10/31/2006Science Publishing1 Publishing in the Physical and Biological Sciences Steve Turley October 31, 2006

10/31/2006Science Publishing2 What, Scientists Write? When ideas are the product, writing is usually the medium When ideas are the product, writing is usually the medium Industry/Government Labs Industry/Government Labs 20%-30% of my time 20%-30% of my time Examples Examples University University 30%-40% of my time 30%-40% of my time Examples Examples

10/31/2006Science Publishing3 Kinds of Scientific Writing Technical Articles (Colleagues) Technical Articles (Colleagues) Letters Letters Archival Journals Archival Journals Review Articles Review Articles Reports Reports Popular Writing (Public) Popular Writing (Public) Textbooks Textbooks Public Information Public Information Persuasive Writing (Sponsors) Persuasive Writing (Sponsors) Grant proposals Grant proposals Applying to graduate school Applying to graduate school Administrative Writing Administrative Writing

10/31/2006Science Publishing4 SME Job Activities More than 50% of scientists often do technical writing as part of their job More the 30% of scientists often do non-technical writing as part of their job.

10/31/2006Science Publishing5 Outline Why Publish (Importance) Why Publish (Importance) Professional advancement Professional advancement Moral responsibility Moral responsibility Personal development Personal development Unique Aspects of Scientific Writing Unique Aspects of Scientific Writing Approaches to Writing Approaches to Writing Quality Writing Quality Writing Audience Audience Clarity Clarity Voice Voice Interest Interest

10/31/2006Science Publishing6 Professional Importance Develop reputation Develop reputation Contact with others doing similar work Contact with others doing similar work Applying for jobs, fellowships, and graduate school Applying for jobs, fellowships, and graduate school Promotion Promotion Salary Salary Documentation of accomplishments Documentation of accomplishments

10/31/2006Science Publishing7 Moral Responsibility Stewardship of resources Stewardship of resources Support of others Support of others Government Government University University Our ideas are built on those of others Our ideas are built on those of others Scriptural imperative to “ Scriptural imperative to “publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.” (Psalms 26:7)

10/31/2006Science Publishing8 Personal Development Formalizing ideas Formalizing ideas Reviews Reviews Colleagues prior to submission Colleagues prior to submission Peer review prior to publication Peer review prior to publication Response from readers Response from readers Organizing research Organizing research Milestones Milestones Benchmarks Benchmarks

10/31/2006Science Publishing9 Plus…it’s fun! Concluding a job well done Concluding a job well done Sharing the joys in our discoveries with others Sharing the joys in our discoveries with others Chronicle of our professional journeys Chronicle of our professional journeys Fun to see your work and name in print Fun to see your work and name in print Examples Examples Running across University Scholar project in library Running across University Scholar project in library PhD research: prodding theory PhD research: prodding theory Reviewing old papers for rank advancement Reviewing old papers for rank advancement

10/31/2006Science Publishing10 Unique Aspects of Scientific Publishing Communication of results Communication of results Avoiding distractions Avoiding distractions Style Style References References Acknowledgements of prior work Acknowledgements of prior work Justification of claims Justification of claims

10/31/2006Science Publishing11 Communication of Results Helping your reader find your article Helping your reader find your article Title Title Names Names Authorship Authorship Abstract Abstract Keywords Keywords Highlight critical points Highlight critical points Center discussion on unique data or conclusions Center discussion on unique data or conclusions Be concise and precise Be concise and precise

10/31/2006Science Publishing12 Some Example Titles Laser-Cluster Interaction: X-Ray Production by Short Laser Pulses Real-Time and Background-Free Detection of Nanoscale Particles Real-Time and Background-Free Detection of Nanoscale Particles Coherent Optical Photons from Shock Waves in Crystals Coherent Optical Photons from Shock Waves in Crystals Proposed Experiments to Probe the Non-Abelian ν=5/2 Quantum Hall State Proposed Experiments to Probe the Non-Abelian ν=5/2 Quantum Hall State Phys. Rev. Lett. 96 [13 Jan 2006]

10/31/2006Science Publishing13 Note on Names Searching for other articles by you Searching for other articles by you Where possible, be consistent Where possible, be consistent Initials or full name Initials or full name Use of first or middle name Use of first or middle name Use of middle initial Use of middle initial How common is your name? How common is your name? Decide now Decide now Special challenge faced by women Special challenge faced by women

10/31/2006Science Publishing14 Authorship Custom Custom Include as authors all who contributed substantially to the work Include as authors all who contributed substantially to the work One person write manuscript One person write manuscript Others review Others review Order Order Principle contributor first Principle contributor first Alphabetical Alphabetical Senior author first Senior author first Senior author last Senior author last

10/31/2006Science Publishing15 Example Abstract We introduce a background-free real-time detection scheme capable of recognizing low-index nanoparticles such as single viruses in water. The method is based on interferometrically measuring the electromagnetic field amplitude of the scattered light. A split detector is used to generate a background-free signal that renders unprecedented sensitivity for small particles. In its current configuration the sensor is capable of detecting low-index particles in water down to 10 nm in radius or single gold particles as small as 5 nm. We demonstrate the detection of such small particles in a microfluidic system with a time resolution of 1 ms and we discuss the theoretical limits of this novel detection scheme. We introduce a background-free real-time detection scheme capable of recognizing low-index nanoparticles such as single viruses in water. The method is based on interferometrically measuring the electromagnetic field amplitude of the scattered light. A split detector is used to generate a background-free signal that renders unprecedented sensitivity for small particles. In its current configuration the sensor is capable of detecting low-index particles in water down to 10 nm in radius or single gold particles as small as 5 nm. We demonstrate the detection of such small particles in a microfluidic system with a time resolution of 1 ms and we discuss the theoretical limits of this novel detection scheme. Phys. Rev. Lett. 96, (2006)

10/31/2006Science Publishing16 Keywords Prevalence of electronic searching and databases Prevalence of electronic searching and databases Huge increase in scientific literature researchers need to keep abreast of Huge increase in scientific literature researchers need to keep abreast of Specialized results in infrequently read journals Specialized results in infrequently read journals Electronic publishing Electronic publishing

10/31/2006Science Publishing17 Highlighting Key Points Beginning writers Beginning writers travel log travel log Better Writers Better Writers What is your main point? What is your main point? How does each section and paragraph reinforce this point? How does each section and paragraph reinforce this point? Exception: review articles Exception: review articles

10/31/2006Science Publishing18 Avoid Distractions Examples Examples Introductory comments about your interest in the work Introductory comments about your interest in the work Literary flourishes Literary flourishes Development Development Reading what others write Reading what others write Ask yourself which articles are most helpful to you Ask yourself which articles are most helpful to you Not all readers carefully hang on every word. Not all readers carefully hang on every word. Many of your readers will not be native English speakers Many of your readers will not be native English speakers Colorful language Colorful language Colloquial Language Colloquial Language AIP Style Manual Example: ball-park figure AIP Style Manual Example: ball-park figure Avoid complicated sentence constructions Avoid complicated sentence constructions

10/31/2006Science Publishing19 Style Style guide for discipline or journal Style guide for discipline or journal Things to watch for Things to watch for Column layout Column layout Size of figures Size of figures Preferred abbreviations Preferred abbreviations Footnote and reference format and order Footnote and reference format and order Symbols and notation Symbols and notation Units Units Display of formulas Display of formulas Abbreviations Abbreviations Length of submission Length of submission

10/31/2006Science Publishing20 References Not a bibliography Not a bibliography Read and understand original work you cite Read and understand original work you cite Triple check accuracy Triple check accuracy Reader frustration Reader frustration Difficulty of finding errors in proof Difficulty of finding errors in proof You may get your reviewers paper wrong You may get your reviewers paper wrong Find seminal rather than peripheral references Find seminal rather than peripheral references Original source Original source Usually historical precedent Usually historical precedent

10/31/2006Science Publishing21 The Writing Process Preparation Preparation Writing the main article Writing the main article Writing inside out Writing inside out Data, figures, and tables first Data, figures, and tables first Introduction last Introduction last Organization: telling a story Organization: telling a story Abstract Abstract Title last Title last Revisions Revisions Proof reading Proof reading

10/31/2006Science Publishing22 Preparation AIP Style Manual (1997): “Despite the natural tendency to feel that no work is being done on a paper when no actual writing is under way, adequate preparation can help insure a logical, readable product and shorten the writing time.” Main points Main points Oral Presentation Oral Presentation Outline Outline Figures and tables Figures and tables

10/31/2006Science Publishing23 Writing Around a Figure

10/31/2006Science Publishing24 Revisions Share writing with colleagues Share writing with colleagues Include colleague not familiar with your research Include colleague not familiar with your research If its unclear to them, it’s unclear (don’t argue) If its unclear to them, it’s unclear (don’t argue) Let draft sit for a couple of days Let draft sit for a couple of days Put yourself in the position of your reader Put yourself in the position of your reader

10/31/2006Science Publishing25 Selection of Journal How widely is it read? How widely is it read? Are they interested in articles like this? Are they interested in articles like this? Do the people interested in this subject read this journal? Do the people interested in this subject read this journal? Student publishing opportunities in refereed journals Student publishing opportunities in refereed journals Journal of Undergraduate Research Journal of Undergraduate Research Utah Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters Utah Academy of Sciences, Arts, and Letters Refereed conference proceedings Refereed conference proceedings Campus journals Campus journals Joint publications with professors (volunteer to write the article) Joint publications with professors (volunteer to write the article)

10/31/2006Science Publishing26 Submission Text Text Electronic or paper? Electronic or paper? Camera ready? Camera ready? Nature of figures Nature of figures Electronic or paper? Electronic or paper? Font and line size Font and line size Color Color Captions Captions Inline or separate Inline or separate Page charges Page charges

10/31/2006Science Publishing27 Quality Writing (AIP Manual) Audience Audience Clarity Clarity Concise Concise Complete Complete

10/31/2006Science Publishing28 Audience Awareness Experts in field Experts in field Someone coming into the field Someone coming into the field Subject expert with general interest Subject expert with general interest Someone looking for ideas to use in another area Someone looking for ideas to use in another area Others Others Managers Managers Students Students Public Public

10/31/2006Science Publishing29 Example of Reading Paper Interest Interest Physical Optics (Kirchhoff) approximation Physical Optics (Kirchhoff) approximation Reflection (scattering) of light Reflection (scattering) of light Rough surfaces Rough surfaces Note: Approach and results are independent of wavelength (light, x-rays, microwaves [radar], infrared, and radio waves are all applicable) Note: Approach and results are independent of wavelength (light, x-rays, microwaves [radar], infrared, and radio waves are all applicable)

10/31/2006Science Publishing30 Finding Article Title: Title: Analysis of the Iterative Kirchhoff Approximation for Rough Surface Scattering Didn’t waste many words Had critical words I was keying on Accurately reflected treatment in article Well distinguished from other articles I found Author and institution unknown to me

10/31/2006Science Publishing31 Abstract The iterative Kirchhoff approximation has been numerically applied to one-dimensionally rough, perfectly conducting statistical surfaces, and the backscattering predicted from the first and second iterations compared with the “exact” scattering found from the moment method. The W second-iteration scattering proves accurate at all incidence angles with slightly rough surfaces and up to 85 o with large-scale rough surfaces. At HH the second-iteration scattering loses accuracy at 75 o with small scale rough surfaces and 50 o with large-scale roughness. Scattering models based on the second- iteration IKA actually give better results at HH than would be suggested by the numerical evaluation of the IKA. The numerical results show that these models can be accurately applied to surfaces that include moderate large-scale roughness without first separating the roughness spectrum into large- and small-scale components.

10/31/2006Science Publishing32 Section Headings Introduction Introduction Brief explanation of IKA and its relationship to other computational methods which might be more familiar to the reader Brief explanation of IKA and its relationship to other computational methods which might be more familiar to the reader Calculations Calculations Description of surface used for scattering Description of surface used for scattering Not one equation (no help in learning method) Not one equation (no help in learning method) Results Results Dominated by figures (first thing I looked at) Dominated by figures (first thing I looked at) Interpretation Interpretation Summary of applicability of results Summary of applicability of results

10/31/2006Science Publishing33 Example Figure

10/31/2006Science Publishing34 Clarity How else this could it be understood? How else this could it be understood? Clear thinking leads to clear writing Clear thinking leads to clear writing Do you understand it well yet? Do you understand it well yet? Let someone else read it Let someone else read it Experience writing exam questions Experience writing exam questions Avoid jargon and acronyms where possible Avoid jargon and acronyms where possible

10/31/2006Science Publishing35 Completeness You’re the expert You’re the expert Reader should be able to reproduce your arguments and results Reader should be able to reproduce your arguments and results Save the reader the work of looking up obscure points Save the reader the work of looking up obscure points

10/31/2006Science Publishing36 Use Strong Language Active verbs where possible Active verbs where possible Specific goals and accomplishments. What’s unique? Specific goals and accomplishments. What’s unique? In proposals, talk about what you “did” and “will do,” not what you “plan” or “will try to do.” In proposals, talk about what you “did” and “will do,” not what you “plan” or “will try to do.” Make every word count (be concise) Make every word count (be concise) Every sentence and paragraph should be designed to reinforce your main points Every sentence and paragraph should be designed to reinforce your main points

10/31/2006Science Publishing37 Strong Language: Good Example Jason Rowland developed an instrument for measuring reflectivities of multilayer optics in the extreme ultraviolet as a function of angle. His measurements of the reflectivities of U, UO 2, and Ru have helped resolve questions about the index of refraction of these materials at 304 Å and 584 Å. He will be presenting the results of his research at the Four Corners Section Meeting of the American Physical Society in October, His contribution will be included in a publication in the Journal of X-Ray Science and Technology to be prepared later this year. Jason is finishing his degree in physics at Pt. Loma University.

10/31/2006Science Publishing38 Strong Language: Bad Example An absolute measurement of the 16 O(γ,p) 15 N differential cross section for an incident photon energy of 200 MeV was made at the M.I.T. Bates Linear Accelerator. Measurements were made at proton angles of 20 o, 30 o, 40 o, 50 o, 70 o, 90 o, and 110 o. Cross sections for the process leaving the residual 15 N nucleus in its ground state as well as information about the reactions leading to excited states have been extracted. The ground state differential cross section has been integrated to obtain a total cross section at this energy.

10/31/2006Science Publishing39 Get Feedback Review by friends before sending Review by friends before sending Content Content Typos Typos Strength of language Strength of language Speak to program manager before submission Speak to program manager before submission White papers and pre-proposals White papers and pre-proposals What would you suggest? What would you suggest? Ask for feedback from reviewers Ask for feedback from reviewers

10/31/2006Science Publishing40 Persuasive Writing Grant proposals Grant proposals Graduate school application Graduate school application Fellowship application Fellowship application Job application Job application Proposing a collaboration Proposing a collaboration

10/31/2006Science Publishing41 Professional Importance What professional activities have been important enough to keep me up all night? What professional activities have been important enough to keep me up all night? Hughes Hughes BYU BYU M.I.T. M.I.T. Bottom line Bottom line Career depends on ability to get outside funding Career depends on ability to get outside funding You will not be hired for some jobs without a demonstrated ability to obtain external funding for your research You will not be hired for some jobs without a demonstrated ability to obtain external funding for your research

10/31/2006Science Publishing42 Making Technical Writing Persuasive Audience Audience Use strong language Use strong language Persuade, don’t sell Persuade, don’t sell Get feedback Get feedback Make the evaluators’ job easy Make the evaluators’ job easy You can’t deliver what you don’t have You can’t deliver what you don’t have Make it fun to read Make it fun to read

10/31/2006Science Publishing43 Audience for Persuasive Writing Who are you writing to? Who are you writing to? Program Manager Program Manager Administrator Administrator Congress and Congressional Aides Congress and Congressional Aides Customer concerns Customer concerns Why are they paying me to do this? Why are they paying me to do this? Writing at their level Writing at their level

10/31/2006Science Publishing44 Persuade, don’t sell Be precise and factual Be precise and factual Emphasize importance of work, but don’t overemphasize its significance Emphasize importance of work, but don’t overemphasize its significance Explain why, not just what Explain why, not just what Importance Importance Significance Significance Capabilities Capabilities Don’t be shy Don’t be shy If you’ve got it, flaunt it… If you’ve got it, flaunt it…

10/31/2006Science Publishing45 Making it Fun to Read Tell a story Tell a story Use a narrative style where appropriate Use a narrative style where appropriate Add anecdotes and specific examples Add anecdotes and specific examples Use an attractive format Use an attractive format But… But… Avoid humor and sarcasm Avoid humor and sarcasm Present facts clearly and succinctly Present facts clearly and succinctly Don’t stray from your main point Don’t stray from your main point

10/31/2006Science Publishing46 Nuts and Bolts of Getting Grants Planning Process Planning Process Group/Individual Effort Group/Individual Effort Identifying Sponsors Identifying Sponsors Size of Awards Size of Awards General Content General Content

10/31/2006Science Publishing47 Making the Evaluators’ Job Easy Organize it according to their evaluation forms Organize it according to their evaluation forms Highlight where they can find answers to evaluation criteria Highlight where they can find answers to evaluation criteria Provide them with concise statements they can quote to justify their conclusions Provide them with concise statements they can quote to justify their conclusions Provide Table of Contents and Cross References so it is is to find what they are looking for Provide Table of Contents and Cross References so it is is to find what they are looking for Be sure to include an excellent executive summary—that is all some people will read Be sure to include an excellent executive summary—that is all some people will read

10/31/2006Science Publishing48 You Can’t Deliver What You Don’t Have No amount of wonderful writing will make up for lack of content No amount of wonderful writing will make up for lack of content Don’t promise what you can’t deliver Don’t promise what you can’t deliver The community is small The community is small The community has a long memory The community has a long memory Be sure of institutional commitments for matching resources Be sure of institutional commitments for matching resources Start small and build on success Start small and build on success

10/31/2006Science Publishing49 Planning Process Start well in advance Start well in advance Decide on a story line Decide on a story line Visually outline main points Visually outline main points Plug in support arguments Plug in support arguments Use the Grant Proposal Guide, Program Announcement, or Request for Proposal as a Bible Use the Grant Proposal Guide, Program Announcement, or Request for Proposal as a Bible Allocate plenty of resources: time, money, people Allocate plenty of resources: time, money, people

10/31/2006Science Publishing50 Is It Right for Me? What Exactly Do I Want? What Exactly Do I Want? Money Money Recognition Recognition Other Resources Other Resources Why Me? Why Me? Location Location Expertise: past experience, novel ideas or approaches, track record Expertise: past experience, novel ideas or approaches, track record Matching interests Matching interests Resources Resources

10/31/2006Science Publishing51 Group/Individual Effort Industry—I’ve never seen an individual effort Industry—I’ve never seen an individual effort Technical people Technical people Support staff: contracts, accountants, attorneys, technical writers, artists, … Support staff: contracts, accountants, attorneys, technical writers, artists, … Academy Academy Small grants sometimes from individuals Small grants sometimes from individuals Usually involves at least a Sponsored Research Office Usually involves at least a Sponsored Research Office At least let a trusted colleague review your work At least let a trusted colleague review your work

10/31/2006Science Publishing52 Identifying Sponsors Government resources available on the web Government resources available on the web Talk to sponsors Talk to sponsors Who else might be interested? Who else might be interested? Find out who is sponsoring similar work from colleagues Find out who is sponsoring similar work from colleagues Talk to them Talk to them Look for acknowledged support in papers Look for acknowledged support in papers Go to conferences Go to conferences Network! Network!

10/31/2006Science Publishing53 Size of Awards (How Much Should I Ask For?) Look at past awards Look at past awards Talk to program manager Talk to program manager Find how much has been allocated and how many grants they expect Find how much has been allocated and how many grants they expect Talk to past recipients Talk to past recipients Don’t ask for too little or too much Don’t ask for too little or too much ILI Review ILI Review This program is too extensive for us This program is too extensive for us

10/31/2006Science Publishing54 Highlights Writing is crucial to success in physics Writing is crucial to success in physics Persuasive writing is important for technical success Persuasive writing is important for technical success Key elements of success Key elements of success Know your audience/requirements Know your audience/requirements Use strong language Use strong language Practice and get feedback Practice and get feedback