Deformation to the normal cone, rationality and the Stückrad-Vogel cycle (Q1591731)

In earlier papers [see Rev. Roum. Math. Pures Appl. 38, No. 7-8, 569-578 (1993; 807.14003), J. Math. Kyoto Univ. 33, No. 4, 1029-1046 (1993; Zbl 0816.13019), and Math. Ann. 309, No. 4, 573-591 (1997; Zbl 0894.14005)], \textit{R. Achilles} and \textit{M. Manaresi} gave an algebraic proof of the invariance of the Stückrad-Vogel cycle under deformation to the normal cone and proved a local version of this invariance first at a rational and subsequently at a general component of the cycle. The aim of the present paper is twofold. First there is an alternative approach to the work of Achilles and Manaresi (loc. cit.) by giving an algebraic proof of the invariance of the Stückrad-Vogel cycle under deformation to the normal cone by using the extended Rees ring as a natural deformation space and by refining and extending somewhat their basic theorem which discusses the connection between distinguished and rational components. -- The second aim is to revisit a classical result of \textit{D. G. Northcott} and \textit{D. Rees} [see Proc. Camb. Philos. Soc. 50, 145-158 (1953; Zbl 0057.02601)], which states that the correct number of sufficiently general elements in an ideal of a local ring generates a minimal reduction. -- Finally there is a sketch of a geometrical proof of this classical result by using the Cayley form of a variety.