the results, they should be meaningful statistics

Results The results should be short, without unnecessary words The results should be short, without unnecessary words This section is often the shortest, especially if preceded by a well-written Materials and methods section and followed by a well-written Discussion This section is often the shortest, especially if preceded by a well-written Materials and methods section and followed by a well-written Discussion State the results clearly and simply State the results clearly and simply They constitute the new knowledge you are contributing to the world They constitute the new knowledge you are contributing to the world

Results Do not repeat in words information already contained in the tables Do not repeat in words information already contained in the tables Do not say “It can be clearly seen in Table I that streptomycin inhibited...” Do not say “It can be clearly seen in Table I that streptomycin inhibited...” Instead, say “Streptomycin inhibited... (Table I)” Instead, say “Streptomycin inhibited... (Table I)”

Results Do not misuse “it” Do not misuse “it” An example: An example: The patient’s left leg became numb at times but she walked it off.... On her second day the knee was better, and on the third day it had completely disappeared.” The patient’s left leg became numb at times but she walked it off.... On her second day the knee was better, and on the third day it had completely disappeared.”

Discussion Usually the hardest section to write Usually the hardest section to write Many papers are rejected because of faulty Discussion sections even though the data are valid and interesting Many papers are rejected because of faulty Discussion sections even though the data are valid and interesting Often too long Often too long Sometimes the true meaning of the data is obscured by an incorrect interpretation presented in the Discussion Sometimes the true meaning of the data is obscured by an incorrect interpretation presented in the Discussion

Discussion Components of a good Discussion Components of a good Discussion Discuss (not repeat) the principles, relationships and generalisations shown by the results Discuss (not repeat) the principles, relationships and generalisations shown by the results Identify any exceptions or lack of correlation and define unsettled points Identify any exceptions or lack of correlation and define unsettled points

Discussion Components of a good Discussion Components of a good Discussion Show how your results and intrerpretation agree or contrast with previously published work Show how your results and intrerpretation agree or contrast with previously published work Discuss the theoretical implications of your work as well as any practical applications Discuss the theoretical implications of your work as well as any practical applications State your conclusions clearly State your conclusions clearly Summarise your evidence for each conclusion Summarise your evidence for each conclusion

Discussion Components of a good Discussion Components of a good Discussion Finish with a short summary of the significance of the study Finish with a short summary of the significance of the study

Acknowledgements Acknowledge any significant technical help you received from any individual Acknowledge any significant technical help you received from any individual Acknowledge the source of any special equipment, cultures or materials Acknowledge the source of any special equipment, cultures or materials Acknowledge any sources of financial assistance Acknowledge any sources of financial assistance Show the wording of the acknowledgement to whomever you are thanking, so that they are not embarrassed in case you said too much or not enough Show the wording of the acknowledgement to whomever you are thanking, so that they are not embarrassed in case you said too much or not enough

Acknowledgements There is no need to write an essay describing how grateful you are There is no need to write an essay describing how grateful you are “I thank John Smith for...” “I thank John Smith for...” However, if acknowledging an idea, suggestion or interpretation, be specific about it. However, if acknowledging an idea, suggestion or interpretation, be specific about it. “I thank John Smith for his assistance” is not enough “I thank John Smith for his assistance” is not enough

References List only significant published references List only significant published references If reference to unpublished data, theses, abstracts, etc., is essential, you can add it as a footnote If reference to unpublished data, theses, abstracts, etc., is essential, you can add it as a footnote If a reference is to a paper that has been accepted for publication (not just submitted), list it as “In Press”) If a reference is to a paper that has been accepted for publication (not just submitted), list it as “In Press”) Check all parts of every reference against the original publication, both before the manuscript is submitted and again at the galley proof stage Check all parts of every reference against the original publication, both before the manuscript is submitted and again at the galley proof stage Both indexers and typesetters can make mistakes Both indexers and typesetters can make mistakes

References There are far more mistakes made in the References section than in any other section of scientific manuscripts There are far more mistakes made in the References section than in any other section of scientific manuscripts The References section can be tedious and you may not want to spend the time getting it right The References section can be tedious and you may not want to spend the time getting it right But if you do not cite the references correctly, the reader will not be able to find the reference But if you do not cite the references correctly, the reader will not be able to find the reference

References Reviewers are asked to check references and if they see a lot of errors they may recommend rejection of the paper, just because they are annoyed Reviewers are asked to check references and if they see a lot of errors they may recommend rejection of the paper, just because they are annoyed Remember, reviewers are not paid for what they do Remember, reviewers are not paid for what they do You are relying on them to give you suggestions for improving your manuscript You are relying on them to give you suggestions for improving your manuscript

References Reference styles Reference styles Thirty three different styles Thirty three different styles Three most commonly used Three most commonly used Name and Year system Name and Year system Alphabet-number system Alphabet-number system Citation order system Citation order system

References Check with the journals in which you wish to publish Check with the journals in which you wish to publish Use the system they use! Use the system they use! “Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts Submitted to Biomedical Journals” (The Vancouver System) favours the Citation order system “Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts Submitted to Biomedical Journals” (The Vancouver System) favours the Citation order system

References Name and year system Name and year system Very convenient for authors Very convenient for authors In the text write “Smith and Jones (2004)” In the text write “Smith and Jones (2004)” Even after adding many references during production of the paper, this one will always stay the same Even after adding many references during production of the paper, this one will always stay the same If another reference to a different part of the same paper is made it can be identified as “Smith and Jones (2004a) If another reference to a different part of the same paper is made it can be identified as “Smith and Jones (2004a)

References Name and year system Name and year system Inconvenient for readers and publishers if there are many references Inconvenient for readers and publishers if there are many references Increases cost to publishers because of extra ink and space Increases cost to publishers because of extra ink and space Readers have to read over many parenthetical references to continue reading the text Readers have to read over many parenthetical references to continue reading the text

References Name and year system Name and year system In the text the reference is written “Smith and Jones (2004)” In the text the reference is written “Smith and Jones (2004)” In the References section the papers are listed alphabetically by first authors’ last names and then by date In the References section the papers are listed alphabetically by first authors’ last names and then by date

References Alphabet-number system Alphabet-number system Modification of name and year system Modification of name and year system In the text write “(2)” at the end of the sentence In the text write “(2)” at the end of the sentence In the References section, the papers are listed in numerical order In the References section, the papers are listed in numerical order

References Citation order system Citation order system Much better for readers than the other systems Much better for readers than the other systems Most difficult for authors Most difficult for authors Saves costs for publishers Saves costs for publishers System recommended by Vancouver System System recommended by Vancouver System

References Citation order system Citation order system In the text the reference is written as a superscript numeral, with 1 being the first reference cited, 2 the second, etc In the text the reference is written as a superscript numeral, with 1 being the first reference cited, 2 the second, etc In the References section the papers are listed in numerical order In the References section the papers are listed in numerical order

References Journal abbreviations Journal abbreviations Standard abbreviations should be used Standard abbreviations should be used These can be found in the relevant Indexes to the literature These can be found in the relevant Indexes to the literature

References Citation in the text Citation in the text Do not routinely place the reference at the end of the sentence Do not routinely place the reference at the end of the sentence Place it at the point in the sentence where it applies Place it at the point in the sentence where it applies Sometimes this will be at the end, but not always Sometimes this will be at the end, but not always

References Citation in the text Citation in the text “Johnson 1 reported that...” “Johnson 1 reported that...” “The decrease in cardiac output reported by Johnson (1998) cannot be explained by...” “The decrease in cardiac output reported by Johnson (1998) cannot be explained by...”

References The various systems vary in how the citations are written in the References section The various systems vary in how the citations are written in the References section Check with “your” journal about which system to use Check with “your” journal about which system to use Examples of one reference in each of the three systems Examples of one reference in each of the three systems

References Name and Year system Name and Year system Sproul, J., H. Klaaren, and F. Mannarino. 1993. Surgical treatment of Freiberg’s infraction in athletes. Am. J. Sports Med. 21:381-384. Sproul, J., H. Klaaren, and F. Mannarino. 1993. Surgical treatment of Freiberg’s infraction in athletes. Am. J. Sports Med. 21:381-384. Alphabet-number system Alphabet-number system 1. Sproul, J., H. Klaaren, and F. Mannarino. 1993. Surgical treatment of Freiberg’s infraction in athletes. Am. J. Sports Med. 21:381-384. 1. Sproul, J., H. Klaaren, and F. Mannarino. 1993. Surgical treatment of Freiberg’s infraction in athletes. Am. J. Sports Med. 21:381-384. Citation order system Citation order system 1. Sproul J, Klaaren H, Mannarino F. Surgical treatment of Freiberg’s infraction in athletes. Am J Sports Med 1993; 21:381- 4. 1. Sproul J, Klaaren H, Mannarino F. Surgical treatment of Freiberg’s infraction in athletes. Am J Sports Med 1993; 21:381- 4.

References Name and Year system Name and Year system Day, R.A. 1994. How to write and publish a scientific paper. 4 th ed. Phoenix: Oryx Press. Day, R.A. 1994. How to write and publish a scientific paper. 4 th ed. Phoenix: Oryx Press. Huth, E.J. 1986. Guideline on authorship of medical papers. Ann. Intern. Med. 104:269-274. Huth, E.J. 1986. Guideline on authorship of medical papers. Ann. Intern. Med. 104:269-274. Sproul, J., H. Klaaren, and F. Mannarino. 1993. Surgical treatment of Freiberg’s infraction in athletes. Am. J. Sports Med. 21:381-384. Sproul, J., H. Klaaren, and F. Mannarino. 1993. Surgical treatment of Freiberg’s infraction in athletes. Am. J. Sports Med. 21:381-384.

References Alphabet-number system Alphabet-number system 1. Day, R.A. 1994. How to write and publish a scientific paper. 4 th ed. Phoenix: Oryx Press. 1. Day, R.A. 1994. How to write and publish a scientific paper. 4 th ed. Phoenix: Oryx Press. 2. Huth, E.J. 1986. Guideline on authorship of medical papers. Ann. Intern. Med. 104:269-274. 2. Huth, E.J. 1986. Guideline on authorship of medical papers. Ann. Intern. Med. 104:269-274. 3. Sproul, J., H. Klaaren, and F. Mannarino. 1993. Surgical treatment of Freiberg’s infraction in athletes. Am. J. Sports Med. 21:381-384. 3. Sproul, J., H. Klaaren, and F. Mannarino. 1993. Surgical treatment of Freiberg’s infraction in athletes. Am. J. Sports Med. 21:381-384.

References Citation order system Citation order system 1. Huth EJ. Guidelines on authorship of medical papers. Ann Intern Med 1986; 104:269-274. 1. Huth EJ. Guidelines on authorship of medical papers. Ann Intern Med 1986; 104:269-274. 2. Sproul J, Klaaren H, Mannarino F. Surgical treatment of Freiberg’s infraction in athletes. Am J Sports Med. 1993; 21:381-384. 2. Sproul J, Klaaren H, Mannarino F. Surgical treatment of Freiberg’s infraction in athletes. Am J Sports Med. 1993; 21:381-384. 3. Day, R.A. How to write and publish a scientific paper. 4 th ed. Phoenix: Oryx Press, 1994. 3. Day, R.A. How to write and publish a scientific paper. 4 th ed. Phoenix: Oryx Press, 1994.

Books Academic Writing for Graduate Students Academic Writing for Graduate Students Swales JM, Feak CB Swales JM, Feak CB University of Michigan Press 1994 University of Michigan Press 1994 Essentials of Writing Biomedical Research Papers Essentials of Writing Biomedical Research Papers Zeiger M Zeiger M McGraw-Hill 2000 McGraw-Hill 2000 How To Write and publish a Scientific Paper. 4 th ed How To Write and publish a Scientific Paper. 4 th ed Day RA Day RA The Oryx Press 1994 The Oryx Press 1994

Web Sites www.lib.umich.edu/taubman/pubguide.html www.lib.umich.edu/taubman/pubguide.html www.psywww.com/resource/apacrib.htm www.psywww.com/resource/apacrib.htm www.icmje.org/#users www.icmje.org/#users

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Writing Scientific Manuscripts in English Dr. M. Kevin O Carroll BDS, MSD Fellow, American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Diplomate, American.

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Writing Scientific Manuscripts in English Dr. M. Kevin O Carroll BDS, MSD Fellow, American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology Diplomate, American.

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