Interface Between Topological and Superconducting Qubits

We propose and analyze an interface between a topological qubit and a superconducting flux qubit. In our scheme, the interaction between Majorana fermions in a topological insulator is coherently controlled by a superconducting phase that depends on the quantum state of the flux qubit. A controlled phase gate, achieved by pulsing this interaction on and off, can transfer quantum information between the topological qubit and the superconducting qubit.Comment: 12 pages, 7 figures. V2: Final version as published in Phys. Rev. Lett, with detailed clarifications in the Appendi

Predictors of homelessness among families and single adults after exit from homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing programs: evidence from the Department of Veterans Affairs Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program

This article assesses the extent and predictors of homelessness among Veterans (both Veterans in families with children and single adults Veterans) exiting the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, which is a nationwide homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing program geared primarily towards those experiencing crisis homelessness. Among rapid re-housing participants, 16% and 26% of single adult Veterans experienced an episode of homelessness at one and two years post-SSVF exit; the comparable figures at those follow-up times for Veterans in families were 9.4% and 15.5%, respectively. Relatively fewer single adult Veterans and Veterans in families receiving homelessness prevention services experienced an episode of homelessness at one and two years post-SSVF exit. Veteran-level characteristics, including age, gender, prior history of homelessness and recent engagement with VA healthcare were generally more salient predictors of homelessness following SSVF exit than variables measuring SSVF program factors, or community-level housing market conditions.U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center on Homelessness Among Veteran

Does Practice-Based Teacher Preparation Increase Student Achievement? Early Evidence from the Boston Teacher Residency

The Boston Teacher Residency is an innovative practice-based preparation program in which candidates work alongside a mentor teacher for a year before becoming a teacher of record in Boston Public Schools. We find that BTR graduates are more racially diverse than other BPS novices, more likely to teach math and science, and more likely to remain teaching in the district through year five. Initially, BTR graduates for whom value-added performance data are available are no more effective at raising student test scores than other novice teachers in English language arts and less effective in math. The effectiveness of BTR graduates in math improves rapidly over time, however, such that by their fourth and fifth years they out-perform veteran teachers. Simulations of the program’s overall impact through retention and effectiveness suggest that it is likely to improve student achievement in the district only modestly over the long run.

Does Practice-Based Teacher Preparation Increase Student Achievement? Early Evidence from the Boston Teacher Residency

The Boston Teacher Residency is an innovative practice-based preparation program in which candidates work alongside a mentor teacher for a year before becoming a teacher of record in Boston Public Schools. We find that BTR graduates are more racially diverse than other BPS novices, more likely to teach math and science, and more likely to remain teaching in the district through year five. Initially, BTR graduates for whom value-added performance data are available are no more effective at raising student test scores than other novice teachers in English language arts and less effective in math. The effectiveness of BTR graduates in math improves rapidly over time, however, such that by their fourth and fifth years they out-perform veteran teachers. Simulations of the program’s overall impact through retention and effectiveness suggest that it is likely to improve student achievement in the district only modestly over the long run

Problems and Progress in Flare Fast Particle Diagnostics

Recent progress in the diagnosis of flare fast particles is critically discussed with the main emphasis on high resolution Hard X-Ray (HXR) data from RHESSI and coordinated data from other instruments. Spectacular new photon data findings are highlighted as are advances in theoretical aspects of their use as fast particle diagnostics, and some important comparisons made with interplanetary particle data. More specifically the following topics are addressed (a) RHESSI data on HXR (electron) versus gamma-ray line (ion) source locations. (b) RHESSI hard X-ray source spatial structure in relation to theoretical models and loop density structure. (c) Energy budget of flare electrons and the Neupert effect. (d) Spectral deconvolution methods including blind target testing and results for RHESSI HXR spectra, including the reality and implications of dips inferred in electron spectra (e) The relation between flare in-situ and interplanetary particle data.Comment: 15 pages, 13 figures, submitted to Advances in Space Researc