Abstract
Through the advancement of non-invasive neuroimaging techniques, functional brain imaging research has gained widespread acceptance and increased clinical applications. In Taiwan, similar advances are also emerging, particularly in the integration of multi-modal neuroimaging. However, due to the relative limited local resources and infrastructure desirable for such an endeavor to flourish, we have ventured into collaborating with neighboring countries within the Pacific Rim region (such as Japan and the Philippines) using grid technology. This perspectives paper highlights transdisciplinary collaborative efforts within Taiwan, as well as its’ neighboring countries within the Pacific Rim. We first present a domestic example of ongoing collaborative efforts in integrating imaging techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI), and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to understand targeted neurocircuitries that may be compromised by psychiatric or neurological diseases, for the purpose of develo** plausible treatment strategies. Second, we illustrate how such an international collaboration, with a common mission of translating neuroimaging techniques into clinical applications, could benefit strategic interests for all parties involved. Finally, we briefly discuss the constraints and challenges involved with develo** such collaborative efforts amongst the Pacific Rim countries, and the possible impact it may have in healthcare provision for the region.
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Acknowledgements
The Taiwanese studies are supported in-part by NSC 96-2413-H-002-001; NSC 96-2628-H-002-073-MY2; NSC95-2752-M-002-018-PAE, NTU-PFIR-95R0801-FS-01. The Japanese studies are supported by Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (KAKENHI) # 18300179
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Chen, SH.A., Tseng, WY.I., Nakai, T. et al. A Vision for Translating Neuroimaging Techniques into Clinical Applications through Collaboration. Brain Imaging and Behavior 2, 350–358 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11682-008-9041-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11682-008-9041-4