Abstract: An angiosperm index-1 and an angiosperm index-2 are correlated to an age of a liquid hydrocarbon sample and can be used to distinguish oil age of Late Cretaceous (100-65 million years before present, or 100-65 Ma BP) vs. Paleogene (65-55 Ma BP) vs. Eocene or younger (<55 Ma BP). This method improves over existing methods that cannot distinguish oil age between Late Cretaceous and Miocene (ca. 100-5 Ma BP).

Abstract: A method for injecting a sample into a flow of a liquid chromatography system includes providing a flow of a mobile phase, and injecting a volume of a sample into the flow of the mobile phase such that the concentration of the sample within the mobile phase varies with a triangular profile over the course of the injecting.

Abstract: A hydrogen flame ionization detector includes a nozzle configured to eject a sample gas upward, a cylindrical collector provided above the nozzle with a longitudinal direction thereof vertically oriented, the collector being configured to collect ions generated by a hydrogen flame formed at a tip of the nozzle, an insulator provided to hold the collector therein in such a manner as to extend in a radially inward direction of the collector, and a collector housing configured to accommodate the collector therein in such a manner as to surround an outer peripheral surface of the collector while holding a peripheral portion of the insulator. An accumulation suppression structure is provided above the insulator to suppress a material emitted from an upper end of the collector from being accumulated in such a manner as to shorten an insulation distance between the collector and the collector housing.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are provided for identification of patients having an elevated near-term risk of chronic kidney disease progression, including quantitatively predicting whether or not an elevated risk of progression of Stage 3 or Stage 4 chronic kidney disease is likely within a time interval of up to 36 months subsequent to computing the prediction. Based on the prediction, appropriate care providers may be notified so that the risk of CKD progression may be mitigated. In some embodiments, serial measurements are obtained of urine osmolality, and a challenge with an AVP V2 antagonist and serum sodium concentration is provided. From a time series based on the serial measurements, estimates of each variable's velocity and/or doubling-time may be determined. These values then may be combined via a multivariable mathematical model for providing a leading indicator of near-term future abnormalities in kidney function.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and micro monitor apparatus, a space-, time-, and cost-efficient device to concentrate, identify, and quantify organic compounds in gas environments. The invention further relates to a method centered on gas chromatography for identifying and quantifying organic compounds in gas environments, using air as the carrier gas, without the need for a compressed pre-bottled purified carrier gas.

Abstract: The present application provides a method and system for the characterization of properties of liquids, particularly petroleum and petroleum liquids. The method and system can be used to take measurements of the liquid directly in a storage container, without exposing the contents of the container to the external environment.

Abstract: A gas sampler (30) is provided with a connection portion (C1) connectable to a sample tank (20), a sample loop (PL) for holding a sample gas introduced from the sample tank (20) to the connection portion (C1), pneumatic switching valves (V1 to V6) for switching a flow path connected to the sample loop (PL), a control piping (81) for transmitting a driving pressure to the switching valves (V1 to V6), a pump (31) for suctioning an inside of the sample loop (PL), and a pressure accumulation tank (80) for accumulating the pressure generated by the operation of the pump (31) as a source pressure.

Abstract: A method for detecting a residual crosslinking aid in a crosslinked resin molded body includes a subject heating step in which a crosslinked resin molded body is heated at a temperature of 500° C. or higher and 700° C. or lower for a time of 3 seconds or more and 30 seconds or less, a subject analysis step in which gas chromatographic analysis is performed on a gas generated in the subject heating step, and a detection step in which an unreacted crosslinking aid is detected on the basis of a peak originating from a residual crosslinking aid in a chromatogram obtained in the subject analysis step.

Abstract: A system and method for concurrently measuring odorant concentration and also compensating for changes in relative air density when measuring odor intensity levels may be used to provide more accurate and reliable readings from an odorometer. Odorometers typically measure the concentration of a given target gas in a gas-air mixture. Because changes in air density make it difficult to accurately determine how much air is in the gas-air mixture sample, a method of compensating for changes in the air density is able to produce a more accurate concentration reading. By measuring the relative temperature and pressure of the air at calibration and when a particular reading is taken, the final reading can be corrected to account for changes in the air density. By correlating the odor intensity readings with odorant concentration readings a wide array of advantages may be realized.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a pollutant generation system. The pollutant generation system includes a pollution source and a pollutant emitter. The pollutant emitter is connected to the pollution source. The pollution source is composed of two gases including air and methane. The flows of the gases are strictly controlled. Then, the gases enter a magnetic bead glass bottle. Due to the disturbance of magnetic beads to the flowing of the gases, the gases are sufficiently disordered, and the two gases are sufficiently mixed by using a spiral tube to generate a uniform and stable pollution source.

Abstract: Frits for use in analytical instrument systems, including liquid chromatography systems, particularly HPLC and UHPLC systems, and methods of making and using the frits, are provided. The frits can have multiple layers, which may have different surface finishes on different surfaces.

Abstract: A medical component is provided which includes a first portion formed of a first elastomeric material having at least one taggant embedded or incorporated therein, and a second portion formed of a second elastomeric material. The at least one taggant has a first diffusivity relative to the first elastomeric material and a second diffusivity relative to the second elastomeric material. The second diffusivity is less than the first diffusivity.

Abstract: A system and method for concurrently measuring odorant concentration and also compensating for changes in relative air density when measuring odor intensity levels may be used to provide more accurate and reliable readings from an odorometer. Odorometers typically measure the concentration of a given target gas in a gas-air mixture. Because changes in air density make it difficult to accurately determine how much air is in the gas-air mixture sample, a method of compensating for changes in the air density is able to produce a more accurate concentration reading. By measuring the relative temperature and pressure of the air at calibration and when a particular reading is taken, the final reading can be corrected to account for changes in the air density. By correlating the odor intensity readings with odorant concentration readings a wide array of advantages may be realized.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for determining the efficacy of treatment for polycystic kidney disease (PKD) in a patient, diagnosing PKD in a patient, staging PKD in a patient, and monitoring PKD in a patient. These methods include determining a single or multiple levels of AMBP. Also provided are kits that include an antibody specifically binds to AMBP protein and at least one antibody that specifically binds to an additional marker of PKD.

Abstract: Various embodiments are generally directed to techniques for monitoring chromatographic fluid flows, such as the flow to and/or from one or more reservoirs used in chromatographic operations, for instance. In many embodiments, the chromatographic operations may include one or more of High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC), Ultra Performance Convergence Chromatography (UPC2), and the like. Several embodiments are particularly directed to a chromatographic fluid flow device (CFFD) for monitoring a change in density of a chromatographic fluid in a tube, such as by detecting the presence or absence of gas in the tube with an ultrasonic bubble detector. In various embodiments, the chromatographic fluid may include a solvent, a sample, or waste associated with a chromatographic operation.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for determining the efficacy of treatment for polycystic kidney disease (PKD) in a patient, diagnosing PKD in a patient, staging PKD in a patient, and monitoring PKD in a patient. These methods include determining a single or multiple levels of one or more markers selected from the group of Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA), cyclin D1, cyclin D3, MAPKERK kinase 1 (MEK), ribosomal protein S6 (S6), phosphorylated ribosomal protein S6 (pS6), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK), protein kinase B (Akt), phosphorylated protein kinase B (pAkt), caspase-2, total S6, and retinoblastoma binding protein (RBBP). Also provided are kits that include at least three antibodies that specifically bind to one or more of these markers.

Abstract: A method for detecting an analyte in a chromatography system includes performing a separation using a mobile phase that includes an organic component. The separation is performed with a primary separation module such as a chromatographic column. A first effluent, from the primary separation module, is modulated so that a fluidic plug containing an amount of the organic component and an analyte is provided to a secondary separation module where a secondary separation is performed. A second effluent, from the secondary separation module, includes temporally-resolved organic component and analyte peaks due to selective retention of the analyte. The second effluent is provided to a flame-based detector which is disabled when the organic modifier peak is received and enabled at least during the time when the analyte peak is received. Thus the analyte can be detected without interference from any response of the detector to the organic component peak.

Abstract: A single-wavelength light source is configured to generate an excitation light source. A sample holder that defines an inner cavity is capable of holding a sample and includes a surface transparent to the excitation light source. One or more mounts are attached to at least one of the light source or the sample holder. The mounts are configured to change an incident angle of the excitation light source on the surface. One or more optical components are positioned in a path of a fluorescence emission emitted from the surface and guide the fluorescence emission to a detector. A detector detects an intensity of the fluorescence emission.

Abstract: A single-wavelength light source is configured to generate an excitation light source. A sample holder that defines an inner cavity is capable of holding a sample and includes a surface transparent to the excitation light source. One or more mounts are attached to at least one of the light source or the sample holder. The mounts are configured to change an incident angle of the excitation light source on the surface. One or more optical components are positioned in a path of a fluorescence emission emitted from the surface and guide the fluorescence emission to a detector. A detector detects an intensity of the fluorescence emission.

Abstract: The present invention makes use of a modular Folded Tubular Photometer to measure the concentrations of gas-phase species and/or particles, including especially air pollutants such as ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and black carbon particulate matter, by means of absorbance of ultraviolet (UV), visible or infrared (IR) light. The optical bench makes use of modular components (tubes and mirror assemblies) that allow construction of path lengths of up to 2 meters or more while maintaining low detection cell volumes. The long path lengths, low cell volumes, and the innovation of pressure equalization during the absorbance measurements enable sensitive detection of ambient air pollutants down to low part-per-billion levels or less for gas species, and extinctions down to 1 Mm?1 or less for particulate matter, corresponding to ˜0.13 ?g/m3 or less for black carbon particulates.

Abstract: This method allows for prediction of subsurface fluid properties (e.g., phase or API gravity) using gas chromatogram data of a small-volume extract. Small volume equates to microliter scale volume (or milligram scale weight) from a subsurface rock sample, where a fluid test may not be available for analysis. The method may also be applied to petroleum liquid samples where drilling fluid or other contaminants preclude accurate direct property measurement. Gas chromatographic data is calibrated to measured petroleum properties; preferably local oils from the same petroleum system, however, a general global calibration can also be used.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, to a device, and to the use of a method for the gas-chromatic separation and determination of volatile substances in a carrier gas by means of a chromatographic separating capillary (1), wherein the separating capillary and/or an enveloping capillary (2) surrounding the separating capillary (1) is electrically conductive and is heated with current in the form of a resistance heater and is cooled by a forced convective flow by means of a fluid in the form of a gradient flow field in such a way that a continuous temperature gradient arises over the length of the separating capillary.

Abstract: Automated fluid handling system comprising a housing and two or more fluid handling units arranged as interchangeable modular components with an external fluidics section and an internal non fluidics section, and wherein the housing comprises a liquid handling panel with two or more of component positions for receiving said interchangeable modular components such that the external fluidics section is separated from the non fluidics section by the liquid handling panel.

Abstract: A liquid sample introduction system for an ion source which ionizes a liquid sample by supplying the liquid sample to an ionization probe in an ion source and blowing an atomization-promoting gas at the liquid sample exiting from the tip of the ionization probe, the system including: a hermetically closable liquid sample container for holding a liquid sample; a liquid-supply-gas passage having one end connected to a point in a passage for an atomization-promoting gas leading to the ion source, and the other end connected to a space above a liquid level in the liquid sample container; a sample supply passage having one end connected to a space below the liquid level in the liquid sample container and the other end connected to the ionization probe; and a passage-switching unit in the sample supply passage for switching the sample supply passage between the communicating state and the closed state.

Abstract: A temperature controller for simultaneously controlling the temperatures of a plurality of heating elements for use in chromatographic analysis including columns, detectors, valves, transport lines and other components.

Abstract: A gas sensor includes a plurality of detectors discolored by reacting with different predetermined target gases, such that the gas sensor independently measures the amount of each target gas. A refrigerator for deciding a type and state of target food contained in a container by sensing a color change of a gas sensor mounted to the container including the target food, and a method for controlling the gas sensor are disclosed. The gas sensor for detecting a plurality of target gases includes a base and a plurality of detectors provided at the base. The detectors respectively detect different target gases, and each detector is discolored by reacting with each predetermined target gas.

Abstract: A thermal conductivity detector that causes a fluid to come into contact with the surface of a heated temperature sensing element, that causes the temperature of the temperature sensing element to change according to the thermal conductivity of the fluid, and that detects the fluid based on a change in the electrical resistance of the temperature sensing element at that time or on a change in the value of a current to be applied to the temperature sensing element is provided. The thermal conductivity detector includes a cell space where the temperature sensing element is accommodated and to which a fluid is introduced and from which the fluid is discharged, a buffer space that is connected to a fluid outlet of the cell space, and a discharge channel that is connected to a fluid outlet of the buffer space.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to chromatography systems that include a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device can be fluidically coupled to a switching valve to provide for selective control of fluid flow in the chromatography system. In some examples, the microfluidic device may include a charging chamber, a bypass restrictor or other features that can provide for added control of the fluid flow in the system. Methods of using the devices and methods of calculating lengths and diameters to provide a desired flow rate are also described.

Abstract: A multi-lumen mixing device is described. The multi-lumen mixing device includes a mixer body having an inlet portion and an outlet portion. The multi-lumen mixing device also includes an array of capillary channels within the mixer body, in which each capillary channel has approximately a same length. An inlet for each of the capillaries is proximate to the inlet portion and an outlet for each of the capillaries is proximate to the outlet portion. The array of capillary channels has at least three different cross-sectional areas.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a gas analyzing apparatus and a sampling device. The gas analyzing apparatus includes a sampling device and an ion mobility spectrum analysis device. The sampling device includes a multi-capillary column and a temperature control system. The ion mobility spectrum analysis device is adapted for analyzing a gas leaded-in by the sampling device and includes a reaction cavity for reaction between sample molecules and reaction ions, the cavity having a sampling opening for leading-in of the gas. An outlet end of the multi-capillary column is inserted directly into the cavity of the ion mobility spectrum analysis device through the sampling opening of the ion mobility spectrum analysis device.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to chromatography systems that include a microfluidic device configured to provide three-way switching or switching between three or more inputs or outputs. The microfluidic device can be fluidically coupled to one or more switching valves to provide for selective control of fluid flow in the chromatography system.

Abstract: A system and method of taking a sample of hydrogen gas and reducing the hydrogen concentration by a factor greater than 1×108 while increasing the partial pressure of the contaminating gases by a factor greater than 100, so that extremely low levels of contamination can be accurately detected. A sample of hydrogen gas is captured. Only the hydrogen gas is removed leaving all the contaminating gases in the collection chamber. This causes the total pressure of the gas sample within the collection chamber to decrease dramatically since most of the gas was hydrogen. All the contaminants remain in the collection chamber. None are lost through pumping. As such, the concentration of contaminants within the remaining sample increases dramatically. The residual partial pressures of the contaminating gases within the collection chamber and can now be measured by a variety of techniques.

Abstract: A gas chromatography (GC) system comprises: a sample injector adapted to receive a liquid sample into an interior cavity thereof and to volatilize the liquid sample; a GC column configured to receive the volatilized sample from the sample injector; a carrier gas inlet line fluidically coupled to a gas inlet port of the sample injector; a septum purge vent line fluidically coupled to a first gas outlet port of the sample injector; a split-flow vent line fluidically coupled to a second gas outlet port of the sample injector; and a vacuum system configured to apply vacuum to the septum purge vent line, the split-flow vent line and the interior cavity of the sample injector. Alternatively, the vacuum system may be coupled to a vacuum port of the sample injector. A separate flow of helium gas may be supplied to an inlet of the GC column.

Abstract: Micro discharge devices, methods, and systems are described herein. One device includes a non-conductive material, a channel through at least a portion of the non-conductive material having a first open end and a second open end, a first electrode proximate to a first circumferential position of the channel between the first open end and the second open end, a second electrode proximate to a second circumferential position of the channel between the first open end and the second open end, a discharge region defined by a portion of the channel between the first electrode and the second electrode, an optical emission collector positioned to receive an optical emission from the discharge region, and a discharge shielding component between the discharge region and the optical emission collector.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to discharge a plurality of spike fluids into a fluid flowing in a flow channel, transmit energy to the fluid using an energy source coupled to the flow channel, receive the energy modified by the fluid as photometric energy, convert the photometric energy to at least one photometric signal, compare the at least one photometric signal with a reference signal to determine at least one photometric property of the fluid, and determine at least one component of the fluid using the at least one photometric property supplied to a generalized standard addition method (GSAM). Additional apparatus, systems, and methods, including the use of multivariate curve resolution (MCR) to refine GSAM results, are disclosed.

Abstract: A fitting (200) for providing a fluid connection between a capillary (202) and a fluidic conduit (204) of a fluidic component (30), the fitting (200) comprising a male piece (240) and a female piece (250) for connection with the male piece (240), wherein the male piece (240) comprises a housing (252) with a capillary reception (212) configured for receiving the capillary (202), wherein a part of the capillary (202) being received in the capillary reception (212) is circumferentially covered by a sleeve (214), an elastic biasing mechanism (206) being arranged at least partially within the housing (252), being configured for biasing the capillary (202) against the female piece (250) and being supported by the sleeve (214), and a locking mechanism (208) being arranged at least partially within the housing (252) and being configured for locking the capillary (202) to the fitting (200).

Abstract: A gas analyzer system to determine the concentration of gases in an automotive air conditioning system comprising: an infrared multi-detector device equipped with a gas analysis chamber; an emitter source emitting infrared radiation in the analysis chamber; infrared multi-detectors generating an electrical measurement quantity based on the absorption of radiation by the gas; a suction pump creating a depression inside the analysis chamber; and an electronic control unit determining a main automotive refrigerant gas concentration and the contaminant gases concentration, based on electrical measurement quantities provided by the multi-detectors and a reference electrical quantity. The control unit controls the pump to suck the gases in the analysis chamber until a condition of absence of gases is achieved, wherein the internal pressure of the chamber reaches a minimum pressure, and then determines the reference electrical quantity, based on the electrical quantity generated in the condition of absence of gases.

Abstract: A smoke alarm comprises smoke detection circuitry for detecting smoke and generating a detection signal responsive thereto. Proximity detection circuitry generates a proximity detection signal responsive to detection of an object within in a selected distance of the smoke alarm. Alarm generation circuitry generates an audible alarm responsive to the detection signal. The audible alarm may be deactivated for a predetermined period of time responsive to at least one proximity detection signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas chromatography—inverse gas chromatography combined analysis device, which includes a gas chromatography column and an inverse gas chromatography column, an input end of the gas chromatography column is connected to a sample feeder, an output end of the gas chromatography column is connected to an input end of the inverse gas chromatography column, the output end of the gas chromatography column is further connected to a first detector, the input end of the inverse gas chromatography column is further connected to a carrier gas tube, an output end of the inverse gas chromatography column is connected to a second detector, and the first detector and the second detector are both connected to a signal collector.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for distinguishing between a natural source of deep gas and gas leaking from a CO2 storage reservoir at a near surface formation comprising: obtaining one or more surface or near surface geological samples; measuring a CO2, an O2, a CH4, and an N2 level from the surface or near surface geological sample; determining the water vapor content at or above the surface or near surface geological samples; normalizing the gas mixture of the CO2, the O2, the CH4, the N2 and the water vapor content to 100% by volume or 1 atmospheric total pressure; determining: a ratio of CO2 versus N2; and a ratio of CO2 to N2, wherein if the ratio is greater than that produced by a natural source of deep gas CO2 or deep gas methane oxidizing to CO2, the ratio is indicative of gas leaking from a CO2 storage reservoir.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus and systems, as well as methods, may operate to draw a formation fluid sample into a sampling port included in a down hole tool, to vaporize some part of the fluid sample to substantially fill an injection port with a gas phase, to differentiate gas components in the gas phase to provide differentiated gas components along a concentration gradient, to detect the differentiated gas components, and to determine a fingerprint of the differentiated gas components. Other apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is related to a gas chromatograph wherein more substitutable modules are foreseen, in particular injector modules and/or detector modules, as well as one embodiment in an oven module. Each module is insertable in a seat of the gas chromatograph mainframe with fast connections of its electronic and pneumatic means to corresponding outlets on said mainframe. Each module has its own heating element.

Abstract: A non-seizing taper used for purged capillary tubing connections in gas chromatography that stops capillary tubing at a predictable position within the taper during installation and maintains space for gas to flow past the capillary tubing. The disclosed taper is an improved component of commonly used purged devices such as inlet liners and purged unions. The arresting aspect of the taper simplifies the process of capillary tubing installation while ensuring that the tubing will reproducibly be positioned in the taper. One or more features of the taper prevent tubing from seizing within the taper so that the devices can be reused and ensure that there is open space for a portion of gas to flow around and past the tubing. The angle of the taper, the dimensions of the taper, and the nature of the features within the taper can be adjusted to meet specific performance, usability and/or manufacturability requirements.

Abstract: A gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) system includes a multi-capillary GC column coupled to a mass analyzer through an ionization interface. The ionization interface includes an ionization device and an ion guide configured for receiving a high-capacity gas-sample flow from the GC column and transmitting a compressed ion beam to the mass analyzer. The ion beam may be converging.

Abstract: An improved biocompatible filter for use in liquid chromatography systems such as HPLC or UHPLC The present disclosure addresses the problem of particles bypassing a filter in a liquid chromatography application by design features in the interface between the frit filter and ring that form an improved seal between the ring and frit and prevent leakage around the filter in high measure chromatography. Design features also include frit filters with an internal particle size gradient for pre-column separation activity during filtration.

Abstract: A fabric phase sorptive extractor (FPSE) is a sampling device where a flexible fabric is coated with at least one sol-gel derived film that includes at least two of a metal oxide portion, a siloxy portion, and an organic portion, where the gel has at least some amorphous portions. The FPSE is flexible such that it can be used in an extended form or draped over a solid surface to contact a gaseous, liquid, or solid environment and can be manipulated for placement in a container where the absorbed analyte can be removed from the FPSE for instrumental analysis. The FPSE can have specific functionalities that bind to specific analytes or can provide a general sorbent medium for extraction of a wide range of analytes, such that the sampling device can be employed for sampling analytes with biological, environmental, food, pharmaceutical, bio-analytical, clinical, forensic, toxicological, national security, public health, and/or safety implications.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery is externally heated to induce thermal runaway, and material expelled from the battery is analyzed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transfer unit for analysis devices, containing a tube-shaped assembly which can be heated by an electric heater in a programmed manner, a tube (6) which is arranged in the sample chamber (18) and into which the end of a gas chromatographic separating column can be inserted at the end of said tube, and means for introducing carrier gas into the tube (6), said transfer unit being characterized in that a temperature sensor (8) is arranged in the ring chamber (5) between the inner wall of the assembly and the evaporator tube (6). The transfer unit can be a sample introduction device for a gas chromatograph having a sample introduction head (18), and the assembly can be a sample introduction chamber in which an evaporator tube is provided, wherein the end of a gas chromatographic separating column can be inserted into the end facing away from the sample introduction head (18).

Abstract: This method allows for prediction of subsurface fluid properties (e.g., phase or API gravity) using gas chromatogram data of a small-volume extract. Small volume equates to microliter scale volume (or milligram scale weight) from a subsurface rock sample, where a fluid test may not be available for analysis. The method may also be applied to petroleum liquid samples where drilling fluid or other contaminants preclude accurate direct property measurement. Gas chromatographic data is calibrated to measured petroleum properties; preferably local oils from the same petroleum system, however, a general global calibration can also be used.

Abstract: A non-seizing taper used for purged capillary tubing connections in gas chromatography that stops capillary tubing at a predictable position within the taper during installation and maintains space for gas to flow past the capillary tubing. The disclosed taper is an improved component of commonly used purged devices such as inlet liners and purged unions. The arresting aspect of the taper simplifies the process of capillary tubing installation while ensuring that the tubing will reproducibly be positioned in the taper. One or more features of the taper prevent tubing from seizing within the taper so that the devices can be reused and ensure that there is open space for a portion of gas to flow around and past the tubing. The angle of the taper, the dimensions of the taper, and the nature of the features within the taper can be adjusted to meet specific performance, usability and/or manufacturability requirements.