A Q U I R E

AQUatic toxicity Information REtrieval

                Database




      A Technical  Support Document


                Prepared

                   by


               Anne Pilli

     Computer Sciences Corporation
         Barbara Riedel Sheedy
            Delores Grunwald

            AScI Corporation
          Revised:  July 1992
                for the
   Environmental Research Laboratory
  U.S.  Environmental  Protection Agency
           Duluth, MN  55804

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                        TABLE OF CONTENTS


ABSTRACT	ii

INTRODUCTION  	  1

     Scope	1

     Input	1

ACCESS  	  4

LITERATURE REVIEW 	  5

     Data Sources	5

     Test Chemical	6

     Test Organism	6

     Test Media	6

     Test Location	6

     Exposure Duration  	  7

     Exposure Type	7

     Water Chemistry	7

     Chemical Analysis Method 	  7

     Control Tests  	  7

     Effect Concentration 	  7

     Effects  	  8

     Review Code	8

REFERENCES	10

APPENDIX A	A-l
APPENDIX B	B-l
APPENDIX C	C-l

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                             ABSTRACT

The AQUIRE fAOUatic toxicity Information REtrieval) database was
established in 1981 by the United States Environmental Protection
Agency (US EPA),  Environmental Research Laboratory-Duluth
(ERL-D).   AQUIRE is updated and maintained at the ERL-D.  The
purpose of AQUIRE is to provide quick access to a comprehensive,
systematic, computerized compilation of aquatic toxic effects
data.

The Technical Support Document has been prepared to provide an
introduction and guide to the content and structure of the AQUIRE
database.

Scientific papers published both nationally and internationally
on the toxic effects of chemicals to aquatic organisms and plants
are collected and reviewed for AQUIRE.  Independently compiled
laboratory data files that include AQUIRE parameters and meet the
quality assurance criteria are also included.  Toxicity test
results and related testing information for any individual
chemical from laboratory and field aquatic toxicity tests are
extracted and added to AQUIRE.  Acute, sublethal and
bioconcentration effects are recorded for freshwater and marine
organisms.

As of July 1992,  AQUIRE consists of over 98,300 individual test
results on computer file.  These tests contain information for
5,500 chemicals and 2,300 organisms, extracted from over 6,300
publications.  In addition, the ERL-D data file, prepared by the
University of Wisconsin-Superior is now included in AQUIRE.  This
data file consists of acute toxicity test results for the effects
of 525 organic chemicals to fathead minnow.  All AQUIRE data
entries have been subjected to established quality assurance
procedures.

For further information and inquiries regarding access to the
AQUIRE database,  contact:

          Scientific Outreach Program
          U.S. EPA Environmental Research Laboratory
          6201 Congdon Blvd.
          Duluth, MN  55804
           (218) 722-0075
                                ii

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                           INTRODUCTION

Scope

The AQUIRE (AQUatic toxicity information REtrieval) database was
established in 1981 by the United States Environmental Protection
Agency (US EPA), Environmental Research Laboratory-Duluth
(ERL-D).   AQUIRE is maintained and updated at the ERL-D.  The
purpose of AQUIRE is to provide quick access to a comprehensive,
systematic, computerized compilation of aquatic toxic effects
data.  AQUIRE is a summary of available aquatic toxic effects
data and is subsequently designed to be used as a reference tool.
Researchers or managers using AQUIRE for analyses or summary
projects should consult the original scientific paper to ensure
an understanding of the context of the data retrieved from
AQUIRE.

AQUIRE is an extensive compilation of data extracted primarily
from scientific papers published on aquatic toxic effects.
AQUIRE also includes data from independently compiled laboratory
data files.  The scope of the scientific data included has been
defined by the criteria of single chemical exposure and is
limited to those organisms which are exclusively aquatic.


Input

Toxicity papers are acquired by literature searches, abstract
journals, US EPA Water Quality Criteria document bibliographies,
and from existing ERL-D toxicity reprint collections.  The major
portion of literature in AQUIRE is from 1972 to the present.
Current publications are acquired and reviewed on a continuing
basis.  Reprints of all references included in the database are
on file at ERL-D.

Publications used in AQUIRE must contain unique data.  The
bibliographic file and the main database files contain quality
assurance checks for duplicate publications.  If data is
published in a dissertation, symposium proceeding, internal
report or a book, in addition to a peer-reviewed journal, only
the journal publication is included in AQUIRE.  If portions of
the data are published in one source and the rest in a separate
publication,  both sources are reviewed with care so that each
data point is included only once.  Foreign publications are
reviewed by AQUIRE staff if either an English abstract or a
translated table of data are included.  International cooperative
efforts are underway with the Organization for Economic
Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the Commonwealth of
Independent States (Borok Institute).  Review of international
literature will be provided by Member countries of the

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agreements.  Data reported in review papers are abstracted from
the original publication.

Data obtained from independently compiled data files must meet
the AQUIRE data parameter and quality assurance guidelines.
Transfer is by computer file with accompanying quality assurance
procedures.  The ERL-D data file on the acute toxicity of organic
chemicals to fathead minnows (Center for Lake Superior Studies;
University of Wisconsin-Superior; 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, and
1990) is currently included in the AQUIRE database.

AQUIRE is catalogued by the toxicant tested using the Chemical
Abstracts Service (CAS) registry number.  If a CAS registry
number is not available through standard sources, the toxicity
data cannot be included in AQUIRE.  Additional toxicants not
included in AQUIRE are water chemistry effects, complex effluents
and chemical mixtures.  If a publication contains data for a
single chemical, in addition to one of the above categories of
toxicants, the paper is retained and only the single chemical
data is used in AQUIRE.

Test organisms are limited to those which are exclusively
aquatic.  Classes of organisms associated with the aquatic
environment (e.g. amphibians, birds, mammals, reptiles, and
rooted semi-aquatic plants), and the microscopic community
(bacteria and virus) are omitted.  The test organisms are
categorized according to current taxonomy and stored in AQUIRE
such that toxicity information can be retrieved at many taxonomic
levels (e.g. class, order, family, genus, and species).

The data elements selected in AQUIRE reflect standard parameters
within a toxicity test.  The data encoded is evaluated according
to existing standard test methods such as those from the American
Society for Testing and Materials (1989), Code of Federal
Regulations (1987), and the American Public Health Association et
al.  (1989).  Each test reviewed for AQUIRE is assigned a review
code which indicates the amount of method documentation available
in the scientific paper.  There are various toxicity test methods
which are not applicable to AQUIRE.  Publications in which the
exposure concentration or duration is not reported (field
surveys, sediment toxicity, runoff or leachate toxicity), or in
which the endpoints are only represented graphically, are not
reviewed for AQUIRE.  Exposures must either be aqueous, through
the diet, or by injection.  In vitro toxicity test results are
not included.

Quality assurance procedures begin with literature acquisition
and cataloging, and continue through the chemical and species
files, the literature review process, data entry and data
retrieval.  Ten percent of all processed data is reviewed by two
AQUIRE staff members.  Any subsequent corrections are also
reviewed by two staff members.  In addition to manual checks,

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there are various computerized checks within the database
structure.

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                             ACCESS


The AQUIRE database is located on the Digital VAX 11/785 at the
ERL-D and at the EPA National Computer Center.  The database can
be accessed using an EPA network via the VAX system or through a
modem and personal computer.  A user-friendly, menu-driven
program to extract toxicity information has been developed for
use by government offices.  A magnetic tape of AQUIRE data and
software for the VAX system are available from the National
Technical Information Service (NTIS PB92-500453).  There are
several commercial vendors of AQUIRE for access by the private
sector.  See Appendix A for a current listing of AQUIRE sources.

For more information on details of access or for user support,
please call the Scientific Outreach Program at 218/722-0075 for
referral to the appropriate database staff person.

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                        LITERATURE REVIEW
Data Sources

Pertinent literature is identified through on-line computer
searches of the international literature on a continuing basis.
The computerized searches were initiated with the 1970
publication year and continue through to the present.  A
comprehensive search was designed to include the effect of
virtually all toxic substances on aquatic organisms within the
scope of the AQUIRE guidelines.  Commercial literature sources
are continually evaluated for relevance to the AQUIRE literature
search.  The search strategy is evaluated in regard to the
success ratio of each search.  Additional sources include
abstract journals, US EPA Water Quality Criteria document
bibliographies and the ERL-D library collection.

The abstracts received are screened to identify references
applicable to AQUIRE.  Those references pertinent to the database
are acquired through a variety of literature acquisition
procedures, such as author reprint requests, inter-library loans,
and commercial sources.  As the publications are received, they
are archived in an AQUIRE bibliographic subfile.  A reference
number is assigned for storage and retrieval purposes, and a
final check for applicability and duplication is made.  A reprint
of each publication is kept on file.

Data obtained from independent data files, rather than the
published literature, are subjected to a series of quality
assurance criteria prior to acceptance.  The key AQUIRE data
fields:  CAS number and chemical name, test organism, effect,
exposure duration, and concentration must be included.
Documentation describing the test methods must be provided.  If
tests are missing key parameters or the experimental methodology
was erratic, the data is rejected.  Following an update of
acceptable data, a 10% quality assurance check of CAS number
identification, verification of species Latin name and
confirmation of effect concentrations is made.

The AQUIRE literature is processed by trained reviewers.  An
intensive four-month training period, a we11-documented manual
(US EPA, 1984), and close interaction with the data coordinator
help to ensure a high level of accuracy and consistency in the
reviewing process.  Ten percent of the publications are
independently reviewed by two different reviewers.  These reviews
are compared, differences (if any) are documented, discussed and
resolved by the data coordinator.

The data elements contained in AQUIRE are grouped by test
chemical, test organism, test conditions and test endpoint.  The
test chemical parameters define the toxicant, the associated

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registry number, and the grade, purity and/or composition of the
toxicant.  The test organism parameters define the type of
organism and the lifestage being tested.  The test conditions
identify the test water, test location, exposure type and
duration, control parameters, and basic water chemistry.  The
test endpoint parameters consist of a code to define the acute,
sublethal, or BCF effect and the effect concentration.  In
addition to the preceding categories, AQUIRE incorporates the use
of a review code which indicates the amount of documentation
available for each piece of data in AQUIRE.  The following
sections describe each of the data elements.

Test Chemical

A standardized identification number and name for each chemical
recorded in the database is used for consistency.  Toxicants
included in the AQUIRE database are assigned a Chemical Abstracts
Services (CAS) registry number and are referred to by the Ninth
Collective Index (9CI) standard nomenclature.  The CAS number and
9CI name are stored in a file accessed by AQUIRE.  The CAS
number, verified name, synonyms, and verification sources are
kept on card file for documentation purposes.

Retrieval is made by using the CAS number or the chemical name.
It is important to stress that the user refer to the original
publication to retrieve additional test chemical information
which may affect the context of toxicity information retrieved
from AQUIRE.

Test Organism

The test organism is identified by the current Latin name as
verified in the taxonomic literature.  Major and minor codes have
been assigned to aid the user in obtaining information at various
taxonomic levels (Appendix B).  For each species entry, the
verified name, taxonomic code, nomenclature history and
verification sources are kept on file for documentation purposes.

Test organism life stage information includes characteristics
such as age, weight, length, developmental stage, and initial
cell concentration to describe the organism being tested.

Test Media

Freshwater tests include those conducted in freshwater,
reconstituted water, distilled water, or tap water.  Saltwater
tests include those conducted in natural or artificial seawater,
brackish water or estuarine water.

Test Location

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A field test: is an experiment conducted in a natural water body,
or in an artificial water body that meets all of the following
criteria: it is located outdoors; the system has a natural bottom
substrate; and aquatic communities (e.g. bacteria, phytoplankton
and zooplankton) have become established.

All other conditions are considered lab tests.

Exposure Duration

Exposure duration is coded using the units reported in the
literature.  There is an automatic conversion to days as units
for the retrieval program.  For a fluctuating or intermittent
dosing experiment, the dosing interval is recorded.

Exposure Type

The exposure type indicates the type of chemical exposure, such
as static, flow-through, renewal, diet, injection, or in situ.

Water Chemistry

The following water chemistry parameters are included in AQUIRE.
These measured values pertain only to the test water chemistry.
Dilution water chemistry values are not generally reported.

     -  Temperature is expressed in degrees Celsius.
     -  Hardness and alkalinity are expressed as mg/L as CaCO3.
        If the author only reports the terms:  hard or soft,
        these terms are recorded.
     -  Dissolved oxygen is reported in mg/L or % saturation.
        pH is reported.

Chemical Analysis Method

Quantitative analyses of water in test chambers or field sites
are considered a measured concentration.  Concentrations that are
not analyzed in test chambers or field sites are considered
unmeasured (nominal).  If it is not reported whether the
concentration is measured or unmeasured, an unmeasured condition
is assumed.

Control Tests

Control tests are determined to be satisfactory, unsatisfactory,
or indeterminate according to criteria established in standard
test method protocols.

Effect Concentration

The effect concentration is expressed in fig/I*.  The 95%
confidence interval or range is recorded when available.  If the

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concentration is reported in units which cannot be readily
converted into M9/Li i.e., mg/kg or /uCi/L, the concentration
value and its units are recorded.  If both the measured and
nominal water concentration are reported, the measured
concentration is recorded.  Concentrations based on the active
ingredient or formulation, or as the total, un-ionized or
dissolved concentration, are identified.

Effects

The LC50/EC50 endpoint is a statistically derived, estimated
toxicity test endpoint.  An LC50 is the median lethal
concentration and is used only when death is the observed
endpoint.  An EC50 is the median effective concentration and is
used when an effect other than death is the observed endpoint.
In AQUIRE, an EC50 is usually followed by an abbreviation that
defines the specific effect measured.  Occasionally the author
does not specify the effect measured.  The endpoint is then
recorded as an EC50.

Sublethal (i.e., reproduction, growth) and bioconcentration
(i.e., BCF)  data are recorded in the format which is reported in
each publication.

Effects reported after the organisms are transferred to recovery
(toxicant free) test chambers are recorded as delayed effects.
Delayed effects are reported only if the direct exposure effects
are not specified.

Appendix C lists the current effect codes for the AQUIRE
database.

Review Code

The AQUIRE review code indicates the type and completeness of
methods documentation accompanying the data.  Review code
assignments range from detailed documentation to summary format
(1-4) and independently compiled data files range from review
codes  >5.

Review Code = 1:  Thorough methods and results documentation.

Review Code = 2:  Documentation is generally satisfactory; but
one or more of the pieces of information are missing from either
the methods or results section such as control information or
chemical concentrations are unmeasured.

Review Code = 3:  Insufficient methods and results documentation.

Review Code = 4:  Indicates data is available only in a limited
format, such as conference proceeding abstracts or the English
abstracts for untranslated foreign papers.

                                8

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Review Code = 5:  This file contains ERL-D laboratory data for
acute toxicity of organic chemicals, using a single test species
(juvenile fathead minnows).  The information was transferred via
computer files and was not subjected to the standard AQUIRE
procedures.  All test results, including data not available
on-line, are available in five volumes titled:  Acute Toxicities
of Organic Chemicals to Fathead Minnows (Pimephales promelas),
(Center for Lake Superior Environmental Studies; University of
Wisconsin-Superior; 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, and 1990).

Review > 5:       These will be utilized as additional data files
are incorporated.
                                9

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                            REFERENCES


American Society for Testing and Materials.  1989.  Annual Book
of ASTM Standards, Section II Water and Environmental Technology,
Pesticides; Resource Recovery; Hazardous Substances and Oil Spill
Responses; Waste Disposal; Biological Effects. Vol. 11.04.  ASTM,
Philadelphia, PA.

American Public Health Association, American Waste Works
Association, and Water Pollution Control Federation.  1989.
Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Waste Water,
Seventeenth Edition, APHA Washington, DC.

Center for Lake Superior Environmental Studies, University of
Wisconsin-Superior; 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, and 1990.  Acute
Toxicities of Organic Chemicals to Fathead Minnows  (Pimephales
promelas) Vol. 1-5.  University of Wisconsin-Superior; Superior,
WI.

Code of Federal Regulations.  1987.  Title 40 - Protection of
Environment, Part 700 to end.  U.S. Government Printing Office.
Washington, DC.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.  1984.  AQUIRE:  Aquatic
Information Retrieval Toxicity Database.  Project Description,
Guidelines and Procedures.  EPA 600/8-84-021.  By R.c. Russo and
A. Pilli.  Environmental Research Laboratory-Duluth; Office of
Research and Development; US EPA; Duluth, MN.
                                10

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                                 Appendix A

                   AQUIRE General Access Information Sheet
                                  July 1992
AQUIRE is available from the following sources:

1.   On-line access for government agencies is routed through the U.S. EPA National
    Computer Center.  For AQUIRE access information, please contact:

    Scientific Outreach Program                          Phone: 218-722-0075

2.   On-line access for the private sector is available from a number of commercial
    vendors. The sources that we are currently aware of include:

    Chemical Information Systems, Inc.                    Phone: 800-CIS-USER
    Technical Database Services, Inc.                     Phone: 212-245-0044

3.   VAX VMS data tapes of AQUIRE are available through the National Technical
    Information Services (NTIS). For additional information, please contact:

    National Technical Information Service                 Phone: 703-487-4763

4.   Database retrieval service providing ASCII and microcomputer database files is
    available from:

    Spectrum Research, Inc.                             Phone: 218-525-5322

5.   Sources for the AQUIRE database in microcomputer format include:

    AScI Corporation                                   Phone: 703-847-0001
    Spectrum Research, Inc.                             Phone: 218-525-5322

6.   VAX VMS and UNIX based software for on-site use:

    Daylight Chemical Information
     Systems Inc.                                      Phone: 714-476-0451
                                     A-1

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                               APPENDIX B

                      MAJOR/MINOR SPECIES CODES
      Major codes = two-letter codes, eg. OS for Osteichthyes
      Minor codes = four-letter codes, eg. CYPR for Cyprinidae
MISCELLANEOUS  (Ml)

AQCO Aquatic community
      (plants and animals)
AQIN  Invertebrates (several
      phyla)
AQPL Plankton (planktonic
      plants and animals)
CYANOBACTERIA (CY)

CYAN  Cyanophyta (blue-green
       algae)
PROTOZOA  (PR)

PROT  Protozoans (unicellular
       animals)
CRYS Chrysophyta (diatoms,
      coccolithids, golden
      algae)
EUGL Euglenophyta
      (euglenoids)
PHAE Phaeophyta (brown
      algae)
PYRR Pyrrophyta
      (dinoflagellates)
RHOD Rhodophyta (red algae)
XANT Xanthophyta
      (yellow-green algae)
BRYOPHYTA (BY)

HEPA Hepaticae (liverworts)
MUSC Musci (mosses)
ALGAE  (AL)
By Division (See also Cyanobacteria)

ALGU  Algae (more than one
       division)
CHLO  Chlorophyta (green
       algae)
CHRO  Charophyta
       (stoneworts)
CRYP  Cryptophyta
       (cryptomonads)
TRACHEOPHYTA (TR)

PTER  Pteropsida (ferns)
SALV  Salviniaceae
TRAC  Tracheophytes (vascular
      plants)
ACAN Acanthaceae
ACER Aceraceae
ACTI Actinidiaceae
AGAV Agavaceae
ALIS Alismataceae
AMAR Amaranthaceae
AMAY Amaryllidaceae
                                   B-1

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ANAC Anacardiaceae
APIA Apiaceae
APOC Apocynaceae
AQUI Aquifoliaceae
ARAC Araceae
ARAL Araliaceae
ARAL! Araucariaceae
AREC Arecaceae
ASCL Asclepiadaceae
ASTE Asteraceae
BALS Balsaminaceae
BEGO Begoniaceae
BERB Berberidaceae
BETU Betulaceae
BIGN Bignoniaceae
BORA Boraginaceae
BRAS Brassicaceae
BROM Bromeliaceae
BUXA Buxaceae
CACT Cactaceae
CANB Cannabaceae
CANN Cannaceae
CAPP Capparaceae
CAPR Caprifoliaceae
CARI Caricaceae
GARY Caryophyllaceae
CASU Casuarinaceae
CELA Celastraceae
CHEN Chenopodiaceae
CLUS Clusiaceae
COMM  Commelinaceae
CONV Convolvulaceae
CORN Cornaceae
CRAS Crassulaceae
CUCU Cucurbitaceae
CUPR Cupressaceae
CUSC Cuscutaceae
CYPE Cyperaceae
DENN Dennstaedtiaceae
DIOS Dioscoreaceae
DIPS Dipsacaceae
EBEN Ebenaceae
ELAE Elaeagnaceae
ERIC Ericaceae
EUPH Euphorbiaceae
FABA Fabaceae
FAGA Fagaceae
FLAG Flacourtiaceae
FUMA Fumariaceae
GERA Geraniaceae
GINK Ginkgoaceae
GROS Grossulariaceae
HAMA Hamamelidaceae
HIPP Hippocastanaceae
HYDR Hydrangeaceae
IRID  Iridaceae
JUGL Juglandaceae
JUNG Juncaceae
LAM I  Lamiaceae
LAUR Lauraceae
LI LI  Liliaceae
LINA Linaceae
LYTH Lythraceae
MAGN  Magnoliaceae
MALV Malvaceae
MELA Melastomataceae
MELI  Meliaceae
MOLL Molluginaceae
MORA  Moraceae
MUSA Musaceae
MYOP Myoporaceae
MYRS Myrsinaceae
MYRT Myrtaceae
NYCT Nyctaginaceae
NYSS Nyssaceae
OLEA Oleaceae
OLEN Oleandraceae
ONAG  Onagraceae
ORCH  Orchidaceae
OXAL Oxalidaceae
PAPA Papaveraceae
PASS Passifloraceae
PEDA Pedaliaceae
PHYT Phytolaccaceae
PINA Pinaceae
PIPE Piperaceae
PITT Pittosporaceae
PLAN Plantaginaceae
                                  B-2

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PLAT Platanaceae
POAC Poaceae
POLE Polemoniaceae
POLY Polygonaceae
PORT Portulacaceae
PRIM Primulaceae
PROT Proteaceae
PUNI Punicaceae
RANU Ranunculaceae
RHAM Rhamnaceae
RHIZ Rhizophoraceae
ROSA Rosaceae
RUBI Rubiaceae
RUTA Rutaceae
SALI Salicaceae
SAPI Sapindaceae
SAPO Sapotaceae
SAXI Saxifragaceae
SCRO Scrophulariaceae
SIMA Simaroubaceae
SMIL Smilacaceae
SOLA Solanaceae
STER Sterculiaceae
TAMA Tamaricaceae
TAXA Taxaceae
TAXO Taxodiaceae
THEA Theaceae
THYM Thymelaeaceae
TILI Tiliaceae
TROP Tropaeolaceae
TYPH Typhaceae
ULMA Ulmaceae
URTI Urticaceae
VERB Verbenaceae
VIOL Violaceae
VITA Vitaceae
ZYGO Zygophyllaceae
FUNGI (FU)

FUNG Fungi
PORIFERA (PO)

PORI  Sponges


CNIDARIA (CN)

CNID  Cnidarians (hydroids,
      sea anemones, jellyfish)


CTENOPHORA (CT)

CTEN Ctenophores
      (comb-jellies)
PLATYHELMINTHES (PL)
By Class

CEST Cestoda (tapeworms)
TREM Trematoda (flukes)
TURB Turbellaria (flatworms)
GNATHOSTOMULIDA (GN)

GNAT Gnathostomulids


NEMERTEA (NE)

NEME Nemerteans (proboscis
      worms)


NEMATODA (NM)

NEMA Nematodes
      (roundworms)


GASTROTRICHA (GS)
                                  B-3

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GAST Gastrotrichs


ROTIFERA (RO)

ROTI  Rotifers


NEMATOMORPHA (NT)

NEMT Horsehair, gordian
      worms
ANNELIDA (AN)
By class

HIRU   Hirudinea (leeches)
OLIG   Oligochaeta
       (earthworms)
POLY  Polychaeta
       (bristleworms)
BRACHIOPODA (BC)

BRAC  Brachiopods (lamp
       shells)
MOLLUSCA (ML)
By Class

AMPN Amphineura (chitons)
CEPH Cephalopoda (squids,
      octopuses)
GASR Gastropoda (snails,
      limpets, slugs)
PELE Pelecypoda (bivalves,
      clams, mussels)
ARACHNIDA (AR)
ARAC Arachnids (mites,
      spiders)
MEROSTOMATA (MR)

MERO  Merostomata
       (horseshoe crabs)
CRUSTACEA (CR)
By Subclass, Order or Suborder

AMPH Amphipoda (scuds)
ANOS Anostraca (fairy shrimp)
BRAN Branchiura (fish lice)
CIRR  Cirripedia (barnacles)
CLAD Cladocera (water fleas)
CONG Conchostraca (clam
      shrimp)
COPE Copepoda (copepods)
CRUS Crustaceans (several
      groups)
DECA Decapoda (shrimp,
      crayfish, crabs)
EUPH Euphausiacea
      (euphasid)
ISOP  Isopoda (sowbugs)
MYSI  Mysidacea (opposum
      shrimp)
NOTO Notostraca (tadpole
      shrimp)
OSTR Ostracoda (seed
      shrimp, ostracods)
INSECTA (IN)
By Order

COLE  Coleoptera (beetles)
COLL  Collembola (springtail
       beetles)
DIPT   Diptera (flies,
       mosquitoes, midges)
                                   B-4

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EPHE Ephemeroptera
      (mayflies)
HEM!  Hemiptera (water bugs)
INSE  Insects (several groups)
LEPD  Lepidoptera (aquatic
      caterpillars)
MEGA Megaloptera
      (hellgrammites,
      alderflies, ishflies)
NEUR Neuroptera (spongilla
      fly)
ODON Odonata (dragonflies)
PLEC  Plecoptera (stoneflies)
TRIO  Trichoptera (caddisflies)
SIPUNCULA (SI)

SIPU   Sipunculid worms


BRYOZOA (BR)

BRYO  Bryozoans
ASCI  Ascidiacea (sea squirts,
      ascidians)
CHONDRICHTHYES (CH)
By Family

DASY Dasyatidae (stingrays)
MYLI  Myliobatidae (eagle
      rays)
OREC Orectolobidae (carpet
      sharks, nurse sharks)
RAJI  Rajidae (skates, rays)
SCYL Scyliorhinidae (cat  sharks)
SQUA Squalidae (dogfish
      sharks)
TORP Torpendinidae (electric
      rays)
AGNATHA (AG)

PETR Petromyzontidae
      (lampreys)
ECHINODERMATA (EC)

ECHI   Echinoderms (starfish,
       sea urchins)
CEPHALOCHORDATA (CC)

CCHO Cephalochordates


CHAETOGNATHA  (CA)

CHAE  Arrowworms


UROCHORDATA (UR)
OSTEICHTHYES (OS)
By Family

ACIP  Acipenseridae
      (sturgeons)
AGON Agonidae (poachers)
AMII  Amiidae (bowfins)
AMMO Ammodytidae (sand
      lances)
ANAB Anabantidae (climbing
      perches)
ANGU Anguillidae (freshwater
      eels)
APHR Aphredoderidae (pirate
      perches)
ARM  Ariidae (catfish)
ATHE Atherinidae (silversides)
                                   B-5

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BAGR  Bagridae (scaleless
       catfish)
BALI   Balistidae
       (leather-jackets,
       filefishes)
BATR  Batrachoididae
       (toadfishes)
BELO  Belonidae (needle fish)
BLEN  Blenniidae  (blennies)
BOTH  Bothidae (lefteye
       flounders)
CARA  Carangidae (jacks,
       scads, pompanos)
CATO  Catostomidae (suckers)
CENT  Centrarchidae
       (sunfishes)
CHAN  Chanidae (milkfish)
CHAR  Characidae (characins)
CHNN  Chnnidae (snakehead
       catfish)
CICH  Cichlidae (cichlids)
CLAR  Clariidae (airbreathing
       catfishes)
CLUP  Clupeidae (herrings)
GOBI  Cobitidae (loaches)
CONG  Congridae (conger eels)
COTT  Cottidae (sculpins)
CTRO  Centropomidae
       (snooks)
CYLO  Cylopteridae (snailfish)
CYPI   Cyprinidae (minnows,
       carps)
CYPO  Cyprinodontidae
       (killifishes)
DENT  Denticidae (silverfish)
ELEC  Electrophoridae (electric
       eels)
EMBI  Embiotocidae
       (surfperches)
ENGR  Engraulidae (anchovies)
ESOC  Esocidae (pikes)
FISH   Fish (several groups)
GADI  Gadidae (cods)
GALA  Galaxidae (galaxid fish)
GASE  Gasterosteidae
       (sticklebacks)
GERR  Gerreidae (mojarras)
GOBI  Gobiidae (gobies)
HAEM  Haemulidae (grunts)
HETE  Heteropneustidae
       (air-sac catfish)
HIOD  Hiodontidae (mooneyes)
ICTA   Ictaluridae (freshwater
       catfishes)
KUHL  Kuhliidae (flagfish,
       flagtails)
KYPH  Kyphosidae (sea chubs)
LABR  Labridae (wrasses)
LACT  Lactariidae (whitefish)
LEIO   Leiognathidae
       (ponyfishes, slimys or
       slipmouths)
LEPS  Lepisosteidae  (gars)
LOPH  Lophiidae (goosefishes)
MAST  Mastacembelidae (spiny
       eels)
MERL  Merlucciidae (cods,  true
hakes,
       whitings)
MOCH Mochokidae (scaleless
       catfish)
MORM Mormyridae (elephant
       fishes)
MUGI  Mugilidae (mullets)
NAND  Nandidae (leaffish,
       nandids)
NOTO  Nototheniidae  (cod
       icefishes)
NOTP  Notopteridae
       (featherbacks)
OPHI  Ophidiidae (brotulas
       and cusk-eels)
OPLE  Oplegnathidae (parrot
       fishes)
OSME  Osmeridae (smelts)
PARA  Paralichthyidae (halibut)
PERC  Percidae (perches)
                                     B-6

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PERI   Percichthyidae
       (temperate basses)
PIME   Pimelodidae (S.
       American freshwater
       catfish)
PLCO  Plecoglossidae (Ayu)
PLEU   Pleuronectidae (righteye
       flounders)
PLTS   Plotosidae (eeltail
       catfishes)
PLYD   Polyodotidae
       (paddlefishes)
PLYN   Polynemidae
       (threadfins)
POEC  Poeciliidae (livebearers)
POMA  Pomacentridae
       (damselfishes)
PRCO  Percopsidae (trout
       perch)
SALM  Salmonidae (trouts,
       salmons)
SCHI   Schilibeidae (African
       and Asian freshwater
       catfish)
SCIA   Sciaenidae (drums)
SCOM  Scombridae (mackerels,
       tunas)
SCOR  Scorpaenidae (scorpion
       fishes)
SERR  Serranidae (sea basses)
SILG   Sillaginidae (smelt-
       whitings)
SILU   Siluridae (Eurasian
       freshwater catfish)
SOLE  Soleidae (soles)
SPAR  Sparidae (porgies)
SYNB  Synbranchidae (swamp
       eels)
SYNG  Syngnathidae
       (seahorses, pipefishes)
TACH  Tachysuridae (catfish)
TETR   Tetraodontidae (puffers)
THER  Theraponidae (tigerfish)
TRIG   Triglidae (gurnards and
       searobins)
UMBR  Umbridae (mudminnow)

AMPHIBIA (AM)
By Family

AM BY  Ambystomatidae
       (salamanders)
AMPB  Amphibians (more than
       one group)
BUFO  Bufonidae (common
       toads)
HYLI   Hylidae (tree frogs)
HYNO  Hynobiidae (primitive
       salamanders)
LEPT   Leptodactylidae (frogs)
MICR   Microhylidae
       (narrow-mouthed toads)
PELO  Pelobatidae (spadefoot
       toads)
PIPI    Pipidae (clawed toads)
RANI   Ranidae (common
       frogs)
SALA   Salamandridae (true
       salamanders)
                                    B-7

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                                 APPENDIX C

                               EFFECT CODES

The LC50/EC50 endpoint is a statistically derived, estimated toxicity test endpoint. An
LC50 is the median lethal concentration and is used only when death is the observed
endpoint.  An EC50 is the median effective concentration and is used when an effect
other than death is the observed endpoint. In AQUIRE, an EC50 is usually followed
by an abbreviation that defines the specific effect  measured;  occasionally the author
does not specify the effect measured. The endpoint is then recorded as an  EC50.

Effects reported after the organisms are transferred to recovery (toxicant free) test
chambers  or tanks are recorded as  delayed effects. Delayed effects are reported only
if no other exposure effects are specified. To distinguish delayed effects in AQUIRE
the effect abbreviation is preceded with the character ~.
                        EFFECT CODE ABBREVIATIONS

ABD     -   Abundance: Number of organisms within the same species changes.

ABN     -   Abnormalities:  Physical malformation during developmental stages.

AVO     -   Avoidance: Avoidance or attraction to a chemical gradient.

BEH     -   Behavior:  Quantifiable change in activity including trained behavior,
            temperature preference,  shell valve closure.

BCF     -   Bioconcentration factor.  Accumulation of a toxicant in the tissues of the
            test organism compared to the measured toxicant concentration in the
            water in which the organism was exposed;

            BCF = g/kg chemical in  fish tissue (wet weight)
                  g/L chemical in H2O

BCFD    -   Bioconcentration factor derived using dry weight.

BIO      -   Biochemical effect: Change in physiochemical process including
            glycogen uptake, cholesterol levels and lipid analysis.

BMS     -   Biomass:  Change in the amount of living matter in a defined area.


                                     C-1

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BSA    -   Byssal attachment:  Change in ability to attach to substrate.

GEL    -   Cellular effect: Change in organelle structure.

CLN    -   Rate of colonization: Change in ability to colonize an uninhibited
            substrate under toxicant stress.

CLR    -   Chlorophyll:  Measurable change in chlorophyll content including
            chlorophyll a content, chlorosis, change in algal cell pigment.

CYT    -   Cytogenetic effect:  Changes in the RNA and DMA of the cell.

DRF    -   Drift: Change in number of larval aquatic insects to travel a given
            distance in a stream.

DVP    -   Development: Change in ability to grow to a more mature life stage and
            in time between separate life stages, including  metamorphosis, molting,
            emergence and yolk absorption effects.

EC50   -   Median Effective Concentration. Used when an effect other than death
            is the observed endpoint.

ECxx   -   Effective Concentration to xx% of tested organisms.

        EC50AB -     Abnormalities
        EC50AV -     Avoidance
        EC50BA -     Byssal Attachment
        EC50BH -     Behavior
        EC50BM -     Biomass
        EC50CD -     Cell Division
        EC50CH -     Chlorophyll
        EC50CL -     Case Leaving
        EC50DE -     Detection of Toxicant
        EC50DT -     Detachment
        EC50DV -     Development
        EC50EM -     Emergence
        EC50EP -     Egg Production
        EC50EQ -     Loss of Equilibrium
        EC50EZ -     Enzyme Activity
        EC50FC -     Food Consumption
        EC50FD -     Reduced First Feeding
        EC50FR -     Filtration Rate
        EC50GR -     Growth
        EC50HA -     Hatchability

                                    C-2

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        EC50HM -     Hemorrhage
        EC50IM  -     Immobilization
        EC50IR  -     Irritation
        EC50MI  -     Migration Suppression
        EC50NF  -     Nitrogen Fixation
        EC50OX  -     Oxygen Production
        EC50PC  -     Pop. Carrying Capacity
        EC50PG  -     Pigment Change
        EC50PH  -     Physiological
        EC50PP  -     Population Size Reduction
        EC50PS  -     Photosynthesis
        EC50PU  -     Pupation
        EC50RE  -     Reproduction
        EC50RG  -     Regeneration
        EC50SC  -     Shell Valve Closure
        EC50SH  -     Shell Deposition
        EC50TE  -     Teratogenesis
        EC50SW -     Swimming Incidence

ENZ    -   Enzyme effect:  Change in enzyme activity.

ET50    -   Mean Estimated Survival Time.

EQU    -   Equilibrium: Change in ability to  maintain balance.

FCR    -   Food consumption rate:  Quantifiable change in rate of ingestion or fecal
            pellet production.

FLT     -   Filtration rate:  Change in rate of  filtration.

GRO    -   Growth:  Measurable change in length and/or weight of test organism.

HAT    -   Hatchability: Change in percent hatch or time to hatch.

HEM    -   Hematological  effect: Change in  various blood parameters such as red
            blood cell count, hematocrit, and serum osmolarity.

HIS     -   Histological effect:  Presence of physical damage to tissues.

HPS    -   Hepatosomatic index:  Change in hepatosomatic index.

HRM    -   Hormone effect: Change in hormone concentration.
                                    C-3

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LC50    -   Median Lethal Concentration.  Used only when death is the observed
            endpoint.  TLms, TLSOs, and ECSOs with death as the  measured
            endpoint are considered identical to LCSOs (see LC50*).

LC50*    -   Represents TLm, TL50, or ECSOs with death as the measured endpoint.

LCxx    -   Lethal Concentration to xx % of tested organisms.

L050    -   Median Lethal Concentration when exposed through injection or diet.

LET      -   Lethal: 100 % mortality or 0 % survival including algicidal and herbicidal
            effects.

LOG     -   Locomotor behavior: Quantifiable change in direct movement or activity.


LT50    -   Lethal Threshold Concentration.

LT50*    -   Mean Survival Time. Represents time until death of 50 % of the tested
            organisms.

MOR    -   Mortality:  Effect expressed  as % death or % survival.

MOT    -   Motility: Change in ability to move.  Used for single cell organisms.

NFX     -   Nitrogen fixation:  Change in ability of an algal culture to fix nitrogen.

OC      -   Oxygen consumption.  Quantifiable change in oxygen uptake of test
            animal or its tissues, measured in terms of ml 02/h/g wt.  Does not
            include oxygen uptake for plants (see PSE).

PGR     -   Population growth:  Change in cell number of algal species.

PHY     -   Physiological effects:  Changes in the organic processes  or functions of
            an organism or any of its parts.  Effects include metabolic stress, caloric
            content, membrane permeability, osmoregulation, cough frequency,
            animal pigment changes, urine production, chemosensory response,
            heart beat, structural changes, and neurological effects among others.

POP     -   Population:  Change in number of species groups in a given community;
            i.e., species diversity.

PR      -   Phototactic response:  Attraction to or avoidance of light.
                                     C-4

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PRB     -   Predatory behavior: Change in ability and inclination to seek and
            capture prey.

PRV     -   Predation vulnerability:  Change in ability to avoid or escape capture.

PSE     -   Photosynthesis effect: Change in plant productivity indicated by Press
            change in 14C or CO2 uptake or oxygen production.

REP     -   Reproductive effects:  Change in male and/or female reproductive
            ability. Effect is indicated by number of young per female, time to
            spawn, egg production, broods per female, fertilization.

RES     -   Respiratory effect: Change in ventilatory rate or breathing activity, such
            as opercular movement.  Not used for plants (see PSE).

RGN     -   Regeneration: Change in ability to regenerate a body part.

RSD     -   Residue:  Used for tissue concentration data when a BCF is not
            reported or not calculated, or when BCFs are reported as zero, trace or
            not detected.

SIR     -   Stress: Observed physiological tension in animals or plants.

TER     -   Teratogenesis:  Quantifiable occurrence of abnormal offspring.

THL     -   Thermal effect:  Change in tolerance to temperature change.

TMR     -   Tumor occurrence:  Presence of a mass of abnormal tissue.

VTE     -   Vertebral effect:  Physical change in vertebral structure and/or
            composition leading to scoliosis, lordosis, etc.

~xxx     -   Any effect (xxx) reported  after the organisms are transferred to recovery
            (toxicant free) test chambers.
                                      C-5

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AQUatic toxicty Information REtrieval database
                                                                               JUNE 1993
                                AQUIRE USER UPDATE
   1.    ACCESS

   Password: The new ERLD_ORD account password (OECDDATA) is effective on June 30, 1993.

   New Access Sheet: A revised Access Sheet for EPA ERL-Duluth's Aquatic Ecotoxicology Data
   Systems is enclosed. The new Access Sheet includes updated User Support Telephone and Fax
   numbers. Please discard all previous access sheets. AQUIRE User Updates are distributed to all
   public sector clients registered on the Scientific Outreach mailing list. Please remember to forward
   all new data system access information to the system users that you  represent.

   Scheduled Access  Interruption: Dial-in service to the NCC will  not be available from 6:00 a.m.,
   EDT, Saturday, July 10, 1993, until 6:00 a.m., EDT, Monday, July 12, 1993 to allow for equipment
   upgrades. Thereafter, the appearance of the dial-in menu will be slightly different, but log-in
   procedures remain unchanged. Please continue to follow present access instructions. This scheduled
   interruption should affect dial-in users only.

   2.    MORE AQUIRE DATA / NEW AQUIRE  FEATURES !!!!
   1989-1993 Literature:  Since the November 1992 edition of the AQUIRE User Update, 3 data
   updates were made to the database. Through these updates, a  total of 2,265 individual aquatic
   toxicity test entries were modified or added to the system. AQUIRE  now offers data contributed
   through  an  international data exchange clearinghouse  with the Organization for Economic
   Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the Borok Institute in Russia.  The current release
   of AQUIRE delivers data submitted from Germany, the Netherlands, and Russia.

   New Data Output Options: New AQUIRE  features include a  data output option that displays
   chemical characteristic information (e.g. purity, grade) using the customized column output report,
   and a report generation option (Full Record Detail) that displays the entire AQUIRE record for
   each test identified in a search. The  standard report remains an available option for rapid viewing
   of system output. Selection of the Full Record Detail option allows the user to peruse all AQUIRE
   fields for a given test, while the standard AQUIRE output format presents selected data fields in
   a concise table.

   3.    SCIENTIFIC OUTREACH

   The ERL-Duluth Scientific Outreach Program is committed to the provision of effective technical
   user services.  Please call or fax AQUIRE inquiries to the Scientific Outreach Program at the new
   numbers listed below.  Thank you for your continued support of AQUIRE and interest in ERL-
   Duluth ecotoxicology data systems!

                Tel:  (218) 722-0075 or  (218) 720-5602   Fax: (218)  720-5539
         Scientific Outreach Program. U.S. EPA, Environmental Research Laboratory-Duluth
                            6201 Conedon B/vd, Duluth, MN 55804

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How to Access EPA ERL-Duluth's Aquatic Ecotoxicology Data Systems
                            06/15/93             „,
                                                JUN 2 4  1993
STEP ONE:  Connecting to the computer

Choose the method  best  suited to your  situation  from  those that
follow.  in  all  cases,  it is best  to  be  using either  a computer
terminal that supports  the DEC extended  ANSI  standard  or  else a
computer that is running  software  to  emulate the  behavior  of a
DEC ANSI terminal such as a VT100 or a VT102.  Many communication
programs (e.g. CROSSTALK, PROCOMM,  PC-Kermit) allow you to select
one of these.   (Public  domain PC-Kermit also supports graphics.)

If you have difficulty making  the connection, you can get help from
the communications personnel at the EPA Network Control Facility.
If they ask  for  your user ID,  your username  is  ERLD_ORD  on VAXTMl.

Call EPA NCF at 800-334-0741 or 919-541-4506 or FAX 919-541-3818.

A. VAX computers on EPA's DECnet
   If you arelogged onto a VAX computer
   on EPA's DECnet, simply use the  command        SET HOST VAXTMl

B. Prime computers on EPA's Primenet
   If you are logged onto a Prime computer
   on EPA's Primenet, use the Primes command   NETLINK -TO VAXTMl

C. PathWorks PCs on EPA's WAN
   EPA PCs running Pathworks may use        SETHOST VAXTMl CTERM:
   or else the equivalent command             SETHOST 1.12 CTERM:

D. Computers on Internet
   For access via internet, use        telnet epavax.rtpnc.epa.gov
   or else the equivalent command            telnet 134.67.208.95

E. IBM 3270 access via a dedicated  circuit .
   If you are a 3270 user connected to the NCC IBM through a dedicated
   circuit,  see  page 2 for  special STEP ONE instructions. However,
   the other  methods would provide several  advantages over this one.

F. Everyone else  (via modem  to the EPA National Computer Center)
   Call  the  EPA Network  Control  Facility (see above) .   Ask  for
   instructions on how to access the VAXTMl  computer at NCC.  They  can
   help you determine the best method.   If you need to use a modem to
   dial in,  they will  supply you with the best phone number for your
   location and modem speed. Before purchasing any modem,  ask EPA  NCF
   about their modem test results.  Ask your local computer staff  for
   instructions on how to use a modem at your site. Set the modem  for
   7  data bits,   even  parity, and  1  stop bit.  When connecting,
   press ENTER a  few times to allow detection of your modem's speed.

   You will see a menu.  Respond by entering the word      VAXTMl
   (Do not be troubled  if VAXTMl is not on the menu.)

STEP TWO:  Logging into  the account

Press ENTER.  You should see  the prompt for    Username:
Your response (including the  underline) is               ERLD_ORD

Enter the current password following           Password: 	
If this fails, heed any message  given.   Press  ENTER to try again.
For further information  or  assistance,  please  call  the ERL-Duluth
Scientific Outreach Program at   218-720-5602   or  FAX  218-720-5539

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                                                                2

Accessing EPA ERL-D's Aquatic Ecotoxicology Data Systems  (cont.)


   Special STEP ONE instructions for 3270 users of the NCC IBM

1. Use your local computer staff's instructions for starting the
   NCC NETSOL application.  The menu title should look like this:

   NETMAIN    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency    Date:
                           Menu System                Time:

2. At the "Command ===>" prompt, enter                     VAXTMl

You  may  now proceed  with STEP  TWO  of  the  normal instructions.


        Some 3270 Tips for Emulating a VT100 Using A-NET

IMPORTANT:   DO NOT TYPE  INPUT WHENEVER THE  SCREEN  IS CHANGING.

During your session on  the VAX,  you  can press PA2 to display the
main menu of the A-NET communication program.  From there you can
see/change key  definitions  (KEYBOARD option)  or  other settings.
Use  the   T  (TERMINAL)  option  to  return  to  your VAX  session.

The  first 18  PF keys  are predefined to  emulate the  18 keys on a
VT100  keypad.    You  can  look  at  any  VT100  keypad  diagram and
easily match the keys to the appropriate PF keys on your terminal
just  by  reading  across in  rows.    The first  row of  four keys
(PF1-PF4) correspond  to the  first  four PF keys,  the second row
in  the diagram* matches  the   second  four  PF keys,  and  so on.

PF19  is  defined as CONTROL.   Whenever  a control key is needed
(e.g.  Ctrl-Z  or ~Z),  press the  corresponding letter  followed by
PF19.   Remember:  'Nineteen  for Nonprinting  control   characters.
Here are some common  control key equivalents:

 H PF19 -Ctrl-H -Backspace       L PF19 -Ctrl-L -Form Feed
 I PF19 -Ctrl-l -Horizontal Tab  M PF19 -Ctrl-M -Carriage Return
 J PF19 =Ctrl-J -Line Feed       { PF19 =Ctrl-{ -Escape

PF20  is a  transmit key.  Like ENTER,  it  will send your input to
the VAX.  Unlike ENTER, it will not append New Line characters to
your  input.   Use ENTER whenever a DEC  user  would use the RETURN
key.   Use  PF20 whenever applications  are  designed to respond to
key  strokes immediately without  waiting for the RETURN key  (e.g.
selecting menu'items  by letter).   Remember:   Twenty to Transmit.

PF21  through PF24  correspond  respectively to the  four arrow keys
on an  ANSI  terminal:   up, down, left  and  right.   PAl is DELETE.


Since  this  is  a  new way  to access  our  data  systems,  we are
especially  interested in your  comments.   You can  leave  them in
the  COMMENTS option while  on-line  or call the Outreach number at
the  bottom  of  page  1.    If  you have  any questions  specifically
about  using  the A-NET  communication  program,  call user support:

                 EPA  User Support  800-334-2405
                               or  919-541-7862
                           or  FAX  919-541-0028

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