The set of maps F_{a,b}: x -> x+a+{b/{2 pi}} sin(2 pi x) with any given   rotation interval is contractible
  Consider the two-parameter family of real analytic maps $F_{a,b}:x \mapsto x+ a+{b\over 2\pi} \sin(2\pi x)$ which are lifts of degree one endomorphisms of the circle. The purpose of this paper is to provide a proof that for any closed interval $I$, the set of maps $F_{a,b}$ whose rotation interval is $I$, form a contractible set. 
Adam Epstein, Linda Keen, Charles Tresser