Abstract: A method and system for teaching a language and evaluating language comprehension in a digitally synthesized, interactive three-dimensional graphical representation of an environment. Within the environment, the user is given opportunities to practice language skills by interacting with digital videos of people. As the user walks through the environment and encounters various people therein, the people set forth challenges in the form of scripted questions and tasks that require the user to comprehend the language in order to correctly respond. A speech recognition engine interprets verbal responses of the user, thereby further simulating a real-world environment. A set of one or more scripts controls various aspects of the environment while testing and evaluating the user's comprehension of the language.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds which inhibit proteases, including cathepsin K, pharmaceutical compositions of such compounds, and methods for treating diseases of excessive bone loss or cartilage or matrix degradation, including osteoporosis; gingival disease including gingivitis and periodontitis; arthritis, more specifically, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis; Paget's disease, hypercalcemia of malignancy; and metabolic bone disease, comprising inhibiting and bone loss or excessive cartilage or matrix degradation by administering to a patient in need thereof a compound of the present invention.