A novel method for the semi-quantitative evaluation of molecular meshing in molecular complexes and assemblies (SAVPR: surface analysis with varying probe radii) is proposed. SAVPR revealed that the extremely high stability of hexameric assemblies (nanocubes) is due to tight molecular meshing between the components in the assemblies, indicating the importance of van der Waals interactions in hydrophobic molecular assemblies.

The effect of the methyl groups in neutral gear-shaped amphiphiles (GSAs) on the stability of nanocubes was investigated using a novel C-symmetric GSA, which was synthesized using selective alternate trilithiation of a pentabrominated hexaphenylbenzene derivative. The lack of only one methyl group in the GSA decreased the association constant for the assembly of the nanocube by 3 orders of magnitude. A surface analysis recently developed by the authors (SAVPR: surface analysis with varying probe radii) was carried out for characteristic isomers of the nanocube consisting of C-symmetric GSAs. It was found that the methyl groups near the equator of the nanocube play a significant role in the stabilization of the nanocubes.

Growth of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) seedlings under low temperature stress was investigated using several cultivars to estimate suitable rootstocks for direct transplanting of plug seedlings under low temperature condition. Plants were grown in a growth chamber at 25•Ž