Abstract: This invention relates generally to methods and agents for modulating adiposity-related conditions. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of TRAIL death receptor agonists, including nucleic acids such as TRAIL polynucleotides, peptides and polypeptides including TRAIL polypeptides, TRAIL DR agonist antigen-binding molecules, TRAIL DR peptide agonists as well as small molecule TRAIL DR agonists in compositions and methods for treating or preventing adiposity-related conditions such as obesity, diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome.

Abstract: An amplifier having a high gain in a selected frequency band, e.g. for the preferential amplification of a pilot oscillation, consists of a plurality of cascaded stages each comprising an active component, a coupling network and a negative-feedback network. The coupling and feedback networks are alternately connected in a series circuit between a signal input and a signal output, each of these networks (with the possible exception of those associated with the first stage) comprising a damped parallel-resonant circuit with an inductive branch forming a low-ohmic path for direct current. Each active component has an input electrode connected through a stabilizing resistor to the junction of the associated coupling and feedback networks, its output electrode being tied to the downstream end of the corresponding feedback network.