Abstract: A method of forming an adhesive bond between a first substrate and a second substrate includes applying a semi-crystalline polymeric adhesive composition to a bonding area of the first substrate, and, after applying, disposing the second substrate adjacent to and in contact with the composition to form a workpiece. After disposing, the method includes heating the workpiece to cure the composition and thereby form a thermoset polymeric adhesive material that is crosslinked. After heating, the method includes cooling the workpiece such that the material has a crystalline molecular structure. Concurrent to cooling, the method includes imposing a stress on the material to thereby orient the crystalline molecular structure in a desired direction, and, after imposing, dissipating the stress along the crystalline molecular structure in the desired direction to thereby form the adhesive bond between the first substrate and the second substrate.

Abstract: A microfibrous article includes a substrate and a plurality of magnetic fibers disposed on the substrate. Each of the plurality of magnetic fibers is individually sheathed with a polymer and includes a plurality of magnetic particles. Further, each of the plurality of magnetic fibers is aligned along a magnetic field and not connected by the polymer to any adjacent magnetic fiber. A method of forming the microfibrous article is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention features a system and method for authenticating and authorizing a user to log onto a network element in a telecommunications optical network. The administration of security for the network is handled by a centralized authority. The centralized authority maintains the accounts for individuals authorized to log onto the network elements and their associated privileges. In one embodiment, to log onto a network element a user provides a user identifier and user authentication information to the centralized authority. The centralized authority then processes the user identifier and user authentication information to authenticate the user. If authenticated, the centralized authority determines a privilege level for the user and generates an affirmative response that includes the user identifier and the privilege level. Provided with the affirmative response, the network element logs the user onto the network element with the associated privilege level.