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Milk quality is influenced by many factors including rank lactation This study aims to present the evolution of the main quality parameters of milk as the fat, protein, lactose, dry matter and the number of somatic cells for the first five lactations in Bălţată Românească breed during twelve official controls, starting in June 2015 until the month of April 2016. The biological material studied was represented by three herds of dairy cows in three farms from Sălaj County (Crasna, Marin and Bodia villages). Analyzing qualitative parameters of milk obtained from the herds in lactation 1 during the 12 controls, there was a percent of 3.58% fat, 3.05% protein, 4.49% lactose and 8.48% dry substance and less than 100,000 cells/mL for SCC. in Crasna farm. These parameters varied over the five lactations, the highest values being ranked in lactation five. Herd from Marin farm presented a fat content of 4.44% in lactation 2, while the lowest percentage of fat was recorded in lactation 3 (3.66%). Regarding the protein, the highest percentage was obtained in lactation 2 (3.70%) and the lowest in lactation 1 (3.39%). In the farm from Bodia the values were intermediate between the two other farms. Lactation rank affects milk quality, so in lactation 1 there were recorded the lowest values of quality parameters of milk. Somatic cell count was under 100,000 for all three farms, suggesting a good health status of the herds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The National Children's Study is a long-term epidemiologic study of 100,000 children from 105 locations across the United States. It will require information on a large number of environmental variables to address its core hypotheses. The resources available to collect actual home and personal exposure samples are limited, with most of the home sampling completed on periodic visits and the personal sampling generally limited to biomonitoring. To fill major data gaps, extant data will be required for each study location. The Queens Vanguard Center has examined the extent of those needs and the types of data that are generally and possibly locally available. Data: In this review we identify three levels of data-national, state and county-and local data and information sets (levels 1-3, respectively), each with different degrees of availability and completeness, that can be used as a starting point for the extant data collection in each study location over time. We present an example on the use of this tiered approach, to tailor the data needs for Queens County and to provide general guidance for application to other NCS locations. Conclusions: Preexisting and continually evolving databases are available for use in the NCS to characterize exposure. The three levels of data we identified will be used to test a method for developing exposure indices for segments and homes during the pilot phase of NCS, as outlined in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A post-chemiluminescence (PCL) phenomenon was observed when pentoxyverine citrate solution was injected into the reaction mixture after the finish of chemiluminescence (CL) reaction of N-chlorosuccinimide (NCS) and alkaline dichlorofluorescein. The possible reaction mechanism was proposed based on the studies of the CL kinetic characteristics, the CL spectra and the fluorescence spectra of some related substances. Based on the PCL reaction, a rapid and sensitive method for the determination of pentoxyverine citrate was established. The linear response range of this method was from 6.0×10−9 to 1.0×10−6 gmL−1 with a linear correlation coefficient of 0.9998. The relative standard deviation for 2.0×10−8 gmL−1 pentoxyverine citrate was 2.1% (n =11). The detection limit was 9×10−10 gmL−1. This method has been applied to the determination of pentoxyverine citrate in human plasma and pharmaceutical samples with the satisfactory results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Bulged sites in DNA and RNA have become targets for rational drug design due to their suspected involvement in a number of key biomolecular processes. A lead compound, derived from the enediyne natural product NCS-chrom has been used to inform chemical synthesis of a family of designed probes of DNA bulges, one of which shows 80nM affinity for a two base bulged target. Key contributors to binding of these spirocyclic compounds have been studied in order to correlate affinity and specificity with structural features. Herein, we demonstrate that the glycosyl linkage stereochemistry of the pendant aminofucosyl group plays a pivotal role in binding, and coupled with insight obtained with various bulged targets, will allow rational design of second generation ligands. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A facile and regioselective protocol for the halogenation of 1-alkyl-7-azaisatins with NBS or NCS in aprotic solvents under mild conditions to synthesize 1-alkyl-5-halo-7-azaisatins was developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper studies the problem of filtering in networked control systems (NCSs) with multiple packet dropouts. A new formulation enables us to assign separate dropout rates from the sensors to the controller and from the controller to the actuators. By employing the new formulation, random dropout rates are transformed into stochastic parameters in the system’s representation. A generalized -norm for systems with stochastic parameters and both stochastic and deterministic inputs is derived. The stochastic -norm of the filtering error is used as a criterion for filter design in the NCS framework. A set of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) is given to solve the corresponding filter design problem. A simulation example supports the theory. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Regiospecific chlorination of xylenes has been developed by employing NCS as a reagent and K-10 montmorrillonite clay as a solid support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we focus on the development of the critical outcomes of the South African National Curriculum Statement via a generative use of computers approach developed within a framework of learning as design, Csikszentmihalyi's notion of optimal flow and Activity Theory. The strategy aimed at introducing a sense of novelty, developing cooperation, providing a structure to analyse data and solve problems, as well as enabling learners to use technology. Data were generated via a questionnaire, interviews, learner journals, observational notes, learner artefacts and evaluation reports. These data suggest that the generative use of computers within a hypermedia projectbased learning approach was successful in terms of helping to develop Grade 6 learners to be creative-critical-effective problem solvers, collaborators, responsible persons, collectors and analyzers of information, effective communicators and informed and skilled users of science and technology. Although not an explicit objective of the project, it became apparent that the learners had also developed a higher level of awareness of the notion of audience and significance of evidence during the course of the intervention. The dynamics of the strategy are considered in the light of Activity Theory as applied to ICT integrated classrooms. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: The faceted morphology and dislocation structures in all the facets of austenite precipitates in a duplex stainless steel were investigated with an extended near-coincidence-sites (NCS) method based on the orientation relationship (OR) generated by the O-line model. The prominent facets of the precipitates are parallel to three sets of principal Moiré planes containing high areal density of NCS, respectively. The Burgers vector and the spacing of the misfit dislocations were determined by a Moiré plane trace analysis and a displacement decomposition method. The observed misfit dislocations were consistently explained by the current approach, but the calculated fine dislocations were not observed experimentally. The terrace-ledge-kink structures in terms of both ferrite and austenite lattices were also graphically illustrated. The present geometric approach can also be applied to other systems containing lath- or rod-shaped precipitates, especially when the interfacial structures cannot be described by periodic O-lattice elements. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A mobile laboratory was developed for students of the ECE5320 Mechatronies and ECE7750 Distributed Control Systems courses at Utah State University. A serial server was connected to the microcontroller of a stand-alone omni-directional robotic wheel assembly. This enabled communication between the wheel and any remote computer, via a wired or wireless Internet connection. A telepresence control system and a prototype networked control system (NCS) were developed and tested. This system was suitably modified to accommodate the needs of the course laboratories, thereby enabling students to design, debug and test their laboratory project in real-time from the comfort of their own locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A post-chemiluminescence (PCL) was observed when loperamide hydrochloride solution was injected into the reaction mixture after the finish of CL reaction of alkaline N-Chlorosuccinimide (NCS) and dichlorofluorescein. Based on this phenomenon, a simple, sensitive and fast flow injection PCL method was established for the determination of loperamide hydrochloride. The possible mechanism for the PCL reaction was discussed via the investigation of the CL kinetic characteristics, the CL spectra, the fluorescence spectra. The PCL intensity responded linearly to the concentration of loperamide hydrochloride in the range 8.0×10-10 to 6.0×10-7 g · ml-1 with a linear correlation of 0.9995. The detection limit was 4×10-10 g · ml-1. The relative standard deviation was 2.4% for 4.0×10-8 g · ml-1 loperamide hydrochloride (n=11). This method has been applied to the determination of loperamide hydrochloride in human plasma and pharmaceutical samples with satisfactory results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

α-Halogenation of various carbonyl compounds such as β-keto-esters, cyclic ketones, and lactams with N-halosuccinamides (NBS, NCS, NIS) in the presence of DMSO proceeded very smoothly to give the corresponding α-monohalogenated products in good to excellent yields with high selectivity under catalyst-free conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CdSe nanocrystals (NCs) have great application prospects in various fields due to their novel properties. Some high-cost and toxic materials such as tri-n-octylphosphine oxide (TOPO) are used in the popular method to synthesize CdSe NCs. Based on this, a new low-cost, environmentfriendly and safe solvent was introduced in the synthesis of CdSe NCs in this paper. The prepared CdSe NCs were characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectra (UV-Vis), photoluminescence (PL), transmission electron micrograph (TEM), energy disperse X-ray spectra (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The CdSe NCs obtained which show a good PL property are monodisperse, size-tunable and of high crystallinity. It indicates that the new solvent A is a good substitute for the solvent used in the classic route and achieves a greener synthesis of CdSe NCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A unique family of proteins have been identified in the Deinococcus genus with an N-terminal cobalamin (vitamin B12) chelatase domain denoted CbiX and an additional unique C-terminal domain with unknown function. Here we report the first crystal structure from this new family of proteins with the structure of Deinococcus radiodurans protein DR2241. The structure reveals a multi-domain protein where domains A (residues 1–132) has the same fold as the small CbiX (CbiXS), domains A and B (residues 1–272) follow the chelatase super-family fold and the two additional unique domains C and D have no structural homologues. Domain D harbours the sequence motifs CxxC and CxxxC, in which DR2241 gives the first evidence that these motifs bind a [4Fe–4S] iron–sulphur cluster. In solution there are indications of multimeric forms, and in the crystallographic asymmetric unit a tetramer is found where domains C and D are involved in stabilising the tetrameric assembly. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, we present a novel method for preparing surface-modified Mg(OH)2 nanocrystallines (ncs), in which stearic acid (SA) as a surface modified agent was first introduced into a conventional azeotropic distillation (AD) system (n-butanol and wet colloid). During the modified AD process, SA could react with the exterior hydroxyls of Mg(OH)2 ncs to form surface modified layer, which would prevent the possibility of hard agglomeration of Mg(OH)2 ncs and change the surface character of Mg(OH)2 ncs from hydrophilicity to hydrophobicity. Therefore, the surface-modification and drying of Mg(OH)2 ncs was simultaneously processed. In addition, the structure and the properties of surface-modified Mg(OH)2 ncs were characterized by TEM, FT-IR, XRD, TGA, CAM (contact angle measurement), and the forming mechanism was also discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Bulged structures in DNA and RNA have been linked to biomolecular processes involved in numerous diseases, thus probes with affinity for these nucleic acid targets would be of considerable utility to chemical biologists. Herein, we report guided chemical synthesis of small molecules capable of binding to DNA bulges by virtue of their unique (spirocyclic) geometry. The agents, modeled on a natural product congener, show pronounced selectivity for specific bulged motifs and are able to enhance slipped DNA synthesis, a hallmark functional assay of bulge binding. Significantly, bulge-agent complexes demonstrate characteristic fluorescent signatures depending on bulge and flanking sequence in the oligo. It is anticipated that these signature patterns can be harnessed as molecular probes of bulged hotspots in DNA and RNA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Introduction: We extend prior reports about the risk of dependence on specific drugs by providing developmental-specific risk estimates for progression from first use to meeting criteria for DSM-III-R dependence upon cannabis, cocaine, or alcohol, as well as male–female differences. Methods: The data are from the National Comorbidity Survey, with a national probability sample of persons 15–44 years old in the United States, which included many respondents who used cannabis, cocaine and alcohol on at least one occasion (n =3558, 1337, and 6149, for cannabis, cocaine, and alcohol, respectively). Survival analysis procedures provided cumulative risk estimates of progression from first use to dependence upon each drug. Results: The estimated risk of cannabis dependence among male cannabis users was 1% in the first year after first use, and reached a peak at 4% per year 2 years later, before declining. In contrast, the estimated risk of cannabis dependence among female cannabis users remained at 1% per year for 3 years, without the peak. For both male and female cocaine users, the estimated risk for developing cocaine dependence was 5 to 6% within the first year after first use. Thereafter, the estimated risk declined from the peak value, with a somewhat faster decline for females in the next 3 years after first use. For alcohol, the estimated risk period extended for many years after the first drink, with female drinkers becoming alcohol dependent at a rate of about 1% per year; with somewhat higher risk for male drinkers. For both male and female drinkers, the period of risk for developing alcohol dependence extended for a span of more than 20 years since first use; for cannabis and cocaine, the estimated period of risk was much shorter. Comment: There are male–female differences in the risk of becoming cannabis dependent during the first several years after initiation of cannabis use, less pronounced male–female differences for alcohol, and relatively smaller male–female differences for cocaine. These results should interest scientists whose focus is upon the origins of male–female differences in the occurrence of drug dependence. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Although colour science has been widely used in a variety of industries over the years, it has not been fully explored in the field of product design. This paper will initially introduce the three main application fields of colour science: colour specification, colour-difference evaluation and colour appearance modelling. By integrating these advanced colour technologies together with modern colour imaging devices such as display, camera, scanner and printer, some computer systems have been recently developed to assist designers for designing colour palettes through colour selection by means of a number of widely used colour order systems, for creating harmonised colour schemes via a categorical colour system, for generating emotion colours using various colour emotional scales and for facilitating colour naming via a colour-name library. All systems are also capable of providing accurate colour representation on displays and output to different imaging devices such as printers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A shortfall of the scattering intensity from protons has been observed in liquids (water, benzene, etc.) and solids (metal hydrogen systems, organic polymers, etc.) using neutron Compton scattering (NCS). The conventional NCS data reduction scheme, used to obtain the scattering intensities, is based on the convolution approximation (CA) of the nuclear momentum distribution with the instrument resolution function. This scheme has been severely criticized. It was claimed that it is the way the energy resolution function is incorporated in the CA data processing that leads to an underestimation of the scattering intensity. In the present work, the CA data reduction scheme is compared to a model-free approach newly proposed by Dorner. This new scheme is independent of the form of the momentum distribution and the resolution function. Specifically, the ratios of the scattering cross section densities of H to C are presented for a measurement on a polyethylene (PE) sample. The new data reduction scheme is shown to lead to the same results as for the experimental data published earlier and treated with the CA approximation thus refuting the aforementioned criticisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A flow injection system coupled with two simple and sensitive chemiluminescence (CL) methods is described for the determination of some phenolic compounds. The methods are based on the inhibition effects of the investigated phenols on the CL signal intensities of N-chlorosuccinimide-KI-luminol (NCS-KI-luminol) and NCS-luminol systems. The influences of the chemical and hydrodynamic parameters on the decrease in CL signal intensities of NCS-KI-luminol and NCS-luminol systems for hydroquinone, catechol, and resorcinol, serving as the model compounds of analyte, were studied in the flow injection mode of analysis. Under the selected conditions, the proposed CL systems were used for the determination of some phenolic compound and analytical characteristics of the systems including calibration equation, correlation coefficient, linear dynamic range, limit of detection, and sample throughput. The limits of detection for hydroquinone, catechol, and resorcinol were 0.002, 0.01, and 0.3 μM using the NCS-KI-luminol system; for the NCS-luminol system these were 0.01, 0.17, and 1.6 μM, respectively. The relative standard deviation for 10 repeated measurements of 0.04, 0.06, and 1 μM of hydroquinone, catechol, and resorcinol were 1.9, 1.4, and 2.0%, respectively, with the NCS-KI-luminol system; for 0.2, 0.5, and 4 μM of hydroquinone, catechol, and resorcinol these were 2.6, 2.2, and 3.7%, respectively, using the NCS-luminol system. The method was applied to the determination of catechol in known environmental water samples with a relative error of less than 6%. A possible reaction mechanism of the proposed CL system is discussed briefly. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A detailed theoretical survey on the potential energy surface for the CH2CO+NCX(X=O, S) reaction is carried out at the QCISD/6-311+G(d, p)//B3LYP/6-311+G (d, p) level. The geometries, vibrational frequencies and energies of all stationary points involved in the reactions are calculated at the B3LYP/6-311+G(d, p) level. And the more accurate energy information is provided by single point calculations at the QCISD(T)/6-311+G(d, p) level. Relationships of the reactants, transition states, intermediates and products are confirmed by the intrinsic reaction coordinate (IRC) calculations. The calculations suggest that the channel producing CH2NCO+CO is the dominant one, and CH2NCO+CO is the major product for the CH2CO+NCO reaction. The results are in good agreement with experiments. And similarly, product CH2NCS+CO is the most important product for the CH2CO+NCS reaction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A new nitrogen source combination was found for the regio- and stereoselective diamination of α,β-unsaturated ketones. This combination employs the readily available and inexpensive combination of NCS and 2-NsNH2 as the electrophilic nitrogen source, and acetonitrile as the nucleophilic nitrogen source, respectively. The reaction is easily performed by mixing olefin, 2-NsNH2, NCS and 4Å molecular sieves in freshly distilled acetonitrile at room temperature. The reaction is chemoselective without the formation of any haloamine side products. A new aziridinium ion formed from enones and 2-NsNHCl is suggested to exist and to react with nitrile via a [2+3] cycloaddition mechanism, which is responsible for the excellent regio-, stereoselectivity of the resulting diamination products. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy caused by impairment of the median nerve due to compression as it passes through the carpal tunnel. The current gold standard in diagnosing CTS and nerve damage is by electrophysiological nerve conduction study (NCS). However, 10 to 25% of NCS results are falsely negative. Moreover, NCS remains an expensive and time-consuming procedure for patients. Ultrasonography serves as a real-time, well-tolerated, portable, and noninvasive tool for assessing the carpal tunnel. This study aims to assess the role of high-frequency ultrasound of the median nerve at the wrist in evaluating CTS and correlate with NCS to determine whether sonography can be used as an alternative to NCS in diagnosing and grading CTS., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interest Nil., (Indian Radiological Association. This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ ).)

Background: The process of determining the prognosis and subsequent facial nerve decompression has become an important factor in determining the patient's quality of life., Aim: In this study, the prognosis of facial paralysis was verified in detail based on the timing of electroneurography (ENOG) and nerve conduction study (NCS)., Materials and Methods: The ENOG and NCS of 368 facial palsy patients were analyzed. House-Brackmann (HB) scale after 6 months was used as an outcome. For the ENOG, nasalis muscle/levator labii superioris alaeque nasi (NL), and orbicularis oculi (OO) muscle were used and NCS performed using temporal, zygomatic, and buccal branches., Results: ENOG at the OO performed 4-6 d after onset was ≤10% ( p  = .002, 10.0-fold) and showed unfavorable results (when the standard was ≥30%). In addition, the ENOG at the NL performed 13-15 d after onset was ≤10% ( p  = .001, 10.5-fold) and showed unfavorable results (when the standard was ≥30%)., Conclusions: The results indicated that ENOG at the OO performed 4-6 d after onset and ENOG at the NL performed 13-15 d after onset had more prognostic value for the outcomes of acute peripheral facial palsy.

Triazolopyridines are a family of compounds that, owing to their biological activity, have many pharmaceutical applications. In this study, 3-(pyridine-4-yl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine and 6-bromo-3-(pyridine-4-yl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine were synthesized by using the chlorinated agent NCS for hydrazones under very mild conditions. The characterization of these compounds was achieved by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FTIR, MS and X-ray diffraction. The compound 3-(pyridine-4-yl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine was crystallized in the monoclinic space group P 21/c with a = 15.1413(12), b = 6.9179(4), c = 13.0938(8) Å, β = 105.102(6)°, V = 1324.16(16)Å3, Z = 4, and R = 0.0337. Also compound 6-bromo-3-(pyridine-4-yl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine was crystallized in the monoclinic space group P 21/c with a = 14.3213(11), b = 6.9452(4) (4), c = 12.6860(8)Å, β = 100.265(6)°, V = 1241.62(14)Å3, Z = 4, and R = 0.0561. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and rapid method for efficient synthesis of sulfonyl chlorides/bromides from sulfonyl hydrazide with NXS (X = Cl or Br) and late-stage conversion to several other functional groups was described. A variety of nucleophiles could be engaged in this transformation, thus permitting the synthesis of complex sulfonamides and sulfonates. In most cases, these reactions are highly selective, simple, and clean, affording products at excellent yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/aims: The initial surge of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in early 2020 led to widespread cancellation of elective medical procedures in the United States, including nonurgent outpatient and inpatient electrodiagnostic (EDx) studies. As certain regions later showed a downtrend in daily new cases, EDx laboratories have reopened under the guidance of the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM). In our reopening experience guided by the AANEM, we measured relevant outcomes to determine further workflow adaptations. We aimed to detail our experience and share the lessons learned., Methods: We reviewed the clinical volumes, billing data, diagnosis distributions, and rates of COVID-19 exposure and transmission among patients and staff in our EDx laboratory during the first 6 months of reopening, starting on June 1, 2020. For context, we detailed the recent AANEM guidelines we adopted at our laboratory, supplemented by other consensus statements., Results: We completed 816 outpatient studies from June 1 to December 1, 2020, reaching 97% of the total volume and 97% of total billing compared with the same time period in 2019. The average relative value units per study were similar. There were no major shifts in diagnosis distributions. We completed 10 of 12 requested inpatient studies during this period. There were no known COVID-19 transmissions between patients and staff., Discussion: Our experience suggests that it is possible to safely operate an EDx laboratory under the guidance of the AANEM and other experts, with clinical volume and billing rates comparable to pre-pandemic baselines., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

• MWCNTs functionalized with Ti:Si (6:6, 10:10) nanoparticles. • Electronic structure studied by XANES and XPS spectroscopy • The MWCNTs functionalized with Ti:Si (6:6, 10:10) nanoparticle could be useful for electronic applications. We have functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with the composition of SiO 2 and TiO 2 (MWCNTs:TiO 2 :SiO 2) at different Ti:Si stoichiometric ratios (Ti:Si ≈ 6:6 at% and ≈10:10 at%) using the hydrothermal process. The micro-structural, electronic and electrical properties of the unfunctionalized and functionalized MWCNTs were studied. Changes in surface morphology, degree of hybridization, crystallite structure and bonding structure due to functionalization were studied using field-emission scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, x-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) and x-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy techniques. Memristive and charge storage properties for MWCNTs:TiO 2 :SiO 2 nanocomposites (NCs) are more pronounced on NCs functionalised with high stoichiometric ratio (Ti:Si ≈ 10:10) due to the contribution of Ti3+ and Si 2 p core states as indicated by XPS and XANES results. The tunability of electrical conductivity is shown by an increase in the measured current and semiconducting I–V behaviour of the material as a result of high content of Ti-charge transfer. These observed changes in the electrical behaviour and electronic/bonding structure of the NCs indicate that the material could be useful for electrical/electronic applications and photocatalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 3−4 nm sized Si-NCs are formed by annealing a-Si:H film. • SEM, TEM, FTIR and 300 K PL are used to confirm the presence of Si-NCs. • The PV conversion efficiency is enhanced by 36.3 %. • The short circuit current density is enhanced by 30.3 %. • The thermalisation effect in silicon solar cells is reduced. Despite their interesting efficiencies and stabilities, first and second generations solar cells suffer from thermalisation that reduces the photovoltaic performances under operating conditions. In third generation solar cells scenarios, the use of Nano-Crystals (NCs) with suitable dimensions can be a realistic alternative to overcome the thermalisation phenomena. Due to the quantum confinement, silicon NCs with sizes less than 5 nm could be an efficient tool for down conversion and/or carriers multiplication by converting high energy photons (UV) to visible ones via photoluminescence (PL). This paper gives interesting results by stacking silicon NCs in Silicon NanoWires (SiNWs) which are elaborated at the top of a silicon pn homo-junction. NCs are obtained by annealing an amorphous silicon layer deposited on the SiNWs layer. Room temperature photoluminescence measurement at an incident wavelength of 250 nm shows three PL peaks at 378 nm, 480 nm and 587 nm. The latter is attributed to silicon NCs. Furthermore, the photovoltaic efficiency is considerably enhanced by an amount of 36.3 % from 6.9 % to 9.4 % which is due to an important enhancement of 30.3 % in the absolute value of the short-circuit current density values in presence of Si-NCs. We discuss these results with regard to the physical characterizations performed on fabricated samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]