Associated polynomials and birth-death processes

We consider sequences of orthogonal polynomials with positive zeros, and pursue the question of how (partial) knowledge of the orthogonalizing measure for the {\it associated polynomials} can lead to information about the orthogonalizing measure for the original polynomials, with a view to applications in the setting of birth-death processes. In particular, we relate the supports of the two measures, and their moments of positive and negative orders. Our results indicate how the prevalence of recurrence or $\alpha$-recurrence in a birth-death process can be recognized from certain properties of an associated measure.