Abstract: Cercis ‘Ruby Falls’ is a new and distinct variety of redbud that has the following unique combination of desirable features that are outstanding in a new variety. 1. Weeping growth habit. 2. Ease of asexual propagation using chip-budding. 3. Emerging foliage with deep purple color, transitioning to burgundy and eventually green during the growing season. 4. Bright purple flowers produced in abundance during the spring.

Abstract: Cercis ‘Merlot’ is a new and distinct variety of redbud that has the following unique combination of desirable features that are outstanding in a new variety. 1. Moderate vigor resulting in moderate plant size. 2. Ease of asexual propagation using chip-budding. 3. Semi-upright growth habit. 4. Emerging foliage with deep purple color, transitioning to burgundy and eventually green during the growing season. 5. Glossy leaf surface. 6. Bright lavender flowers produced in abundance during the spring. 7. Low female fertility resulting in reduced pod set.

Abstract: A solar trough frame for holding solar mirrors includes a plurality of chords. The frame includes a plurality of extruded profiles, including chords, chord sleeves, struts, strut end pieces and mirror support pieces, each chord sleeve having at least one chord sleeve fin, each chord sleeve positioned about one of the chords. The frame includes a plurality of struts, at least one of the struts having a strut end piece having at least one strut fin that connects with a chord sleeve fin to connect the plurality of chords. The frame includes a platform supported by the chords and struts on which the solar mirrors are disposed. A chord sleeve for connecting a chord of a solar frame which supports solar mirrors to a strut end piece extending from a strut of the solar frame. A strut end piece for connecting the strut of a solar frame which supports solar mirrors to a chord sleeve of the solar frame. A method for linking a strut of a solar frame which supports solar mirrors to a chord of the solar frame.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) circuit includes first and second terminals, a forward circuit including a number of LEDs electrically connected in series, and a forward steering diode electrically connected in series with the LEDs. The series combination of the forward steering diode and the LEDs is electrically connected between the first and second terminals, and is structured to conduct current in a first direction with respect to the first and second terminals in order to illuminate the LEDs. A reverse circuit includes a resistor, and a reverse steering diode electrically connected in series with the resistor. The series combination of the reverse steering diode and the resistor is electrically connected between the first and second terminals, and is structured to conduct current in an opposite second direction with respect to the first and second terminals such that the LEDs are not illuminated. An LED drive circuit is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for rapid haplotyping a DNA or RNA segment. Two or more target sites on a segment of DNA or RNA are labeled with separate distinguishable luminescent hybridization probes, where the targets are selected genetic markers. A dilute solution is formed containing the labeled DNA or RNA segments. Each DNA or RNA segment is illuminated with light beams effective to excite each luminescent hybridization probe, when present. The presence or absence of each luminescent hybridization probe on each DNA or RNA segment is detected to determine the haplotype of each DNA or RNA segment.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of detecting a binding event between biomolecules is disclosed and includes admixing a target molecule including a first fluorophore and membrane vesicles including a trifunctional linker molecule, said trifunctional linker molecule including a second fluorophore, to form a sample, introducing a library of elements into said sample, each of said library elements having a binding affinity for said trifunctional linker molecule, and, screening said sample for fluorescence from said first fluorophore and said second fluorophore, such fluorescence indicative of a binding event between an element from said library of elements and said target molecule.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of ornamental peach tree called ‘Corinthian Pink’ is provided that demonstrates a norrowly columnar growth habit, a vigorous growth rate, medium purple foliage, and an abundance of light pink-colored, double flowers. The new cultivar produces very few fruit, and is intended for use as a spring flowering ornamental plant in the home landscape.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of edible peach tree which has the following unique combination of desirable features that are outstanding in a new variety. 1. High flower bud chilling (cold) requirement resulting in later flowering relative to other commercial varieties of peach. 2. Flower buds which demonstrate a high level of resistance to cold temperature injury. 3. Firm, white flesh fruit with low levels of organic acids, resulting in fruit with a mild, sweet taste. 4. Heavy and regular bearing of large size fruit, up to 3½ inches in axial diameter. 5. Fruit with late maturity.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of peach tree which is distinguished by the ability of its flower buds to survive cold temperatures that are typically injurious to flower buds of standard peach varieties during dormancy and bloom, resulting in the production of fruit even in years when such cold temperatures eliminate the crop on standard peach varieties. The variety produces freestone, yellow flesh fruit that are mature for fresh consumption approximately July 7-10 in south central North Carolina.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of peach tree which is distinguished by the ability of its flower buds to survive cold temperatures that are typically injurious to flower buds of standard peach varieties during dormancy and bloom, resulting in the production of fruit even in years when such cold temperatures eliminate the crop on standard peach varieties. The variety produces freestone, yellow flesh fruit that are mature for fresh consumption approximately July 1 in south central North Carolina.

Abstract: Prunus persica (L.) Batsch ‘Galactica’ is a new and distinct variety of edible peach tree that has the following unique combination of desirable features that are outstanding in a new variety. 1. Flower buds that demonstrate a high level of resistance to cold temperature injury. 2. Firm, white, low acid flesh fruit with excellent flavor and aroma. 3. Heavy and regular bearing of large size fruit, up to 3 inches in axial diameter. 4. Fruit with early maturity, typically early July in North Carolina. 5. Unique saucer-shaped fruit.

Abstract: Prunus persica (L.) Batsch ‘Carolina Gold’ is a new and distinct variety of edible peach tree that has the following unique combination of desirable features that are outstanding in a new variety. 1. High flower bud chilling (cold) requirement resulting in later flowering relative to many other commercial varieties of peach. 2. Flower buds which demonstrate a high level of resistance to cold temperature injury. 3. Firm, yellow flesh fruit with excellent flavor and aroma, and flesh that is resistant to browning after slicing. 4. Heavy and regular bearing of large size fruit, up to 3 inches in axial diameter. 5. Fruit with late maturity. 6. Foliage and fruit highly resistant to infection by bacterial spot disease.

Abstract: Buddleja ‘Miss Ruby’ is a new and distinct variety of butterfly bush that has the following unique combination of desirable features that are outstanding in a new variety. 1. Moderate vigor resulting in compact growth habit. 2. Ease of asexual propagation using softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings. 3. Upright growth habit with flowers borne stiffly on upright shoots. 4. Low female fertility and reduced seed set, resulting in less opportunity for seedlings to originate in the landscape setting. 5. Bright pink flower color, unknown in any other butterfly bush variety known to the inventor.

Abstract: Buddleja ‘Blue Chip’ is a new and distinct variety of butterfly bush that has the following unique combination of desirable features that are outstanding in a new variety. 1. Moderate vigor resulting in compact growth habit. 2. Ease of asexual propagation using softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings. 3. Spreading growth habit with multi-branched stems. 4. Male sterility, and low female fertility and reduced seed set, resulting in less opportunity for seedlings to originate in the landscape setting. 5. Blue flower color.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of ornamental peach tree called `Corinthian White` is provided that demonstrates a narrowly columnar growth habit, a vigorous growth rate, green foliage, bright green new stems, and an abundance of white-colored, double flowers. The new cultivar produces very few fruit, and is intended for use as a Spring flowering ornamental plant in the home landscape.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of ornamental peach tree called `Corinthian Rose` is provided that demonstrates a narrowly columnar growth habit, a vigorous growth rate, dark purple foliage, and an abundance of dark pink colored, double flowers. The new cultivar produces very few fruit, and is intended for use as a Spring flowering ornamental plant in the home landscape.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of peach tree called `Corinthian Mauve` is provided that demonstrates narrowly columnar growth habit, a vigorous growth rate, green foliage, and an abundance of mauve-colored, double flowers. The new cultivar produces very few fruit, and is intended for use as a Spring flowering ornamental plant in the home landscape.