Let K be a field of arbitrary characteristic, $${\cal A}$$ be a commutative K-algebra which is a domain of essentially finite type (e.g., the algebra of functions on an irreducible affine algebraic variety), $${a_r}$$ be its Jacobian ideal, and $${\cal D}\left( {\cal A} \right)$$ be the algebra of differential operators on the algebra $${\cal A}$$ . The aim of the paper is to give a simplicity criterion for the algebra $${\cal D}\left( {\cal A} \right)$$ : the algebra $${\cal D}\left( {\cal A} \right)$$ is simple iff $${\cal D}\left( {\cal A} \right)a_r^i{\cal D}\left( {\cal A} \right) = {\cal D}\left( {\cal A} \right)$$ for all i ≥ 1 provided the field K is a perfect field. Furthermore, a simplicity criterion is given for the algebra $${\cal D}\left( R \right)$$ of differential operators on an arbitrary commutative algebra R over an arbitrary field. This gives an answer to an old question to find a simplicity criterion for algebras of differential operators.

We determine sufficient criteria for the prime spectrum of an ambiskew polynomial algebra R over an algebraically closed field 𝕂 to be akin to those of two of the principal examples of such an algebra, namely the universal enveloping algebra U(sl2) (in characteristic 0) and its quantization Uq(sl2) (when q is not a root of unity). More precisely, we determine sufficient criteria for the prime spectrum of R to consist of 0, the ideals (z − λ)R for some central element z of R and all λ ∈ 𝕂, and, for some positive integer d and each positive integer m, d height two prime ideals P for which R/P has Goldie rank m.

We introduce in this paper the concepts of rings characterized by minimal one-sided ideals and concern ourselves with rings containing an injective maximal left ideal. Some known results for idempotent reflexive rings and left HI rings can be extended to left MC2 rings. As applications, we are able to give some new characterizations of regular left self-injective rings with non-zero socle and extend some known results for strongly regular rings.

let $r$ be a ring and $t$ a 1-tilting right $r$-module. then $t$ is of countable type. moreover, $t$ is of finite type in the case where $r$ is a prüfer domain.