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NOD

The National Organization on Disability (NOD) is a private, non-profit organization in the United States dedicated to expanding opportunities for people with disabilities through advocacy, policy influence, and employer partnerships focused on employment inclusion.^[1]^[2] Founded in 1982 by Alan A. Reich following the United Nations' International Year of Disabled Persons, NOD addresses barriers such as workplace inaccessibility and employment disparities, where individuals with disabilities face unemployment rates twice that of the general population.^[1]^[3]^[4] NOD's core mission emphasizes building a society enabling people with disabilities to secure jobs, earn fair wages, and advance professionally, targeting the estimated 57 million Americans with disabilities—comprising over one in four adults, though underreporting suggests a higher figure potentially exceeding 40%.^[4] It collaborates with businesses, policymakers, philanthropists, and service providers to implement inclusion strategies, including tools like the Disability Inclusion Blueprint, which correlate with measurable gains such as a 26% productivity increase for adopting employers.^[4]^[5] Among NOD's notable initiatives are surveys tracking disability employment trends, such as collaborations with Harris Interactive revealing persistent gaps in workforce participation despite legislative advances like the Americans with Disabilities Act.^[6] The organization has influenced corporate practices by promoting accommodations and bias reduction, contributing to broader disability rights efforts without documented major controversies specific to its operations.^[7]^[8]

Literature and Religion

Land of Nod

The Land of Nod is referenced in the Hebrew Bible as the region east of Eden where Cain resided following his murder of Abel and subsequent curse by God. Genesis 4:16 states: "Then Cain went away from the presence of the LORD and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden." This relocation occurred after God pronounced Cain a "fugitive and a wanderer on the earth," marking his exile from the familial and divine presence.^[9] The name "Nod" (Hebrew: נוֹד, Nōḏ) derives from the root נוד (n-w-d), signifying "to wander," "to flee," or "exile," which symbolically underscores Cain's condemned state of perpetual unrest and displacement rather than denoting a pre-existing settlement or fixed territory.^[10]^[11] Biblical scholars interpret Nod as emblematic of Cain's nomadic existence, with no archaeological or historical evidence identifying a specific geographic locale, emphasizing its theological role in illustrating the consequences of fratricide and separation from God.^[9]^[12] In Genesis 4:17, Cain takes a wife in Nod—presumed from his extended family, given the early human population described—and fathers Enoch, after whom he names a city built in the land, signifying an attempt to establish permanence amid transience.^[9] This narrative segment contrasts the settled life in Eden with the instability of Nod, highlighting themes of divine judgment, human innovation under curse, and the origins of urban civilization in Judeo-Christian tradition.^[11]

The Book of Nod

The Book of Nod is a sourcebook for the tabletop role-playing game Vampire: The Masquerade, published by White Wolf Publishing in 1993 as a deluxe hardcover edition following an initial softcover release.^[13] Authored primarily by Sam Chupp and Andrew Greenberg, the book presents an in-universe compilation of vampire lore framed as an ancient, fragmented text sacred to certain factions within the game's mythology. It eschews game mechanics in favor of narrative background, drawing on biblical motifs to recount the origins of vampirism through the figure of Caine, depicted as the biblical first murderer cursed by God to become the progenitor of all vampires. The core content consists of three main chronicles: the Chronicle of Caine, which details Caine's fall, embrace, and early progeny including his childer Enoch, Irad, Zillah, and others; the Chronicle of Shadow, outlining Caine's esoteric teachings on vampiric disciplines and the nature of unlife; and the Chronicle of Secrets, incorporating prophecies, parables, and fragmented histories of antediluvian vampires.^[14] Accompanied by in-character commentaries from fictional scholars like the Noddist Constantine and the Brujah elder Beckett, the text simulates an archaeological artifact with annotations, footnotes, and stylistic variations mimicking ancient manuscripts translated into Latin and later English. This structure emphasizes the unreliability of vampire oral traditions, portraying the book as a contested scripture pieced together from disparate sources rather than a cohesive historical record.^[13] In the lore of Vampire: The Masquerade, The Book of Nod holds canonical significance for Noddists—vampires who revere Caine as a divine or tragic figure—and particularly the Sabbat sect, who invoke its tenets in rituals and justifications for their anarchic philosophy opposing the Camarilla's secrecy.^[15] The 1993 edition influenced subsequent expansions, inspiring companion works like The Book of Nod Companion and a 2021 fifth-edition reprint by Renegade Game Studios, which preserves the original text while adapting it to updated game cosmology.^[15] Critics and players have praised its atmospheric prose for immersing campaigns in gothic horror themes, though some note its dense, poetic style can challenge accessibility for newcomers.^[16]

Science

Nod Factors

Nod factors, also termed nodulation factors, are lipo-chitooligosaccharides (LCOs) secreted by rhizobial bacteria such as Rhizobium and Sinorhizobium species in response to flavonoid exudates from host legume roots.^[17]^[18] These molecules serve as key symbiotic signals that elicit host-specific responses, including root hair deformation, cortical cell division, and the developmental program for nodule organogenesis, which facilitates intracellular bacterial accommodation and biological nitrogen fixation.^[17]^[19] The core structure comprises a β-1,4-linked N-acetyl-D-glucosamine oligomer (typically 3–5 residues) acylated at the non-reducing end with a C16–C18 fatty acid chain, often bearing sulfate, acetyl, or carbamoyl modifications at the reducing end and additional substitutions (e.g., fucose, arabinose) along the backbone that determine host range specificity.^[20]^[19] Biosynthesis of nod factors is governed by bacterial nod genes, with the conserved nodABC cluster directing assembly of the chitooligosaccharide core and lipid attachment, while host-specific nod genes (e.g., nodH for sulfation in alfalfa symbionts, nodZ for fucosylation in clover strains) introduce decorations essential for recognition by particular legume species.^[18]^[21] Structures were first elucidated in 1990 for Sinorhizobium meliloti Nod factors via mass spectrometry and NMR, revealing their chitin-like backbone and revealing their role as bacterial morphogens analogous to animal signaling lipids.^[22] Perception occurs through plant LysM receptor-like kinases, such as NFR1/NFR5 in Lotus japonicus or NFP/LYK3 in Medicago truncatula, which bind sulfated or decorated LCOs with high affinity (nanomolar range), initiating downstream signaling via kinase phosphorylation, calcium oscillations, and transcription factor activation (e.g., NIN, NF-Y).^[20]^[23] In nitrogen fixation, nod factors enable rhizobia to invade root cortical cells, forming bacteroids within membrane-bound symbiosomes that express nitrogenase to reduce atmospheric N₂ to ammonia, providing fixed nitrogen to the plant in exchange for carbon metabolites; this symbiosis supports legume crops like soybeans, fixing up to 200–300 kg N/ha annually in agricultural systems.^[24]^[25] Mutations disrupting nod factor production (e.g., nodABC knockouts) abolish nodulation, confirming their indispensability, though rare NF-independent pathways exist in some Aeschynomene legumes via alternative Nod-like signals.^[26] Host specificity arises from structural mismatches; for instance, R. leguminosarum Nod factors with C18:4 acyl chains fail on non-hosts like alfalfa due to incompatible receptor binding.^[18] Recent studies highlight nod factor modulation of root exudates, enhancing bacterial chemotaxis and symbiosis efficiency under nitrogen-limited conditions.^[27]

NOD-like Receptors

NOD-like receptors (NLRs), also known as nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptors, constitute a family of approximately 22 proteins in humans that function as intracellular pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) in the innate immune system.^[28] These sensors detect microbial motifs, such as peptidoglycan fragments from bacteria, and host-derived danger signals within the cytosol, distinguishing them from membrane-bound PRRs like Toll-like receptors (TLRs).^[29] Upon ligand binding, NLRs oligomerize to form multiprotein complexes that initiate inflammatory responses, including the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathways or inflammasome assembly leading to caspase-1-mediated processing of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18.^[28] Dysregulated NLR activity has been implicated in autoinflammatory and autoimmune conditions, underscoring their dual role in host defense and pathology.^[30] Structurally, NLRs share a tripartite organization: an N-terminal effector domain (such as a pyrin domain (PYD), caspase activation and recruitment domain (CARD), or baculoviral inhibitor of apoptosis repeat (BIR) domain) for recruiting downstream signaling adaptors; a central nucleotide-binding (NOD or NACHT) domain that facilitates self-oligomerization upon ATP binding; and C-terminal leucine-rich repeats (LRRs) that mediate ligand recognition and autoinhibition in the resting state.^[31] The NACHT domain, named for its presence in neuronal apoptosis inhibitor protein (NAIP), CIITA, HET-E, and TP1, enables conformational changes essential for activation, while LRRs sense diverse ligands ranging from bacterial type III secretion system (T3SS) effectors to endogenous crystals like uric acid or cholesterol.^[32] This architecture allows NLRs to integrate signals from the cytosol, contrasting with extracellular sensing by TLRs.^[30] NLRs are classified into subfamilies based on their N-terminal domains: NLRAs (with acidic transactivating domain, e.g., CIITA for MHC class II expression); NLRBs (with BIR, e.g., NAIP inhibiting apoptosis); NLRCs (with CARD, including NOD1 and NOD2 for peptidoglycan sensing via RIP2 kinase to NF-κB); and NLRPs (with PYD, predominantly forming inflammasomes).^[28] Key examples include NOD1 (detects γ-D-glutamyl-meso-diaminopimelic acid from Gram-negative bacteria) and NOD2 (recognizes muramyl dipeptide common to both Gram-positive and -negative peptidoglycans), which promote antibacterial autophagy and inflammation independently of inflammasomes.^[29] NLRP3, activated by a broad array of stimuli including potassium efflux, mitochondrial ROS, and lysosomal damage, assembles with ASC adaptor and pro-caspase-1 to drive IL-1β release, while NLRC4 senses T3SS/flagellin via NAIP co-receptors for specific bacterial clearance.00133-X) NLRP1, the first identified inflammasome-forming NLR in 2002, responds to anthrax lethal toxin and proteasomal degradation signals in mice and humans.^[29] In pathogen defense, NLRs bridge innate detection to adaptive immunity by transcribing MHC molecules and cytokines that recruit T cells, with evolutionary conservation from plants to mammals indicating ancient origins in effector-triggered immunity.^[28] However, aberrant activation contributes to diseases: NOD2 mutations (e.g., in the LRR domain) impair bacterial sensing and associate with Crohn's disease by reducing NF-κB signaling and α-defensin production in Paneth cells, affecting over 20% of cases in Western populations.^[30] Gain-of-function NLRP3 variants cause cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS), characterized by excessive IL-1β leading to fever, urticaria, and sensorineural deafness, treatable with IL-1 blockers like anakinra since 2005.^[33] NLRC4 hyperactivation links to infantile enterocolitis and macrophage activation syndrome via MAS-related genes, while NLRP1 polymorphisms correlate with vitiligo and rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility.^[34] These associations highlight NLRs as therapeutic targets, with inhibitors like MCC950 for NLRP3 showing promise in preclinical models of gout and neurodegeneration, though clinical translation requires addressing off-target effects on beneficial inflammation.^[35]

NOD Mice

The non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse is an inbred strain originally derived from the Cataract Shionogi (CTS) subline of outbred Jcl:ICR mice through selective inbreeding in Japan during the late 1970s.^[36] The strain was established by Susumu Makino and colleagues at Shionogi Pharmaceuticals, with the first report of spontaneous diabetes incidence presented at a symposium in 1981.^[37] Unlike obese diabetic models, NOD mice maintain normal body weight while developing autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells, mirroring key aspects of human type 1 diabetes (T1D).^[38] NOD mice exhibit polygenic inheritance of T1D susceptibility, with the unique MHC class II haplotype I-Ag7 playing a central role in antigen presentation to autoreactive T cells, alongside multiple insulin-dependent diabetes (Idd) loci identified through genetic mapping.^[39] Diabetes onset typically occurs between 12 and 30 weeks of age, with females showing higher penetrance (60-90% incidence) than males (20-30%), driven by T-cell-mediated insulitis involving both CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes, B cells, and innate immune components.^[40] ^[41] Substrain variations, such as NOD/ShiLtJ maintained by The Jackson Laboratory, can influence diabetes rates due to genetic drift, with some lines showing reduced penetrance from accumulated mutations.^[42] Beyond T1D, NOD mice serve as a model for other autoimmune conditions, including Sjogren's syndrome, lupus-like nephritis, and neuropathies, owing to their defective immune regulation and spontaneous polyautoimmunity.^[43] The strain has facilitated identification of environmental triggers like gut microbiota and viral infections that accelerate disease, as well as testing of immunotherapies such as anti-CD3 antibodies and regulatory T-cell modulation, though translation to humans remains challenged by genetic and mechanistic differences.^[44]^[45]

Non-occlusive Disease

Non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI), also referred to as non-occlusive disease, represents a subtype of acute mesenteric ischemia where intestinal hypoperfusion arises from severe mesenteric vasoconstriction without mechanical obstruction by embolus, thrombus, or other occlusive lesions.^[46] This condition primarily affects the small bowel and colon due to diffuse narrowing of the superior mesenteric artery and its branches, leading to inadequate oxygen delivery despite patent vessels.^[47] NOMI typically occurs in critically ill patients with underlying systemic hypoperfusion states, distinguishing it from occlusive forms that involve direct vascular blockage.^[48] Epidemiologically, NOMI comprises 20-30% of all acute mesenteric ischemia cases, with an overall incidence of approximately 0.9 cases per 100,000 person-years.^[46]^[49] It predominantly impacts elderly individuals, often those over 60 years, and is more prevalent in patients with comorbidities such as congestive heart failure, cardiogenic shock, sepsis, or recent major cardiac surgery.^[50] Risk factors include low cardiac output states, administration of vasopressors or inotropic agents, digitalis toxicity, and conditions promoting vasoconstriction like hypovolemia or renal failure.^[46]^[47] Clinically, NOMI presents with abrupt onset of severe, diffuse abdominal pain disproportionate to initial physical examination findings, which may show only mild tenderness or distension early on.^[51] Progression leads to signs of peritonitis, bloody diarrhea, metabolic acidosis, and elevated serum lactate levels as bowel ischemia advances to necrosis.^[46] Diagnosis relies on high clinical suspicion in at-risk patients, supported by laboratory markers like leukocytosis and hyperamylasemia, alongside imaging. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) often reveals bowel wall thickening, pneumatosis intestinalis, or portal venous gas indicative of ischemia, though it may not directly visualize vasoconstriction.^[52] Mesenteric angiography remains the gold standard for confirming NOMI, demonstrating characteristic "pruning" of arterial branches without focal occlusion.^[46] Treatment prioritizes hemodynamic stabilization to improve systemic perfusion, including fluid resuscitation, inotropic support, and discontinuation of vasoconstrictive agents where possible.^[53] Intra-arterial infusion of vasodilators such as papaverine via angiography catheter can reverse vasoconstriction in select cases, potentially averting surgery.^[46] Systemic anticoagulation may be employed to prevent thrombus formation, though evidence is limited.^[48] Surgical intervention, including exploratory laparotomy for resection of nonviable bowel, is indicated for persistent symptoms or confirmed necrosis, with second-look procedures often required due to ongoing ischemia risk.^[53] Despite advances, mortality remains high at 50-70%, attributed to delayed diagnosis and underlying patient frailty.^[46]^[54] Early recognition through multimodal assessment improves outcomes, emphasizing the need for prompt angiography in suspected cases.^[52]

Technology and Military

Night Observation Device

A night observation device (NOD), also referred to as a night optical device, is an optoelectronic system employed primarily in military applications to enable visual observation in low-light or dark conditions by amplifying available ambient light, such as starlight or near-infrared illumination, through image intensifier tubes.^[55] These devices convert photons into electrons via a photocathode, accelerate and multiply them in a microchannel plate, and reconvert them to visible light on a phosphor screen, producing a green-hued image with enhanced brightness.^[56] NODs encompass a range of formats, including monoculars, binoculars, and helmet-mounted goggles, and are distinct from thermal imaging systems, which detect heat signatures rather than light.^[57] The foundational technology for NODs emerged in the late 1920s with early infrared converters, but practical military deployment began during World War II, when German forces introduced "Vampir" systems on the StG 44 rifle in 1945, using active infrared searchlights despite their vulnerability to detection.^[58] U.S. forces advanced passive image intensification post-war, with Generation 1 devices like the AN/PVS-5 "Starlight Scope" entering Vietnam War service around 1967, offering 1,000x light amplification but limited by low resolution and susceptibility to bloom from bright lights.^[59] Subsequent generations improved via cascaded intensifier tubes: Generation 2 (1970s) introduced microchannel plates for 20,000x gain and better signal-to-noise ratios; Generation 3 (1980s onward) incorporated gallium arsenide photocathodes for higher sensitivity (40,000x+ gain) and resolutions up to 64 line pairs per millimeter (lp/mm); while Generation 4 (filmless tubes) and emerging white phosphor variants further reduce halo effects and enhance contrast, with figure-of-merit (FOM) ratings exceeding 2,000 in elite systems like the AN/PVS-31.^[57] These evolutions were driven by U.S. military needs for stealthy nocturnal operations, as evidenced by their pivotal role in operations like the 1983 Grenada invasion and Gulf War night raids.^[58] In contemporary U.S. military use, NODs are standardized under designations like the AN/PVS-14 monocular (4x magnification equivalent, 40-degree field of view, weighing 355 grams) for versatile mounting on helmets or weapons, providing individual soldiers with hands-free capability for patrolling or targeting.^[56] Binocular NODs, such as the AN/PVS-15 or L3Harris BNVD, offer stereoscopic depth perception with fused or articulated tubes, improving mobility in rugged terrain, though they demand higher power (e.g., 3-5 watts from AA batteries lasting 10-50 hours depending on mode).^[60] Key specifications include resolution (measured in lp/mm, ideally 64+ for clarity), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR >25 for low-light performance), and gain control to mitigate overload from flares or vehicle lights; elite units prioritize "white phosphor" tubes for reduced eye strain and better shadow detail over traditional green.^[61] Limitations persist, including monocular cueing challenges in binoculars, infrared illuminator dependency in total darkness, and vulnerability to environmental factors like fog or dust, which reduce effective range to 50-300 meters.^[60] Procurement costs for military-grade Gen 3+ NODs range from $3,000 to $15,000 per unit, reflecting tube quality and autogating features that protect against dynamic light pulses.^[55]

Organizations

National Organization on Disability

The National Organization on Disability (NOD) is a private, non-profit organization established in 1982 by Alan A. Reich, the first individual to address the United Nations General Assembly from a wheelchair, with the aim of promoting the full participation and contributions of Americans with disabilities in all aspects of civic and economic life.^[1]^[5] Reich founded NOD to counter systemic barriers, particularly in employment, where individuals with disabilities faced exclusion despite their potential to contribute productively.^[1] The organization targets the estimated 57 million Americans with disabilities, noting that over 80% of working-age individuals in this group are either unemployed or underemployed, often due to employer biases, inaccessible workplaces, and lack of targeted recruitment.^[3]^[4] NOD's core mission centers on collaborating with employers and policymakers to dismantle these barriers, enabling people with disabilities to secure meaningful employment, earn living wages, and advance professionally while simultaneously improving business outcomes through diverse talent pools.^[1] Its vision emphasizes workplaces that value disability-related talents, leading to enhanced productivity—studies cited by NOD indicate that companies adopting inclusive hiring practices achieve a 26% increase in overall output.^[4] People with disabilities are reported to be twice as likely to experience unemployment compared to those without, a disparity NOD attributes to preventable factors like stigma and structural inaccessibility rather than inherent incapability.^[4] Over its more than four decades of operation, NOD has prioritized empirical approaches, including research and demonstration projects, to demonstrate that targeted inclusion yields measurable economic returns for employers.^[1]^[62] Key initiatives include the Disability Inclusion Blueprint, a framework guiding corporations in building inclusive cultures from recruitment to retention; the Employee Engagement Assessment, which evaluates workplace practices; and Workforce Solutions, offering tools to connect employers with qualified candidates.^[4] The Bridges to Business program facilitates direct partnerships between businesses and disability talent pipelines, while the redesigned Disability Employment Tracker (launched in 2021) serves as an assessment tool for tracking corporate progress in hiring and advancement metrics.^[63]^[62] In policy advocacy, NOD convenes the Disability Policy Roundtable to influence legislation on employment equity and operates a legislative priorities agenda addressing issues like wage fairness and accessibility standards.^[4] These efforts underscore NOD's focus on scalable innovations over symbolic gestures, with data showing underreporting of disabilities pushes the affected U.S. population beyond the official 1-in-4 figure, likely exceeding 40%.^[4] Under leadership including President Carol Glazer, NOD continues to emphasize evidence-based strategies to shift employer mindsets and public policy toward recognizing disabilities as a source of untapped competitive advantage.^[64]

Fiction and Media

Brotherhood of Nod

The Brotherhood of Nod is a fictional paramilitary organization and recurring antagonistic faction in the Tiberium storyline of the Command & Conquer real-time strategy video game series, originating from Westwood Studios' Command & Conquer (1995). Depicted as a secretive, quasi-religious movement, Nod reveres Tiberium—an alien crystalline substance that arrived via meteorite impact near the Tiber River on December 17, 1995—as a catalyst for human evolution and spiritual ascension, positioning itself against the United Nations-backed Global Defense Initiative (GDI), which seeks to contain and weaponize Tiberium. Led by the enigmatic Kane, portrayed as an immortal prophet who claims ancient origins predating recorded history, Nod operates as a global network blending cult-like fanaticism with advanced technology, often classified in-universe as a terrorist entity employing guerrilla tactics, infiltration, and Tiberium-derived weaponry.^[65]^[66] In the series' canon, Nod's ideology draws symbolic parallels to biblical narratives, with its name referencing the "land of Nod" from Genesis where Cain was exiled, symbolizing exile from conventional society and embrace of transformative power. Kane, who emerges publicly in the 1990s to unite disparate followers around Tiberium's potential, directs Nod's campaigns through a hierarchical structure of black-robed initiates, cybernetically enhanced commandos, and elite units like the Black Hand. The faction's military arsenal emphasizes stealth and mobility, including cloaking-enabled tanks introduced in the First Tiberium War and liquid Tiberium bombs in later conflicts, reflecting a doctrine of asymmetric warfare over GDI's brute-force Ion Cannon strikes.^[67]^[68] Nod's narrative arc spans multiple defeats and resurrections: in Tiberian Dawn (1995), it launches a near-successful global conquest before Kane's apparent death via nuclear detonation; it rebuilds covertly during the interim depicted in Tiberian Sun (1999), unleashing mutant armies and Scrin-attracting superweapons; and achieves resurgence in Tiberium Wars (2007), capturing GDI's Philadelphia orbital station on September 25, 2047, to seize control of threshold towers for Tiberium ascension. Expansions like Kane's Wrath (2008) detail internal schisms, such as the execution of dissident general Kilian Qatar in 2044 for challenging Kane's authority, underscoring Nod's ruthless internal purges and adaptability. By Tiberian Twilight (2010), Nod evolves into a more centralized force under Kane's vision of Tiberium unification, though the storyline concludes with uneasy GDI-Nod alliance against extraterrestrial threats. These events establish Nod as a resilient, ideologically driven entity prioritizing transcendence over territorial dominance.^[65]^[69]

Language and Legal Uses

Nod (Gesture)

A nod is a nonverbal gesture involving a vertical up-and-down movement of the head, typically signaling agreement, affirmation, or comprehension in conversation.^[70] This motion contrasts with the horizontal head shake, which generally denotes disagreement or negation, forming a binary system in many communicative contexts.^[71] The gesture functions to regulate turn-taking in dialogue, encouraging speakers to continue or confirming listener engagement.^[72] While prevalent in Western cultures for denoting "yes," the nod's meaning varies globally. In Bulgaria and parts of Greece, a vertical nod signifies negation ("no"), while a head shake indicates affirmation ("yes"), a reversal stemming from historical linguistic influences rather than universal instinct.^[71] In India, a side-to-side head wobble or bobble often conveys agreement, acknowledgment, or ambiguity, distinct from the strict vertical nod.^[73] These differences highlight how gestures encode culturally specific conventions, potentially leading to miscommunication in cross-cultural interactions.^[74] The origins of the affirmative nod likely derive from conventional usage rather than innate biology, possibly evolving as a simplified bowing motion symbolizing submission or accord.^[75] Charles Darwin proposed that head movements for affirmation and negation link to early childhood associations, such as infants nodding to accept food and shaking to reject it, though this remains speculative without direct empirical confirmation across populations.^[71] Experimental studies in nonverbal communication affirm the nod's role in signaling comprehension during listening, with frequency correlating to active engagement rather than passive reception.^[76] In social dynamics, subtle variations like the upward-tilted nod can convey informal greeting or assertiveness, particularly among males, where it may establish rapport without verbal exchange.^[70] Over-nodding, however, risks appearing overly compliant, while its absence can signal disinterest, underscoring the gesture's contextual dependency in human interaction.^[72]

Notice of Disagreement

A Notice of Disagreement (NOD) is a formal written communication submitted by a claimant or their representative to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), expressing dissatisfaction with an adjudicative determination, such as a decision on a disability compensation claim.^[77] Under 38 CFR § 20.202, the NOD must clearly identify the specific VA decision and the issues or claims with which the claimant disagrees, and it initiates the appellate review process in the legacy system.^[78] This mechanism applies primarily to VA benefits appeals for veterans, ensuring that mere expressions of intent are construed as NODs if they indicate a desire for further review.^[77] In the traditional VA appeals process, effective for decisions issued before February 19, 2019, filing an NOD within one year of the VA's mailing of the decision notice preserves the claimant's effective date for benefits if the appeal succeeds.^[79] Upon receipt, the VA regional office or agency of original jurisdiction prepares a Statement of the Case (SOC) detailing the reasons for the decision and evidence considered, which the claimant may then use to perfect the appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) by filing VA Form 10182 or a similar substantive appeal.^[80] No specific wording is required beyond conveying disagreement and intent to appeal, though specificity strengthens the filing against dismissal risks.^[77] The Appeals Modernization Act (AMA), implemented on February 19, 2019, reformed the process by replacing the NOD with three decision review options—Supplemental Claim, Higher-Level Review, and Board Appeal—for claims decided on or after that date, aiming to expedite resolutions and reduce backlogs.^[79] Legacy NOD appeals for pre-2019 decisions continue under the prior rules, with the VA maintaining separate tracks to avoid retroactive application of AMA changes.^[81] Claimants must select the appropriate lane carefully, as opting into AMA for legacy matters waives certain rights, such as submitting new evidence in some paths.^[82] Official VA guidance emphasizes timely filing to avoid forfeiture, with over 100,000 NODs processed annually in peak legacy periods, though exact figures vary by fiscal year.^[83]

References

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Our Story - National Organization on Disability
Our Story. Founded in 1982, we at NOD are building a society where people of all abilities can find work, earn a fair wage, and advance in their careers.
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Over 1 in 4 Americans report having a disability. Due to stigma and misconceptions, many disabilities go unreported—the real number is likely greater than 40%.
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Level Access is acknowledged for its exemplary disability hiring and employment practices. Discover their commitment to inclusivity.
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Apr 23, 2024 · We find that Nod factors are produced by symbionts to activate Nod factor signaling in the host and that this modulates the root exudate profile ...
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The role of NOD-like receptors in innate immunity - PMC
Mar 15, 2023 · The NLRs play key roles in diverse functions, ranging from transcription of MHC molecules to initiation of inflammation.
[29]
The role of NOD-like receptors in innate immunity - Frontiers
Mar 14, 2023 · NLR family pyrin domain-containing 1 (NLRP1) was the first NLR member discovered to participate in inflammasome and caspase-1 activation (7).Abstract · Introduction · NOD-like receptors · Concluding statement
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NOD-Like Receptors in Infection, Immunity, and Diseases
Nov 30, 2015 · While TLRs are transmembrane receptors, NLRs are cytoplasmic receptors that play a crucial role in the innate immune response by recognizing ...
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https://www.assaygenie.com/blog/nod-like-receptor-for-signalling-pathway
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Activation and regulation mechanisms of NOD-like receptors based ...
Sep 14, 2022 · Some NLRs are known to form multi-protein complexes called inflammasomes, a process that ultimately leads to the production of inflammatory ...
[33]
The NLRP3 inflammasome: contributions to inflammation-related ...
Jun 27, 2023 · The NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is a protein complex that regulates innate immune responses by activating caspase-1 and the inflammatory ...<|separator|>
[34]
Nod-like receptors in inflammatory arthritis - ScienceDirect.com
Dysregulation of NLRs has been linked to several inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Crohn's disease, and type 2 ...Review Article · The Inflammasome · Conflicts Of Interest
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New mechanisms of NOD-like receptor-associated inflammasome ...
The NLRC4 inflammasome detects bacterial proteins in the cytosolic compartment as markers for the activity of bacterial type III (T3SS) and IV (T4SS) secretion ...
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Strain #:001976 - NOD/ShiLtJ - The Jackson Laboratory
Sep 27, 2023 · NOD inbred mice originated early on in the inbreeding of the Cataract Shionogi (CTS) strain. These mice were originally outbred Jcl:ICR mice. ...
[37]
Development of the Nonobese Diabetic Mouse and Contribution of ...
Mar 14, 2017 · Susumu Makino presented the development of this unique NOD mouse strain at the first Non-Obese Diabetic Mouse Symposium held in 1981 in Japan.
[38]
Mouse Models of Autoimmune Diabetes: The Nonobese ... - NIH
The nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse strain was originally developed by Makino and colleagues during the selection of a cataractprone strain (cataract Shionogi ...
[39]
The Role of NOD Mice in Type 1 Diabetes Research - NIH
Feb 23, 2018 · The NOD remains a standout model because it develops spontaneous T1D with genetic and environmental components that are relevant to the human ...
[40]
NOD Mice (JAX® Mice Strain) - Charles River Laboratories
The NOD/ShiLtJ strain (commonly called NOD) is a polygenic model for autoimmune type 1 diabetes. Diabetes in NOD mice is characterized by hyperglycemia and ...<|separator|>
[41]
Comparative Pathogenesis of Autoimmune Diabetes in Humans ...
May 15, 2017 · Although the NOD mice can survive for several weeks without insulin therapy after diabetes onset (23), insulin therapy markedly prolongs ...Introduction · Clinical and Metabolic Features · Pancreatic Islet Pathology · Genetics
[42]
Genetic Analysis of Substrain Divergence in Non-Obese Diabetic ...
The non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse is a polygenic model for type 1 diabetes that is characterized by insulitis, a leukocytic infiltration of the pancreatic ...
[43]
The NOD Mouse Beyond Autoimmune Diabetes - Frontiers
The NOD strain is originally derived from Cataract Shinogi (CTS) mice, an inbred subline of the outbred ICR mouse strain, which develop cataracts (1, 2).
[44]
The importance of the Non Obese Diabetic (NOD) mouse model in ...
The successes of the Non Obese Diabetic (NOD) mouse model have come in multiple forms including identifying key genetic and environmental risk factors e.g. Idd ...
[45]
Bridge between type 1 diabetes in mouse and man - PNAS
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[46]
Non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia: etiology, diagnosis ... - PubMed
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Acute Mesenteric Ischemia - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - NIH
AMI is a rare syndrome with a prevalence of 1 out of 1000 hospital admissions. For all cases of AMI, arterial embolism accounts for 40% to 50%, arterial ...
[48]
Acute mesenteric ischemia: updated guidelines of the World Society ...
Oct 19, 2022 · Acute non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia NOMI occurs in approximately 20% of cases, and is usually a consequence of SMA vasoconstriction ...
[49]
Trends in population-based incidence, diagnostics, and mortality of ...
The overall incidence of NOMI was 0.90 (95% CI 0.49–1.32) per 100,000 person-years [0.45 (95% CI 0.21–0.86) for men and 0.45 (95% CI 0.21–0.86) for women].
[50]
Mesenteric ischemia: Recognizing an uncommon disorder and ...
Sep 1, 2024 · Nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia is typically seen in patients with severe preexisting disease such as heart failure, aortic insufficiency, and ...Types Of Mesenteric Ischemia · Acute Mesenteric Ischemia... · Arterial Embolism
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Acute Mesenteric Ischemia - Gastrointestinal Disorders
The early hallmark of mesenteric ischemia is severe pain but minimal physical findings. The abdomen remains soft, with little or no tenderness. Mild tachycardia ...
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Non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia: Diagnostic challenges and ...
Jul 14, 2021 · In this review we focus on non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia and discuss the challenges of a reliable diagnosis, which requires several simultaneous elements.
[53]
Enteral Feeding Induced Nonocclusive Mesenteric Ischemia | ACS
Dec 16, 2022 · However, laparotomy is the preferred treatment for NOMI in patients with severe, unresolving symptoms that are concerning for intestinal ...
[54]
High risk and low prevalence diseases: Mesenteric ischemia
Occlusive arterial acute mesenteric ischemia carries a short-term mortality rate of 51.8%, compared to 58.4% for NOMI and 24.6% for mesenteric venous ...
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https://steeleindustries.com/why-are-night-vision-goggles-called-nods/
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What Are NODS in the Military?
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https://steeleindustries.com/a-brief-history-of-night-vision-devices/
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May 14, 2024 · This compact guide provides a detailed look at Night Vision Goggles (NVGs), explaining their technologies, specifications, and practical applications
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Night Vision Specifications for Dummies 101
Nov 26, 2019 · The 3 specs thrown around the most are FOM (figure of merit), resolution (lp/mm), and signal to noise ratio (SNR).
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National Organization on Disability: Employment Programs for ...
NOD conducts research and demonstration projects working directly with employers. Through its Bridges to Business initiative, NOD helps connect employers, ...
[63]
National Organization on Disability (NOD) Redesigns ... - G3ict
Jan 11, 2021 · The National Organization on Disability (NOD) is proud to launch its redesigned Disability Employment Tracker, the only assessment tool ...
[64]
National Organization on Disability - GuideStar Profile
Feb 12, 2021 · NOD's leadership, in both its board and staff, bring rich expertise and perspective to our work. Carol Glazer has served as President of NOD ...
[65]
EA's Command & Conquer 3: Kane's Wrath for Xbox 360 Ships to ...
Jun 23, 2008 · The epic story spans two decades of Tiberium Lore, focusing on the rebirth of the Brotherhood of Nod after the Second Tiberium War through ...
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Brotherhood of Nod | Command & Conquer - YouTube
Nov 13, 2017 · Since the arrival of the alien substance known as Tiberium, the Brotherhood of Nod has emerged as one of the major powers of the Earth.
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Command & Conquer: Tiberian Sun – Nod Units - CNCNZ.com
The Brotherhood of Nod relies on stealth and the element of surprise instead of brute force. While their units are generally more fragile, they require ...
[68]
Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars – Nod Units - CNCNZ.com
The Brotherhood of Nod relies on strength in numbers and the use of sneak attacks. Their stealth technology allows for fast hit-and-run attacks and ...
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Command & Conquer 4 Tiberian Twilight Hits Store Shelves March 16
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headnod - Center for Nonverbal Studies
A headnod is a vertical, up-and-down head movement used to show agreement, comprehension, or to emphasize an idea. It can also show understanding or approval.
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Why do we shake our heads when we want to say "no"?
Aug 16, 2021 · In a few regions of the world, a shake of the head means “yes”, and a nod of the head means "no." However, this "back-to-front" system is ...
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5.4: The Six Functions of Nonverbal Communication
Dec 23, 2022 · You may notice your friends nodding their heads when you are speaking. Nodding one's head is a primary means of regulating communication.<|control11|><|separator|>
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Why does a nod mean 'yes'? - Kensy Cooperrider
Jan 26, 2021 · We're all familiar with the nod: an up-and-down movement of the head, often repeated. It's among our most commonly produced bodily signals, so ...
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Body Language - Cultural Variations In Gestures
The Head Nod is an almost universal sign for 'yes', except for the Bulgarians who use the gesture to signify 'no', and the Japanese who use it for politeness.
[75]
Body Language 37 Head Nodding - - The Trust Ambassador
Jul 19, 2019 · In most cultures the Head Nod is used to signify 'Yes' or agreement. It's a stunted form of bowing – the person symbolically goes to bow but ...
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Nonverbal communication in virtual reality: Nodding as a social ...
In particular, head nodding plays an important role in regulating an interaction, signalling who is to take a turn or whether or not someone is interested in ...
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38 CFR 20.202 -- Rule 202. Notice of Disagreement. - eCFR
The Notice of Disagreement must identify the specific decision and issue or issues therein with which the claimant disagrees.Missing: meaning | Show results with:meaning
[78]
38 CFR § 19.21 - Notice of Disagreement. - Law.Cornell.Edu
The Notice of Disagreement must be in terms which can be reasonably construed as disagreement with that determination and a desire for appellate review.Missing: meaning | Show results with:meaning<|separator|>
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VA Decision Reviews And Appeals | Veterans Affairs
Sep 30, 2025 · If you filed a Notice of Disagreement for a decision dated before February 19, 2019, learn about the legacy VA appeal process. More ...Request A Board Appeal · Manage A Legacy VA Appeal · Board Appeals
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Everything You Need to Know About the Notice of Disagreement ...
The NOD is defined as a “written communication from a claimant or his or her representative expressing dissatisfaction or disagreement with an adjudicative ...
[81]
What You Need to Know About Notices of Disagreement
Rating 5.0 (388) Jul 3, 2025 · A NOD simply had to contain a statement indicating that you disagreed with some or the entirety of the decision of the VA regarding your claim ...Missing: legal meaning
[82]
What is a Notice of Disagreement (NOD)? - CCK Law
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[PDF] VA FORM 10182, DECISION REVIEW REQUEST: Board Appeals ...
DECISION REVIEW REQUEST: BOARD APPEAL. (NOTICE OF DISAGREEMENT). PART I - PERSONAL INFORMATION. 1. VETERAN'S NAME (First, middle initial, last). 2. VETERAN'S ...