Constructions of algebraic lattices

In this work we present constructions of algebraic lattices in Euclidean space with optimal center density in dimensions 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 12, which are rotated versions of the lattices Λn, for n = 2,3,4,6,8 and K12. These algebraic lattices are constructed through twisted canonical homomorphism via ideals of a ring of algebraic integers. Mathematical subject classification: 18B35, 94A15, 20H10.

Constructions of ideal lattices with full diversity

In this paper, we present new constructions of ideal lattices for the Rayleigh fading channel in Euclidean spaces with full diversity. These constructions are through totally real subfields of cyclotomic fields, obtained by endowing their ring of integers. With this method we reproduce rotated versions of algebraic lattices where the performance in terms of minimum product distance is related with the field determinant.

Algebraic constructions of densest lattices

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

The verb slot in causative constructions. Finding the best fit

Using the technique of multiple distinctive collexeme analysis, this paper seeks to determine the verbs that are distinctively associated with the non-finite verb slot of English periphrastic causative constructions. Not only does the analysis reveal that the various causative constructions are attracted to essentially different verbs, but by examining how these verbs fall into semantic classes, it also hints at subtle differences in meaning between the constructions. In addition, the paper shows how the technique of multiple distinctive collexeme analysis can be usefully combined with other, complementary methods, and briefly discusses a number of factors which influence the results of multiple distinctive collexeme analysis and should therefore ideally be taken into account.

The construal of constructions: causal and temporal interpretations in change constructions

In this paper I first discuss some non-causal change constructions which have largely gone unnoticed in the literature, such as The butler bowed the guests in (which is said to code mild causation) and The supporters booed Newcastle off at the interval (which only codes temporal coextension between its two constitutive subevents). Since the same structure (i.e. the transitive object-oriented change construction) can be used to code a wide spectrum of causal and temporal relations, the question arises of what cognitive mechanisms may be involved in such meaning shifts. I argue that variation can be motivated on the basis of the figure/ground segregation which the conceptualiser can impose upon the integrated scene coded by the change construction. The integrated scene depicts a force-dynamic scenario but also evokes a unique temporal setting (i.e. temporal overlap or coextension between the constitutive subevents). Such a “bias” towards temporal overlap can be used by the conceptualiser to background causation and highlight temporal overlap interpretations. It is also shown that figure/ground segregation can be appealed to to account for the causal interpretation of intransitive change constructions, e.g. The kettle boiled dry. If the conceptual distance between the verbal event and the non-verbal event is (relatively) great, causality can be highlighted even in intransitive patterns.

Context types in grammaticalization as constructions

In recent grammaticalization studies, the notion of “context types” has been employed to describe the successive diachronic stages that are associated with grammaticalization processes. It has been shown that a new grammatical function does not arise homogenously in all uses of the linguistic item concerned, but in its origin is bound to specific linguistic “contexts” or “constructions”. However, the notions of “context” as well as “construction” differ greatly among scholars, and research into the impact of constructions in grammaticalization scenarios, and into ways to formalized context types and constructions for diachronic purposes has only begun. The present study advances in this direction as it links the notion of context types of grammaticalization studies with central concepts of construction grammar. Using diachronic data from grammaticalization phenomena of German, successive types of contexts, i.e. critical contexts and isolating contexts, which are typically found in grammaticalization processes, are analyzed as specific types of idiomatic constructions in the sense the term is used in construction grammar.