STN Basics Interactive E-Learning Tutorials

CAS offers a collection of training resources that are organized into self-guided learning paths. STN Basics include interactive tutorials and workbooks designed to guide you through three curricula covering bibliographic searching, substance searching and structure drawing.

New and novice searchers are encouraged to try all three learning sequences in the recommended order. Titles and brief descriptions of each curriculum follows.


Basic STN Bibliographic Searching E-Learning Curriculum

Tutorial Title Description Time
(mins.)
Logon and Use Transcripts in STN Express®
 Learn how to logon to STN Express and save a transcript
  • Save a transcript during logon
  • Enable or disable the capture transfer features while online
  • Save the transcript as an RTF or PDF file
  • Browse, edit, print and export transcripts
 5
Conduct a Basic Bibliographic Search

Learn how to conduct a basic bibliogrpahic search

  • Select and open databases (FILE)
  • EXPAND a search term
  • SEARCH databases
  • DISPLAY retrieved records
  • End the STN session (LOGOFF)
 10
Conduct a Bibliographic Search Using Multiple Terms
 Learn to search using multiple search terms and Boolean operators
  • EXPAND to verify multiple search terms
  • SET PLU, SET SPE and SET ABB
  • Combine terms with the AND operator
  • Display a record using D SCAN
15
STN Operators and Truncation
 Learn how to use STN operators and truncation symbols to enhance your search
  • Define types of operators used to link search terms
  • Define the order of processing when using operators
  • Use truncation symbols (wildcards) to enhance the search
15
Broaden or Refine a Search
 Learn techniques to broaden or refine your search strategy to make it more comprehensive or more precise
  • Define alternate search terms
  • Use Boolean operators to broaden or refine a search
  • Use truncation symbols and proximity operators to broaden or refine a search
  • Use specialized search fields to refine a search
15
Conduct an Author Name Search
 Learn how to conduct an author name search
  • Use EXPAND to optimize an Author name search
  • Refine an Author Name search using subject terminology and truncation
  • Review tips for conducting Author Name searches
  • Conduct a complex Author Name search using multiple methodologies
15
Conduct an Organization or Company Name Search
 Learn how to conduct a search using  company or organization names
  • Conduct a Company Name search using single- or multi-term query
  • Conduct a search for multiple forms of an Organization's name
  • Review tips for conducting Company name searches
10
Save Answer  Sets, Queries and Lists in STN Express
 Learn how to save answer sets, queries and lists
  • Use SAVE to save answers sets, queries and lists
  • Use ACTIVATE to open saved items
  • Use DELETE to remove saved items
10
     

 

Basic STN Substance Searching E-Learning Curriculum

Tutorial Title Description Time
(mins.)
Conduct a CAS Registry Number Search Learn to how to conduct a CAS Registry Number search
  • Use basic commands to search using a CAS Registry Number
  • Use various DISPLAY formats to view the retrieved information
  • Search for references in CAplusSM  using an L-number generated in CAS REGISTRYSM
  • Use the Select Discover! Wizard to conduct a CAS Registry Number search
 10
Conduct a Chemical Name Search Learn how to retreive compounds from CAS REGISTRY
  • Retreive common, IUPAC and trade names
  • Use truncation to specify chemical names
  • Use various DISPLAY formats to view retrieved data
 10
Conduct a an Advanced Chemical Name Search Learn how to retrieve compounds from CAS REGISTRY using substance names other than basic tade names or common names
  • Use the Basic Index (BI) to retreive chemical names from CAS REGISTRY
  • Define small, chemically significant name segments to use in a search
  • Use proximity operators to combine name segments
 10 
Conduct an EXACT and FAMILY Structure Search Learn how to conduct an EXACT and FAMILY structure search
  • Upload and display a structure in CAS REGISTRY
  • Conduct a sample search and browse answers
  • Conduct an EXACT FULL search
  • Search for references in CAplus
  • Conduct a FAMILY FULL search
 15
Conduct a Substructure Search Learn how to conduct a substructure search
  • Upload and display a structure in CAS REGISTRY
  • Conduct a SAMPLE search and browse answers
  • Conduct an SSS FULL search
  • Refine an answer set by revising the substructre search query
 10
     

 

Basic STN Structure Drawing E-Learning Curriculum

Tutorial Title Description Time
(mins.)
Introduction to the STN Drawing Tools Learn how to use the basic STN Drawing interface
  • Navigate the main drawing window
  • Access the basic drawing tools
  • Draw a simple structure
 5
Draw Atoms and Bonds

Learn how to draw atoms and bonds using various tools

  • Use the Pencil Tool to draw atoms and bonds
  • Set preferences for standard bond length and angles
  • Use Draw commands to draw atoms and bonds
  • Use a shortcut to present a functional group
  • Change the common atom and common bond palettes
 5
Draw Rings Learn to how to use the Ring Tool to draw different ring types
  • Fuse rings to bonds or atoms
  • Use right-click shortcuts
  • Change the display for six-membered rings 
 5 
Use Templates Learn how to use templates to draw structures
  • Select the template bond or atom to fuse templates
  • Access stored templates
  • Create custom templates 
 5
Draw Reactions Learn how to use the structure editor tools to draw reactions
  • Draw reactions by assigning reaction roles to structures
  • Increase precision by specifying bonds that change during the reaction (reaction sites) or by mapping atoms between reactants and products
  • Use functional groups to represent classes of compounds involved in the reaction
 10
Draw Query Features Learn how to use the structure editor to pally features to your queries that allow you to retrieve substances with specific ring systems, bond patterns and substitution
  • Block substitution using explicit hydrogens or shortcuts
  • Isolate rings and fused ring systems
  • Allow atoms and bonds to participate in either rings or chains
  • Allow bond order to vary
  • Specify exact bonds
  • Verify query features
 15
Draw Variables Learn how to incorporate system defined variables on a query structure
  • Use variables in a substructure search query
  • Assign generic definitions to a variable
  • Specify element counts for a variable
 5
Create Variable Points of Attachment (VPA) Learn how to specify multiple positions on a ring system by applying variable points of attachment (VPA)
  • Select the atom and multiple points of attachment with the Selection Tool
  • Display the attachment lines by choosing Display > Show VPA
  • Drag the point where the attachment lines meet by using the Lasso tool
  2
Draw Repeating Groups Learn how to apply a repeating group to a structure query
  • Specify a repeating group in a ring
  • Specify a repeating group in a chain
  2
Draw G-groups Learn how to use G-groups to define alternative substituents at a node
  • Define the contents of G-groups
  • Specify the point of attachment on a fragment
  • Verify the contents of G-groups in the query
  5
Draw G-groups with Multiple Points of Attachment Learn how to draw a G-group arrangment with multiple points of attachment
  • Define a G-group
  • Select an attachment point to orient a G-group
  • Verify a G-group
  5
Define Preferences in the STN Structure Editor Learn how to modify the default preferences that affect the STN Structure Editor
  • Determine how strcture features are displayed
  • Specify the chemical interpretation of structure queries
  • Change the layout of functions and tools in the STN Structure Editor 
  10

Contact CAS Customer Center

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5/2/2013 7:11:37 PM