Here are the most frequently asked questions and answers, along with answers to anticipated questions about this year's abstract submission process. If you need additional help, please see suggestions following question 17.
1. Must I use a specific browser for successful abstract submission?
Yes. To access the Web abstract form, you must use Netscape 4.XX (or greater) or the MS Internet Explorer 4.XX (or greater).
Since some computer/browser combinations do not support the display of the full variety of special characters often needed for abstract submission, including Greek letters, you may find it necessary to use a different browser or computer.
2. Should I anticipate any computer-related problems submitting an abstract?
Experience has shown that a few users have experienced difficulty completing the online form and submitting abstracts efficiently, usually due to their particular combination of computer and browser. If you have a problem with your form then we suggest that you try another computer for your abstract submission. If you continue to have a problem, please let us know and we will try to help.
3. When I key text of my abstract, it appears in one long line and goes off the screen, although I may continue keying. Why doesn't my abstract text wrap?
Your browser does not support wrapped text. Try hitting Enter on your keyboard at the end of each line to see the text.
4. Without actually counting each character, how can I be certain that I haven't entered more than the maximum number of 2,370 characters (including spaces and hard returns, but not including commands for special characters) for my abstract submission?
Click on "Check Abstract Size" found in section 6 and immediately preceding "Submit Your Abstract" for a count of total characters used. If you alter already entered information and the character count is affected, that change will be reflected the next time you click on "Check Abstract Size."
Remember that you are not limited to a specific length in any single section of your abstract (i.e., abstract title, authors' institutions, contributing authors, and abstract body); you are limited to 2,370 characters on the total length of your abstract submission.
The submission program's character count will not match the count of your word processor. The count of the program pertains to abstract text in its final formatted and sized version, an exact reproduction of which cannot be viewed online. For example, in final form, the last word in a paragraph could fall on a line by itself, with blank spaces completing the line. These blank spaces, while not apparent online, are included in your abstract when it is formatted for publication and must be taken into account when calculating the total character count. Since they are computed differently, authors often find a discrepancy in the keystroke count on their word processors and the character count in the abstract submission program. Therefore, to be certain that your abstract is successfully submitted, you must use the character count on the Web as your guide.
6. How do I move from one field to the next in the abstract form?
Use your tab key.
7. I've just submitted my abstract and see a mistake. May I revise it?
Yes. If you have already submitted your abstract and need to revise it, click on "Revise a Previously Submitted Late Abstract" on the first screen of the abstract submission program. Revisions may be submitted now through midnight Eastern USA time on March 7. There will be no exception to the revision deadline of March 7.
8. May I cut and paste my abstract text from a word processor into the Web submission system?
Your own system determines whether or not you can use the cut/paste function to import your text into the Web abstract submission form.
However, cutting and pasting is not recommended when it involves special characters. If you attempt to cut and paste text, and that text includes special characters such as diacriticals, super- or subscripts, or Greek characters, you must confirm and repair any missing characters using the palette of special characters available in section 6. If you cut and paste text, be certain that you put your abstract title, author name(s), institution(s) and abstract body in the correct fields.
9. On a printout of my submitted abstract, the title is repeated just before the beginning of my body text. Why?
You have entered your title twice: once in the title field and again in the text field. You need to submit a revised abstract (see question 7) and this time, do not key (or cut/paste) the title in the field for your abstract body text. The system cannot be responsible for titles in body text fields, or authors in title fields, etc. Please proof your text carefully before you submit.
10. I want to submit a table in the abstract body. How do I know how much room it will take and what it will look like in print?
Each row of a table, regardless of its width, will automatically deduct two entire lines from the total space available for your abstract. Click on "Check Abstract Size" after you have entered all table data to be certain you have not entered more than the maximum characters allowed.
Tables will be formatted automatically once your data has been entered as instructed. To further ensure that your table will be presented accurately, please fax a copy of your table as you want it to appear to Krista Koziol, publications manager, at (301) 634-7079 by March 7. Include the abstract control number assigned when you submitted your abstract, name of the first (presenting) author, telephone number or e-mail address, and title of your abstract.
11. Can I exit the program after partially completing the form and access the information later?
No. If you exit the program before you click on "Submit Your Abstract," your information will be lost. You may minimize your screen while you work in another program, but do not exit/close the abstract form.
12. I must withdraw an abstract. What do I do?
E-mail the control number and title of the abstract you wish to withdraw to Marsha Ryan, meeting manager, at mryan@genetics-gsa.org by March 7. Abstracts cannot be withdrawn via the submission system. No withdrawals will be accepted after March 7, 2005.
13. I need to make a sub- or superscripted Greek character in my abstract. What do I do?
First enter an asterisk (*) into the abstract text box where you wish to position the special character. Then click on "SubScript" or "SuperScript" in the Special Effects Menu. When prompted for an entry, enter <g?> where ? is the English equilvalent of the Greek character desired. Use either upper or lower case for the letter, i.e., <gd> for a lower case 'delta' and <gD> for upper case.
14. When I preview my abstract that contains sub- or superscripted text, I notice extra line spacing. Will that be corrected in the published abstract?
Yes, the line spacing above or below sub- or superscripted text will appear normal in the published version of the abstract.
15. Following the last word of my abstract text, unwanted italic (bold or otherwise enhanced) characters appear that should be elsewhere in the body of the text. What do I do now?
Block and delete these extraneous characters, otherwise they will be printed as part of your published abstract. Then, if necessary, follow instructions in the abstract submission program for italicizing (bolding or otherwise enhancing) text and place the enhanced text in its proper position within your abstract.
16. When will I know whether my abstract was accepted?
Individual notifications by written letter or by e-mail will not be made unless specifically requested. Send such requests to Marsha Ryan at: mryan@genetics-gsa.org.
My question isn't answered here. Who can help?