Abstract: Methods for agents useful for treating asthma are disclosed. The methods include screening for agents that inhibit the production of a PKC-? protein, as well as for agents that inhibit the kinase activity of a PKC-? protein, or a functional fragment thereof, wherein such agents are useful for treating asthma. The methods also include screening for agents that inhibit the production of a reporter gene product encoded by a nucleic acid sequence operably linked to a PKC-? promoter. Also disclosed are methods of treating asthma that include administering an agent that inhibits the production of a functional PKC-? protein or the kinase activity of a PKC-? protein or a functional fragment thereof. An isolated mast cell lacking expression of endogenous PKC-? is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for processing a request by a user for postal service at an automated postal terminal. The method includes displaying on the terminal a list of services offered at the terminal. The list of services offered includes preparing postal information for mailing an item, purchasing postal payment indicia, and accessing information. The terminal receives a service selection and displays a payment amount, when payment is required for the selected service. The terminal receives the requested service by the terminal.