Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to crimp a tube are disclosed. An example crimp disclosed herein includes a first crimp section extending between a first end of the crimp and a point along the crimp between the first end and a second end, a first inner diameter of the first crimp section constant between the first end and the point, and a second crimp section adjacent the first crimp section, the second crimp section extending between the point and the second end, a second inner diameter of the second crimp section to increase from the point to the second end.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of decreasing a level of kynurenic acid in a cell and of treating a pathophysiological condition in a subject associated with an increase in kynurenic acid in a subject. In these methods the inhibitory action of dicarboxylic acids or derivatives or analogs thereof are effective to inhibit activity of kynurenine aminotransferase II. Also provided is a method of screening for potential inhibitory compounds for kynurenine aminotransferase II. The dicarboxylic acids or derivatives or analogs thereof may have the structural formula, where R1 is H, NH2 or NHCH3, R2 is H or CH3, n is 0 to 14, and X is —COOH, CH2OH, —PO3H2, —SO3H, or —SO3H; or a pharmacologically acceptable salt.