Search Grantees

Abstract or Project Description

The aims of this grant project were to develop two basic ideas that were just past the proof-of-concept stage, into functional computer code to perform processing of the large raw datasets supplied by the GutTracker wireless patch system, intended to form the first steps in the future standard data analysis. The first step was a cleanup phase in which large amplitude artifacts are identified and removed from the data in such a way as to minimize effects on subsequent Fourier transform spectral analysis and alignment with absolute time. The second step provided normalization across data sets to accommodate differences in signal strength between subjects arising from variations in skin condition and body dimensions, allowing the absolute strength  of motility measurements to be compared among subjects. Both aims were achieved, resulting in workable code bases that have been in routine use.

Abstract or Project Description

George Mark ChildrenÕs House, located in San Leandro, California, focuses on quality of life and continuity of care for children with illnesses that modern healthcare cannot yet cure, or for those who have chronic medical conditions.

Abstract or Project Description

A three-year grant to support the Artist in Residence (AIR) Program, which provides four to ten week long residencies for six to eight artists annually.

Abstract or Project Description

So far, most research on the microbiome in IBD has mostly focused on gut bacteria. However, there is increasing evidence to support that other members of the microbiome, such as viruses, may also have an important role. Herein we plan to study the role of viral exposures in IBD development. A major challenge of this type of study is to disentangle what is cause, and what is consequence of the inflammatory process. However, having access to a unique cohort of pre-clinical samples, where we were able to gather thousands of samples from patients with Crohn´s disease and ulcerative colitis, years before their diagnosis, as well as matched healthy individuals, addresses some of the challenges. Acquiring mechanistic information into preclinical disease can therefore potentially uncover key pathogenic events. In this unique cohort, we will use also a unique method, recently described, called the VirScan. This is a very sensitive and specific assay, that has the ability assess all viral exposures that happened throughout the life span of an individual. By combining this unique technique in a distinctive cohort, we hope to be able to identify whether there are specific viral exposures that may act as triggers for the development of IBD.

Abstract or Project Description

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects women during their reproductive years and 25% become pregnant after an initial diagnosis of IBD. New data suggest that babies are born not-sterile, and bacteria, also known as microbiome, are passed from the pregnant mother to the fetus in the womb. The make-up of these initial bacteria significantly contributes to the development of newborn’s immune system and may affect the risk of diseases later in life. While it is well established that patients with IBD have an altered microbiome, no data exist on the types of bacteria passed from pregnant women with IBD to their babies or on the role these bacteria play in the development of baby’s immune system. Therefore, we propose to transplant the stool of newborn babies born to women with and without IBD to germ-free mice, known to have underdeveloped immune system, and characterize the changes in their immune system before and after the transplantation. We will also track particular bacteria that were successfully engrafted into germ-free mice and determine their effect on the maturation of immune responses. This research could inform future clinical trials of microbial manipulation during pregnancy as a possible strategy to prevent IBD risk transmission.

Abstract or Project Description

A wildly imaginative and ambitious two-mile LED light project on San Francisco’s Market Street championed by Illuminate, the organization that brought the Bay Lights to San Francisco.

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Abstract or Project Description

To support any costs associated with Gallery Shows, Artist stipends and Gallerist hours.

Abstract or Project Description

A three-year capacity building grant of $150,000 toÊexplore new models for presenting and exhibiting, to develop a back office support system for small arts organizations and to continue to create greater efficiencies in their systems.

Abstract or Project Description

A three-year capacity building grant to transition the primary work of the Artistic Director, invest in and expand the role of the Program Director, and develop a strategic plan which includes fund development.

Abstract or Project Description

Abstract or Project Description

For the production of at least four videos that build audience awareness of small and mid-sized Bay Area arts organizations.

Abstract or Project Description

An annual festival of experimental dance and performance in San Francisco that celebrates the abundance of embodied art, action and interaction in the Bay Area over the course of three weeks of performances, practices and exchanges.

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LavaMae_ Connect is a global community of people who are at all stages of bringing mobile showers and other care services to the street.

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To provide transitional kindergarten and preschool classrooms, and Faith-based organizations with family engagement early learning programs. These programs include: LitTab (eReaders), take home books, parent/caregiver workshops, and a new texting service designed to share ongoing and interactive early learning and school readiness content with parents/caregivers. Funding will also support a collaboration project with ideas42 to develop methods of maximizing parent and caregiver engagement in Literacy Lab’s LitTab program.

Abstract or Project Description

A docu-theater production under the direction of Paul Flores that tells the story of the impact that the death of Alex Nieto (28) at the hands of the SFPD has had on Latino and African-American residents of San Francisco neighborhoods that are currently being gentrified.

Abstract or Project Description

The Luggage Store, also known as The 509 Cultural Center, is a nonprofit arts organization whose mission is to foster community through multidisciplinary arts programming that promotes diversity, inclusion and dialogue among the diverse cultural communities of downtown San Francisco. They aim to reduce inter-group tensions and stereotypes through exhibitions, performances, education and public art initiatives.

Abstract or Project Description

A new play by Han Ong about the late “bluesologist” Gil Scott-Heron.

Abstract or Project Description

Mass Ornament Films is a transnational cinema and video art production house, born out of the collaboration of artists Zoe Sua Cho, Yoni Goldstein and Anahita Ghazvinizadeh