Jim is correct saying in that the front will work on the rear and may i add that the rear can work on the front. The short spindle will let you fit a nut hidden inside the bottom of the steerer tube/crown, something you used to see on time trial machines..Usually no, because the mounting bolts are too short. It's often possible to buy longer mounting bolts - it used to be that a Campagnolo front recessed bolt was about the correct length to be used on a rear caliper with external fittings but things may have changed over the years.
If you mean will external nut brake calipers fit a frame with recessed fittings the answer is usually yes as long as some form of packing has been inserted in the recess.