Differential polynomial rings over rings satisfying a polynomial identity. (Q479729)

Let \(R\) be an associative ring and \(\delta\) a derivation of \(R\), that is, an additive map such that \(\delta(ab)=\delta(a)b+a\delta(b)\) for all \(a,b\in R\). Let \(R[x;\delta]\) denote the differential polynomial ring whose elements are the polynomials \(\sum_{i=0}^nr_ix^i\), \(r_i\in R\), \(n\geq 0\) where the multiplication is subject to the relation \(xa=ax+\delta(a)\) for any \(a\in R\) and extending using associativity and linearity. In this paper the authors prove that if \(R\) is a ring satisfying a polynomial identity, \(\delta\) a derivation of \(R\) and \(N\) is the nil radical of \(R\), then \(\delta(N)\subseteq N\) and the Jacobson radical of \(R[x;\delta]\) is equal to \(N[x;\delta]\). This allows them to conclude that if \(R\) is a locally nilpotent ring satisfying a polynomial identity and \(\delta\) a derivation of \(R\), then \(R[x;\delta]\) is locally nilpotent which gives a positive answer to a question of Smoktunowicz and Ziembowski.