Myers–Pospelov model as an ensemble of Pais–Uhlenbeck oscillators: unitarity and Lorentz invariance violation
We study a generalization of the Pais–Uhlenbeck oscillator for fermionic variables. Next, we consider an ensemble of these oscillators and we identify a particular case of the Myers–Pospelov model which is relevant for effective theories of quantum gravity. Finally, by taking advantage of this connection, we analyze, for this model, unitarity at one loop order in the low energy regime where no ghost states can be created on-shell. This energy regime is the relevant one when we consider the Myers–Pospelov model as a true effective theory coming from a new space-time structure.

title: Unitarity in higher-order Lorentz-invariance violating QED
abstract: The unitarity in Lorentz invariance violating QED consisting of standard fermions and higher-order photons of the Myers-Pospelov theory is studied. We find ghost states associated to the higher-order character of the theory which could render the $S$ matrix nonunitary. An explicit calculation to check perturbative unitarity in the process of electron-positron scattering is performed and it is found to be possible to preserve unitarity.

title: Alternative approaches to Lorentz violation invariance in loop quantum gravity inspired models
abstract: Recent claims point out that possible violations of Lorentz symmetry appearing in some semiclassical models of extended matter dynamics motivated by loop quantum gravity can be removed by a different choice of phase-space variables. In this note we show that such alternative is inconsistent with (i) the choice of variables in the regularized underlying quantum theory from which the effective theories are derived and (ii) the application of the correspondence principle. A consistent choice will violate standard Lorentz invariance, with the exception of trivial zero Planck scale corrections which are allowed by the analysis. Thus, for nontrivial corrections, to preserve a relativity principle in these models, the linear realization of Lorentz symmetry should be extended or superseded.

title: Unitarity, ghosts and nonminimal terms in Lorentz violating QED
abstract: The unitarity of a Lorentz-invariance violating QED model with higher-order Myers and Pospelov photons coupled to standard fermions is studied. As expected, we find ghost states associated to the higher-order terms that may lead to the loss of unitarity. An explicit calculation to check perturbative unitarity in the process of electron-positron scattering is performed and it is found to be possible to be preserved.

title: Unitarity in a Lorentz symmetry breaking model with higher-order operators
abstract: We analyze the unitarity of a modified QED with higher-order terms that violate Lorentz symmetry. We make an explicit calculation to verify unitarity at the one-loop level. As expected we find negative norm states that could in principle lead to a violation of unitarity. However, we show that these states become massive in Euclidean space and do not contribute to the discontinuity.

title: Higher time derivatives, stability and Fermi Statistics
abstract: We show that statistics is crucial for the instability problem derived from higher time derivatives. In fact, and contrary to previous statements, we check that when dealing with Fermi systems, the Hamiltonian is well bounded and the quantum states are normalizable. Although, ghost states are still present, they do not affect unitarity under certain conditions. We first analyze a quantum oscillator involving Grassman variables and then we generalize it to a Dirac field. Finally, we discuss some physical implications

title: Structure of the ABC Transporter MsbA in Complex with ADP·Vanadate and Lipopolysaccharide
abstract: Select members of the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette (ABC) transporter family couple ATP binding and hydrolysis to substrate efflux and confer multidrug resistance. We have determined the x-ray structure of MsbA in complex with magnesium, adenosine diphosphate, and inorganic vanadate (Mg·ADP·Vi) and the rough-chemotype lipopolysaccharide, Ra LPS. The structure supports a model involving a rigid-body torque of the two transmembrane domains during ATP hydrolysis and suggests a mechanism by which the nucleotide-binding domain communicates with the transmembrane domain. We propose a lipid “flip-flop” mechanism in which the sugar groups are sequestered in the chamber while the hydrophobic tails are dragged through the lipid bilayer.

title: Flexibility in the ABC transporter MsbA: Alternating access with a twist
abstract: ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are integral membrane proteins that translocate a wide variety of substrates across cellular membranes and are conserved from bacteria to humans. Here we compare four x-ray structures of the bacterial ABC lipid flippase, MsbA, trapped in different conformations, two nucleotide-bound structures and two in the absence of nucleotide. Comparison of the nucleotide-free conformations of MsbA reveals a flexible hinge formed by extracellular loops 2 and 3. This hinge allows the nucleotide-binding domains to disassociate while the ATP-binding half sites remain facing each other. The binding of the nucleotide causes a packing rearrangement of the transmembrane helices and changes the accessibility of the transporter from cytoplasmic (inward) facing to extracellular (outward) facing. The inward and outward openings are mediated by two different sets of transmembrane helix interactions. Altogether, the conformational changes between these structures suggest that large ranges of motion may be required for substrate transport.