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This article highlights advancements in polymeric composite/nanocomposites processes and applications for improved radiation shielding and high-rate attenuation for the spacecraft. Energetic particles, mostly electrons and protons, can annihilate or cause space craft hardware failures. The standard practice in space electronics is the utilization of aluminum as radiation safeguard and structural enclosure. In space, the materials must be lightweight and capable of withstanding extreme temperature/mechanical loads under harsh environments, so the research has focused on advanced multi-functional materials. In this regard, low-Z materials have been found effective in shielding particle radiation, but their structural properties were not sufficient for the desired space applications. As a solution, polymeric composites or nanocomposites have been produced having enhanced material properties and enough radiation shielding (gamma, cosmic, X-rays, protons, neutrons, etc.) properties along with reduced weight. Advantageously, the polymeric composites or nanocomposites can be layered to form multi-layered shields. Hence, polymer composites/nanocomposites offer promising alternatives to developing materials for efficiently attenuating photon or particle radiation. The latest technology developments for micro/nano reinforced polymer composites/nanocomposites have also been surveyed here for the radiation shielding of space crafts and aerospace structures. Moreover, the motive behind this state-of-the-art overview is to put forward recommendations for high performance design/applications of reinforced nanocomposites towards future radiation shielding technology in the spacecraft. Full article

Background: A common MRI reference space allows for easy communication of findings, and has led to high-impact discoveries in neuroscience. Brain MRI of neuro-oncology patients with mass lesions or surgical cavities can now be accurately transformed into reference space, allowing for a reliable comparison across patients. Despite this, it is currently seldom used in neuro-oncology, leaving analytic tools untapped. The aim of this study was to systematically review the neuro-oncology literature utilizing reference space. Methods: A systematic review of the neuro-oncology publications was conducted according to PRISMA statement guidelines. Studies specially reporting the use of the Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI) reference space were included. Studies were categorized according to their type of input data and their contributions to the field. A sub-analysis focusing on connectomics and transcriptomics was also included. Results: We identified only 101 articles that utilized the MNI brain in neuro-oncology research. Tumor locations (n = 77) and direct electrocortical stimulation (n = 19) were the most common source of data. A majority of studies (n = 51) provided insights on clinical factors such as tumor subtype, growth progression, and prognosis. A small group of studies (n = 21) have used the novel connectomic and transcriptomic tools. Conclusions: Brain MRI of neuro-oncology patients can be accurately transformed to MNI space. This has contributed to enhance our understanding of a wide variety of clinical questions ranging from tumor subtyping to symptom mapping. Many advanced tools such as connectomics and transcriptomics remain relatively untapped, thereby hindering our knowledge of neuro-oncology. Full article