Instructions for using the Online Abstract Submittal System

Conventions used in the Online Abstract System: Submitting your abstract, one step at a time

Introduction

The abstract submission form is displayed in a single window divided into two frames. The left frame is the Abstract Control Panel and contains the hyperlinks to perform various functions. These hyperlinks are mainly used to modify or continue the submission after logging out an already submitted abstract (when you start the submission for the first time you will be guided step-by-step through the process - watch for the instructions in the right frame). The right frame contains entry forms, display of entered information, prompts and options for the next step(s) in the submission process.

The Online Abstract System divides the abstract submittal process into steps so that authors can enter information and confirm that it is correct before moving to the next step. By following the buttons at the bottom of each page in the submittal process, you will automatically proceed through every step needed to submit an abstract. One page will follow another in the right frame of your screen until you are finished. After clicking the Submit button at each stage, you will see the growing set of information that you have entered. You should proof it each time it appears, clicking the Next step button at the bottom of the page if the information is correct. We collect your entries EACH time you click the Submit button at the bottom of the right frame. If you want to see what you have submitted, at any time click the View link in the Abstract Control Panel. The actual steps involved in abstract submittal are:

1. TITLE -- the title, topic, presentation preferences, etc.
2. ADD AUTHOR -- enter authors, whether they are presenting, and contact info. If they are presenting, biography, experience, and disclosure information may be required.
3. ABSTRACT TEXT -- Enter your abstract text.
4. CONFIRMATION -- Conclude your submission.

The functions that are available to you at any phase in the submittal process are shown to the left of these instructions (as links on the Abstract Control Panel). These links let you easily return and make corrections at any step along the way. If, for example, you realize after entering the seventh author that you made a mistake in the abstract title, just click on the Title link and change the title. If you made a mistake in an author's name, just click on the author's name in the Abstract Control Panel; the author information form will reappear in this space with the author's name on it, and you can change it right there.

IMPORTANT: When making corrections, Do Not Use the Back Button On Your Browser. Utilize the step links in the Abstract Control Panel instead.

Step 1 -- Title

Enter the information requested on the Enter Abstract Title page (required or optional). Click the Submit button at the bottom of the page. The Abstract Control Panel (left frame of your screen) will reload prompting you to the next step.

Step 2 -- Name Authors

Click the "Next Step: Add Author(s)" button at the bottom of the page. You will be prompted to do a search on the author's last name to see if any information on that author has been previously entered into our database. The search will then take you to the Author Information page. Fill in the requested information on this page, then click the Submit Information button at the bottom.

After submitting the first author, you may choose to Add Another Author, Add Authors from Same Institution (optional), or Submit Abstract Text.

Step 3 -- Submit Abstract Text

You have a choice of copy-and-paste a plain text or upload an HTML file. Please make sure your HTML file contains the following required headers:

• Background:
• Objective(s):
• Method(s):
• Result(s):
• Conclusion(s):

Step 4 -- Confirmation

Look at the confirmation page carefully before clicking the Conclude button. If you see an error, click the appropriate link in the Abstract Control Panel, correct it and re-sumbit the page.
The automatic email notification will be sent upon the submission completion.

Retrieve and Modify an Existing Abstract

To retrieve and view or modify an existing abstract:

1. Return to the "Call for Abstracts" page.
2. Enter your Abstract ID number and password into the white box labeled view/resume/edit/withdraw submission.
3. Use the Abstract Control Panel to view or modify the desired part of the abstract. For instance, click Title to change a title. Then click the Submit button to send your changes.

Withdraw a Paper

1. If the Abstract Control Panel is visible and the desired abstract ID appears at the top of it, then skip to #2 below. Otherwise:
   • Return to the "Call for Abstracts" page.
   • Enter the Abstract ID number and password into the white box labeled view/resume/edit/withdraw submission.
2. Select Withdraw this submission from the Abstract Control Panel.
3. Type in your reason for withdrawing your paper.
4. Click the Withdraw button.
5. You will see Paper Deleted on the confirming page.

Reverse a Withdrawal