Fukui University of Technology

Cognitive models of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have traditionally centered on deficits in inhibitory control and motivation. A substantial body of empirical research supports impairments in both domains: children with ADHD exhibit elevated commission error rates, prolonged stop-signal reaction time, and a strong preference for smaller immediate rewards over larger delayed ones. In the first part of this review, we synthesize key findings from behavioral and task-state functional neuroimaging studies that characterize these deficits, highlighting how deficits in inhibitory control and motivation/reward systems manifest across tasks and contexts. We further examine evidence on the interplay between the two systems and how their interaction is altered in children with ADHD. In the second part, we introduce recent advances in cognitive and computational neuroscience that extend classic neurocognitive models by incorporating dynamic perspectives. Specifically, we describe the dynamic dual-control framework, which distinguishes between proactive and reactive inhibitory control, and highlight dynamics of trial-by-trial adaptive response strategy adjustment. We also review emerging computational models that can identify latent brain states and their evolution during task performance, revealing novel neurodynamic mechanisms that may underlie cognitive instability in ADHD. Additionally, we discuss pharmacological studies that shed light on how the inhibitory control and motivation/reward systems are modulated by medication. Finally, we address current limitations and challenges in ADHD research, with a particular focus on task-state functional neuroimaging, and propose future directions for advancing the field. By integrating dynamic modeling approaches with established neurocognitive frameworks, this review aims to deepen our understanding of the brain mechanisms underlying ADHD and to inform the development of more precise and effective interventions.

本研究は、生活道路における人優先意識の向上を目的とし、路面装飾に着目した社会実験を実施したものである。東京都豊島区雑司が谷を対象に、既往研究で用いられている緑と白のドットデザインを基盤としつつ、子ども向けのワークショップや住民協議を経て具体的なデザインを決定・設置する住民参加型プロセスを導入した。本論文の目的は、こうしたプロセスが通行者の路面装飾に対する愛着や受容性に与える影響を明らかにすることである。分析の結果、歩行者に対して住民参加の情報を提示することで、路面装飾への愛着が向上し、受容性に対する肯定的評価が強化される傾向が確認された。また、子どもたちの参画は、地域全体に対する好意的な評価を促す可能性が示唆された。今後は、得られた知見を踏まえ、継続的な活動のあり方を検討していく必要がある。

The cultivated chrysanthemum is the most important ornamental species in the genus Chrysanthemum. However, because it is predominantly hexaploid and additionally exhibits self-incompatibility, it harbors numerous functionally redundant genes and displays extremely high heterozygosity. As a result, its genomic architecture is highly complex, making it challenging to interpret data obtained from omics analyses such as RNA-seq. To provide a genetically tractable model, we previously developed Gojo-0, a self-compatible, pure line of the diploid wild species C. seticuspe. In this study, we established Gojo-1, an improved self-compatible pure line derived from Gojo-0 and its sibling lines, exhibiting enhanced viability and culture performance. Leveraging these traits, we performed CRISPR–Cas9 editing of the AGAMOUS orthologs and successfully isolated mutants with altered floral organ morphology, demonstrating the line’s suitability for functional genomics. Comparative genome analysis showed that, aside from chromosome 1, the Gojo-1 genome is highly similar to that of Gojo-0, whose complete sequence has been determined. Taken together, these features indicate that Gojo-1 will serve as a valuable resource for future omics-based studies and a broad range of additional research applications.

A powder bed fusion using a laser beam process incorporating a flat-top beam was developed to improve the fabrication quality of Ti–6Al–4V (Ti64). To evaluate the influence of the fabricated structures, the denudation zone (DZ) was measured as a key indicator through single-bead and single-layer fabrication experiments. The main objective was to clarify the correlation between DZ formation and ambient pressure under flat-top beam irradiation, with reduced-pressure conditions introduced primarily to understand the underlying physical mechanisms. In this study, Ti64 powder was irradiated by a flat-top beam at output powers of 150–250 W and scanning speeds of 80–180 mm/s. It was found that decreasing the ambient pressure from 105 to 103 Pa reduced the DZ width, whereas further reduction to 102 Pa caused the DZ to expand. The minimum DZ width of 100.5 μm was obtained at 103 Pa.

This case series examined qualitative differences in discourse impairment in two elderly right-handed female patients (one in her 60s and another in her 70s) with right hemisphere damage (RHD) and explored the potential involvement of theory of mind (ToM). Patients with RHD often present with discourse-level communication disorders despite relatively preserved basic language abilities. However, the nature of such discourse impairments is not uniform.Discourse performance was assessed using a four-frame cartoon description task, and ToM was evaluated using the Strange Stories test. Case A demonstrated relatively preserved inferential discourse despite making errors in event-related statements, whereas Case B showed prominent impairments in inferential discourse accompanied by marked ToM deficits. These contrasting profiles suggest that discourse impairment following RHD may arise through different underlying mechanisms, with ToM-related processes contributing to inferential discourse disturbances in some individuals.

Curcumin (CUR) is a natural compound with anticancer potential; however, its poor water solubility, instability, and rapid degradation limit its therapeutic use. To address these issues, we developed CUR-loaded nanoparticles (CUR-NPs) based on chitosan, hyaluronic acid, and alginate, the TEM-measured diameter of 29.3 ± 9.0 nm. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis further confirmed good aqueous dispersibility, revealing hydrodynamic diameters of 39.8 ± 7.1 nm for UL-NPs and 46.1 ± 18.1 nm for CUR-NPs. Cytotoxicity assays revealed significant anticancer activity in both MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, with IC50 values of 17.5 ± 1.9 μg/mL and 39.9 ± 5.4 μg/mL after 72 h, respectively, indicating cell line-dependent sensitivity with MCF-7 cells being more susceptible to CUR-NP treatment. Time-dependent uptake was confirmed using fluorescence imaging and flow cytometry, which demonstrated faster and higher NP uptake by MCF-7 cells than by MDA-MB-231 cells. Collectively, these data support a cell line-dependent cell death response: MCF-7 cells displayed earlier and more pronounced changes consistent with apoptosis, whereas MDA-MB-231 cells showed slower uptake with delayed apoptosis and partial necrosis. Subcellular localization dynamics, particularly perinuclear aggregation, have emerged as determinants of NP-induced cytotoxicity, highlighting the potential for tailoring NP design to specific cellular contexts to improve therapeutic efficacy.