Brace algebras and the cohomology comparison theorem

The Gerstenhaber and Schack cohomology comparison theorem asserts that there is a cochain equivalence between the Hochschild complex of a certain algebra and the usual singular cochain complex of a space. We show that this comparison theorem preserves the brace algebra structures. This result gives a structural reason for the recent results establishing fine topological structures on the Hochschild cohomology, and a simple way to derive them from the corresponding properties of cochain complexes.Comment: Revised version of "The bar construction as a Hopf algebra", Dec. 200

A survey of subdivisions and local hh-vectors

The enumerative theory of simplicial subdivisions (triangulations) of simplicial complexes was developed by Stanley in order to understand the effect of such subdivisions on the $h$-vector of a simplicial complex. A key role there is played by the concept of a local $h$-vector. This paper surveys some of the highlights of this theory and some recent developments, concerning subdivisions of flag homology spheres and their $\gamma$-vectors. Several interesting examples and open problems are discussed.Comment: 13 pages, 3 figures; minor changes and update

Lattice Topological Field Theory on Non-Orientable Surfaces

The lattice definition of the two-dimensional topological quantum field theory [Fukuma, {\em et al}, Commun.~Math.~Phys.\ {\bf 161}, 157 (1994)] is generalized to arbitrary (not necessarily orientable) compact surfaces. It is shown that there is a one-to-one correspondence between real associative $*$-algebras and the topological state sum invariants defined on such surfaces. The partition and $n$-point functions on all two-dimensional surfaces (connected sums of the Klein bottle or projective plane and $g$-tori) are defined and computed for arbitrary $*$-algebras in general, and for the the group ring $A=\R[G]$ of discrete groups $G$, in particular.Comment: Corrected Latex file, 39 pages, 28 figures available upon reques

Difference Problems and Differential Problems

We state some elementary problems concerning the relation between difference calculus and differential calculus, and we try to convince the reader that, in spite of the simplicity of the statements, a solution of these problems would be a significant contribution to the understanding of the foundations of differential and integral calculus