Expression of Neurog1 Instead of Atoh1 Can Partially Rescue Organ of Corti Cell Survival

In the mammalian inner ear neurosensory cell fate depends on three closely related transcription factors, Atoh1 for hair cells and Neurog1 and Neurod1 for neurons. We have previously shown that neuronal cell fate can be altered towards hair cell fate by eliminating Neurod1 mediated repression of Atoh1 expression in neurons. To test whether a similar plasticity is present in hair cell fate commitment, we have generated a knockin (KI) mouse line (Atoh1KINeurog1) in which Atoh1 is replaced by Neurog1. Expression of Neurog1 under Atoh1 promoter control alters the cellular gene expression pattern, differentiation and survival of hair cell precursors in both heterozygous (Atoh1+/KINeurog1) and homozygous (Atoh1KINeurog1/KINeurog1) KI mice. Homozygous KI mice develop patches of organ of Corti precursor cells that express Neurog1, Neurod1, several prosensory genes and neurotrophins. In addition, these patches of cells receive afferent and efferent processes. Some cells among these patches form multiple microvilli but no stereocilia. Importantly, Neurog1 expressing mutants differ from Atoh1 null mutants, as they have intermittent formation of organ of Corti-like patches, opposed to a complete ‘flat epithelium’ in the absence of Atoh1. In heterozygous KI mice co-expression of Atoh1 and Neurog1 results in change in fate and patterning of some hair cells and supporting cells in addition to the abnormal hair cell polarity in the later stages of development. This differs from haploinsufficiency of Atoh1 (Pax2cre; Atoh1f/+), indicating the effect of Neurog1 expression in developing hair cells. Our data suggest that Atoh1KINeurog1 can provide some degree of functional support for survival of organ of Corti cells. In contrast to the previously demonstrated fate plasticity of neurons to differentiate as hair cells, hair cell precursors can be maintained for a limited time by Neurog1 but do not transdifferentiate as neurons

Effects of the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill on Housing Markets

When the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded in 2010, it resulted in the largest off-shore oil spill in United States history. Economic theory dictates that the oil damage and restitution payments that resulted from the spill should be capitalized into property values. To measure the extent of this capitalization, we create a novel dataset by linking surveys of the location and severity of oil observed along over 4,300 miles of the Gulf Coast to measures of local housing market outcomes. We then perform hedonic-style analysis to determine the net effects of the spill on affected real estate markets. In doing so, we provide the first plausibly causal estimates of the effect of the spill on affected housing markets throughout the Gulf region. Identification comes from a triple-difference framework that exploits the random nature of both the spill and the spatial distribution of oil that affected coastal communities, as well as controls for the confounding effects of the housing market crash. Results suggest that on net, the BP oil spill caused a significant decline in home prices of between 4% and 8% that persisted until at least 2015. This implies housing markets capitalized $3.8 billion to$5.0 billion in spill damage inclusive of clean-up and restitution effects. These results are robust to numerous alternative definitions of treatment and control groups

Effects of the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill on Housing Markets

When the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded in 2010, it resulted in the largest off-shore oil spill in United States history. Economic theory dictates that the oil damage and restitution payments that resulted from the spill should be capitalized into property values. To measure the extent of this capitalization, we create a novel dataset by linking surveys of the location and severity of oil observed along over 4,300 miles of the Gulf Coast to measures of local housing market outcomes. We then perform hedonic-style analysis to determine the net effects of the spill on affected real estate markets. In doing so, we provide the first plausibly causal estimates of the effect of the spill on affected housing markets throughout the Gulf region. Identification comes from a triple-difference framework that exploits the random nature of both the spill and the spatial distribution of oil that affected coastal communities, as well as controls for the confounding effects of the housing market crash. Results suggest that on net, the BP oil spill caused a significant decline in home prices of between 4% and 8% that persisted until at least 2015. This implies housing markets capitalized $3.8 billion to$5.0 billion in spill damage inclusive of clean-up and restitution effects. These results are robust to numerous alternative definitions of treatment and control groups

The Fiscal Impacts of Alternative Land Uses

Current knowledge of the fiscal impacts of alternative land uses comes largely from cost of community services (CCS) case studies, the results of which are viewed skeptically in the literature due to methodological concerns. To address these issues, we develop an econometric approach that allows us to capture both the direct and indirect relationships between a complete accounting of community fiscal measures and the full distribution of acres of land uses in a jurisdiction. Using a novel panel data set, we extensively document empirical correlations that have not yet been formally established in the literature. Our results are inconsistent with the broad conclusions of CCS studies: neither a shift from agricultural to residential land nor a shift to commercial land is associated with a significant change in the budget. We provide support for and insights into our results by extending our analysis to finer revenue/expenditure and land-use subcategorie

The Fiscal Impacts of Alternative Land Uses

Current knowledge of the fiscal impacts of alternative land uses comes largely from cost of community services (CCS) case studies, the results of which are viewed skeptically in the literature due to methodological concerns. To address these issues, we develop an econometric approach that allows us to capture both the direct and indirect relationships between a complete accounting of community fiscal measures and the full distribution of acres of land uses in a jurisdiction. Using a novel panel data set, we extensively document empirical correlations that have not yet been formally established in the literature. Our results are inconsistent with the broad conclusions of CCS studies: neither a shift from agricultural to residential land nor a shift to commercial land is associated with a significant change in the budget. We provide support for and insights into our results by extending our analysis to finer revenue/expenditure and land-use subcategorie

Supplemental Material, The_Fiscal_Impacts_of_Alternative_Land_Uses-Online_Appendix - The Fiscal Impacts of Alternative Land Uses: An Empirical Investigation of Cost of Community Services Studies

<p> Supplemental Material, The_Fiscal_Impacts_of_Alternative_Land_Uses-Online_Appendix for The Fiscal Impacts of Alternative Land Uses: An Empirical Investigation of Cost of Community Services Studies by Christopher M. Clapp, James Freeland, Keith Ihlanfeldt, and Kevin Willardsen in Public Finance Review </p