Late-Breaking Clinical Trial and Late-Breaking Emerging Technologies submissions are now closed!

Submission Instructions for Abstracts and Late-Breaking Clinical Trials (LBCTs)

There are ten major steps necessary to access the SCAI and ACC on-line abstract system and create an abstract/LBCT.  The steps are listed in the order you will find them in the system. Each step has tips to help you successfully complete each item.  You may read through the document in order to touch one of the links below and jump to that item. Please proofread and spell check your submission carefully.

ACC and SCAI uses a “single sign-on” interface which improves the efficiency of the registration process. The name entered in the system should be the person/author who will present the abstract/LBCT if selected for presentation. This information will automatically prepopulate the submission system. Notification of acceptance will be sent to this person.  During the acceptance process, there will be an opportunity for you to notify ACC/SCAI staff of any change to the presenter/author information, if necessary.

• Agree to the terms and conditions for submitting an abstract/LBCT and create a title
• Select a category relating to the topic
• Select up to threekeywords from the list of medical subject headings
• Enter your institution information
• Enter your author information
• Enter or upload the body of the abstract/LBCT
• Enter your preference to present this abstract in a poster presentation format (Note: this step is not applicable for LBCT submissions)
• Enter one Learning Objective that is specific to the presentation you will give if your abstract is accepted (Note: this step is not applicable for LBCT submissions)
• Enter your payment information for the processing fee
• Review your work!!! Make sure all steps are complete and print a copy of the submission for your records

In addition to learning how to enter your abstract/LBCT, please review the following important information. Touching the links below will take you to the appropriate section.

1. Submission Revisions
2. Disposition/Notification of Acceptance
3. Withdrawal
4. Late-Breaking Clinical Trial Submission
5. Fee Schedule for Presenters
6. Additional graphics help
7. Title and abstract/LBCT body text guidelines

If you are a returning or past submissions user and wish to bypass the site instructions, click below to go to the SCAI-ACCi2 On-Line Abstract/LBCT System.

Late-Breaking Clinical Trial, Late-Breaking Emerging Technologies and Abstract submissions are now closed!

Who Is a Returning/Past Submission User?
You were the person who submitted a paper for consideration last year.

Who Is a New User?
You did not submit an abstract or LBCT last year.

I. Web Browsers
SCAI-ACCi2 recommends using Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6.0 or later in order to take advantage of special features in the ACC on-line submission system. Netscape browsers will work with the system, but these special features will not be available. The system displays the browser type and version and provides links to download Web browsers.

In order to guarantee your submission appears exactly as you intend, you must set your Web browser encoding to:

Microsoft Internet Explorer: Western European (ISO) To verify the setting, touch “View,” then “Encoding” from the menu bar at the top of the screen.

Netscape Navigator: Western (ISO-8859-1) To verify the setting, touch “View,” then “Character Coding” from the menu bar at the top of the screen.
Please note:

1. Asian and Eastern European submitters may not see characters that are misinterpreted by the abstract system unless the encoding/coding is set properly.
2. Macintosh users may have different encoding choices than those listed above.

II. All Users

1. Salutations are only used in correspondence. Please select the American English version that is appropriate from the choices in the pull down menu.
2. Please use American English characters when entering your name and eliminate any non-English characters such as tildes and umlauts.
3. Names and initials should be properly capitalized. Names should not be all upper or lower case.
4. Punctuation (a period) is added to all initial fields. The fields for initials do not need to be filled in unless you want an initial included as part of your name in the final program. Only this first initial will be published. You may use as many or as few as you wish. Leave unused initial fields blank if you do not use them.
5. Suffix is the field used to distinguish intergeneration names. Examples are Jr. (Junior), Sr. (Senior), and III (third). Most individuals will leave this field blank.
6. E-mail addresses are not validated for correctness. Please make sure the address is properly formatted with no spaces, only one @ sign, and only periods (.) not commas (,).
7. Phone and fax numbers should be provided which will allow ACC staff members to contact you during daytime hours from the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.
8. ACC and SCAI use a “single sign-on” interface to improve the efficiency of the registration process. The name entered in the passgate system should be the person/author who will present the abstract if selected. This information will automatically prepopulate the abstract/LBCT submission system. Notification of acceptance will be sent to this person. During the acceptance process, there will be an opportunity to change presenter author information, if so desired.

III. Entering Abstract/LBCT Information
A. Title

1. Do not bold any words in the title.
2. Do not include authors in the title. If you enter authors in the title, they will be removed.
3. Do not include institutions in the title. If you enter institutions in the title, they will be removed.
4. Do not use the “Enter” button while in this field. This action will add unwanted carriage returns.
5. Capitalize the first letter of all major words in the title as well as prepositions, articles, and conjunctions of four letters or more.
6. Do not use abbreviations in the title. Abbreviations may be used in the abstract body.
7. Do not underline words in the title.
8. Do not end the title with a period.
9. If the title contains more than one statement, use only one space after a period or colon.
10. Do not use a comma before “and” in a series.
11. Use a comma for number 1,000 and above.
12. Substitute a colon for a dash/hyphen except when using prefixes.
13. Do not use quote marks in a title.
14. Do not underline, italicize, superscript, or subscript any item in the title.
15. Hyphenate the first prefix word when there is more than one prefix word used such as Non-Anti...
16. For more information about title guidelines see Guidelines.

B. Categories

Regarding Abstracts Submissions:

• Submit an abstract to the The SCAI Annual Scientific Sessions in Partnership with ACC i2 Summit if your abstract is in the area of intervention. If your abstract is selected, your paper will be presented as part of the SCAI-ACCi2 meeting.   
• Select one category that is closest to the subject of your abstract.  
• Abstracts submitted to a category that does not match the subject matter of the abstract may be given a low score from reviewers.

Regarding Late-Breaking Clinical Trial Submissions: 

Regarding Late-Breaking Emerging Technologies Submissions:

• This submission category is for smaller trials with new technologies; first-in-man studies; and interesting animal studies. PowerPoint slides may be uploaded with this submission. Accepted entries will only be presented in the SCAI-ACCi2 meeting forum.

C. Keywords

• Select up to three keywords from the list of medical subject headings.
• Only one keyword is required.
• Leave unused/unneeded keyword fields blank.
• Do not enter the same keyword more than once.

D. Institutions and Authors (Responsible Institutions)

• List the complete name including a full first name and initials. Multiple word first names should be placed in the “First Name” field.
• Please use American English characters when entering names and eliminate any non-English characters such as tildes and umlauts.
• Do not include title, degrees, or suffix in the “Last Name” field.
• Do not enter more than one author in each “First Name” or “Last Name” field. If this is done, you will be contacted to correct this entry.
• If more than one abstract/LBCT is submitted, please spell authors in exactly the same manner. This is important when indexing all authors in the listing in the Final Program.
• Use the author group field only for the name of an investigating team. This is typically something like “Investigators for ACC.” Do not use the author group to list individual authors. If this is done, you will be contacted to correct this entry. Authors entered as an “Author Group” will not be listed in the author index of the Final Program.
• The author order is the order that authors will be listed in publications if the submission is selected for presentation. The person who is expected to be the presenter does not need to appear as the first author.
• The person indicated as the presenter must have contact information supplied. If the indicated presenter changes, contact information must be supplied for that presenter. Keep in mind when selecting the presenter that a person may present no more than two abstracts/LBCTs.
• The contact information is not used as part of the institutions listed in any abstract publication. Institutions are entered in a separate area.
• The designated presenter is the person notified about the outcome of the review and selection process.

Submissions (Important Issues)

• Submissions MUST conform to specific size limits or they will remain in an incomplete status and will not be reviewed. Your submission may not contain more than 1,900 characters, not including spaces. A graphic, or a table created with the table generator, equals 600 characters and is included as part of the 1,900 character limit.
• Use the standard Times New Roman font for text and Symbol font for symbols (DO NOT USE A THIRD-PARTY SYMBOL FONT!); any other fonts will not be accepted. Set all text as flush left, unjustified, and wrapping text as you type. Do NOT place hard returns at the end of each line.

Abstract Body/Text

• You may type the body of the abstract/LBCT directly into the space provided or upload this information by a file created with your word processor. To take advantage of the upload feature, use the following supported formats: Microsoft Word or Corel WordPerfect (only); Internet Explorer 6.0 for Windows and for Macintosh users we recommend Internet Explorer 5.2.3 or Safari 1.0 or 1.2.
• Do not embed graphics or images in a file you intend to upload. They must be uploaded separately.
• You may include a table in the body by uploading a word processing document that has a table in it. This cannot be a table linked to spreadsheet.
• You may use five unique abbreviations in the body of the abstract/LBCT. Spell out the complete phrase followed by the abbreviation in parentheses the first time the abbreviation is used. Abbreviations are not allowed in the title of the abstract/LBCT.
• Do not include the title in the body of the submission. The title will be collected in the Title Section.
• Do not include authors and institutions in the body of the submission. This data will be collected in the Author Section.
• The abstract must be presented in the following sequence, using the headings listed:
  (These headings have been setup in the system for you.)
  Background: In an initial paragraph, provide relevant information regarding the background and purpose of the study, preferably in no more than one or two sentences.
  Methods: Briefly state the methods used.
  Results: Summarize the results in sufficient detail to support the conclusions.
  Conclusion: State the conclusions reached. It is not satisfactory to state “the results will be discussed.” (Note: A Conclusion statement may not be applicable for a LBCT submission.) 
• Do not underline, italicize, superscript, or subscript any item in the title.
• Please proofread carefully for factual, spelling, and size errors. If published, the abstract will appear exactly as the online system confirmation shows. (Note: Accepted LBCT submissions are not published.)

Tables

• You may include a table in a file that you upload or create it online using the table generator.
• It is recommended you create the table in your word processor then use the file upload feature to transfer document to the submission site. Table generation in a word processor is much easier to accomplish than using the table generator.
• Do not embed a spreadsheet within your document. Even though it appears as a table, you will not be able to upload the file. You may copy the table from a spreadsheet and then paste it into the word processor as a table instead of a linked spreadsheet. If you are not certain you have done this correctly, please contact technical support at (217) 398-1792.
• A table equals 600 characters and is included as part of the 1,900 character limit.

Graphics

1. To insure readability of a graphic when viewed during peer review and when published, the following requirements are recommended when submitting a graphic:

• When creating a graphic consider that a graphic is not greater than 3 inches wide (7 centimeters/600 pixels) and 2 inches high (4.9 centimeters/400 pixels)
• It is strongly recommended to use 300 ppi/dpi, the higher the ppd/dpi the better quality of detail when the graphic is printed. A minimum of 72 dots/pixels per inch (ppi/dpi).
• If you need assistance in sizing a graphic please see the additional graphics help section.

2. Graphics should have a file type of “gif”, “jpg”, or “jpeg”. Even though the system may allow you to upload a graphic with a different file type those graphics will not be reviewed or reproduced if the abstract is selected.
3. Do not submit tables as graphics. A table submitted as a graphic will not reproduce well.
4. Do not embed graphics or images in a file you intend to upload. Use the separate graphic upload feature if you wish to include a graphic/image.
5. A graphic equals 600 characters and is included as part of the 1,900 character limit.
6. Note: Accepted LBCT submissions are not published.

Graphics Help Section: For Abstract Submissions Only

1. Please keep in mind that large and or complex graphics may not be readable in the abstract print supplement of the JACC.
2. Graphics that are larger than the guidelines permit will be reduced in size, and if in doing so, are found to be illegible, they could be withheld from publication.
3. There should be no “white space” or border around the graphic.
4. Even though your browser may display a graphic format other than .gif, .jpg, or .jpeg, the graphic will not be reviewed and will be withheld from publication.
5. To properly size and set the resolution you will need a graphics program. Most computers come with a simple paint or graphics application with limited editing and file conversion capabilities.
6. If you need a graphics program, consider downloading the 30-day trial version of PhotoStudio from Arcsoft. Their Web site is www.arcsoft.com. This application is available for both Mac and PC users.

• To edit the image from within the application, select edit then image size.
• Save the image in .jpg format.
• Please note that the trial version will convert/open/save the following file types:
  i. JPG
  ii. BMP
  iii. TIF
  iv. PNG
  v. PCX
  vi. TGA
  vii. FPX
  viii. PSD
  ix. PCD
  x. PSF
  xi. EPS
• Even though the application supports a wide range of file formats, the trial version does not support the .gif format.
• If you have a .gif formatted file you wish to edit, it must be converted to another format first.
• There is no technical support provided for this application.

F.  Learning Objectives: For Abstract Submissions Only

Each submitter is required to submit one Learning Objective that is specific to the presentation, should your abstract be selected.    

Begin each statement of a specific learning outcome with a verb that specifies definite, observable behavior such as “demonstrate,” “identify,” “interpret,” “distinguish,” “describe,” “evaluate,” etc.  You will be asked to complete the following sentence:  “At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to .…”  Tip: Meeting attendees may make their decision to attend an abstract presentation based on the Learning Objective provided.  Relate the Learning Objective to the abstract conclusions/results data to best aid attendee decision-making.

G. When Is an Abstract/LBCT Entry Considered Complete?

An abstract/LBCT is complete and ready for submission when, in the “Review My Work” section, you see the words “This submission is complete.” The entry is only submitted to reviewers after the deadline date. You may update or make changes to your entry as long as the system allows you to do so. The date your entry was last edited may be found in the Review Your Work Section next to the words “Current Date/Time”. This will change each time the entry is altered.

Abstract/LBCT Revisions

Revisions to your entry can be made until deadline for each submission process. No changes will be accepted after this time. If any changes are made prior to the deadline, you must select “Review My Work” from the menu on the left.  Make certain that you see the words “This submission is complete.” The presenting author may be changed if the entry is selected for presentation during the invitation process by contacting ACC staff.

Disposition/Notification of Acceptance

For Abstracts: You will be sent a notification with the status of your abstract via email in mid-December, 2007.

For LBCTs: You will be sent notification with the status of your submission during the week of January 28, 2008.

Abstract/LBCT Withdrawal

To withdraw a submitted abstract or late-breaking clinical trial, written notification (e-mail, fax, or letter) must be sent to:

The American College of Cardiology
2400 N Street, NW
Washington, DC  20037
Phone: (800) 253-4636, ext. 6390
Phone: (202) 375-6390
Fax: (202) 375-6843
kturner@acc.org

This notification must include the abstract/LBCT title, authors and affiliations (as submitted), the submission control number, and the name, affiliation, phone, fax and e-mail of the submitter.  We recommend using the system summary page as part of this notification.

Fee Schedule for Abstract Presenters

• There is a $20 (USD) nonrefundable processing fee for each abstract submitted payable online by credit card only.
• All accepted abstract presenters will be charged a $75.00 meeting registration fee.  This fee is per abstract presenter, not per abstract presented.
• If a person is both an abstract presenter and an invited speaker, the registration fee is waived.

Late-Breaking Clinical Trial Submission

The Late-Breaking Clinical Trial on-line submission system will open on Thursday, November 15, 2007. The deadline for submission is Monday, January 7, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. A commitment to present trial results must be made in order for an accepted LBCT to be presented. There will be a $100 processing fee for each trial submitted online.

Accepted submissions: Titles and presenters of accepted LBCT presentations will be listed in the Final Program available on site at the meeting. Title and presenter listings will also be posted in the online Program Planner in mid February. The person submitting an accepted application will receive an e-mail during the week of Jan. 28. The submitter will be asked to reconfirm the name and contact information of the presenter.

Logging Onto the SCAI-ACCi2 Submission System

Because you have read the submission site instructions for using the web-based system, you are now ready to enter your material.  To go to the SCAI-ACCi2 On-Line Abstract System, click the link below.

Once you have clicked the link, please save it as a favorite in your Web browser so that you can quickly return to it.

Late-Breaking Clinical Trial, Late-Breaking Emerging Technologies and Abstract submissions are now closed!

Style and Editing Guidelines