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Background: Diabetic ulcers are a serious complication of diabetes that results in significant morbidity and mortality, especially lower limb diabetic ulcers are very difficult to treat due to the poor vascularity and brittle granulation tissue formed during the healing phase, so conventional dressings might not be that effective in treating the wound so this study aims to study the effectiveness of topical heparin over conventional dressings for lower limb diabetic foot ulcersMethods: This is a prospective study done on 100 patients who presented to the surgical outpatient at Trichy SRM medical college hospital and research centre during the period December 2020 to July 2022 and diagnosed to have diabetic foot.Results: On comparing the patients results of both groups with conventional and topical heparin dressings, the group with topical heparin dressing showed significant reduction in hospital stay and wound healed faster than the group with conventional dressingConclusions: Topical heparin dressing showed significant better results by reduction of hospital stay and faster healing of diabetic foot ulcers than wound treated with conventional dressing.

We describe the time-dependent properties of a new spectroscopically confirmed Mira variable, which was discovered in 2013 as MASTER-Net Optical Transient (OT) J212444.87+321738.3 towards the Cygnus constellation. We have performed long-term optical/near-infrared (NIR) photometric and spectroscopic observations to characterize the object. From the optical/NIR light curves, we estimate a variability period of 465 $\pm$ 30 days. The wavelength-dependent amplitudes of the observed light-curves range from $\Delta$I$\sim$4 mag to $\Delta$K$\sim$1.5 mag. The (J-K) color-index varies from 1.78 to 2.62 mag over phases. Interestingly, a phase lag of $\sim$60 days between optical and NIR light curves is also seen, as in other Miras. Our optical/NIR spectra show molecular features of TiO, VO, CO, and strong water bands which are a typical signature of oxygen-rich Mira. We rule out S- or C-type as ZrO bands at 1.03 and 1.06 $\mu$m and $C_2$ band at 1.77 $\mu$m are absent. We estimate the effective temperature of the object from the SED, and distance and luminosity from standard Period-Luminosity relations. The optical/NIR spectra display time-dependent atomic and molecular features (e.g. TiO, NaI, CaI, H$_2$O,CO), as commonly observed in Miras. Such spectroscopic observations are useful for studying pulsation variability in Miras., Comment: 17 pages, 6 figures, accepted for publication in The Astronomical Journal

In this paper we present for the first time, the study of low resolution $H$- and $K$- band spectra of 7 DY\,Per type and suspects stars as well as DY\,Persei itself. We also observed $H$- and $K$- band spectra of 3 R Coronae Borealis (RCB) stars, 1 hydrogen-deficient carbon (HdC) star and 14 cool carbon stars including normal giants as comparisons. High $^{12}$C/$^{13}$C and low $^{16}$O/$^{18}$O ratios are characteristic features of majority RCBs and HdCs. We have estimated $^{16}$O/$^{18}$O ratios of the programme stars from the relative strengths of the $^{12}$C$^{16}$O and $^{12}$C$^{18}$O molecular bands observed in $K$- band. Our preliminary analysis suggest that a quartet of the DY\,Per suspects along with DY\,Persei itself seems to show isotopic ratio strength consistent with the ones of RCB/HdC stars whereas two of them do not show significant $^{13}$C and $^{18}$O in their atmospheres. Our analysis provides further indications that DY\,Per type stars could be related to RCB/HdC class of stars., 16 pages including 4 tables and 4 figures, Accepted for publication in ApJ ,typos corrected

We present near-infrared spectroscopy of the NGC 5128 supernova SN 2016adj in the first 2 months following discovery. We report the detection of first overtone carbon monoxide emission at $\sim58.2$ d after discovery, one of the earliest detections of CO in an erupting supernova. We model the CO emission to derive the CO mass, temperature and velocity, assuming both pure $^{12}$CO and a composition that includes $^{13}$CO; the case for the latter is the isotopic analyses of meteoritic grains, which suggest that core collapse supernovae can synthesise significant amounts of $^{13}$C. Our models show that, while the CO data are adequately explained by pure $^{12}$CO, they do not preclude the presence of $^{13}$CO, to a limit of $^{12}$C/$^{13}$C $> 3$, the first constraint on the $^{12}$C/$^{13}$C ratio determined from near-infrared observations. We estimate the reddening to the object, and the effective temperature from the energy distribution at outburst. We discuss whether the ejecta of SN 2016adj may be carbon-rich, what the infrared data tell us about the classification of this supernova, and what implications the early formation of CO in supernovae may have for CO formation in supernovae in general., MNRAS, in press. Accepted 2018 August 13

We present near-infrared (NIR) observations of Nova V5668 Sgr, discovered in outburst on 2015 March 15.634 UT, between 2d to 107d after outburst. NIR spectral features are used to classify it as a FeII class of nova. The spectra follow the evo lution of the spectral lines from a P Cygni stage to a pure emission phase where the shape of the profiles suggests the presence of a bipolar flow. A notable feature is the presence of carbon m onoxide first overtone bands which are seen in emission. The CO emission is modeled to make estimates of the mass, temperature and column density to be (0.5‐2.0)× 10 −8 M⊙, 4000 ± 300K and (0.36‐1.94)× 10 19 cm −2 respectively. The 12 C/ 13 C ratio is estimated to be � 1.5. V5668 Sgr was a strong dust producer exhibiting the classical deep dip in its optic al light curve during dust formation. Analysis of the dust SED yields a dust mass of 2.7 × 10 −7 M⊙, a blackbody angular diameter of the dust shell of 42 mas and a distance estimate to the nova of 1.54 kpc which agrees with estimates made from MMRD relations.

We present near-infrared spectroscopic and photometric observations of nova V5584 Sgr taken during the first 12 days following its discove ry on Oct. 26.439 UT 2009. The evolution of the spectra is shown from the initial P Cygni phase to an emission line phase. The prominent carbon lines seen in the JHK spectra closely match those observed in a FeII class nova outburst. The spectra show first-overton e CO bands in emission be- tween 2.29-2.40µm. By examining WISE and other publicly available data, we show that the nova underwent a pronounced dust formation phase during February - April 2010.

Near Infrared (NIR) and optical photometry and spectroscopy are presented for the nova V1831 Aquilae, covering the early decline and dust forming phases during the first $\sim$90 days after its discovery. The nova is highly reddened due to interstellar extinction. Based solely on the nature of NIR spectrum we are able to classify the nova to be of the Fe II class. The distance and extinction to the nova are estimated to be 6.1 $\pm$ 0.5 kpc and $A_{\rm v}$ $\sim$ 9.02 respectively. Lower limits of the electron density, emission measure and ionized ejecta mass are made from a Case B analysis of the NIR Brackett lines while the neutral gas mass is estimated from the optical [OI] lines. We discuss the cause for a rapid strengthening of the He I 1.0830 $\mu$m line during the early stages. V1831 Aql formed a modest amount of dust fairly early ($\sim$ 19.2 days after discovery); the dust shell is not seen to be optically thick. Estimates are made of the dust temperature, dust mass and grain size. Dust formation commences around day 19.2 at a condensation temperature of 1461 $\pm$ 15 K, suggestive of a carbon composition, following which the temperature is seen to gradually decrease to 950K. The dust mass shows a rapid initial increase which we interpret as being due to an increase in the number of grains, followed by a period of constancy suggesting the absence of grain destruction processes during this latter time. A discussion is made of the evolution of these parameters, including certain peculiarities seen in the grain radius evolution., Comment: 14 pages, to appear in MNRAS

We present infrared spectroscopy of the classical nova V339 Delphini, obtained over a $\sim2$ year period. The infrared emission lines were initially symmetrical, with HWHM velocities of 525 km s$^{-1}$. In later ($t\gtrsim77$days, where $t$ is the time from outburst) spectra however, the lines displayed a distinct asymmetry, with a much stronger blue wing, possibly due to obscuration of the receding component by dust. Dust formation commenced at $\sim$ day 34.75 at a condensation temperature of $1480\pm20$K, consistent with graphitic carbon. Thereafter the dust temperature declined with time as $T_{\rm d}\propto{t}^{-0.346}$, also consistent with graphitic carbon. The mass of dust initally rose, as a result of an increase in grain size and/or number, peaked at $\sim$ day 100, and then declined precipitously. This decline was most likely caused by grain shattering due to electrostatic stress after the dust was exposed to X-radiation. An Appendix summarises Planck Means for carbon, and the determination of grain mass and radius for a carbon dust shell., Accepted by MNRAS on 19 December 2016. 19 pages

We present optical and infrared photometric and spectroscopic studies of two Be stars in the 70--80-Myr-old open cluster NGC 6834. NGC 6834(1) has been reported as a binary from speckle interferometric studies whereas NGC 6834(2) may possibly be a gamma Cas-like variable. Infrared photometry and spectroscopy from the United Kingdom Infrared Telescope (UKIRT), and optical data from various facilities are combined with archival data to understand the nature of these candidates. High signal-to-noise near-IR spectra obtained from UKIRT have enabled us to study the optical depth effects in the hydrogen emission lines of these stars. We have explored the spectral classification scheme based on the intensity of emission lines in the $H$ and $K$ bands and contrasted it with the conventional classification based on the intensity of hydrogen and helium absorption lines. This work also presents hitherto unavailable UBV CCD photometry of NGC 6834, from which the evolutionary state of the Be stars is identified., Published in Research in Astronomy and Astrophysics, RAA 14 (2014) 1173-1192, 20 pages, 10 figures

We present near-infrared spectroscopic and photometric observations of the nova KT Eridani taken during the first 100 days following its discovery in 2009 November. The JHK spectra of the object have been taken from the Mount Abu Infrared Observatory using the Near-Infrared Imager/Spectrometer. The spectra, typical of the He/N class novae, show strong He I emission lines together with H I and O I emission features. The H I, Pa-beta and Br-gamma spectral lines and the He I line at 2.0581 micron show broad wings with a relatively narrow central component. The broad wings extend to 1900 km/s while the central component has FWHM of 2100 km/s. The V and near-infrared JHK light curves show an additional small amplitude outburst near 40 days after optical maximum. The distance to the nova d = 6.3 +/- 0.1 kpc is derived using the MMRD relation and the estimated value of t2 = 5.7 +/- 0.3 days. The small value of t2 places KT Eri in the class of very fast novae. Using the value of the distance to the nova d, we estimate the height of the nova to be z = 3.3 +/- 0.1 kpc below the galactic plane. We have also calculated the upper limit for the ejecta mass for KT Eri to be in the range 2.4-7.4 x 10^(-5) Msun. Kinematic evidence is presented from the shape of the line profiles for a possible bipolar flow. We analyze the temporal evolution of the continuum and also discuss the possibility of KT Eri being a recurrent nova., Comment: 11 pages, 9 figures, 4 tables Accepted for publication in MNRAS

We present near-infrared and optical observations of the nova V496 Scuti 2009 covering various phases - pre-maximum, early decline and nebular - during the first 10 months of its discovery followed by limited observations in early part of 2011 April. The spectra follow the evolution of the nova when the lines had strong P Cygni profiles to a phase dominated by prominent emission lines. The notable feature of the near-IR spectra in the early decline phase is the rare presence of first overtone bands of carbon monoxide in emission. Later about 150 days after the peak brightness the IR spectra show clear dust formation in the expanding ejecta. Dust formation in V496 Sct is consistent with the presence of lines of elements with low ionization potentials like Na and Mg in the early spectra and the detection of CO bands in emission. The light curve shows a slow rise to the maximum and a slow decline indicating a prolonged mass loss. This is corroborated by the strengthening of P Cygni profiles during the first 30 days. In the spectra taken close to the optical maximum brightness, the broad and single absorption component seen at the time of discovery is replaced by two sharper components. During the early decline phase two sharp dips that show increasing outflow velocities are seen in the P Cygni absorption components of Fe II and H I lines. The spectra in 2010 March showed the onset of the nebular phase. Several emission lines display saddle-like profiles during the nebular phase. In the nebular stage the observed fluxes of [O III] and H-beta lines are used to estimate the electron number densities and the mass of the ejecta. The optical spectra show that the nova evolved in the P_fe A_o spectral sequence. The physical conditions in the ejecta are estimated. The absolute magnitude and the distance to the nova are estimated to be M_V = -7.0 +/- 0.2 and d = 2.9 +/- 0.3 kpc respectively.

We present Spitzer Space Telescope and Herschel Space Observatory infrared observations of the recurrent nova T Pyx during its 2011 eruption, complemented by ground-base optical-infrared photometry. We find that the eruption has heated dust in the pre-existing nebulosity associated with T Pyx. This is most likely interstellar dust swept up by T Pyx - either during previous eruptions or by a wind - rather than the accumulation of dust produced during eruptions.

Photometric and spectroscopic results are presented for the Be star X Per/HD 24534 from near-infrared monitoring in 2010-2011. The star is one of a sample of selected Be/X-ray binaries being monitored by us in the near-IR to study correlations between their X ray and near-IR behaviour. Comparison of the star's present near-IR magnitudes with earlier records shows the star to be currently in a prominently bright state with mean J, H, K magnitudes of 5.49, 5.33 and 5.06 respectively. The JHK spectra are dominated by emission lines of HeI and Paschen and Brackett lines of HI. Lines of OI 1.1287 and 1.3165 micron are also present and their relative strength indicates, since OI 1.1287 is stronger among the two lines, that Lyman beta fluorescence plays an important role in their excitation. Recombination analysis of the HI lines is done which shows that the Paschen and Brackett line strengths deviate considerably from case B predictions. These deviations are attributed to the lines being optically thick and this supposition is verified by calculating the line center optical depths predicted by recombination theory. Similar calculations indicate that the Pfund and Humphrey series lines should also be expected to be optically thick which is found to be consistent with observations reported in other studies. The spectral energy distribution of the star is constructed and shown to have an infrared excess. Based on the magnitude of the IR excess, which is modeled using a free-free contribution from the disc, the electron density in the disc is estimated and shown to be within the range of values expected in Be star discs.

We present results obtained from an extensive near-infrared spectroscopic and photometric observations of the Be/X-ray binary A0535+262/HDE 245770 at different phases of its ~111 day orbital period. This observation campaign is a part of the monitoring programme of selective Be/X-ray binary systems aimed at understanding the X-ray and near-IR properties at different orbital phases, especially during the periastron passage of the neutron star. The near-IR observations were carried out using the 1.2 m telescope at Mt. Abu IR observatory. Though the source was relatively faint for spectroscopic observations with 1.2 m telescope, we monitored the source during the 2011 February--March giant outburst to primarily investigate whether any drastic changes in the near-IR JHK spectra take place at the periastron passage. Changes of such a striking nature were expected to be detectable in our spectra. Photometric observations of the Be star show a gradual and systematic fading in the JHK light curves since the onset of the X-ray outburst that could suggest a mild evacuation/truncation of the circumstellar disc of the Be companion. Near-IR spectroscopy of the object shows that the JHK spectra are dominated by the emission lines of hydrogen Brackett and Paschen series and HeI lines at 1.0830, 1.7002 and 2.0585 micron. The presence of all hydrogen emission lines in the JHK spectra, along with the absence of any significant change in the continuum of the Be companion during X-ray quiescent and X-ray outburst phases suggest that the near-IR line emitting regions of the disc are not significantly affected during the X-ray outburst., 10 Pages, 5 Figures, Accepted for publication in Res. in Astronomy and Astrophysics

We present near-infrared spectroscopic and photometric observations of the nova V5579 Sgr during the maximum and early decline phase. The spectra follow the evolution of the nova from peak brightness when the lines had strong P Cygni profiles to a phase dominated by prominent emission lines. The spectra during the emission phase are dominated by strong H i lines from the Brackett and Paschen series, O i and C i lines. The spectra in the final stages of our observations show a rising continuum towards longer wavelengths, indicating dust formation. Dust formation in V5579 Sgr is consistent with the presence of lines of elements with low-ionization potentials like Na and Mg in the early spectra. The early presence of such lines had been earlier suggested by us to be potential indicators of dust formation later in the nova’s development. We also discuss the possibility of using P Cygni profiles to probe the properties of the erupting white dwarf during the early outburst.

The nova outburst experienced in 2010 by the symbiotic binary Mira V407 Cyg has been extensively studied at optical and infrared wavelengths with both photometric and spectroscopic observations. This outburst, reminiscent of similar events displayed by RS Oph, can be described as a very fast He/N nova erupting while being deeply embedded in the dense wind of its cool giant companion. The hard radiation from the initial thermonuclear flash ionizes and excites the wind of the Mira over great distances (recombination is observed on a time scale of 4 days). The novae ejecta is found to progressively decelerate with time as it expands into the Mira wind. This is deduced from line widths which change from a FWHM of 2760 km s 1 on day +2.3 to 200 km s 1 on day +196. The wind of the Mira is massive and extended enough

We present near-IR observations of the 2010 outburst of U Sco. JHK photometry is presented on ten consecutive days starting from 0.59 days after outburst. Such photometry can gainfully be integrated into a larger database of other multi-wavelength data which aim to comprehensively study the evolution of U Sco. Early near-IR spectra, starting from 0.56 days after outburst, are presented and their general characteristics discussed. Early in the eruption, we see very broad wings in several spectral lines, with tails extending up to ~10000km/s along the line of sight; it is unexpected to have a nova with ejection velocities equal to those usually thought to be exclusive to supernovae. From recombination analysis, we estimate an upper limit of 10^-4.64[+0.92.-0.74]Msun for the ejected mass.

We present spectroscopic and photometric results of Nova V1280 Sco which was discovered in outburst in early 2007 February. The large number of spectra obtained of the object leads to one of the most extensive, near-infrared spectral studies of a classical nova. The spectra evolve from a P-Cygni phase to an emission-line phase and at a later stage is dominated by emission from the dust that formed in this nova. A detailed model is computed to identify and study characteristics of the spectral lines. Inferences from the model address the vexing question of which novae have the ability to form dust. It is demonstrated, and strikingly corroborated with observations, that the presence of lines in the early spectra of low-ionization species like Na and Mg - indicative of low temperature conditions - appear to be reliable indicators that dust will form in the ejecta. It is theoretically expected that mass loss during a nova outburst is a sustained process. Spectroscopic evidence for such a sustained mass loss, obtained by tracing the evolution of a P-Cygni feature in the Brackett gamma line, is presented here allowing a lower limit of 25-27 days to be set for the mass-loss duration. Photometric data recording the nova's extended 12 day climb to peak brightness after discovery is used to establish an early fireball expansion and also show that the ejection began well before maximum brightness. The JHK light curves indicate the nova had a fairly strong second outburst around 100 days after the first., Accepted in MNRAS. The paper contains 8 figures and 4 tables. Few typographical errors were corrected

We present the results of the interferometric observations of the circumstellar disk surrounding MWC 297 in the continuum at 230 GHz (1.3 mm) and in the (J=2-1) rotational transitions of $^{12}$CO,$^{13}$CO and C$^{18}$O using the Submillimeter Array. At a distance of 250 pc, MWC 297 is one of the closest, young massive stars (M$_{\star}$ $\sim$10 M$_{\odot}$) to us. Compact continuum emission is detected towards MWC 297 from which we estimate a disk mass (gas+dust) of 0.07 M$_{\odot}$ and a disk radius of $\le$ 80 AU. Our result demonstrates that circumstellar disks can survive around massive stars well into their main sequence phase even after they have become optically visible. Complementing our observations with the data compiled from the literature, we find the submm dust opacity index $\beta$ to be between 0.1 and 0.3. If the emission is optically thin, the low value of $\beta$ indicates the presence of relatively large grains in the disk, possibly because of grain growth. We do not detect any CO emission associated with the continuum source. We argue that the $^{13}$CO emission from the disk is likely optically thin, in which case, we derive an upper limit to the gas mass which implies significant depletion of molecular gas in the disk. The mass of this disk and the evolutionary trends observed are similar to those found for intermediate mass Herbig Ae stars and low mass T Tauri stars., Comment: 4 pages, 3 Figures, accepted for publication in ApJL

We present broad-band 24, 70 and 160 micron photometry, 5-35 micron and 55-90 micron spectra of the eruptive variable V4332 Sgr from Spitzer observations. The distinguishing feature of the 5-35 micron spectrum is an unusually broad absorption feature near 10 micron at the position generally associated with silicate-rich dust. Through radiative transfer modeling, we show that this broad feature cannot arise from silicates alone but requires the inclusion of alumina (Al2O3) as a dust condensate. The case for including Al2O3 is strengthened further by the presence of the AlO radical, a potentially important molecule in forming Al2O3. The present detection indicates that porous alumina manifests itself through a broadening of the 9.7 micron silicate feature and additionally displays, on the shoulder of the silicate feature, a component at ~11.5 micron. We discuss how further observations of V4332 Sgr may have the potential of verifying some general predictions of the dust condensation process., Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures in ApJ style; to be published in ApJ Letters

We present ground-based infrared photometry, JHK spectroscopy, and 5-28 micron SOFIA FORCAST spectroscopy documenting the early temporal development of Nova Delphini 2013 (V339 Del). We derive a distance of ˜4.5 kpc using data available from the early expansion of the fireball. This distance gives an outburst luminosity of ˜8.3 × 10^5 solar luminosities making V339 Del the most luminous CO nova on record. Our data provide new constraints on the ejected gas mass and the dust yield in fast CO novae. The ejected gas mass as estimated by the cutoff wavelength during the free-free emission phase is ˜7.5 × 10^-5 solar masses. There is evidence for the formation of ˜1.2(±0.4) × 10^-7 solar masses of dust about 102 days after outburst. The gas to dust ratio of ˜470/1-940/1 implies that dust production was much less efficient in V339 Del than is the case for most CO novae.

An eruptive nova-like event took place in 1994 in the stellar-merger candidate V4332 Sgr. Following the eruption, dust consisting of refractory silicate rich dust grains containing a significant component of AlO bonding was formed sometime between 1998 and 2003. Observations using Spitzer between 2005 and 2009 show significant changes in the 10 micron silicate stretch feature. There is a deepening of the 10 micron silicate stretch as well as the development of a feature between about 13 and 20 microns consistent with a blend of the MgO and FeO stretching features and the O-Si-O bending mode of increasingly ordered silicate dust. Near-infrared observations show the presence of AlO and water vapor in the outflow in 2003, 2004 and 2005: the AlO has significantly decreased in spectra obtained in 2014 while the water vapor remains largely unchanged. An attempt is made to correlate these observations and understand the significance of these changes using DUSTY modeling. The observations appear consistent with the kinetically-controlled, condensation of highly under-oxidized SiO/AlO/Fe/Mg dust grains in the outflow followed by the continuous evolution of the initial condensate due to thermal annealing and oxidation of the dust via reaction with ambient O, OH and H2O in the expanding, cooling shell. Periodic monitoring of this dust shell over the mid-infrared spectral range could yield useful information on the evolution of under-oxidized silicate condensates exposed to hot water vapor in more conventional circumstellar environments., To appear in ApJ

We present observations at 610 MHz and 235 MHz using the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) of the recurrent nova V745 Scorpii which recorded its last outburst on 6 February 2014. This is the second symbiotic recurrent nova whose light curve at low frequencies has been followed in detail, the first being RS Ophiuchi in 2006. We fitted the 610 MHz light curve by a model of synchrotron emission from an expanding shell being modified by radiative transfer effects due to local absorbing gas consisting of a uniformly distributed and a clumpy component. Using our model parameters, we find that the emission at 235 MHz peaked around day 35 which is consistent with our GMRT observations. The two main results of our study are: (1) The radio emission at a given frequency is visible sooner after the outburst in successive outbursts of both V745 Scorpii and RS Ophiuchi. The earlier detection of radio emission is interpreted to be caused by decreasing foreground densities. (2) The clumpy material, if exists, is close to the white dwarf and can be interpreted as being due to the material from the hot accretion disk. The uniform density gas is widespread and attributed to the winds blown by the white dwarf. We present implications of these results on the evolution of both novae. Such studies alongwith theoretical understanding have the potential of resolving several outstanding issues such as why all recurrent novae are not detectable in synchrotron radio and whether recurrent novae are progenitor systems of type 1a supernova., Revised, matches version in print

We present infrared spectroscopic and photometric observations of the nova V2468 Cyg covering the period from 2008 March 13 till 2008 November 11. The JHK spectra of the object have been taken from the Mount Abu Infrared Observatory using the Near-Infrared Imager/Spectrometer. Spectra from 0.8-5.2 micron are also presented that were obtained using the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility and the SPEX instrument. The spectra are dominated by strong H I lines from the Brackett and Paschen series, Fe II, OI and CI lines in the initial days, typical of an Fe II type nova. The lines were broader in the period immediately after outburst with measured FWHM of 1800-2300 km/s for the Pa-beta and Br-gamma lines. These values narrowed to 1500-1600 km/s by 12 days from outburst. The spectra showed prominent He I lines at 1.0830 and 2.0581 micron together with H I and O I emission features after 36 days from outburst. Our IR observations show the comparatively broad emission lines, the rapid development of the spectrum to higher ionization, the early appearance of coronal lines, and the absence of dust emission, all features that indicate the hybrid nature of the nova. This is perhaps the most extensively observed example of a probable Fe IIb type nova at the infrared wavelengths. We also notice a short lived emission line of Fe II at 2.0888 micron which was present between April 9, 2008 to May 9, 2008. No dust emission is seen from the nova ejecta. We have also estimated the range for the ejecta mass in V2468 Cyg to be 3 x 10^{-6} - 10^{-5} Msun., 12 pages, 6 figures, Accepted for publication in AJ

Determination of Coronal Temperature Distribution by Measuring the Doppler Widths of the Green Coronal Line 5303Å (Fe Xiv) at Different Points in the Corona

We present multi-epoch near-infrared photo-spectroscopic observations of Nova Cephei 2014 and Nova Scorpii 2015, discovered in outburst on 2014 March 8.79 UT and 2015 February 11.84 UT respectively. Nova Cep 2014 shows the conventional NIR characteristics of a Fe II class nova characterized by strong CI, HI and O I lines, whereas Nova Sco 2015 is shown to belong to the He/N class with strong He I, HI and OI emission lines. The highlight of the results consists in demonstrating that Nova Sco 2015 is a symbiotic system containing a giant secondary. Leaving aside the T CrB class of recurrent novae, all of which have giant donors, Nova Sco 2015 is shown to be only the third classical nova to be found with a giant secondary. The evidence for the symbiotic nature is three-fold; first is the presence of a strong decelerative shock accompanying the passage of the nova's ejecta through the giant's wind, second is the H$\alpha$ excess seen from the system and third is the spectral energy distribution of the secondary in quiescence typical of a cool late type giant. The evolution of the strength and shape of the emission line profiles shows that the ejecta velocity follows a power law decay with time ($t^{-1.13 \pm 0.17}$). A Case B recombination analysis of the H I Brackett lines shows that these lines are affected by optical depth effects for both the novae. Using this analysis we make estimates for both the novae of the emission measure $n_e^2L$, the electron density $n_e$ and the mass of the ejecta., Comment: 13 Pages, 12 Figures, 5 Tables, Accepted for Publication in MNRAS

IRAS 17256-3631 is a southern Galactic massive star forming region located at a distance of 2 kpc. In this paper, we present a multiwavelength investigation of the embedded cluster, the HII region, as well as the parent cloud. Radio images at 325, 610 and 1372 MHz were obtained using GMRT, India while the near-infrared imaging and spectroscopy were carried out using UKIRT and Mt. Abu Infrared Telescope, India. The near-infrared K-band image reveals the presence of a partially embedded infrared cluster. The spectral features of the brightest star in the cluster, IRS-1, spectroscopically agrees with a late O or early B star and could be the driving source of this region. Filamentary H_2 emission detected towards the outer envelope indicates presence of highly excited gas. The parent cloud is investigated at far-infrared to millimeter wavelengths and eighteen dust clumps have been identified. The spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of these clumps have been fitted as modified blackbodies and the best-fit peak temperatures are found to range from 14-33 K, while the column densities vary from 0.7-8.5x10^22 cm^-2. The radio maps show a cometary morphology for the distribution of ionized gas that is density bounded towards the north-west and ionization bounded towards the south-east. This morphology is better explained with the champagne flow model as compared to the bow shock model. Using observations at near, mid and far-infrared, submillimeter and radio wavelengths, we examine the evolutionary stages of various clumps., Comment: 23 pages, 19 figures, 9 tables, Accepted by MNRAS

Near-infrared spectra are presented for the recent 2006 outburst of the recurrent nova RS Ophiuchi (RS Oph).We report the rare detection of an infrared shock wave as the nova ejecta plows into the pre-existing wind of the secondary in the RS Oph system consisting of a white dwarf (WD) primary and a red giant secondary. The evolution of the shock is traced through a free expansion stage to a decelerative phase. The behavior of the shock velocity with time is found to be broadly consistent with current shock models. The present observations also imply that the WD in the RS Oph system has a high mass indicating that it could be a potential SNIa candidate. We also discuss the results from a recent study showing that the near-IR continuum from the recent RS Oph eruption does not originate in an expanding fireball. However, the present work shows that the IR line emission does have an origin in an expanding shock wave., Comment: Accepted in Ap.J (Letters)

V838 Monocerotis had an intriguing, nova-like outburst in January 2002 which has subsequently led to several studies of the object. It is now recognized that the outburst of V838 Mon and its evolution are different from that of a classical nova or other classes of well-known eruptive variables. V838 Mon, along with two other objects that have analogous properties, appears to comprise a new class of eruptive variables. There are limited infrared studies of V838 Mon. Here, we present near-infrared H band (1.5 - 1.75micron) spectra of V838 Mon from late 2002 to the end of 2004. The principal, new result from our work is the detection of several, rotation-vibration lines of water in the H band spectra. The observed water lines have been modeled to first establish that they are indeed due to water. Subsequently the temperature and column densities of the absorbing material, from where the water absorption features originate, are derived. From our analysis, we find that the water features arise from a cool ~750-900 K region around V838 Mon which appears to be gradually cooling with time., 11 pages, 2 figures. Accepted in Ap.J Letters

JHK spectroscopic and photometric observations are reported for the enigmatic, nova-like, variable V445 Puppis which erupted at the end of 2000. The near-IR spectra are hydrogen-deficient and unusually rich in CI lines. The important CI lines are found to be positioned at 1.133, 1.166, 1.175, 1.189, 1.26 and 1.689 microns. Model calculations for the CI lines are done to make the identification of the lines secure. Photometric data, taken on January 2.90 UT, 2001 shortly after the outburst, show the formation of an optically thin dust shell around V445 Puppis. The temperature and upper limit for the mass of the dust shell are estimated to be 1800K and M(dust) ~ 1oe-9 M(sun) respectively . A subsequent episode of massive dust formation - indicated by the observed, deep visual dimming - is also seen in JHK images of early November 2001. V445 Puppis has shown two unusual properties for a nova i) the hydrogen-deficiency and He/C enrichment of the object as seen from optical and IR data and ii) synchrotron radio emission which was detected nearly a year after it's outburst by other workers. The strange nature of the object is discussed and it is shown that it is difficult to place it in the known categories of eruptive variables viz. novae (classical, recurrent or symbiotic); born-again AGB stars; the new class of eruptive variables like V838 Mon; and RCB/HdC stars. Tentative evidence for an accretion disk and binarity of the V445 Puppis system is presented. It is debated whether V445 Puppis is a rare Helium nova or an unique object., Comment: To appear in A&A, 10 pages, 8 figuresq

We present a statistical method to derive the mass functions of open clusters using sky survey data such as the 2 Micron All Sky Survey and the Guide Star Catalogue. We have used this method to derive the mass functions in the stellar/substellar regime of three young, nearby open clusters, namely IC 348, Sigma-Orionis and Pleiades. The mass function in the low mass range (M < 0.5 solar mass) is appreciably flatter than the stellar Salpeter function for all three open clusters. The contribution of objects below 0.5 solar mass to the total mass of the cluster is ~40% and the contribution of objects below 0.08 solar mass to the total is ~4%., 4 pages, including 1 figure, uses 'newpasp.sty'. To appear in the Proceedings of the IAU Symp. 211 on "Brown Dwarfs"

In this paper we present the mass functions in the substellar regime of three young open clusters, IC 348, σ Orionis, and Pleiades, as derived using the data from the Two Micron All Sky Survey catalog, which has a limiting magnitude of Ks ~ 15, and the latest version of the Guide Star Catalog, which has a limiting magnitude of F ~ 21. Based on recent evolutionary models for low-mass stars, we have formulated the selection criteria for stars with masses below 0.5 M☉. Using a statistical approach to correct for the background contamination, we derive the mass function of objects with masses ranging from 0.5 M☉ down to the substellar domain, well below the hydrogen-burning mass limit. The lowest mass bins in our analysis are 0.025, 0.045, and 0.055 M☉ for IC 348, σ Orionis, and Pleiades, respectively. The resultant slopes of the mass functions are 0.8 ± 0.2 for IC 348, 1.2 ± 0.2 for σ Orionis, and 0.5 ± 0.2 for Pleiades, which are consistent with the previous results. The contribution of objects below 0.5 M☉ to the total mass of the cluster is ~40%, and the contribution of objects below 0.08 M☉ to the total mass is ~4%.

We present new near-infrared observations of Sakurai's Object obtainedduring 1998–99 when this final helium shell flash object was in the dustcondensation phase. The infrared colours have reddened compared to earlierepochs, indicating increased dust condensation. The infrared spectrareveal all the features of a carbon star superposed on a dust continuum.

Aims. V838 Monocerotis erupted in 2002, brightened in a series of outbursts, and eventually developed a spectacular light echo. A very red star emerged a few months after the outburst. The whole event has been interpreted as the result of a merger. Methods. We obtained near-IR and mid-IR interferometric observations of V838 Mon with the AMBER and MIDI recombiners located at the Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI) array. The MIDI two-beam observations were obtained with the 8m Unit Telescopes between October 2011 and February 2012. The AMBER three-beam observations were obtained with the compact array (B$\leq$m) in April 2013 and the long array (B$\leq$140m) in May 2014, using the 1.8m Auxiliary Telescopes. Results. A significant new result is the detection of a compact structure around V838 Mon, as seen from MIDI data. The extension of the structure increases from a FWHM of 25 mas at 8 {\mu}m to 70 mas at 13 {\mu}m. At the adopted distance of D = 6.1 $\pm$ 0.6 kpc, the dust is distributed from about 150 to 400 AU around V838 Mon. The MIDI visibilities reveal a flattened structure whose aspect ratio increases with wavelength. The major axis is roughly oriented around a position angle of -10 degrees, which aligns with previous polarimetric studies reported in the literature. This flattening can be interpreted as a relic of the 2002 eruption or by the influence of the currently embedded B3V companion. The AMBER data provide a new diameter for the pseudo-photosphere, which shows that its diameter has decreased by about 40% in 10yrs, reaching a radius R$_*$ = 750 $\pm$ 200 R$_{\odot}$ (3.5 $\pm$ 1.0 AU). Conclusions. After the 2002 eruption, interpreted as the merging of two stars, it seems that the resulting source is relaxing to a normal state. The nearby environment exhibits an equatorial over-density of dust up to several hundreds of AU., Comment: Astronomy and Astrophysics (2014) Will be set by the publisher

The wavelength-dependence of the extinction of Type Ia SN2014J in the nearby galaxy M82 has been measured using UV to near-IR photometry obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope, the Nordic Optical Telescope, and the Mount Abu Infrared Telescope. This is the first time that the reddening of a SN Ia is characterized over the full wavelength range of $0.2$-$2$ microns. A total-to-selective extinction, $R_V\geq3.1$, is ruled out with high significance. The best fit at maximum using a Galactic type extinction law yields $R_V = 1.4\pm0.1$. The observed reddening of SN2014J is also compatible with a power-law extinction, $A_{\lambda}/A_V = \left( {\lambda}/ {\lambda_V} \right)^{p}$ as expected from multiple scattering of light, with $p=-2.1\pm0.1$. After correction for differences in reddening, SN2014J appears to be very similar to SN2011fe over the 14 broad-band filter light curves used in our study., Comment: Accepted for publication in ApJL

A classical nova occurs when material accreting onto the surface of a white dwarf in a close binary system ignites in a thermonuclear runaway. Complex structures observed in the ejecta at late stages could result from interactions with the companion during the common envelope phase. Alternatively, the explosion could be intrinsically bipolar, resulting from a localized ignition on the surface of the white dwarf or as a consequence of rotational distortion. Studying the structure of novae during the earliest phases is challenging because of the high spatial resolution needed to measure their small sizes. Here we report near-infrared interferometric measurements of the angular size of Nova Delphini 2013, starting from one day after the explosion and continuing with extensive time coverage during the first 43 days. Changes in the apparent expansion rate can be explained by an explosion model consisting of an optically thick core surrounded by a diffuse envelope. The optical depth of the ejected material changes as it expands. We detect an ellipticity in the light distribution, suggesting a prolate or bipolar structure that develops as early as the second day. Combining the angular expansion rate with radial velocity measurements, we derive a geometric distance to the nova of 4.54 +/- 0.59 kpc from the Sun., Comment: Published in Nature. 32 pages. Final version available at http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v515/n7526/full/nature13834.html

We report on the discovery of SN2014J in the nearby galaxy M82. Given its proximity, it offers the best opportunity to date to study a thermonuclear supernova over a wide range of the electromagnetic spectrum. The first set of optical, near-IR and mid-IR observations of SN2014J, orchestrated by the intermediate Palomar Transient Factory (iPTF), show that SN2014J is a spectroscopically normal Type Ia supernova, albeit exhibiting high-velocity features in its spectrum and heavily reddened by dust in the host galaxy. Our earliest detections start just hours after the fitted time of explosion. We use high-resolution optical spectroscopy to analyze the dense intervening material and do not detect any evolution in the resolved absorption features during the lightcurve rise. Similarly to other highly reddened Type Ia supernovae, a low value of total-to-selective extinction, Rv < 2, provides the best match to our observations. We also study pre-explosion optical and near-IR images from HST with special emphasis on the sources nearest to the SN location., Accepted for publication in ApJL

We present near-infrared (1-2.5 micron) JHK photo-spectroscopic results of the unusually slow nova V5558 Sgr (2007). V5558 Sgr showed a slow climb to maximum that lasted for about 60 days and then underwent at least five strong secondary outbursts. We have analyzed the optical light curve to derive large t2 and t3 values of 281 +/- 3 and 473 +/- 3 days respectively. An alternate approach is adopted to derive a distance estimate of 1.55 +/- 0.25 kpc as conventional MMRD relation may not be applicable for a slow nova. In the pre-maxima stage the spectra showed narrow (FWHM ~ 400 - 550 km/s and strong emission lines of Paschen and Brackett series with prominent P-Cygni components. In the later phase the spectra show significant changes with the development of strong and broad ~ 1000 km/s emission lines of HI, HeI, OI, and NI and some uncommon Fe II emission lines. No evidence of dust formation is seen. V5558 Sgr has been shown to be a rare hybrid nova showing a transition from He/N to Fe II type from optical spectra. However the near-infrared data do not show such a transition and we discuss this anomalous behavior. A recombination analysis of the Brackett lines allows us to constrain the electron density and emission measure during the early optically thick phase and to estimate the mass of the ejecta to be (6.0 +/- 1.5) x 10^(-4) Msun, assuming a filling factor of unity, from later observations., Comment: Accepted in MNRAS, 12 pages, 9 figures

The outburst of Nova Sgr 2011 N.2 (=V5588 Sgr) was followed with optical and near-IR photometric and spectroscopic observations for 3.5 years, beginning shortly before the maximum. V5588 Sgr is located close to Galactic center, suffering from E(B-V)=1.56 (+/-0.1) extinction. The primary maximum was reached at V=12.37 on UT 2011 April 2.5 (+/-0.2), and the underlying smooth decline was moderately fast with t(2,V)=38 and t(3,V)=77 days. On top of an otherwise normal decline, six self-similar, fast evolving and bright secondary maxima (SdM) appeared in succession. Only very few other novae have presented so clear secondary maxima. Both the primary maximum and all SdM occurred at later times with increasing wavelengths, by amounts in agreement with expectations from fireball expansions. The radiative energy released during SdM declined following an exponential pattern, while the breadth of individual SdM and the time interval between them widened. Emission lines remained sharp (FWHM~1000 km/s) throughout the whole nova evolution, with the exception of a broad pedestal with a trapezoidal shape (extending for 3600 km/sec at the top and 4500 km/sec at the bottom) which was only seen during the advanced decline from SdM maxima and was absent in between SdM. V5588 Sgr at maximum light displayed a typical FeII-class spectrum which did not evolve into a nebular stage. About 10 days into the decline from primary maximum, a typical high-ionization He/N-class spectrum appeared and remained visible simultaneously with the FeII-class spectrum, qualifying V5588 Sgr as a rare "hybrid" nova. While the FeII-class spectrum faded into oblivion, the He/N-class spectrum developed strong [FeX] coronal lines., Comment: MNRAS, in press

Spectroscopic observations of Sco in the near IR and optical wavelengths, obtained shortly after its recent periastron passage are reported. The IR spectra are dominated by the HI Paschen and Brackett lines. An IR excess is seen which can be attributed to free-free emission from a circumstellar shell. The observed Paschen and Brackett line intensities deviate signicantly from Case B predictions and indicate optical depth eects. These eects are modeled. The overall spectral behaviour of Sco at present is that of a typical Be star.

The medium resolution (R=1000) near infrared spectra of 30 early type Be stars obtained during the period October 1998-April 1999 are presented. The Paschen β and Brackett γ lines are seen in emission in majority of these stars. The higher order Brackett series lines from m=10 to 19 are detected in emission with significant strength compared to the Brackett γ emission line flux indicating the effect of optical depth. The Fe II line at 1.6873μm is detected in a small number of stars indicating existence of higher density and lower temperature emission zone.

We present here the first light curves of the peculiar Algol binary system R Canis Majoris obtained in the near-infrared photometric bands J and K. The light curves are fitted for a semidetached model with the Wilson-Devinney light-curve synthesis program. The parameters of the system are derived. Published light curves in the optical photometric bands (U, Un, B, Bn, V, Vn, Hβw, and Hβn of Guinan, V light curve of Sato, and Hαw and Hαn light curves of Edalati, Khalesse, & Riazi) are reanalyzed and the results are compared. The temperature of the secondary component T2 derived from the light-curve analysis shows an increase toward the near-IR wavelengths, achieving maximum in the K band. The secondary minima are deeper by 0.03 and 0.07 mag and the primary minima are shallower by 0.02 and 0.03 mag in the J and K bands, respectively, than what is expected in these bands from the secondary temperature and primary radius derived from the V band. In the case of the Hα and Hβ light curves, the narrowband light curves yielded higher T2 than the broadband light curves. The values of T2 derived from these bands are found to be higher than those derived from the light curves observed in the neighboring wavelengths. We consider the possibility of the difference in the strength of photospheric absorption of Hα and Hβ lines in the primary and the secondary as a reason for the high values of T2 derived from these light curves. Five epochs of primary minima and four epochs of secondary minima are obtained in the present study. The increased depth of the secondary minima in the near-IR bands compared with the optical bands enabled us to determine the moments of secondary minima with nearly the same accuracy as those of primary minima. All the secondary minima appear at phase 0.5, and the durations are equal for the primary and the secondary eclipses. The epochs of primary minima follow the nearly sinusoidal O-C curve that has been observed for this star in previous studies. The values of O-C for the secondary minima were in the same range as those of the primary minima observed by us. We conclude that the system is in a circular orbit. Our observed epochs of primary minima support the presence of a third component in the system, as proposed by Radhakrishnan, Sarma, & Abhyankar. The effect of the presence of a third, noneclipsing, light source would be to suppress the observed depths of both the eclipses, whereas in this system we find that the secondary eclipse depth is being enhanced and the primary eclipse depth is being suppressed compared with expectations. So we have not fitted for a third light in our light-curve analysis, leaving the nature of the third body, if present, undetermined from our present light-curve analysis. The J-band light curve of R CMa fitted well with a bolometric albedo of the secondary star A2 = 0.5, as expected for a star with a convective atmosphere. But the K-band light curve showed a value of A2 = 0.84. A2 is also found to be higher in the broadband light curves than in the narrowband light curves at all the optical wavelengths (except in the U and Un bands, in which the secondary minima are very shallow). This result can provide clues about the cause of the high A2 observed in many Algol-type binary light curves. A2 is also found to vary for light curves at the same wavelengths but taken at different epochs, which helps us to conclude that the high value of A2 seen in many light curves need not be of photospheric origin.

We discuss the evolution of nova V723 Cassiopeiae 1995 based on JHK photometry covering a period of 15 months beginning two months following outburst. The first two post-outburst flares are covered by these observations.

We present the results of multi-epoch JHK photometry of a sample of 30 known or suspected symbiotics and related objects. These are the first results of an ongoing programme of near-IR monitoring of symbiotic stars from the Mt. Abu IR Observatory of Physical Research Laboratory (PRL).

Light curves of the Algol-type binary system, RZ Cassiopeiae, in the near-IR wavelengths J and K are obtained for the first time. The light curves are analyzed using the Wilson-Devinney model. UBV light curves of RZ Cas obtained by Chambliss are also reanalyzed using the same program. In the J and K bands, the bolometric albedo of the secondary of RZ Cas exhibited values above 0.7, whereas the theoretically expected value for such a star is 0.5. Also, the values of the secondary temperature derived from the J and K light curves are found to be less than that derived from our analysis of the optical light curves as well as from the previous studies in the optical photometric bands. We have attempted to model these effects with a dark spot on the secondary of RZ Cas. The J-band light curve gave a better fit with a cool dark spot on the secondary. Another possible reason for the above mentioned effects is a gas stream from the lobe-filling secondary to the primary star. The magnitudes and colors of the individual components are derived from the observed light curves and the light contributions from the stars derived from the light curve analysis. The primary is found to be an A3 V star as observed by previous investigators. The secondary is classified as K0?K4 IV from the derived colors. Seven epochs of primary minima and 3 epochs of secondary minima are obtained from the observations. Because of the increased depths of the secondary eclipse in the infrared bands, the moments of minima are calculated with nearly the same accuracy as that of the primary minima. All the secondary minima are found to occur at phase 0.5. None of the observed primary minima are flat as found by many observers before at optical wavelengths. The colors of the system at the minima obtained by us confirm that the system is partially eclipsing.

During the recent apparition of comet Hale—Bopp (1995 O1) near infrared photometric observations were carried out in the J, H, K filter bands and also in the 3.0—3.4 μm region at the 1.2 m telescope at Gurushikkar, India. The effective temperature of the comet was substantially higher than the equilibrium blackbody temperature. A mean superheat value of 1.83 was derived in the post-perihelion phase which implies that a large fraction of the grain population are made up of small and hot grains with radii