text/ncat.tex
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    27 We will allow our $k$-morphisms to have any shape, so long as it is homeomorphic to a $k$-ball.
    27 We will allow our $k$-morphisms to have any shape, so long as it is homeomorphic to a $k$-ball.
    28 In other words,
    28 In other words,
    29 
    29 
    30 \xxpar{Morphisms (preliminary version):}
    30 \xxpar{Morphisms (preliminary version):}
    31 {For any $k$-manifold $X$ homeomorphic 
    31 {For any $k$-manifold $X$ homeomorphic 
    32 to a $k$-ball, we have a set of $k$-morphisms
    32 to the standard $k$-ball, we have a set of $k$-morphisms
    33 $\cC(X)$.}
    33 $\cC(X)$.}
    34 
    34 
    35 Given a homeomorphism $f:X\to Y$ between such $k$-manifolds, we want a corresponding
    35 Terminology: By ``a $k$-ball" we mean any $k$-manifold which is homeomorphic to the 
       
    36 standard $k$-ball.
       
    37 We {\it do not} assume that it is equipped with a 
       
    38 preferred homeomorphism to the standard $k$-ball.
       
    39 The same goes for ``a $k$-sphere" below.
       
    40 
       
    41 Given a homeomorphism $f:X\to Y$ between $k$-balls, we want a corresponding
    36 bijection of sets $f:\cC(X)\to \cC(Y)$.
    42 bijection of sets $f:\cC(X)\to \cC(Y)$.
    37 So we replace the above with
    43 So we replace the above with
    38 
    44 
    39 \xxpar{Morphisms:}
    45 \xxpar{Morphisms:}
    40 {For each $0 \le k \le n$, we have a functor $\cC_k$ from 
    46 {For each $0 \le k \le n$, we have a functor $\cC_k$ from 
    41 the category of manifolds homeomorphic to the $k$-ball and 
    47 the category of $k$-balls and 
    42 homeomorphisms to the category of sets and bijections.}
    48 homeomorphisms to the category of sets and bijections.}
    43 
    49 
    44 (Note: We usually omit the subscript $k$.)
    50 (Note: We usually omit the subscript $k$.)
    45 
    51 
    46 We are being deliberately vague about what flavor of manifolds we are considering.
    52 We are being deliberately vague about what flavor of manifolds we are considering.
    53 
    59 
    54 Next we consider domains and ranges of morphisms (or, as we prefer to say, boundaries
    60 Next we consider domains and ranges of morphisms (or, as we prefer to say, boundaries
    55 of morphisms).
    61 of morphisms).
    56 The 0-sphere is unusual among spheres in that it is disconnected.
    62 The 0-sphere is unusual among spheres in that it is disconnected.
    57 Correspondingly, for 1-morphisms it makes sense to distinguish between domain and range.
    63 Correspondingly, for 1-morphisms it makes sense to distinguish between domain and range.
       
    64 (Actually, this is only true in the oriented case.)
    58 For $k>1$ and in the presence of strong duality the domain/range division makes less sense.
    65 For $k>1$ and in the presence of strong duality the domain/range division makes less sense.
    59 \nn{maybe say more here; rotate disk, Frobenius reciprocity blah blah}
    66 \nn{maybe say more here; rotate disk, Frobenius reciprocity blah blah}
    60 We prefer to combine the domain and range into a single entity which we call the 
    67 We prefer to combine the domain and range into a single entity which we call the 
    61 boundary of a morphism.
    68 boundary of a morphism.
    62 Morphisms are modeled on balls, so their boundaries are modeled on spheres:
    69 Morphisms are modeled on balls, so their boundaries are modeled on spheres:
    63 
    70 
    64 \xxpar{Boundaries (domain and range), part 1:}
    71 \xxpar{Boundaries (domain and range), part 1:}
    65 {For each $0 \le k \le n-1$, we have a functor $\cC_k$ from 
    72 {For each $0 \le k \le n-1$, we have a functor $\cC_k$ from 
    66 the category of manifolds homeomorphic to the $k$-sphere and 
    73 the category of $k$-spheres and 
    67 homeomorphisms to the category of sets and bijections.}
    74 homeomorphisms to the category of sets and bijections.}
    68 
    75 
    69 (In order to conserve symbols, we use the same symbol $\cC_k$ for both morphisms and boundaries.)
    76 (In order to conserve symbols, we use the same symbol $\cC_k$ for both morphisms and boundaries.)
    70 
    77 
    71 \xxpar{Boundaries, part 2:}
    78 \xxpar{Boundaries, part 2:}
    72 {For each $X$ homeomorphic to a $k$-ball, we have a map of sets $\bd: \cC(X)\to \cC(\bd X)$.
    79 {For each $k$-ball $X$, we have a map of sets $\bd: \cC(X)\to \cC(\bd X)$.
    73 These maps, for various $X$, comprise a natural transformation of functors.}
    80 These maps, for various $X$, comprise a natural transformation of functors.}
    74 
    81 
    75 (Note that the first ``$\bd$" above is part of the data for the category, 
    82 (Note that the first ``$\bd$" above is part of the data for the category, 
    76 while the second is the ordinary boundary of manifolds.)
    83 while the second is the ordinary boundary of manifolds.)
    77 
    84 
    78 Given $c\in\cC(\bd(X))$, let $\cC(X; c) = \bd^{-1}(c)$.
    85 Given $c\in\cC(\bd(X))$, let $\cC(X; c) = \bd^{-1}(c)$.
    79 
    86 
    80 Most of the examples of $n$-categories we are interested in are enriched in the following sense.
    87 Most of the examples of $n$-categories we are interested in are enriched in the following sense.
    81 The various sets of $n$-morphisms $\cC(X; c)$, for all $X$ homeomorphic to an $n$-ball and
    88 The various sets of $n$-morphisms $\cC(X; c)$, for all $n$-balls $X$ and
    82 all $c\in \cC(\bd X)$, have the structure of an object in some auxiliary category
    89 all $c\in \cC(\bd X)$, have the structure of an object in some auxiliary category
    83 (e.g.\ vector spaces, or modules over some ring, or chain complexes),
    90 (e.g.\ vector spaces, or modules over some ring, or chain complexes),
    84 and all the structure maps of the $n$-category should be compatible with the auxiliary
    91 and all the structure maps of the $n$-category should be compatible with the auxiliary
    85 category structure.
    92 category structure.
    86 Note that this auxiliary structure is only in dimension $n$;
    93 Note that this auxiliary structure is only in dimension $n$;
   102 domain and range, but the converse meets with our approval.
   109 domain and range, but the converse meets with our approval.
   103 That is, given compatible domain and range, we should be able to combine them into
   110 That is, given compatible domain and range, we should be able to combine them into
   104 the full boundary of a morphism:
   111 the full boundary of a morphism:
   105 
   112 
   106 \xxpar{Domain $+$ range $\to$ boundary:}
   113 \xxpar{Domain $+$ range $\to$ boundary:}
   107 {Let $S = B_1 \cup_E B_2$, where $S$ is homeomorphic to a $k$-sphere ($0\le k\le n-1$),
   114 {Let $S = B_1 \cup_E B_2$, where $S$ is a $k$-sphere ($0\le k\le n-1$),
   108 $B_i$ is homeomorphic to a $k$-ball, and $E = B_1\cap B_2$ is homeomorphic to  a $k{-}1$-sphere.
   115 $B_i$ is a $k$-ball, and $E = B_1\cap B_2$ is a $k{-}1$-sphere.
   109 Let $\cC(B_1) \times_{\cC(E)} \cC(B_2)$ denote the fibered product of the 
   116 Let $\cC(B_1) \times_{\cC(E)} \cC(B_2)$ denote the fibered product of the 
   110 two maps $\bd: \cC(B_i)\to \cC(E)$.
   117 two maps $\bd: \cC(B_i)\to \cC(E)$.
   111 Then (axiom) we have an injective map
   118 Then (axiom) we have an injective map
   112 \[
   119 \[
   113 	\gl_E : \cC(B_1) \times_{\cC(E)} \cC(B_2) \to \cC(S)
   120 	\gl_E : \cC(B_1) \times_{\cC(E)} \cC(B_2) \to \cC(S)
   117 Note that we insist on injectivity above.
   124 Note that we insist on injectivity above.
   118 Let $\cC(S)_E$ denote the image of $\gl_E$.
   125 Let $\cC(S)_E$ denote the image of $\gl_E$.
   119 We have ``restriction" maps $\cC(S)_E \to \cC(B_i)$, which can be thought of as
   126 We have ``restriction" maps $\cC(S)_E \to \cC(B_i)$, which can be thought of as
   120 domain and range maps, relative to the choice of splitting $S = B_1 \cup_E B_2$.
   127 domain and range maps, relative to the choice of splitting $S = B_1 \cup_E B_2$.
   121 
   128 
   122 If $B$ is homeomorphic to a $k$-ball and $E \sub \bd B$ splits $\bd B$ into two $k{-}1$-balls
   129 If $B$ is a $k$-ball and $E \sub \bd B$ splits $\bd B$ into two $k{-}1$-balls
   123 as above, then we define $\cC(B)_E = \bd^{-1}(\cC(\bd B)_E)$.
   130 as above, then we define $\cC(B)_E = \bd^{-1}(\cC(\bd B)_E)$.
   124 
   131 
   125 Next we consider composition of morphisms.
   132 Next we consider composition of morphisms.
   126 For $n$-categories which lack strong duality, one usually considers
   133 For $n$-categories which lack strong duality, one usually considers
   127 $k$ different types of composition of $k$-morphisms, each associated to a different direction.
   134 $k$ different types of composition of $k$-morphisms, each associated to a different direction.
   128 (For example, vertical and horizontal composition of 2-morphisms.)
   135 (For example, vertical and horizontal composition of 2-morphisms.)
   129 In the presence of strong duality, these $k$ distinct compositions are subsumed into 
   136 In the presence of strong duality, these $k$ distinct compositions are subsumed into 
   130 one general type of composition which can be in any ``direction".
   137 one general type of composition which can be in any ``direction".
   131 
   138 
   132 \xxpar{Composition:}
   139 \xxpar{Composition:}
   133 {Let $B = B_1 \cup_Y B_2$, where $B$, $B_1$ and $B_2$ are homeomorphic to $k$-balls ($0\le k\le n$)
   140 {Let $B = B_1 \cup_Y B_2$, where $B$, $B_1$ and $B_2$ are $k$-balls ($0\le k\le n$)
   134 and $Y = B_1\cap B_2$ is homeomorphic to a $k{-}1$-ball.
   141 and $Y = B_1\cap B_2$ is a $k{-}1$-ball.
   135 Let $E = \bd Y$, which is homeomorphic to a $k{-}2$-sphere.
   142 Let $E = \bd Y$, which is a $k{-}2$-sphere.
   136 Note that each of $B$, $B_1$ and $B_2$ has its boundary split into two $k{-}1$-balls by $E$.
   143 Note that each of $B$, $B_1$ and $B_2$ has its boundary split into two $k{-}1$-balls by $E$.
   137 We have restriction (domain or range) maps $\cC(B_i)_E \to \cC(Y)$.
   144 We have restriction (domain or range) maps $\cC(B_i)_E \to \cC(Y)$.
   138 Let $\cC(B_1)_E \times_{\cC(Y)} \cC(B_2)_E$ denote the fibered product of these two maps. 
   145 Let $\cC(B_1)_E \times_{\cC(Y)} \cC(B_2)_E$ denote the fibered product of these two maps. 
   139 Then (axiom) we have a map
   146 Then (axiom) we have a map
   140 \[
   147 \[
   160 operad-type strict associativity condition.}
   167 operad-type strict associativity condition.}
   161 
   168 
   162 The next axiom is related to identity morphisms, though that might not be immediately obvious.
   169 The next axiom is related to identity morphisms, though that might not be immediately obvious.
   163 
   170 
   164 \xxpar{Product (identity) morphisms:}
   171 \xxpar{Product (identity) morphisms:}
   165 {Let $X$ be homeomorphic to a $k$-ball and $D$ be homeomorphic to an $m$-ball, with $k+m \le n$.
   172 {Let $X$ be a $k$-ball and $D$ be an $m$-ball, with $k+m \le n$.
   166 Then we have a map $\cC(X)\to \cC(X\times D)$, usually denoted $a\mapsto a\times D$ for $a\in \cC(X)$.
   173 Then we have a map $\cC(X)\to \cC(X\times D)$, usually denoted $a\mapsto a\times D$ for $a\in \cC(X)$.
   167 If $f:X\to X'$ and $\tilde{f}:X\times D \to X'\times D'$ are maps such that the diagram
   174 If $f:X\to X'$ and $\tilde{f}:X\times D \to X'\times D'$ are maps such that the diagram
   168 \[ \xymatrix{
   175 \[ \xymatrix{
   169 	X\times D \ar[r]^{\tilde{f}} \ar[d]_{\pi} & X'\times D' \ar[d]^{\pi} \\
   176 	X\times D \ar[r]^{\tilde{f}} \ar[d]_{\pi} & X'\times D' \ar[d]^{\pi} \\
   170 	X \ar[r]^{f} & X'
   177 	X \ar[r]^{f} & X'
   178 homeomorphisms in the top dimension $n$, distinguishes the two cases.
   185 homeomorphisms in the top dimension $n$, distinguishes the two cases.
   179 
   186 
   180 We start with the plain $n$-category case.
   187 We start with the plain $n$-category case.
   181 
   188 
   182 \xxpar{Isotopy invariance in dimension $n$ (preliminary version):}
   189 \xxpar{Isotopy invariance in dimension $n$ (preliminary version):}
   183 {Let $X$ be homeomorphic to the $n$-ball and $f: X\to X$ be a homeomorphism which restricts
   190 {Let $X$ be an $n$-ball and $f: X\to X$ be a homeomorphism which restricts
   184 to the identity on $\bd X$ and is isotopic (rel boundary) to the identity.
   191 to the identity on $\bd X$ and is isotopic (rel boundary) to the identity.
   185 Then $f$ acts trivially on $\cC(X)$; $f(a) = a$ for all $a\in \cC(X)$.}
   192 Then $f$ acts trivially on $\cC(X)$; $f(a) = a$ for all $a\in \cC(X)$.}
   186 
   193 
   187 We will strengthen the above axiom in two ways.
   194 We will strengthen the above axiom in two ways.
   188 (Amusingly, these two ways are related to each of the two senses of the term
   195 (Amusingly, these two ways are related to each of the two senses of the term
   194 If the mapping cylinder of $f$ is homeomorphic to the mapping cylinder of the identity,
   201 If the mapping cylinder of $f$ is homeomorphic to the mapping cylinder of the identity,
   195 then these two $n{+}1$-manifolds should induce the same map from $\cC(X)$ to itself.
   202 then these two $n{+}1$-manifolds should induce the same map from $\cC(X)$ to itself.
   196 \nn{is there a non-TQFT reason to require this?}
   203 \nn{is there a non-TQFT reason to require this?}
   197 
   204 
   198 Second, we require that product (a.k.a.\ identity) $n$-morphisms act as the identity.
   205 Second, we require that product (a.k.a.\ identity) $n$-morphisms act as the identity.
   199 Let $X$ be an $n$-ball and $Y\sub\bd X$ be at $n{-}1$-ball.
   206 Let $X$ be an $n$-ball and $Y\sub\bd X$ be an $n{-}1$-ball.
   200 Let $J$ be a 1-ball (interval).
   207 Let $J$ be a 1-ball (interval).
   201 We have a collaring homeomorphism $s_{Y,J}: X\cup_Y (Y\times J) \to X$.
   208 We have a collaring homeomorphism $s_{Y,J}: X\cup_Y (Y\times J) \to X$.
   202 We define a map
   209 We define a map
   203 \begin{eqnarray*}
   210 \begin{eqnarray*}
   204 	\psi_{Y,J}: \cC(X) &\to& \cC(X) \\
   211 	\psi_{Y,J}: \cC(X) &\to& \cC(X) \\
   216 \nn{need to check this}
   223 \nn{need to check this}
   217 
   224 
   218 The revised axiom is
   225 The revised axiom is
   219 
   226 
   220 \xxpar{Pseudo and extended isotopy invariance in dimension $n$:}
   227 \xxpar{Pseudo and extended isotopy invariance in dimension $n$:}
   221 {Let $X$ be homeomorphic to the $n$-ball and $f: X\to X$ be a homeomorphism which restricts
   228 {Let $X$ be an $n$-ball and $f: X\to X$ be a homeomorphism which restricts
   222 to the identity on $\bd X$ and is pseudo-isotopic or extended isotopic (rel boundary) to the identity.
   229 to the identity on $\bd X$ and is pseudo-isotopic or extended isotopic (rel boundary) to the identity.
   223 Then $f$ acts trivially on $\cC(X)$.}
   230 Then $f$ acts trivially on $\cC(X)$.}
   224 
   231 
   225 \nn{need to rephrase this, since extended isotopies don't correspond to homeomorphisms.}
   232 \nn{need to rephrase this, since extended isotopies don't correspond to homeomorphisms.}
   226 
   233 
   248 Roughly, the set of $n{-}1$-balls in the boundary of an $n$-ball has a natural topology,
   255 Roughly, the set of $n{-}1$-balls in the boundary of an $n$-ball has a natural topology,
   249 and we can replace the class of all intervals $J$ with intervals contained in $\r$.
   256 and we can replace the class of all intervals $J$ with intervals contained in $\r$.
   250 \nn{need to also say something about collaring homeomorphisms.}
   257 \nn{need to also say something about collaring homeomorphisms.}
   251 \nn{this paragraph needs work.}
   258 \nn{this paragraph needs work.}
   252 
   259 
   253 Note that if take homology of chain complexes, we turn an $A_\infty$ $n$-category
   260 Note that if we take homology of chain complexes, we turn an $A_\infty$ $n$-category
   254 into a plain $n$-category.
   261 into a plain $n$-category (enriched over graded groups).
   255 \nn{say more here?}
   262 \nn{say more here?}
   256 In the other direction, if we enrich over topological spaces instead of chain complexes,
   263 In the other direction, if we enrich over topological spaces instead of chain complexes,
   257 we get a space version of an $A_\infty$ $n$-category, with $\Homeo_\bd(X)$ acting 
   264 we get a space version of an $A_\infty$ $n$-category, with $\Homeo_\bd(X)$ acting 
   258 instead of  $C_*(\Homeo_\bd(X))$.
   265 instead of  $C_*(\Homeo_\bd(X))$.
   259 Taking singular chains converts a space-type $A_\infty$ $n$-category into a chain complex
   266 Taking singular chains converts a space-type $A_\infty$ $n$-category into a chain complex
   287 \item Let $F$ be a closed $m$-manifold (e.g.\ a point).
   294 \item Let $F$ be a closed $m$-manifold (e.g.\ a point).
   288 Let $T$ be a topological space.
   295 Let $T$ be a topological space.
   289 For $X$ a $k$-ball or $k$-sphere with $k < n$, define $\cC(X)$ to be the set of 
   296 For $X$ a $k$-ball or $k$-sphere with $k < n$, define $\cC(X)$ to be the set of 
   290 all maps from $X\times F$ to $T$.
   297 all maps from $X\times F$ to $T$.
   291 For $X$ an $n$-ball define $\cC(X)$ to be maps from $X\times F$ to $T$ modulo
   298 For $X$ an $n$-ball define $\cC(X)$ to be maps from $X\times F$ to $T$ modulo
   292 homotopies fixed on $\bd X$.
   299 homotopies fixed on $\bd X \times F$.
   293 (Note that homotopy invariance implies isotopy invariance.)
   300 (Note that homotopy invariance implies isotopy invariance.)
   294 For $a\in \cC(X)$ define the product morphism $a\times D \in \cC(X\times D)$ to
   301 For $a\in \cC(X)$ define the product morphism $a\times D \in \cC(X\times D)$ to
   295 be $a\circ\pi_X$, where $\pi_X : X\times D \to X$ is the projection.
   302 be $a\circ\pi_X$, where $\pi_X : X\times D \to X$ is the projection.
   296 
   303 
   297 \item We can linearize the above example as follows.
   304 \item We can linearize the above example as follows.
   318 Define $\cC(X; c)$, for $X$ an $n$-ball,
   325 Define $\cC(X; c)$, for $X$ an $n$-ball,
   319 to be the dual Hilbert space $A(X\times F; c)$.
   326 to be the dual Hilbert space $A(X\times F; c)$.
   320 \nn{refer elsewhere for details?}
   327 \nn{refer elsewhere for details?}
   321 
   328 
   322 \item Variation on the above examples:
   329 \item Variation on the above examples:
   323 We could allow $F$ to have boundary and specify boundary conditions on $(\bd X)\times F$,
   330 We could allow $F$ to have boundary and specify boundary conditions on $X\times \bd F$,
   324 for example product boundary conditions or take the union over all boundary conditions.
   331 for example product boundary conditions or take the union over all boundary conditions.
   325 \nn{maybe should not emphasize this case, since it's ``better" in some sense
   332 \nn{maybe should not emphasize this case, since it's ``better" in some sense
   326 to think of these guys as affording a representation
   333 to think of these guys as affording a representation
   327 of the $n{+}1$-category associated to $\bd F$.}
   334 of the $n{+}1$-category associated to $\bd F$.}
   328 
   335 
   371 (As with $n$-categories, we will usually omit the subscript $k$.)
   378 (As with $n$-categories, we will usually omit the subscript $k$.)
   372 
   379 
   373 In our example, let $\cM(B, N) = \cD((B\times \bd W)\cup_{N\times \bd W} (N\times W))$, 
   380 In our example, let $\cM(B, N) = \cD((B\times \bd W)\cup_{N\times \bd W} (N\times W))$, 
   374 where $\cD$ is the fields functor for the TQFT.
   381 where $\cD$ is the fields functor for the TQFT.
   375 
   382 
   376 Define the boundary of a marked ball $(B, N)$ to be the pair $(\bd B \setmin N, \bd N)$.
   383 Define the boundary of a marked $k$-ball $(B, N)$ to be the pair $(\bd B \setmin N, \bd N)$.
   377 Call such a thing a {marked hemisphere}.
   384 Call such a thing a {marked $k{-}1$-hemisphere}.
   378 
   385 
   379 \xxpar{Module boundaries, part 1:}
   386 \xxpar{Module boundaries, part 1:}
   380 {For each $0 \le k \le n-1$, we have a functor $\cM_k$ from 
   387 {For each $0 \le k \le n-1$, we have a functor $\cM_k$ from 
   381 the category of marked hemispheres (of dimension $k$) and 
   388 the category of marked hemispheres (of dimension $k$) and 
   382 homeomorphisms to the category of sets and bijections.}
   389 homeomorphisms to the category of sets and bijections.}
   400 \[
   407 \[
   401 	\gl_E : \cM(M_1) \times_{\cM(E)} \cM(M_2) \to \cM(H)
   408 	\gl_E : \cM(M_1) \times_{\cM(E)} \cM(M_2) \to \cM(H)
   402 \]
   409 \]
   403 which is natural with respect to the actions of homeomorphisms.}
   410 which is natural with respect to the actions of homeomorphisms.}
   404 
   411 
   405 
   412 \xxpar{Axiom yet to be named:}
   406 
   413 {For each marked $k$-hemisphere $H$ there is a restriction map
       
   414 $\cM(H)\to \cC(H)$.  
       
   415 ($\cC(H)$ means apply $\cC$ to the underlying $k$-ball of $H$.)
       
   416 These maps comprise a natural transformation of functors.}
       
   417 
       
   418 Note that combining the various boundary and restriction maps above
       
   419 we have for each marked $k$-ball $(B, N)$ and each $k{-}1$-ball $Y\sub \bd B \setmin N$
       
   420 a natural map from a subset of $\cM(B, N)$ to $\cC(Y)$.
       
   421 This fact will be used below.
       
   422 \nn{need to say more about splitableness/transversality in various places above}
       
   423 
       
   424 We stipulate two sorts of composition (gluing) for modules, corresponding to two ways
       
   425 of splitting a marked $k$-ball into two (marked or plain) $k$-balls.
       
   426 First, we can compose two module morphisms to get another module morphism.
       
   427 
       
   428 \nn{need figures for next two axioms}
       
   429 
       
   430 \xxpar{Module composition:}
       
   431 {Let $M = M_1 \cup_Y M_2$, where $M$, $M_1$ and $M_2$ are marked $k$-balls ($0\le k\le n$)
       
   432 and $Y = M_1\cap M_2$ is a marked $k{-}1$-ball.
       
   433 Let $E = \bd Y$, which is a marked $k{-}2$-hemisphere.
       
   434 Note that each of $M$, $M_1$ and $M_2$ has its boundary split into two marked $k{-}1$-balls by $E$.
       
   435 We have restriction (domain or range) maps $\cM(M_i)_E \to \cM(Y)$.
       
   436 Let $\cM(M_1)_E \times_{\cM(Y)} \cM(M_2)_E$ denote the fibered product of these two maps. 
       
   437 Then (axiom) we have a map
       
   438 \[
       
   439 	\gl_Y : \cM(M_1)_E \times_{\cM(Y)} \cM(M_2)_E \to \cM(M)_E
       
   440 \]
       
   441 which is natural with respect to the actions of homeomorphisms, and also compatible with restrictions
       
   442 to the intersection of the boundaries of $M$ and $M_i$.
       
   443 If $k < n$ we require that $\gl_Y$ is injective.
       
   444 (For $k=n$, see below.)}
       
   445 
       
   446 Second, we can compose an $n$-category morphism with a module morphism to get another
       
   447 module morphism.
       
   448 We'll call this the action map to distinguish it from the other kind of composition.
       
   449 
       
   450 \xxpar{$n$-category action:}
       
   451 {Let $M = X \cup_Y M'$, where $M$ and $M'$ are marked $k$-balls ($0\le k\le n$),
       
   452 $X$ is a plain $k$-ball,
       
   453 and $Y = X\cap M'$ is a $k{-}1$-ball.
       
   454 Let $E = \bd Y$, which is a $k{-}2$-sphere.
       
   455 We have restriction maps $\cM(M')_E \to \cC(Y)$ and $\cC(X)_E\to \cC(Y)$.
       
   456 Let $\cC(X)_E \times_{\cC(Y)} \cM(M')_E$ denote the fibered product of these two maps. 
       
   457 Then (axiom) we have a map
       
   458 \[
       
   459 	\gl_Y :\cC(X)_E \times_{\cC(Y)} \cM(M')_E \to \cM(M)_E
       
   460 \]
       
   461 which is natural with respect to the actions of homeomorphisms, and also compatible with restrictions
       
   462 to the intersection of the boundaries of $X$ and $M'$.
       
   463 If $k < n$ we require that $\gl_Y$ is injective.
       
   464 (For $k=n$, see below.)}
       
   465 
       
   466 \xxpar{Module strict associativity:}
       
   467 {The composition and action maps above are strictly associative.}
       
   468 
       
   469 The above two axioms are equivalent to the following axiom,
       
   470 which we state in slightly vague form.
       
   471 \nn{need figure for this}
       
   472 
       
   473 \xxpar{Module multi-composition:}
       
   474 {Given any decomposition 
       
   475 \[
       
   476 	M =  X_1 \cup\cdots\cup X_p \cup M_1\cup\cdots\cup M_q
       
   477 \]
       
   478 of a marked $k$-ball $M$
       
   479 into small (marked and plain) $k$-balls $M_i$ and $X_j$, there is a 
       
   480 map from an appropriate subset (like a fibered product) 
       
   481 of 
       
   482 \[
       
   483 	\cC(X_1)\times\cdots\times\cC(X_p) \times \cM(M_1)\times\cdots\times\cM(M_q) 
       
   484 \]
       
   485 to $\cM(M)$,
       
   486 and these various multifold composition maps satisfy an
       
   487 operad-type strict associativity condition.}
       
   488 
       
   489 (The above operad-like structure is analogous to the swiss cheese operad
       
   490 \nn{need citation}.)
       
   491 \nn{need to double-check that this is true.}
       
   492 
       
   493 \xxpar{Module product (identity) morphisms:}
       
   494 {Let $M$ be a marked $k$-ball and $D$ be a plain $m$-ball, with $k+m \le n$.
       
   495 Then we have a map $\cM(M)\to \cM(M\times D)$, usually denoted $a\mapsto a\times D$ for $a\in \cM(M)$.
       
   496 If $f:M\to M'$ and $\tilde{f}:M\times D \to M'\times D'$ are maps such that the diagram
       
   497 \[ \xymatrix{
       
   498 	M\times D \ar[r]^{\tilde{f}} \ar[d]_{\pi} & M'\times D' \ar[d]^{\pi} \\
       
   499 	M \ar[r]^{f} & M'
       
   500 } \]
       
   501 commutes, then we have $\tilde{f}(a\times D) = f(a)\times D'$.}
       
   502 
       
   503 \nn{Need to say something about compatibility with gluing (of both $M$ and $D$) above.}
       
   504 
       
   505 There are two alternatives for the next axiom, according whether we are defining
       
   506 modules for plain $n$-categories or $A_\infty$ $n$-categories.
       
   507 In the plain case we require
       
   508 
       
   509 \xxpar{Pseudo and extended isotopy invariance in dimension $n$:}
       
   510 {Let $M$ be a marked $n$-ball and $f: M\to M$ be a homeomorphism which restricts
       
   511 to the identity on $\bd M$ and is pseudo-isotopic or extended isotopic (rel boundary) to the identity.
       
   512 Then $f$ acts trivially on $\cM(M)$.}
       
   513 
       
   514 \nn{need to rephrase this, since extended isotopies don't correspond to homeomorphisms.}
       
   515 
       
   516 We emphasize that the $\bd M$ above means boundary in the marked $k$-ball sense.
       
   517 In other words, if $M = (B, N)$ then we require only that isotopies are fixed 
       
   518 on $\bd B \setmin N$.
       
   519 
       
   520 For $A_\infty$ modules we require
       
   521 
       
   522 \xxpar{Families of homeomorphisms act.}
       
   523 {For each marked $n$-ball $M$ and each $c\in \cM(\bd M)$ we have a map of chain complexes
       
   524 \[
       
   525 	C_*(\Homeo_\bd(M))\ot \cM(M; c) \to \cM(M; c) .
       
   526 \]
       
   527 Here $C_*$ means singular chains and $\Homeo_\bd(M)$ is the space of homeomorphisms of $M$
       
   528 which fix $\bd M$.
       
   529 These action maps are required to be associative up to homotopy
       
   530 \nn{iterated homotopy?}, and also compatible with composition (gluing) in the sense that
       
   531 a diagram like the one in Proposition \ref{CDprop} commutes.
       
   532 \nn{repeat diagram here?}
       
   533 \nn{restate this with $\Homeo(M\to M')$?  what about boundary fixing property?}}
       
   534 
       
   535 \medskip
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   411 \medskip
   540 \medskip