The words of Abraham Lincoln are usually revered, but not so for some when it comes to the motto for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Reported by FOXNews.com 4 hours ago.

· Apple has bought music analytics firm Asaii for under $100 million, Axios reports.
· Apple declined to comment or confirm the Axios report.
· Asaii's website says it can "find the next Justin Bieber, before anyone else."
· Apple is investing in companies with unique music data to improve its Apple Music product, which has fewer subscribers than Spotify. 

Apple has bought a music analytics firm, Asaii, for under $100 million, Axios reported on Sunday.

Axios notes that the company's co-founders now list Apple Music as their current employment on their LinkedIn profiles as of October 2018. 

Apple declined to comment or confirm the Axios report. But even if it's not a full purchase or there's another caveat to the deal, the fact that Apple has hired the Asaii co-founders underscores the company's plan for its music subscription service to overtake Spotify. 

In short: Apple wants to have the power to predict popular songs and match them to its users through better data collection and analysis.

Last year, Apple bought Shazam, the music-identifying app. But it was unlikely that Apple wanted the company's burgeoning advertising business —  in fact, Apple shut down its ads last month. Instead, investors told Business Insider that it was likely that Apple wanted the company's data, which could often serve as an early warning system for what songs are breaking out in a region. 

People at record labels loved to use a Shazam dashboard to find trending songs and doing analytics. Now, that data is Apple's. 

The Asaii news underscores the fact that Apple is willing to pay for data and software that makes its predictive playlists better. Asaii's website said that its goal was "to find the next Justin Bieber, before anyone else." 

Apple currently has 50 million subscribers, behind Spotify's global 83 million paying users. One of Apple's core philosophies centers around human curation: Apple Music has thousands of human-created playlists, as well as a radio station crewed by live DJs, including BBC veterans. 

But Spotify's buffet of computer-generated Daily Mix and Discover Weekly playlists are one of the service's strongest features, and subscribers love them. Apple currently publishes three kinds of individually customized playlists, but it's likely to want to create more, and that can help explain why it's spending hundreds of millions on music data companies. 

*SEE ALSO: Why an early Shazam investor thinks it could boost Apple Music subscribers by 25%*

Join the conversation about this story »

NOW WATCH: Everything we know about the Google Pixel 3 Reported by Business Insider 4 hours ago.

Ms. Wong further builds out MoFo’s global investigations practice; brings substantial in-house, government, and private practice experience

SAN FRANCISCO (PRWEB) October 15, 2018

Morrison & Foerster, a leading global law firm, is pleased to announce that Christine Wong has joined the firm in the San Francisco office as a partner in its Investigations + White Collar Defense group. Ms. Wong spent the last five years at Fujitsu where she most recently served as Vice President, Head of International Compliance. In this role, Ms. Wong led the development and implementation of compliance programs including anti-bribery/corruption, antitrust and competition, and export control. Ms. Wong also has significant prosecutorial experience, having served seven years as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in the Southern District of New York and in the Northern District of California.

At Fujitsu, Ms. Wong oversaw global investigations, supervising large internal and external teams. She also has substantial trial and courtroom experience, from her years as a federal prosecutor and in private practice.

“Christine has an impressive background and a proven track record in cross-border compliance matters,” said Chuck Duross, co-chair of Morrison & Foerster’s Investigations + White Collar Defense group. “We are confident that our clients will benefit from Christine’s broad range of experience and her further strengthening our already market-leading investigations capabilities.”

Stacey Sprenkel, head of Litigation for Morrison & Foerster’s San Francisco office, added: “The insights that Christine brings on building out and effectively implementing a compliance program at a global corporation will be invaluable to our clients, and her experience dealing with internal stakeholders in connection with complex, global investigations will position her to provide exceptional support to companies facing their own high stakes investigations. We are excited to have Christine join the firm and become part of our San Francisco Bay Area litigation team, and our Bay Area Investigations + White Collar Defense team.”

Jordan Eth, co-chair of Morrison & Foerster’s Securities Litigation, Enforcement, and White Collar Defense Group, said that, “Christine further enhances our ability to handle the full range of compliance, regulatory, enforcement, and litigation issues confronting our clients.”

Ms. Wong joining Morrison & Foerster highlights the firm’s commitment to adding leading lawyers in the San Francisco Bay Area market where it has long been a leader. Recent additions to the Litigation team include white-collar litigator Joshua Hill, Jr., also a former AUSA in the Northern District of California, and a group of six intellectual property litigators led by Stefani Shanberg and Jennifer Schmidt.

“I am very impressed with Morrison & Foerster’s strong focus on investigations and compliance work including a wide breadth and depth of offerings, as well as its deep bench of lawyers who used to hold significant government roles,” added Ms. Wong. “The firm has an outstanding reputation for its litigation work. I look forward to working with the remarkable team at Morrison & Foerster and having the opportunity to advise the firm’s global clients.”

Ms. Wong becomes the latest member of an experienced and effective team of former senior federal and state prosecutors and regulators at Morrison & Foerster. Over the last few months, the firm has welcomed as partners Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin E. Fairfax, a former federal prosecutor, who also joined the Investigations + White Collar Defense group, John E. Smith, former director of the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, who joined as a co-head of the National Security Practice, and Lisa Phelan, former Chief of the National Criminal Enforcement and Washington Criminal I Sections of the Antitrust Division at the Department of Justice, who joined the Global Antitrust Law Practice.

ABOUT MOFO

Morrison & Foerster is a global firm with exceptional credentials. Our clients include some of the largest financial institutions, investment banks, Fortune 100, and technology and life sciences companies. The Financial Times has named the firm to its lists of most innovative law firms in Northern America and Asia every year that it has published its Innovative Lawyers Reports in those regions. In the past few years, Chambers USA has honored MoFo’s Bankruptcy and IP teams with Firm of the Year awards, the Corporate/M&A team with a client service award, and the firm as a whole as Global USA Firm of the Year. Our lawyers are committed to achieving innovative and business-minded results for our clients, while preserving the differences that make us stronger. The firm also has a long history of commitment to the community through providing pro bono legal services, including litigating for civil rights and civil liberties, improving public education for poor children, advocating for veterans, promoting international human rights, winning asylum for the persecuted, and safeguarding the environment. Reported by PRWeb 4 hours ago.

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 15, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Death has a new destination. Following the passing of his father, Aaron returns home to his devastated mother to confront his past demons. Sifting through his father’s belongings, Aaron stumbles upon an Urn which is far more than it seems. As his wants and wishes start coming true, he thinks his prayers have been answered until he learns of the sinister price that comes with *THE FINAL WISH*. This edge of your seat thriller, from the creator of Final Destination, stars horror veterans Lin Shaye (Insidious franchise, Ouija), Tony Todd (Candyman, Final Destination), Michael Welch (The Twilight Saga, All the Boys Love Mandy Lane) and Spencer Locke (Insidious: The Last Key, Resident Evil: Extinction). *THE FINAL WISH *premieres at the ScreamFest Horror Film Festival on October 17^th at the TCL Chinese Theaters in Hollywood, CA and will be followed by a Q&A with Director Timothy Woodward Jr, Writer Jeffrey Reddick and stars Lin Shaye and Tony Todd.*THE FINAL WISH* was written by Jeffrey Reddick, the creator of the horror franchise Final Destination, Jonathan Doyle and William Halfon. The film was produced by Timothy Woodward Jr., Lauren de Normandie, Johnny Cleveland, Jeffrey Reddick and Thommy Huston. Executive Producers include Matthew Helderman, Luke Taylor, Joe Listhaus, Patrick DePeters, Arthur Wylie, Dale Godboldo. 

*ABOUT STATUS MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT *

Status Media & Entertainment specializes in development and production of feature films across all genres. Status Media utilizes its unique relationships with talent, agents, writers, sales representatives and international distributors to execute the seamless and efficient production of films from conception through sales and delivery.

Status Media & Entertainment’s focus is on high concept, niche genre films for the theatrical and home entertainment market. By adding practical effects and explosions, and casting some of the industry's top action stars, each film has a distinctive look and feel.

*ABOUT CINEDIGM *

Cinedigm (NASDAQ: CIDM) powers custom content solutions to the world's largest retail, media and technology companies. The global company provides premium feature films and series to digital platforms including iTunes, Netflix, and Amazon, cable and satellite providers including Comcast, Dish Network and DirecTV, and major retailers including Wal-Mart and Target. Leveraging Cinedigm's unique capabilities, content and technology, the company has emerged as a leader in the fast-growing digital-first channel business, with seven networks under management that reach hundreds of millions of devices while also providing premium content and service expertise to the entire digital-first ecosystem. With reciprocal distribution partnerships in both the United States and China, Cinedigm's growing stable of platforms has unprecedented availability in the two largest markets in the world. Learn more about Cinedigm at cinedigm.com.

*ABOUT SCREAMFEST HORROR FILM FESTIVAL*

Formed in August 2001 by film producer Rachel Belofsky, ScreamFest Horror Film Festival is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that gives filmmakers and screenwriters in the horror and science fiction genres a venue to have their work showcased in the film industry. Among the numerous films that have been discovered and/or premiered at the festival include Paranormal Activity, 30 Days of Night, Trick ‘r Treat and The Human Centipede. For more information, visit www.ScreamFestLA.com or email info@screamfestla.com. 

*For additional information, please contact: *
Kim Staruk, kstaruk@cinedigm.com Reported by GlobeNewswire 4 hours ago.

FORT WORTH, Texas, Oct. 15, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Independent Bank Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:IBTX), the holding company for Independent Bank, recently named Barry Kromann Executive Vice President, Fort Worth Area President; and Marshall Boyd, VP Senior Mortgage Officer. The two industry veterans will support the Independent Bank’s continued growth within Tarrant County, providing resilient solutions to fuel community development, while meeting the unique financial needs of area businesses and families.Mr. Kromann’s strong qualifications, engagement with colleagues and loyal Tarrant County customer base make him the ideal person to lead the Bank’s lending efforts in Fort Worth. His experience includes three decades in financial services; formerly with Texas Capital Bank for 17 years as an EVP and Manager of Corporate Banking and 12 years in Corporate Banking for Bank One, Texas.

"By developing strong relationships and a deep understanding of our client’s needs, we are able to offer a more proactive approach to business banking,” explains Mr. Kromann. “Independent Bank is always looking for opportunities to lean-in, and I’m excited to continue offering insight and capital to our partners across the Fort Worth market.”

Barry graduated Summa Cum Laude with a BBA in Finance from Texas Tech University. Over the years, Barry’s commitment to the Fort Worth community has included serving as Chairman of the Deacon Board and Finance Committee for McKinney Memorial Bible Church; president and board member of the Parenting Center; and founding director and president of the Tarrant County Banker’s Association.

Marshall Boyd has a lengthy career in real estate and real estate finance. He is the past President and founder of BMC Mortgage Services, Inc. and the founding Managing Partner of Williams Trew Real Estate Services. Marshall comes to Independent Bank from Southwest Bank, where he was an Executive Vice President for Mortgage Services, with oversight of retail mortgage lending as well at their mortgage warehouse lending program.

A graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, Marshall has served on the Board of Directors of Fort Worth Country Day School, The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, and Habitat for Humanity. He is currently a Child Advocate for the CASA program in Tarrant County, on the Family Success Committee for Habitat for Humanity, and on the Board of the Neighborhood Development Corporation.

Independent Bank’s performance continues to earn recognition nationally, recently receiving the Raymond James and Associates’ Community Bankers Cup for the sixth consecutive year and ranked #20 among Best Banks in America by Forbes Magazine.

*About Independent Bank Group
*Independent Bank Group, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Independent Bank, provides a wide range of relationship-driven commercial banking products and services tailored to meet the needs of businesses, professionals and individuals. Independent Bank Group operates banking offices in four market regions located in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin and Houston, Texas and the Colorado Front Range areas.

*Media:
*Peggy Smolen *
*SVP, Marketing and Communications Director *
*(972) 562-9004*
*psmolen@ibtx.com

Source: Independent Bank Group, Inc. Reported by GlobeNewswire 2 hours ago.

Social media is helping drive Americans apart — but that doesn’t mean it should be abandoned altogether, according to Jeff Bezos.

Speaking at Wired’s 25th anniversary conference on Monday, the Amazon chief executive said he believes major platforms like Facebook and Twitter exacerbate social and political fault lines.

“I think social media is increasing, unfortunately, identity politics, tribalism. I think the internet, in its current incarnation, is a confirmation bias machine,” Bezos said.  “If you have a going in point of view, and you go do some searches, you find confirmation of your point of view. If your news feed is showing you things, its showing you things that confirm your point of view, by and large.”

*Also Read:* Washington Post Trolls Owner Jeff Bezos With 'How to Get Around Amazon Prime's New Fee'

The world’s richest man didn’t strike a defeatist tone, though. Bezos said he believes society eventually develops an “immune response” to the drawbacks of new technology.

“Technologies are always two-sided. There are ways they can be misused as well as used. This isn’t new,” Bezos said. “The book was invented and people could write really evil books and lead bad revolutions with them and create fascist empires with them; doesn’t mean the book is bad.”

A fitting analogy for someone that started building their fortune selling books online.

*Also Read:* Amazon's Jeff Bezos Donates $10 Million to Nonpartisan Group to Elect Veterans

Bezos’ comments come at a time when major tech companies are struggling to make their platforms more hospitable. Facebook, after first shrugging off concerns it was leveraged by Russian trolls during the 2016 presidential election, has taken several steps to weed out fake news. Twitter has tried a myriad of tweaks in the last year, including hiding mean tweets at the bottom of reply threads, as it looks to curb bullying and harassment.

Bezos took it a step further, sharing he’s worried social media will be “very useful for autocratic regimes to enforce their will.” Nevertheless, he added, “We don’t know the solutions to these problems yet, but we’ll figure them out.”

*Related stories from TheWrap:*

Jeff Bezos Dethrones Bill Gates on Forbes' Wealthiest American List After 24 Years

Jeff Bezos Calls Out President Trump's 'Dangerous' Media Criticism

Amazon's Jeff Bezos Launches $2 Billion Fund to Combat Homelessness, Create Preschools Reported by The Wrap 3 hours ago.

*MDT** Extends the Leading Position in Supplying Ultra-Low Power and High-Performance Magnetic Sensor Solutions for Battery-Powered Sensor Applications with the New Nano-Ampere TMR Switch Sensor Series*

ROSEMONT, Illinois and ZHANGJIAGANG, China, Oct. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- MultiDimension Technology (MDT) released three new Nano-Ampere Tunneling Magnetoresistance (TMR) switch sensors TMR1362/TMR1262/TMR1362 featuring 200nanoAmpere ultra-low power consumption. Compared to other low-power magnetic sensors on the market, they offer the lowest power consumption with a fast response time under 50Hz power cycling, a wider range of supply voltages from 1.8 to 5.5V, and outstanding temperature stability from -40 to 125 degree Celsius. They are ideally suited for a variety of battery-powered sensor applications, including smart flow meters, proximity switches, liquid level sensors, access switches, electrical toys, and many industrial, consumer and medical applications.

"MDT's new Nano-Ampere TMR Switch sensors extend our existing product line with even lower power consumption in high-speed operation. Compare to competing low-power magnetic sensors that must power cycle the device at very a low frequency in 2 to 10Hz, resulting in a very slow response time and high risk of misdetection in fast-switching signals, our new Nano-Ampere TMR switch sensors employ 50Hz power cycling that will ensure the sensor's performance coverage for fast response and high-speed applications, while they achieve 200nA, the lowest power consumption among all such products on the market. This is only made possible by MDT's unique TMR technology with a strong IP portfolio on TMR sensor design, fabrication and applications." said Dr. Song Xue, president and CEO of MultiDimension Technology. "For applications that require higher performance, MDT's existing 1.5microAmpere TMR switch sensors have been recognized by the industry as the leading solution for applications that require ultra-low power and high speed in continuous operation. They can be paired with MDT's new Nano-Ampere TMR switch sensors, offering our customers comprehensive options for their new-generation sensor solutions, as well as upgrades for Reed Switches or Hall-Effect/AMR/GMR/TMR sensors in present designs with higher reliability, faster response, and lower power."

MDT will showcase its TMR switch sensors, TMR angle sensors, TMR linear sensors and TMR geartooth sensors in standard packaged devices, and TMR image sensors and TMR geartooth encoders in complete sensor modules at Sensors Midwest in Rosemont, IL during Oct. 16-17, 2018.

*About MDT*

MultiDimension Technology was founded in 2010 in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu Province, China, with branch offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and Ningbo in China, Osaka, Japan, and San Jose, Calif., USA. MDT has developed a unique intellectual property portfolio, and state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities that can support volume production of high-performance, low-cost TMR magnetic sensors to satisfy the most demanding application needs. Led by its core management team of elite experts and veterans in magnetic sensor technology and engineering services, MDT is committed to creating added value for its customers and ensuring their success. For more information about MDT please visit http://www.multidimensiontech.com.

*Media Contacts
*Jinfeng Liu, jinfeng.liu@multidimensiontech.com,
Tel: +1-650-275-2318 (US), +86-189-3612-1156 (China)
Jilie Wei, kevin.wei@multidimensiontech.com,
Tel: +86-189-3612-1160 (China)

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/565378/MULTIDIMENSION_TECHNOLOGY_CO__LTD__LOGO.jpg

Related Links :

http://www.multidimensiontech.com Reported by PR Newswire Asia 18 hours ago.

AN American man has travelled to Brighton to interview a Second World War paratrooper as part of a mission to film combat veterans every day until the last one dies. Reported by The Argus 16 hours ago.

Key Milestones Include More than 100 Companies on the Platform, and Hundreds of Issues Resolved With Security, Transparency, Reliability and Speed

HOUSTON, TEXAS, Oct. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EVAN, the immediate and on-demand platform for solving urgent IT problems for businesses, today proudly celebrates its one-year anniversary. By ushering in a new way of solving businesses’ most pressing IT problems — from diagnosing in less than 5 minutes, to resolving the issue in an average of 33 minutes — EVAN has been dubbed “The Uber for IT.”
“Small and medium businesses owners wear a lot of hats, but IT support shouldn’t be one of them. Our bread and butter is supporting these businesses as we understand the need for immediate, on-demand IT support without having to hire someone full time to provide that support,” said Todd Boutte, CEO. “We want to thank our customers, who have taught us an incredible amount this year. We are honored to be able to help serve, protect and support a variety of sized businesses, as we grow and look ahead into the future.”

As EVAN heads into its second year, the company has plans in place to hire dozens of new positions while also expanding its suite of services to include free quarterly webinars, cyber- security assessments, WordPress support and transitioning to the cloud.

“We reflect on this past year and strive to offer even more robust, but still immediate, support to businesses to help them work even more efficiently,” said Mary Critelli, President of Strategy & Partnerships. “We want to continue to be the go-to, reliable source for IT support whether you’re a one-person shop or a business with dozens of employees.”

During the first year of business, EVAN expanded its exposure and footprint by presenting at conferences like the FUND Conference in Austin in March 2018 and appearing in news outlets.

EVAN was featured:

· Denver’s FOX31/KDVR-TV and Kirk Yuhnke’s Tech Junkie Television segment
· Americhicks radio show and podcast regarding technology and cybersecurity
· SmallBizDaily as a “cool tool” for small businesses (#15)
· SmallBizDaily with a piece we wrote on 4 Tips to Getting IT Support Right for Small Businesses
· SmallBizResources for how to ensure employees secure, high quality IT support while either in the office or on the road

EVAN continues to live out its mission by also focusing on veterans and America’s next generation. More than 50 percent of EVAN’s IT professionals on the platform are veterans, and as the platform grows, initiatives are in place to bring on even more. As an active member in communities around Texas, EVAN partners with Boys and Girls Country (Hockley, TX) through donation and participation in mentorship programs with High School Juniors and Seniors.

To learn more about EVAN visit EVANYourITGuy.com.ABOUT EVAN

EVAN is the first, truly on-demand platform for IT support. Connecting individuals and businesses with qualified IT professionals, EVAN provides secure, transparent and  reliable IT expertise. The multi-sided crowdsourcing platform provides solutions to level I and II computer problems, which include but are not limited to email disruptions, wireless connection, cybersecurity, computer performance, external devices and more. Founded and headquartered in Houston, Texas, EVAN prides itself of rigorously vetting IT professionals, while also maintaining a focus on hiring veterans. More information about EVAN can be found: EVANYourITGuy.com.

*Attachments*

· EVAN Home Screen for Press Release on 10.16
· EVAN Sign UP New

CONTACT: Carson Quinn
ZindseyMEDIA for EVAN
312-339-9779
carson@zindsey.com Reported by GlobeNewswire 12 hours ago.

[Zimbabwe Standard] War veterans yesterday petitioned the Zanu PF leadership demanding the removal of former Cabinet ministers from their full-time positions in the party, threatening to remove the bigwigs from their offices if their demands are not met. Reported by allAfrica.com 12 hours ago.

Bright Pattern, leading provider of omnichannel contact center software, is recognized by the Gartner Digital Markets network and GetApp as the top provider of cloud contact center software

SAN BRUNO, Calif. (PRWEB) October 16, 2018

Bright Pattern today announces its placement as the #1 cloud contact center vendor by Gartner GetApp for the sixth consecutive quarter. Bright Pattern, which has seen tremendous momentum in both global expansion and product innovation, was recognized in the Call Center Category Leaders Q4 2018 for Bright Pattern Contact Center, an all-in-one cloud platform that is revolutionizing the way customer service is delivered.

Bright Pattern is the most simple and powerful contact center for midsize and enterprise companies. Bright Pattern software creates an effortless, personal customer experience across transitional and emerging channels including voice, text, chat, email, video, messengers, and bots. The award-winning technology provides businesses with best-in-class omnichannel routing, automation and artificial intelligence, chatbot and agent assist, case management, reporting and analytics, and out-of-the-box integrations.

Bright Pattern placed above top competitors, including NICE inContact, Five9, and Talkdesk by receiving a high ranking in all evaluated categories, including customer reviews, out-of-the-box integrations, functionality, and security.

“To provide outstanding customer service and compete with customer experience giants like Amazon, Uber, and Zappos, companies require the most innovative cloud infrastructure that delivers flexible, scalable software at a fraction of the on-premises price that is easy to use for customer representatives and customers alike,” said Michael McCloskey, CEO of Bright Pattern. “Recent recognition from Gartner, Ovum, and review sites like GetApp prove that Bright Pattern is emerging as a top provider with a modern platform built to support today's customer needs—anywhere, anytime, on any channel.”

In addition to the GetApp #1 ranking, Bright Pattern has received a series of awards and accolades highlighting its mature product offering, powerful corporate strategy, and success at delivering a powerful yet easy-to-use cloud contact center offering for any industry, anywhere worldwide, within any company size or structure. Bright Pattern matched the best vendors in reliability and scalability, administration and monitoring, core platform functionality, and security in the 2017-2018 Ovum Market Report. Additionally, Bright Pattern was placed as a leader in the 2018 FrontRunners Quadrant for Call Center Software.

About Bright Pattern
Bright Pattern is the most simple and powerful contact center for midsize and enterprise companies. With the purpose of making customer service brighter, easier, and faster than ever before, Bright Pattern offers the only true omnichannel cloud platform that can be deployed quickly and nimbly by business users. Bright Pattern allows companies to offer an effortless, personal, and seamless customer experience across traditional channels like voice, text, chat, email, video, messengers, and bots. The company was founded by a team of industry veterans who pioneered the leading premise solutions and today are delivering an architecture for the future with an advanced cloud-first approach. Bright Pattern’s cloud contact center solution is used globally in over 26 countries and 12 languages.

For more information, press only:
Shelby Bozekowski
Marketing Manager
Bright Pattern
shelby.bozekowski@brightpattern.com
+1 720-209-2818 Reported by PRWeb 11 hours ago.

Actress Kerry Cahill of the Oscar-nominated film Mudbound and The Walking Dead is to attend Walker Stalker Con 2018. She will be partnering with Help Heal Veterans handing out therapeutic craft kits to veterans as well as signing autographs.

ATLANTA (PRWEB) October 16, 2018

Actress Kerry Cahill of the Oscar-nominated film Mudbound and The Walking Dead is to attend Walker Stalker Con 2018. She will be partnering with Help Heal Veterans handing out therapeutic craft kits to veterans as well as signing autographs.

Cahill is passionate about the movement to support the veterans’ health, inspired by her father a veteran who was killed during a terrorist attack at Fort Hood, Texas in 2009. Cahill wants to carry out her father's legacy. In memory of her father, Cahill partnered with Help Heal Veterans in 2017 to create a wristband craft kit that replicates the one her father wore.

Cahill says, "Veterans need our support during the transitions to civilian life, they fought for us; now we fight for them. Too many veterans lose their life to depression and PTSD. HHV can assist veterans through the use of therapeutic craft therapy. I am honored to have the opportunity to support a cause dear to my heart."

Heal Vets provides arts and crafts therapy kits to help the rehabilitation of veterans. From those recuperating from injuries such as PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. Heal Vets arts and crafts also provide treatment for veterans suffering from memory loss, stroke or extremity weakness. Help Vets has distributed more than 31 million kits since 1971 from hundreds of craft categories.

About Kerry Cahill: Born in Helena, Montana, Kerry Cahill grew up an army brat in small rural towns of Montana, Oregon, and Texas. Cahill studied Drama at Loyola University New Orleans; the British American Drama Academy Oxford; and Queen's University Belfast, later moving to Chicago to study with Second City, the Profiles Theater, and Rick Snyder. Cahill’s film career has continued to gain momentum as she has worked alongside Reese Witherspoon, Paul Walker, Uzo Aduba, and Woody Harrelson. She appeared in Terminator Genisys and had a significant role in Free State of Jones with director Gary Ross and actor Matthew McConaughey. Having filmed projects such as The Duel, Showing Roots, Free State of Jones, and now as a regular on The Walking Dead, Cahill continues to be one of Hollywood’s hottest actresses.

XXX Reported by PRWeb 10 hours ago.

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kurin, Inc. announces clinical results from Central Texas Veterans Health Care System on Kurin®, a passive, low-volume blood culture diversion device. Reported by Business Wire 10 hours ago.

"35 Expert doctors from diverse fields help patients get pain-free and recover faster from surgery" says Ingrid Kohlstadt MD, MPH, Associate, Johns Hopkins University's Center for Human Nutrition.

BALTIMORE (PRWEB) October 16, 2018

“Fork and knife,” expresses how food, dietary supplements and emerging metabolic therapies improve recovery from orthopedic surgery. The medical approach now celebrates two firsts.

An orthopedics textbook snagged Amazon’s #1 New Release in Nutrition and Alternative Medicine. Entitled Metabolic Therapies in Orthopedics this CRC Press book’s 35 authors reveal new-found consensus across the table – internists and surgeons.

The unprecedented collaboration started with the book’s editors, Ingrid Kohlstadt MD, MPH who is an Associate at Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Human Nutrition and Kenneth Cintron MD, MBA who is Chief of Orthopedics at the Veterans Administration Hospital in San Juan. Chapters include personalizing nutrition with genetics, enhancing results of regenerative orthopedic procedures with nutrition, interpreting metabolic labs in the age of artificial intelligence, activating metabolism with laser therapy, treating sleep apnea with orthodontics, using ultrasound to guide joint injections, avoiding recent unlabeled food technologies, identifying common drug-nutrient interactions, bringing advances from veterinary medicine to human medicine, mobilizing fascial connective tissue, and using U.S. military medicine to prevent sports injuries.

Ethan Kellum, MD is a sports medicine trained orthopedic surgeon in Nashville and says, "I am ecstatically overwhelmed by the knowledge that is found within its pages. Whether you are a patient and especially if you are a caregiver for musculoskeletal injuries and condition, this book is a must read! I believe wholeheartedly that as we follow the information given in this book we will revolutionize how we treat patients with musculoskeletal conditions."

As a family physician Melissa Gamponia, MD, MPH explains, “Living in a state where the opioid crisis has reached epidemic proportions, I certainly have high recommendations for this textbook.”

Dr. Kohlstadt was inspired to lead the team because the evidence for using both the fork and the knife is in. This book empowers health care providers to readily distinguish hope from hype, and engenders forward-thinking healers and adherers to "first-do-no-harm." In her opinion baseball catcher Yogi Berra summed it up. “When you come to a fork in the road [to health], take it!”

To view chapter authors bios, reviews, and more visit http://www.BetterOrthopedics.com. Clinicians who purchase and read Metabolic Therapies in Orthopedics are invited to ask the authors questions at BetterOrthopedics.com’s first-of-its-kind “Ask the Author” page.

For Dr. Kohlstadt's LinkedIn profile, see https://www.linkedin.com/in/ingridkohlstadtmd/ Reported by PRWeb 10 hours ago.

Investigational New Drug Applications Recently Filed for Two New Cardiac Programs: Cardiac Troponin Activator and Cardiac Myosin Inhibitor Advance Toward Phase 1 StudiesClinical Trial Design Announced for METEORIC-HF, the Second Phase 3 Trial of Omecamtiv Mecarbil

Phase 2 Clinical Trial of Reldesemtiv in Patients with ALS to Complete Enrollment by Year End; Results Expected in First Half of 2019

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Oct. 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cytokinetics, Incorporated (Nasdaq: CYTK) plans to present an expansion of its development pipeline with the progression of two additional cardiac muscle directed drug candidates towards first-in-human clinical trials, at an R&D Day today in New York. The first, a novel cardiac troponin activator, discovered under its joint research program with Amgen, was the subject of an Investigational New Drug Application (IND) that Amgen recently filed with the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Cytokinetics also has recently filed an IND with the FDA for a cardiac myosin inhibitor which was discovered independently by company scientists. Both of these cardiovascular drug candidates are expected to advance into first-in-human Phase 1 studies before the end of the year. 

With respect to progress of its later-stage pipeline, Cytokinetics is presenting the design of METEORIC-HF (*M*ulticenter *E*xercise *T*olerance *E*valuation of *O*mecamtiv Mecarbil *R*elated to *I*ncreased *C*ontractility in *H*eart *F*ailure), the second Phase 3 clinical trial of omecamtiv mecarbil, its novel cardiac myosin activator, which the company is working towards starting by the end of the year under its collaboration with Amgen. GALACTIC-HF (*G*lobal *A*pproach to *L*owering *A*dverse *C*ardiac Outcomes *T*hrough *I*mproving *C*ontractility in *H*eart *F*ailure), the ongoing Phase 3 cardiovascular outcomes trial of omecamtiv mecarbil, continues to progress towards the goal of concluding enrollment of 8,000 patients during the first half of 2019.

The company is also providing updates on the progression of reldesemtiv, its fast skeletal muscle troponin activator (FSTA), in a neuromuscular development program conducted in collaboration with Astellas. The company expects to conclude enrollment in FORTITUDE-ALS (*F*unctional *O*utcomes in a *R*andomized *T*rial of *I*nvestigational *T*reatment with CK-2127107 to *U*nderstand *D*ecline in *E*ndpoints – in *ALS*), an ongoing Phase 2 trial of reldesemtiv in patients with ALS, by the end of the year, which should enable reporting results from that trial in the first half of 2019. Additionally, the company recently announced the advancement of CK-3762601, or CK­‑601, a next generation FSTA, into IND-enabling studies under the collaboration with Astellas.

“Cytokinetics is advancing five compounds in different stages of development, underscoring the breadth of our leadership in the emerging pharmacology of muscle,” said Robert I. Blum, Cytokinetics’ President and Chief Executive Officer. “Potential medicines that we are developing, both independently and in collaboration with partners, have the potential to transform the treatment of severe diseases of muscle dysfunction and weakness. We are pleased to usher in both first-in-class and potentially best-in-class approaches to some of the most devastating and costly diseases.”

“Cytokinetics pioneered the discovery of novel drug candidates that modulate sarcomere function which has translated into our broad pipeline of investigational medicines,” said Fady I. Malik, M.D., Ph.D., Cytokinetics’ Executive Vice President, Research & Development. “Leveraging our longstanding expertise in the screening, biochemistry, biophysics and structural biology of the sarcomere, coupled with extensive experience in the application of advanced chemistries, we have generated development stage, small molecule compounds that distinctively modulate proteins powering muscle contractility. Our refined understanding of muscle function informs how we preferentially optimize drug candidates for mechanistic, pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties that may translate to leading therapeutics targeting the performance of muscle.”

*AMG 594: Cardiac Troponin Activator (Heart Failure)*

AMG 594 is a novel, first-in-class, selective, oral, small molecule cardiac troponin activator, discovered under a joint research program with Amgen and for which Amgen recently filed an IND with the FDA. In preclinical models, AMG 594 increases myocardial contractility by binding to cardiac troponin through an allosteric mechanism that sensitizes the cardiac sarcomere to calcium, facilitating more actin-myosin cross bridge formation during each cardiac cycle thereby resulting in increased myocardial contractility. Similar to cardiac myosin activation and unlike traditional inotropic mechanisms, cardiac troponin activation does not change the calcium transient of cardiac myocytes. Cytokinetics expects that Amgen will soon initiate a Phase 1 study program to assess the safety and tolerability of AMG 594 and its potential to increase cardiac function in healthy volunteers. The companies are discussing objectives of a potential subsequent Phase 2 development program for AMG 594 that may include the evaluation of this novel mechanism of action as a potential treatment of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and other types of heart failure, such as right ventricular failure or genetic cardiomyopathies, resulting from impaired cardiac contractility. Based on preclinical data, AMG 594 may offer differentiated efficacy and convenience relative to omecamtiv mecarbil.

*CK-3773274 – (CK-274): Cardiac Myosin Inhibitor (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy)*

CK-274 is a novel, oral, small molecule cardiac myosin inhibitor that company scientists discovered independent of its collaborations and for which Cytokinetics recently filed an IND with the FDA. CK-274 arose from an extensive next-generation chemical optimization program conducted with careful attention to therapeutic index and pharmacokinetic properties and as may translate into best-in-class potential in clinical development. In preclinical models, CK-274 reduces myocardial contractility by binding directly to cardiac myosin at a distinct and selective allosteric binding site preventing myosin from entering a force producing state. CK-274 reduces the number of active actin-myosin cross bridges during each cardiac cycle and consequently reduces myocardial contractility as may be therapeutically effective  in conditions characterized by excessive hypercontractility, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). In preclinical models of cardiac function, CK-274 reduced cardiac contractility in a predictable dose and exposure dependent fashion. In preclinical models of disease, CK-274 reduced compensatory cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis. The preclinical pharmacokinetics of CK-274 were evaluated with the objective to maximize potential ease of use in the clinic setting. Cytokinetics expects to initiate a first-in-human Phase 1 study to assess the safety and tolerability, pharmacokinetics and effect of CK-274 on cardiac function by the end of the year. A potential subsequent Phase 2 clinical study will examine its ability to reduce the left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) in patients with HCM. LVOTO limits cardiac output and results from excessive hypertrophy and thickening of the cardiac muscle during systole (particularly in the region of the interventricular septum). The initial development program will focus on an extensive characterization of the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship of CK-274 as has been a hallmark of Cytokinetics’ industry-leading development programs in muscle pharmacology. The overall development program will assess the potential of CK‑274 to improve exercise capacity and relieve symptoms in patients with hyperdynamic ventricular contraction due to HCM. 

*METEORIC-HF: Second Phase 3 Clinical Trial of Omecamtiv Mecarbil (Heart Failure)*

METEORIC-HF is a Phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel group, multicenter clinical trial designed to evaluate the effect of treatment with omecamtiv mecarbil compared to placebo on exercise capacity as determined by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) following 20 weeks of treatment. This trial, to be conducted by Cytokinetics in collaboration with Amgen, is designed to enroll approximately 270 patients with HFrEF at sites throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe. In order to be eligible to participate in METEORIC-HF, patients should have a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 35%, be New York Heart Association (NYHA) heart failure class II or III, and have reduced exercise capacity compared to age matched controls. Patients will be randomized in a 2:1 fashion to omecamtiv mecarbil, which will be started at 25 mg twice daily and titrated to 25, 37.5 or 50 mg twice daily based on the same PK-guided dosing regimen as is used in GALACTIC-HF, or to placebo. The primary endpoint is the change in peak oxygen uptake (pVO[2]) on CPET from baseline to Week 20. Secondary endpoints include the change in total workload during CPET from baseline to Week 20 and the change in the average daily activity units measured over a 2-week period from baseline (Week -2 to Day 1) to Week 18-20 as determined using accelerometry. Cytokinetics is working together with Amgen towards the objective of starting METEORIC-HF by the end of 2018.

At today’s Cytokinetics R&D Day, a panel of cardiovascular experts including John Teerlink, M.D., Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of California San Francisco and Director of Heart Failure at the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and Gregory Lewis, M.D., Section Head, Heart Failure; Medical Director, Heart Transplant Program and Director of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing, Massachusetts General Hospital, will discuss opportunities and perspectives for a new generation of muscle-biology directed cardiovascular therapies.

*Reldesemtiv: **Next-Generation FSTA (SMA, ALS)*

Cytokinetics recently announced data from a Phase 2 clinical study of reldesemtiv in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) that showed statistically significant and concentration-dependent increases from baseline in Six Minute Walk Distance (6MWD), a sub-maximal exercise test of aerobic capacity and endurance, and statistically significant increases for Maximal Expiratory Pressure (MEP), a measure of the strength of respiratory and abdominal muscles, both of which were sustained four weeks after discontinuation of study drug.

The company plans to conduct an additional Phase 1 study of reldesemtiv in healthy volunteers to assess higher doses than were evaluated in the Phase 2 study of patients with SMA and to evaluate exposure related proportionality and linearity. In addition, Cytokinetics will be engaging FDA in Type C interactions regarding the acceptability of 6MWD as an endpoint suitable for registration of reldesemtiv for the treatment of SMA. Both initiatives are intended to inform the potential progression of reldesemtiv towards a registration program in patients with SMA. 

Additionally, Cytokinetics is providing an update on enrollment in FORTITUDE-ALS, the Phase 2 clinical trial of reldesemtiv in patients with ALS. This trial has now enrolled 375 patients and is expected to complete enrollment in Q4 2018 with results from FORTITUDE-ALS expected in the first half of 2019.

*CK-3762601 – (CK-601): Next-Generation Fast Skeletal Muscle Troponin Activator (FSTA)*

Cytokinetics recently announced the advancement of CK-601, a next-generation FSTA into IND-enabling studies under the collaboration with Astellas. This potential drug candidate was designed in a joint research program conducted by the companies’ scientists to have different pharmacokinetics and physicochemical properties than reldesemtiv which may inform its development for the treatment of diseases and conditions associated with both neuromuscular and non-neuromuscular etiology and pathogenesis.

At today’s Cytokinetics R&D Day, a panel of neuromuscular experts, including John Day, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics (Genetics), Stanford University Medical Center (via video), Jacqueline Montes, PT, EdD, NCS, Assistant Professor of Clinical Rehabilitation and Regenerative Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and Jinsy Andrews, M.D., M.Sc., Assistant Professor of Neurology, Director of Neuromuscular Clinical Trials, Columbia University, will share perspectives and insights on the promise of FSTAs in neuromuscular disease.

*About Cytokinetics and Amgen Collaboration *

Omecamtiv mecarbil is being developed under a collaboration with Amgen. In 2006, Amgen and Cytokinetics entered into a strategic alliance to discover, develop, and commercialize novel small molecule therapeutics designed to activate the cardiac sarcomere for the potential treatment of heart failure. Initially, following Amgen's option exercise in 2009, the collaboration was worldwide, excluding Japan. The companies expanded the collaboration in 2013 to provide Amgen with worldwide rights to develop and commercialize omecamtiv mecarbil and related compounds subject to development and commercial participation rights of Cytokinetics. Amgen holds an exclusive, worldwide license to omecamtiv mecarbil and related compounds, subject to Cytokinetics' specified development and commercialization rights, including the right to co-promote omecamtiv mecarbil in institutional care settings in North America, with reimbursement from Amgen for certain sales force activities. A joint commercial operating team comprised of representatives of Cytokinetics and Amgen will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the commercialization program of omecamtiv mecarbil. Under the collaboration agreement between Amgen and Cytokinetics, Cytokinetics is eligible for pre-commercialization and commercialization milestone payments and royalties that escalate based on increasing levels of annual net sales of products commercialized under the agreement. Amgen has also entered an alliance with Servier for exclusive commercialization rights in Europe as well as the Commonwealth of Independent States, including Russia. Servier contributes funding for development and provides strategic support to the program. AMG 594 is an additional cardiac sarcomere activator discovered under a joint research program conducted between Amgen and Cytokinetics scientists. Its further development and commercialization is subject to the collaboration agreement between Amgen and Cytokinetics.

*About Cytokinetics and Astellas Collaboration*

Reldesemtiv is being developed under a collaboration with Astellas. In 2013, Cytokinetics and Astellas formed a partnership focused on the research, development, and potential commercialization of activators of the skeletal muscle sarcomere. The primary objective of the collaboration is to advance novel therapies for diseases and medical conditions associated with muscle impairment and weakness. Under the collaboration, Cytokinetics exclusively licensed to Astellas rights to co-develop and potentially co-commercialize reldesemtiv and other FSTAs in non-neuromuscular indications. In 2014, Astellas and Cytokinetics agreed to expand the collaboration to include certain neuromuscular indications, including SMA, for reldesemtiv and other FSTAs and to advance reldesemtiv into Phase 2 clinical development, initially in SMA. Under the agreement as further amended in 2016, Astellas has exclusive rights to co-develop and commercialize reldesemtiv and other FSTAs in non-neuromuscular indications and certain neuromuscular indications (including SMA and ALS) and other novel mechanism skeletal muscle activators in all indications, subject to certain Cytokinetics’ development and commercialization rights; Cytokinetics may co-promote and conduct certain commercial activities in North America and Europe under agreed scenarios. Under the collaboration agreement between Astellas and Cytokinetics, Cytokinetics is eligible for pre-commercialization and commercialization milestone payments and royalties that escalate based on increasing levels of annual net sales of products commercialized under the agreement. CK-601 is an additional compound discovered under a joint research program conducted between Astellas and Cytokinetics. Its further development and commercialization is subject to the collaboration agreement between Astellas and Cytokinetics.

*Conference Call and Webcast Information*

Interested parties may access the live webcast of this presentation by visiting the Investors & Media section of Cytokinetics’ website at www.cytokinetics.com. The live audio of the conference call can also be accessed by telephone by dialing either (866) 999-CYTK (2985) (United States and Canada) or (706) 679-3078 (international) and typing in the passcode 9765799.

An archived replay of the webcast will be available via Cytokinetics’ website until October 30, 2018. The replay will also be available via telephone by dialing (855) 859-2056 (United States and Canada) or (404) 537-3406 (international) and typing in the passcode 9765799 from October 16, 2018 at 2:30 PM Eastern Time until October 30, 2018.

*About Cytokinetics*

Cytokinetics is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing first-in-class muscle activators and best-in-class muscle inhibitors as potential treatments for debilitating diseases in which muscle performance is compromised and/or declining. As a leader in muscle biology and the mechanics of muscle performance, the company is developing small molecule drug candidates specifically engineered to increase muscle function and contractility. Cytokinetics is collaborating with Amgen Inc. (“Amgen”) to develop omecamtiv mecarbil, a novel cardiac muscle activator. Omecamtiv mecarbil is the subject of GALACTIC-HF, an international Phase 3 clinical trial in patients with heart failure. Amgen holds an exclusive worldwide license to develop and commercialize omecamtiv mecarbil with a sublicense held by Servier for commercialization in Europe and certain other countries. Cytokinetics is also collaborating with Amgen to develop AMG 594, a first-in-class cardiac troponin activator, discovered under the companies’ joint research program. Further development of AMG 594 is subject to the collaboration agreement between Amgen and Cytokinetics. Cytokinetics is collaborating with Astellas Pharma Inc. (“Astellas”) to develop reldesemtiv, a fast skeletal muscle troponin activator (FSTA). Reldesemtiv has been granted orphan drug designation by the FDA for the potential treatment of spinal muscular atrophy. Reldesemtiv was the subject of a positive Phase 2 clinical study in patients with spinal muscular atrophy which showed increases in measures of endurance and stamina consistent with the mechanism of action. Reldesemtiv is currently the subject of a Phase 2 clinical trial in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Cytokinetics is also advancing CK-601, a next-generation FSTA into IND-enabling studies under the collaboration with Astellas. Astellas holds an exclusive worldwide license to develop and commercialize reldesemtiv. Licenses held by Amgen and Astellas are subject to specified co-development and co-commercialization rights of Cytokinetics. Cytokinetics recently filed an IND for CK-274, a novel cardiac myosin inhibitor that company scientists discovered independent of its collaborations. Cytokinetics continues its 20-year history of innovation with three new muscle biology directed compounds advancing from research to development in 2018. For additional information about Cytokinetics, visit www.cytokinetics.com.

*Forward-Looking Statements *

This press release contains forward-looking statements for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Act”). Cytokinetics disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements, and claims the protection of the Act's Safe Harbor for forward-looking statements. Examples of such statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to Cytokinetics’ and its partners’ research and development activities; the timing of enrollment of patients in Cytokinetics’ and its partners’ clinical trials; the design, timing, results, significance and utility of preclinical and clinical results; and the properties and potential benefits of Cytokinetics’ drug candidates.  Such statements are based on management's current expectations, but actual results may differ materially due to various risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, potential difficulties or delays in the development, testing, regulatory approvals for trial commencement, progression or product sale or manufacturing, or production of Cytokinetics’ drug candidates that could slow or prevent clinical development or product approval, patient enrollment for or conduct of clinical trials may be difficult or delayed, Cytokinetics’ drug candidates may have adverse side effects or inadequate therapeutic efficacy, the FDA or foreign regulatory agencies may delay or limit Cytokinetics’ or its partners’ ability to conduct clinical trials, and Cytokinetics may be unable to obtain or maintain patent or trade secret protection for its intellectual property; Astellas’ decisions with respect to the design, initiation, conduct, timing and continuation of development activities for reldesemtiv; Amgen’s decisions with respect to the design, initiation, conduct, timing and continuation of development activities for omecamtiv mecarbil; standards of care may change, rendering Cytokinetics’ drug candidates obsolete; competitive products or alternative therapies may be developed by others for the treatment of indications Cytokinetics’ drug candidates and potential drug candidates may target; and risks and uncertainties relating to the timing and receipt of payments from its partners, including milestones and royalties on future potential product sales under Cytokinetics’ collaboration agreements with such partners. For further information regarding these and other risks related to Cytokinetics’ business, investors should consult Cytokinetics’ filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contact:
Diane Weiser
Vice President, Corporate Communications, Investor Relations
(415) 290-7757 Reported by GlobeNewswire 9 hours ago.

AI Marketing Platform Faraday, Call Tracking and Analytics Provider Invoca and Digital Agency MQ&C Save Thousands of Dollars and Achieve Double Digit Conversion Lifts with Infutor

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. (PRWEB) October 16, 2018

As the martech landscape evolves and more providers emerge, innovative organizations recognize the impact consumer identity management expert Infutor brings to their offerings. Today, Infutor announced that three more martech providers including AI marketing platform Faraday, call tracking and analytics provider Invoca and digital agency MQ&C Advertising have partnered with Infutor, through their real-time data-driven suite of services to help deliver increased insights and lead conversions for their clients.

“Marketing technology organizations are increasingly relying on consumer identity and profile data to further deliver actionable insights for their clients,” said Gary Walter, president and CEO, Infutor. “As the authority in consumer identity management, we are excited to work with martech leaders like Faraday, Invoca and MQ&C to help increase the reach of their marketing technology solutions by enabling complete and enhanced consumer profiles through Infutor’s robust Identity Graph.”

AI marketing platform Faraday uses advanced machine learning techniques to optimize revenue outcomes, from acquisition to lead conversion and retention for its B2C customers. Faraday selected Infutor to better address lead qualification and handling prioritization which often required manual processes that took hours to resolve. Andy Rossmeissl, CEO of Faraday said, “By leveraging Infutor’s real time data with our technology offerings, we can instantly resolve multiple consumer identity markers such as email, name, and address to a single identity and better predict which leads will convert. Based on their robust real-time API technology, we’ve been able to greatly improve speed-to-market as well save thousands of dollars by eliminating manual processes. From day one, Infutor has treated us with white glove service and delivered tremendous capabilities that many other data players weren’t able or willing to do.”

Invoca, which provides AI-powered call tracking and analytics solutions for digital marketers, required richer insights to infuse into their call tracking solutions to drive more actionable data points and product value to their clients. Infutor is able to instantly deliver to Invoca complete identity data on each inbound caller as well as attribute-driven profile enhancements, such as income, homeownership, age, and more, that enable personalized profile development with a single consumer identity marker – the consumer’s phone number. “Infutor helps our customers understand who is calling. Coupled with the information about why they're calling that Invoca provides, these rich consumer profiles enable better personalization for an optimal customer experience, ultimately leading to better conversations and more revenue,” commented Lauren Harris, Director of Product Management, Invoca.

Digital agency MQ&C Advertising tapped Infutor for more accurate identity markers -- phone, email, names and addresses -- to improve lead match rates, weed out low-quality leads, increase scale, enhance demographic segmenting and continue adding value for clients. Added Jarrod Thuener, Chief Analytics Officer for MQ&C Advertising, “Using Infutor to accurately identify incoming leads, has helped score leads and re-prioritize the call center operations resulting in as much as a 20% lift in conversion rates.”

Consumer identity management is a foundational, data-driven practice enabling martech providers to instantly know what they need to about consumers in order to make informed inbound and outbound marketing decisions. Infutor’s robust Identity Graph includes more than 260 million identity profiles, with daily updates, and a suite of identity resolution solutions that leverage this data to improve scale and lead qualification, drive tech stack value, link siloed data sources, enhance personalization and segmentation and add powerful predictive insights.

About Infutor
Infutor is the expert in data-driven consumer identity management. The company is solely focused on enabling brands to instantly gain access to the most complete and accurate information about consumers, exactly when they need it, to make informed marketing and risk mitigation decisions. Infutor’s mission is to deliver solutions that accurately identify consumers before, during and in-between engagements, giving brands a secure, privacy compliant foundation to improve inbound engagement and outbound omnichannel marketing reach, and to minimize losses due to fraud and non-payment. Led by information industry veterans, Infutor is a privately held company founded in 2003 with strategic investments from Norwest Venture Partners. Infutor is headquartered in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. For more information, visit http://www.infutor.com. Reported by PRWeb 8 hours ago.

Multi-tranche financing to provide working capital and to bridge to strategic acquisition

NEW YORK (PRWEB) October 16, 2018

Change Capital, a commercial financing provider headquartered in New York, is pleased to announce that it is has provided a total of $1.85 million in funding to a Philadelphia-based chain of Urgent Care Centers, with 19 locations throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Change Capital’s financing has been leveraged to help the company grow out its geographical footprint, with the latest tranches serving to bridge to the recently-announced acquisition of the company.

The founder and CEO of the Philadelphia-based chain of Urgent Care Centers, commented: “Change Capital has been instrumental in our growth over the past two years. They replaced our previous complicated and onerous credit facilities with creative and flexible financing, allowing us to be acquired at a very desirable valuation. They have been a pleasure to work with and have truly been partners in our success.”

“It has been exciting to watch and participate in the company's growth and acquisition,” stated Change Capital CEO Raffi Azadian. “The founder and CEO is the rare medical practitioner that also happens to be a dynamic and inspirational entrepreneur.”

About Change Capital:
With headquarters, underwriting and back-office operations in New York and origination and service locations in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, Change Capital provides creative, flexible, and timely capital solutions to small and medium businesses across the country.

In addition, Change Capital actively seeks out opportunities to finance businesses that provide impactful, socially responsible, and ethically-produced products and services and those that are owned and successfully operated by minorities, women, veterans of the armed forces, immigrants, and the physically challenged.

Change Capital’s solutions include:· Interim working capital to improve a business’ financial condition in preparation for bank/non-bank financing
· Contingent capital availability to take advantage of preferential purchasing or investment opportunities, execute on large or unexpected customer contracts and purchase orders, accelerate growth and expansion opportunities, buyout equity partners, provide liquidity to private equity owners, etc.
· Bridges to 3rd party financing, M&A or other liquidity events
· Subordinated (mezzanine) financing in conjunction with senior institutional lenders

For additional information, please visit the company’s website at http://www.change.capital or email to info(at)change(dot)capital. Reported by PRWeb 8 hours ago.

People in the “Twitterverse” are tweeting that it is legal for U.S. citizens to buy a DD-214 gun. A tweet about it was shared on a Facebook page called “Dysfunctional Veterans,” and it certainly got the comments going. Some seem to be extolling the virtues of this supposed gun, giving the impression to others that […]

The post FACT CHECK: Is It Legal for U.S. Citizens to Own the DD-214 Gun? appeared first on Earn The Necklace. Reported by Earn The Necklace 7 hours ago.

The book tells the inside story of how the United States learned to fight back against its enemies after the launch of a cyberwar

(PRWEB) October 16, 2018

“John Carlin has written a crucial book—for practitioners and laymen alike—about the evolution, impacts, and implications of the abuses we've all witnessed, and many have personally experienced, in the cyber domain. … John represents a superb amalgam of legal insight and great writing skill. A must read in my view."―James Clapper, New York Times bestselling author and former Director of National Intelligence

"This book is thrilling, important, and deeply fascinating…. The riveting stories of these secret battles for our digital safety teach us much about what America can-and must-do to protect itself."―Walter Isaacson, New York Times bestselling author of Leonardo Da Vinci

“By turns electrifying, illuminating, inspirational, and difficult to put down …. A deeply intriguing look into cybersecurity threats facing the United States that will fascinate anyone interested in technology and/or political intrigue.”—Library Journal

Morrison & Foerster, a leading global law firm, is pleased to announce that John P. Carlin, chair of the firm’s Global Risk + Crisis Management Group and co-chair of the firm’s National Security Practice, has authored a book titled: “DAWN OF THE CODE WAR: America’s Battle Against Russia, China, and the Rising Global Cyber Threat,” that was released today. Based on Mr. Carlin’s 15-year career as a senior federal government official, the first-hand account is both a remarkable untold story of the growing cyberwar between the United States and its adversaries and a warning of dangers yet to come. Mr. Carlin’s co-author is Garrett Graff, an award-winning national security journalist, and the publisher of the book is PublicAffairs, an imprint of Hachette Book Group.

As Mr. Carlin explains in the book’s introduction, “Cybersecurity isn’t just a wonky IT issue. Poor security online represents a genuine threat to the American way of life—one that will only accelerate as more of our day-to-day lives move online, into the cloud, and into the digital world. Cybersecurity, it turns out, is key to modern life. It’s essential to the way we bank, shop, learn. Increasingly, it’s a necessity for the way we drive, heat our homes, and even vote.”

In this dramatic book, Mr. Carlin takes readers to the frontlines of a global, but little understood, fight as the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI chase down hackers, online terrorist recruiters, and spies. The Russian attack on the 2016 election—and Vladimir Putin’s continuing online skirmishes—grabbed headlines, but they’re only the latest incidents of the U.S. being attacked by adversaries in cyberspace following years of expansive Chinese espionage, North Korea’s attack on Sony Pictures, and Iran’s surprise assault on Wall Street and an American casino. With each passing year, the Internet-linked attacks on U.S. interests have grown in both frequency and severity.

“It’s a privilege to be able to tell the stories of the important work done by so many dedicated public servants at the DOJ and FBI,” said Mr. Carlin. “The cybersecurity landscape is increasingly complex and constantly evolving, and the challenges it presents apply to every type of organization in the public and private sectors. I look forward to continuing to help companies around the world protect themselves from these threats through my practice at Morrison & Foerster.”

As he writes in the book, “My hope in telling this story of the U.S. government’s first quarter-century fight online is that it will help demystify a realm that too often seems opaque to outsiders, allow readers to understand this new threat landscape, and raise important questions about how the country should think about the shift of daily life to the internet. Let me be clear: This isn’t black magic. We know how to fight cyberattacks. We have built in recent years an effective playbook on how to respond. We know how to target bad guys and build cases against them—and doing so can make a difference. Nearly every case that I discuss in this book has been solved and we’ve tried to bring the suspects to justice, one way or another. But there’s much more to do in the years ahead.”

Mr. Carlin is the former Assistant Attorney General for the DOJ’s National Security Division and the former Chief of Staff to then-FBI Director Robert Mueller. At Morrison & Foerster, Mr. Carlin regularly counsels industry-leading organizations in sensitive cyber and other national security matters including CFIUS, internal investigations, and government enforcement actions. He is routinely called upon to advise across numerous industries—including in the technology, healthcare, energy, defense, finance, fashion, media, pharmaceutical, and telecommunications sectors—regarding crisis management, cyber incident response and preparedness, and regulatory strategy.

Mr. Carlin chairs the Aspen Institute’s Cybersecurity & Technology policy program, which provides a cross-disciplinary forum for industry, government, and media to address the rapidly developing landscape of digital threats and craft appropriate policy solutions. He is also an inaugural Fellow of the Harvard Kennedy School’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs’ Homeland Security Project, focused on the unique challenges and choices around protecting the American homeland.

ABOUT MOFO

We are Morrison & Foerster — a global firm of exceptional credentials. Our clients include some of the largest financial institutions, investment banks, Fortune 100, and technology and life sciences companies. The Financial Times has named the firm to its lists of most innovative law firms in Northern America and Asia every year that it has published its Innovative Lawyers Reports in those regions. In the past few years, Chambers USA has honored MoFo’s Privacy and Data Security, Bankruptcy, and IP teams with Firm of the Year awards, the Corporate/M&A team with a client service award, and the firm as a whole as Global USA Firm of the Year. Our lawyers are committed to achieving innovative and business-minded results for our clients, while preserving the differences that make us stronger. The firm also has a long history of commitment to the community through providing pro bono legal services, including litigating for civil rights and civil liberties, improving public education for poor children, advocating for veterans, promoting international human rights, winning asylum for the persecuted, and safeguarding the environment. Reported by PRWeb 7 hours ago.

Service officers with Chapter 6, Harrison DAV, will be available to help local area veterans on site at the Boone County Library in Harrison each Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Service officers will now be available to assist… Reported by Harrison Daily 6 hours ago.