Ray Counts Research Articles

A new species of gobiid fish Lentipes niasensis (Gobiidae: Sicydiinae) from Nias Island, Indonesia

A new species of goby of the subfamily Sicydiinae, Lentipes niasensis, is described from the stream of Humogo River, Nias Island, Indonesia. This species can be distinguished from all congeners by the following combination of features: (1) fin ray counts: D2 I/10; A I/10; P 17-18; D1 not connected to D2 in either sex. (2) squamation: LR 7-11; anterior half of body naked, lateral body scales present from 5-6th rays of second dorsal-fin to hypural, embedded in skin. (3) upper jaw teeth in male 14-19 and in female 33-38. (4) urogenital papilla in male slender and distally pointed, flanked by pair of associated fleshy lobes and not retractable into sheath-like groove. (5) distinctive colour pattern of male: upper lip greyish, red patches on the pectoral-fin base, on mid-body below origin of second dorsal-fin and at caudal peduncle.

Linking cosmic ray intensities to cutoff rigidity through multifractal detrented fluctuation analysis

We use multifractal detrented fluctuation analysis (MFDFA) to investigate the relationship between magnetic rigidity or ”cutoff rigidity” and the variability and multifractal behavior in the time series of the cosmic ray flux on Earth, which is detected by neutron monitors on the Earth’s surface. Because the cutoff rigidity depends strongly on the geographical latitude of the detectors, not all detectors produce equal cosmic ray counts. Our results indicate that there is some bias in the chaotic nature of the cosmic ray series associated with the latitude of the monitoring stations. We obtain an important relationship between the cutoff rigidity (R) for different behaviors and the Hurst exponent of the series corresponding to the counts at the neutron monitor stations. In particular, an inverse relationship is observed with higher rigidity corresponding to a lower Hurst exponent (H(q=a)=maR+Ba). In particular, for q=−10, considering all time series, the correlation coefficient is approximately 0.80, whereas the R-squared is 0.638, and the coefficients of the linear regression for this case are m=−0.0425±0.006 and b=0.8703±0.025.

A new congrid eel, Rhynchoconger randalli sp. nov. (Congridae: Anguilliformes), with a pentagonal pattern of vomer dentition from the Bay of Bengal, Indian waters.

A new species Rhynchoconger randalli sp. nov. is described herein on the basis of 2 specimens collected from Paradeep fishing harbor, Odisha, India along the Bay of Bengal from a depth of about 3640 meters. The pentagonal vomerine teeth pattern is unique among all the Rhynchoconger species described to date. The new species is characterized by predorsal vertebrae 78 and preanal vertebrae 2931. The new species closely resembles the recently described Rhynchoconger smithi, but differs in having a larger eye diameter (12.512.9% HL vs. 9.59.7% in R. smithi), smaller interorbital space (13.113.5% HL vs. 15.018.1 in R. smithi), lower dorsal-fin ray count before vent 4447 vs. 5458 in R. smithi, and unique pentagonal vomerine teeth pattern.

Observation of variations in cosmic ray single count rates during thunderstorms and implications for large-scale electric field changes

We present the first observation by the Telescope Array Surface Detector (TASD) of the effect of thunderstorms on the development of cosmic ray single count rate intensity over a 700 km2 area. Observations of variations in the secondary low-energy cosmic ray counting rate, using the TASD, allow us to study the electric field inside thunderstorms, on a large scale, as it progresses on top of the 700 km2 detector, without dealing with the limitation of narrow exposure in time and space using balloons and aircraft detectors. In this work, variations in the cosmic ray intensity (single count rate) using the TASD, were studied and found to be on average at the ∼(0.5–1)% and up to 2% level. These observations were found to be both in excess and in deficit. They were also found to be correlated with lightning in addition to thunderstorms. These variations lasted for tens of minutes; their footprint on the ground ranged from 6 km to 24 km in diameter and moved in the same direction as the thunderstorm. With the use of simple electric field models inside the cloud and between cloud to ground, the observed variations in the cosmic ray single count rate were recreated using CORSIKA simulations. Depending on the electric field model used and the direction of the electric field in that model, the electric field magnitude that reproduces the observed low-energy cosmic ray single count rate variations was found to be approximately between 0.2 GV–0.4 GV. This in turn allows us to get a reasonable insight on the electric field and its effect on cosmic ray air showers inside thunderstorms.2 MoreReceived 19 November 2021Accepted 3 January 2022DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.105.062002© 2022 American Physical SocietyPhysics Subject Headings (PhySH)Research AreasAtmospheric scienceCosmic rays & astroparticlesInterdisciplinary PhysicsParticles & Fields

Generic profile of a long-lived corotating interaction region and associated recurrent Forbush decrease

Context.Corotating interaction regions (CIRs), formed by the interaction of slow solar wind and fast streams that originate from coronal holes (CHs), produce recurrent Forbush decreases, which are short-term depressions in the galactic cosmic ray (GCR) flux.Aims.Our aim is to prepare a reliable set of CIR measurements to be used as a textbook for modeling efforts. For that purpose, we observe and analyse a long-lived CIR, originating from a single CH, recurring in 27 consecutive Carrington rotations 2057–2083 in the time period from June 2007–May 2009.Methods.We studied the in situ measurements of this long-lived CIR as well as the corresponding depression in the cosmic ray (CR) count observed by SOHO/EPHIN throughout different rotations. We performed a statistical analysis, as well as the superposed epoch analysis, using relative values of the key parameters: the total magnetic field strength,B, the magnetic field fluctuations,dBrms, plasma flow speed,v, plasma density,n, plasma temperature,T, and the SOHO/EPHIN F-detector particle count, and CR count.Results.We find that the mirrored CR count-time profile is correlated with that of the flow speed, ranging from moderate to strong correlation, depending on the rotation. In addition, we find that the CR count dip amplitude is correlated to the peak in the magnetic field and flow speed of the CIR. These results are in agreement with previous statistical studies. Finally, using the superposed epoch analysis, we obtain a generic CIR example, which reflects the in situ properties of a typical CIR well.Conclusions.Our results are better explained based on the combined convection-diffusion approach of the CIR-related GCR modulation. Furthermore, qualitatively, our results do not differ from those based on different CHs samples. This indicates that the change of the physical properties of the recurring CIR from one rotation to another is not qualitatively different from the change of the physical properties of CIRs originating from different CHs. Finally, the obtained generic CIR example, analyzed on the basis of superposed epoch analysis, can be used as a reference for testing future models.

Caudal Skeleton Variations in Alburnoides Fish Species from Iranian Water Basins

The species in the genus Alburnoides is distinguished based on having a combination of some morphological characteristics and different fin ray counts. Most descriptions are based on morphological characteristics and molecular approaches. The species are widely distributed in the Iranian basins. Since osteological structures of fishes provide major biological and ecological information, studying these structures is valuable. The present study was conducted to provide a caudal skeleton variations in Alburnoides fish species from Iran for the first time. For this purpose, three specimens of Alburnoides species were collected from different basins using the gill net (1mm) and electrofishing device and fixed in 10% buffered formalin. Then, the specimens were cleared and stained with alcian blue and alizarin red for osteological examination. Based on the results, several differences were observed among the species. The caudal shape comparison of Alburnoides species from the Inland water of Iran revealed some differences among them including the shape of the epural and rudimentary neural arch. However, ten species of Alburnoides, from Iran were not distinguishable based on these osteological characteristics.

Inconsistent Rays in Propagation Prediction by Ray Launching in Rectangular Tunnels

Ray tracing is replacing the less accurate statistical and empirical approaches of radio channel modeling. Although being high-frequency asymptotic method, ray tracing has been shown to be mathematically equivalent to purely analytical modal methods in rectangular tunnels and waveguides. The equivalence applies to modeling reflections using image theory, while other variants of the ray tracing algorithm are still subject to approximation errors that can systematically add up. Failure to recognize this leads to indiscriminate use of the less appropriate algorithmic variants. In particular, the use of ray tracing by ray launching can be questionable in tunnel environments, at least when characteristic sequences are used to avoid double counting errors. In addition to the known path inaccuracies, we first identify previously untreated inconsistent rays as the most problematic, leading to a significantly overestimated signal at distances greater than 100 m. We show that the problem is not equivalent to double counting of rays since the inconsistent rays represent valid wavefronts for the points in space at which they are detected. The discrepancy arises from the use of reception spheres, which allow some spatial displacement of ray paths. We quantify the errors in terms of estimated power, channel impulse response, and delay spread in a rectangular tunnel. We propose an improvement in the double-count filters to detect inconsistent rays. However, evaluation of signals deeper in the tunnel at frequencies below 1 GHz must be avoided by ray launching due to the remaining path inaccuracies.

Splenic, hepatic, renal and pulmonary clearance dysfunction associated with high-energy X-rays

Purpose To verify the high-energy X-rays effects on the blood clearance of colloidal particles by the spleen, liver, kidneys, and lungs. Materials and methods Seventeen male Wistar rats were distributed into three groups. Group 1 (n = 5) – control – non-irradiated animals, group 2 (n = 6) – irradiated animals studied 24 h after irradiation, and group 3 (n = 6) – irradiated animals studied 48 h after irradiation. The animals were anesthetized and irradiated with a non-fractionated 8 Gy dose in the abdominal region divided in two parallel and opposite fields, 4 Gy was given to the anteroposterior and 4 Gy to the posteroanterior. This high dose of high-energy X-rays causes extensive cell killing, tissue disorganization and break down cell to cell communication. According to the groups, 50 µCi of technetium-phytate were injected into the right internal jugular vein. After thirty minutes, the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lungs were removed. The clot was harvested from the abdominal cavity two minutes after the sectioning of the abdominal aorta and cava vein. The organs and clot were placed into plastic flasks to be weighed and studied for the emission of radioactivity in a gamma radiation detector. The uptake function of each organ was calculated based on the count of gamma rays emitted per minute and normalized with the organ mass, having as a reference the radioactivity count of a standard sample. The arithmetic mean of each organ uptake was calculated and compared among the groups. Results After irradiation, the spleen uptake of colloidal radiopharmaceutical was greater, while the hepatic, renal, and pulmonary uptake were lower. The renal uptake decreased slower than the hepatic and pulmonary uptake. Conclusion A single high dose of high-energy X-rays enhances the splenic clearance function, while it reduces the hepatic, renal, and pulmonary clearance until 48 h after irradiation, with a rapid deterioration of the hepatic and pulmonary uptake function.

Two new cryptic species of the freshwater fish genus Gobiomorphus (Gobiiformes: Gobioidei: Eleotridae) in New Zealand

ABSTRACT We describe two new species in the genus Gobiomorphus, a radiation of fresh and brackish water gudgeons known from Australia and New Zealand. These species are a prominent component of New Zealand’s freshwater ichthyofauna and most are widely distributed throughout both the North and South Islands. Two of the inland species, G. breviceps and G. basalis, are composed of disjunct northern and southern populations that are distinguishable with molecular data. We examine individuals from across the ranges of both species, identify morphological differences between them, and describe two new species: Gobiomorphus dinae n. sp. (distinct from G. basalis) and Gobiomorphus mataraerore n. sp. (distinct from G. breviceps). Although the species are similar, they vary in dorsal spine count (G. dinae) and pectoral fin ray count (G. mataraerore). We provide mitochondrial COI sequences for each species pair to facilitate identifications by DNA barcoding. These species represent examples of divergence in allopatry, with diagnostic characters arising over the last 2−5 million years in the G. breviceps/G. mataraerore pair, and fewer than 2 million years in the G. basalis/G. dinae pair. We also designate a lectotype for G. basalis (the paralectotype is G. cotidianus) in order to clarify confusion surrounding the original syntypes.

Energetic ions in the Venusian system: Insights from the first Solar Orbiter flyby

The Solar Orbiter flyby of Venus on 27 December 2020 allowed for an opportunity to measure the suprathermal to energetic ions in the Venusian system over a large range of radial distances to better understand the acceleration processes within the system and provide a characterization of galactic cosmic rays near the planet. Bursty suprathermal ion enhancements (up to ∼10 keV) were observed as far as ∼50RVdowntail. These enhancements are likely related to a combination of acceleration mechanisms in regions of strong turbulence, current sheet crossings, and boundary layer crossings, with a possible instance of ion heating due to ion cyclotron waves within the Venusian tail. Upstream of the planet, suprathermal ions are observed that might be related to pick-up acceleration of photoionized exospheric populations as far as 5RVupstream in the solar wind as has been observed before by missions such as Pioneer Venus Orbiter and Venus Express. Near the closest approach of Solar Orbiter, the Galactic cosmic ray (GCR) count rate was observed to decrease by approximately 5 percent, which is consistent with the amount of sky obscured by the planet, suggesting a negligible abundance of GCR albedo particles at over 2RV. Along with modulation of the GCR population very close to Venus, the Solar Orbiter observations show that the Venusian system, even far from the planet, can be an effective accelerator of ions up to ∼30 keV. This paper is part of a series of the first papers from the Solar Orbiter Venus flyby.

Radial evolution of the April 2020 stealth coronal mass ejection between 0.8 and 1 AU

Aims.We present observations of the first coronal mass ejection (CME) observed by the Solar Orbiter spacecraft on April 19, 2020 and the associated Forbush decrease (FD) measured by the High Energy Telescope (HET). This CME is a multi-spacecraft event that was also seen near Earth the following day.Methods.We highlight the capabilities of the HET for observing small short-term variations of the galactic cosmic ray count rate using its single detector counters. We applied the analytical ForbMod model to the FD measurements to reproduce the Forbush decrease at both locations. Input parameters for the model were derived from both in situ and remote-sensing observations of the CME.Results.The very slow (∼350 km s−1) stealth CME caused an FD with an amplitude of 3% in the low-energy cosmic ray measurements at HET and 2% in a comparable channel of the Cosmic Ray Telescope for the Effects of Radiation (CRaTER) on board the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, as well as a 1% decrease in neutron monitor measurements. Significant differences are observed in the expansion behavior of the CME at different locations, which may be related to influence of the following high speed solar wind stream. Under certain assumptions, ForbMod is able to reproduce the observed FDs in low-energy cosmic ray measurements from HET as well as CRaTER, however, with the same input parameters, the results do not agree with the FD amplitudes at higher energies measured by neutron monitors on Earth. We study these discrepancies and provide possible explanations.Conclusions.This study highlights the notion that the novel measurements of Solar Orbiter can be coordinated with observations from other spacecraft to improve our understanding of space weather in the inner heliosphere. Multi-spacecraft observations combined with data-based modeling are also essential for understanding the propagation and evolution of CMEs, in addition to their space weather impacts.

Underground muon flux measured by EEE students

The Extreme Energy Events experiment (EEE) is a cosmic ray observatory made of about 60 muon telescopes based on Multigap Resistive Plate Chamber (MRPC) detectors. The EEE experiment has two main targets: a scientific and a dissemination. The EEE collaboration has also developed a large set of portable scintillator-based detectors, named Cosmic Box (CB), mainly used for educational purposes. The CB allows students to perform cosmic ray counting measurements in several environments. CBs are made of two 15 × 15 × 1 cm scintillators read by two 3 × 3 mm2 SiPMs operated in coincidence. Three CBs were deployed in Nuraxi Figus and Seruci coal mine to perform an underground measurement of the cosmic muon flux attenuation. High school and university students were directly involved in all the stages of the measurements: from the preliminary measurements to the on-site work and data analysis.

Two new species of Rhinogobius (Gobiiformes: Oxudercidae) from Palawan, Philippines, with their phylogenetic placement

Two new species of Rhinogobius found in streams on central part of Palawan Island, Philippines are described. The two new species, Rhinogobius estrellae and Rhinogobius tandikan share unique transverse rows of sensory papillae on the cheek with Rhinogobius similis Gill, 1859, but differ from the latter in fin ray counts, arrangement of the scales, etc. The two new species are distinguished from each other by the pectoral-fin ray count, the longitudinal- and predorsal-scale counts, and colouration of the body. Rhinogobius estrellae new species and R. tandikan new species have been found allopatrically in a stream within Malatgao River system flowing into the Sulu Sea and in the Cayulo River flowing into the South China Sea, respectively. The Malatgao River system is the southernmost habitat of the genus Rhinogobius. Rhinogobius similis had been considered as the only member of the most basal lineage of this genus, but our mitochondrial genome analysis suggested that the two new species are additional members of this lineage. They are considered to be relicts of their common ancestor with R. similis, which probably had a wider distribution.

Türkiye'nin Akdeniz Kıyılarında Nadir Görülen Echeneis naucrates'in Son Kaydı

One specimen of live sharksucker was caught with a bottom trammel net in Taşucu Bay, south-eastern coast of Turkey, at 1 m depth on May, 2021. Meristic parameters were determined by fin ray counts and metric parameters were measured from the photos of the specimen. Excluding the recent record in Antalya Gulf, previous records of this species occurred later than May, generally in July in the Mediterranean Sea as well as in the Aegean Sea. The biometrical measurements were different in Taşucu Bay compared to those caught from the Aegean Sea and the central Mediterranean Sea (Tunisian and Sicilian waters), but relatively similar to those reported from Croatia. Major discriminative variables, albeit less significant in individuals from the central Mediterranean, were the number of anal, pectoral and dorsal fin rays. Numbers of suction disc laminae were higher in individuals from the central Mediterranean Sea and New Zealand than those from the Turkish coasts (all 21 disc laminae). The statistical analyses (Principal Component and Discriminant analyses) affirmed successful use of meristic parameters to differentiate the biometric characteristics of the species from the Aegean Sea, the central and eastern Mediterranean Sea. The length-weight relationship showed that the species had a negative allometric growth.

Three New Small Snailfishes of the Genus Careproctus (Teleostei: Cottiformes: Liparidae) from the Aleutian Islands, Alaska

Three new species of small snailfishes, with maximum lengths up to only 60 mm, are described from collections in the Aleutian Islands taken during fisheries resource assessment surveys conducted by the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service. Previous molecular analyses demonstrated that two of the species are closely related; the third species was found among material thought to consist only of one of these two species. Two of the new species are distinguished from all other species of Careproctus on the basis of an anterior dorsal-fin lobe with exserted rays and bodies with widespread small rounded bumps covered with tiny prickles. They are distinguished from each other on the basis of fin ray and vertebral counts, as well as differences in body shape. The third new species is diagnosed from all other species of Careproctus by having a small teardrop-shaped body, with loose thin skin and without an anterior dorsal-fin lobe, as well as by high counts of meristic characters, especially pectoral-fin rays. Each species is found widely within the Aleutian Islands from west of Kiska Island in the west to north of Umnak Island in the east at depths of 90 to 447 m.

A new diffusion effect correction method in pulsed neutron capture logging

The neutron diffusion effect contributed considerate bias to the sigma estimation in the pulsed neutron capture (PNC) well logging, and thus this effect must be corrected to achieve an accepted sigma prediction. This paper developed a new diffusion effect correction method for a more accurate sigma estimation in the PNC well logging method. Since the diffusion effect with a given source spacing in a PNC tool mainly depends on neutron slowing down and absorption, two parameters, the capture gamma ray counts ratio (RCAP) of the far to near detectors and the gamma ray counts ratio of inelastic scattering to capture (RIC) in the near detector, were used in the new method to effectively correct the diffusion effect. This is because RCAP is sensitive to neutron slowing down ability and RIC is sensitive to thermal neutron absorption ability. A combined expression of RCAP and RIC thus can reflect both the scattering and absorption contribution to the diffusion coefficient, which is subsequently used to correct the diffusion effect. No additional efforts are required to measure RCAP and RIC because they can be simultaneously obtained with the gamma ray decay time spectrum measurement. Computational experiments based on Monte Carlo simulations demonstrated the sigma calculated with the new correction method has shown to be more accurate than the non-corrected apparent sigma in the PNC logging. • A diffusion effect correction method developed for accurate sigma estimation. • Diffusion effect in sigma logging demonstrated by Monte Carlo simulation. • Two self-correction parameters of RCAP and RIC were used to correct the diffusion effect.

Morphological differentiation in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) from three different populations in Nigeria

AbstractIntraspecific morphological variation in Clarias gariepinus was studied in three water bodies. Twenty-three morphometric characteristics and seven meristic were used. Principal component (PC) analysis showed that morphometric traits of River Osun and Ogbese were somewhat related while that of Aago showed no relatedness, there were no difference among the meristic counts of the populations. PC1, and PC2 accounted for 93% and 4% of the variation observed in the populations. High positive correlation was observed in Aago (r = 0.872, b = 2.10) and Ogbese population while low correlation and negative allometric growth (r = 0.425 and b= 1.38) was observed in Asejire population. Cluster analysis revealed that three studied populations are separated into two major clusters, with samples from Asejire and Ogbese population found within the same cluster but different sub- clusters, similarly some of samples from Aago were also within the same cluster while samples 10 were found on a separate and major cluster. The study confirms the variability among individual species within each population, indicates the presence of genetic diversity among the populations of C. gariepinus and the Pre-anal distance and dorsal fin ray count could be employed in the identification of populations of catfish.
 Key words: morphometric traits, meristic characters, populations, allometric

Comparative morphology of freshwater sculpin inhabiting different environmental conditions in the Chesapeake Bay headwaters

We compared body morphology of two freshwater sculpin taxa that inhabit distinct environmental conditions in the Chesapeake Bay watershed of eastern North America: Potomac sculpin (C. girardi, Robins; PS) and checkered sculpin (C. sp. cf. girardi; CS). Both taxa are endemic to the study area, but PS are more broadly distributed than CS which are limited to karst groundwater-dominated streams in the central Potomac River basin. We examined preserved specimens from sites encompassing their geographic range (six sites per taxon) to evaluate taxonomic differences and environmental effects. Pelvic fin ray counts and body shape distinguished the study taxa. Morphological variation exhibited stronger relationships to environmental covariates (site elevation and basin size) in PS than CS as expected. In addition, the frequency of specimens with a united median chin pore increased with site elevation in PS (but not CS), suggesting thermal effects on preoperculomanibular canal development. However, contrary to expectation, PS did not exhibit greater among-population variation in body shape than CS, and this indicates the potential importance of unmeasured environmental differences among karst groundwater-dominated streams in the study area. Our study also indicated the utility of stream-level management units for CS, an undescribed species recognized as “critically imperiled” by state agencies.

Revision of the diagnostic characters of two morphologically similar snook species, Centropomus viridis and C. nigrescens (Carangiformes: Centropomidae).

Historically, the taxonomic identification of the two snook species, Centropomus viridis and C. nigrescens, has been challenging due to their morphological similarity and the inconsistency of the characters used for diagnosis. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of the morphologic, meristic, and morphometric characters currently being used to identify C. viridis and C. nigrescens, based on molecular data. The results showed that the gas-bladder shape (i.e., C. viridis with diverticula and C. nigrescens without diverticula) was the only morphological character univocally related to genetic identification. Likewise, geometric morphometrics separated two groups; each corresponds to only one of two genetically (and gas bladder shape) identified species. Of all the meristic characters examined, only the second dorsal fin ray count (nine for C. viridis and ten for C. nigrescens) was related to the gas bladder shape and genetic identity; therefore, it is the only external character with a diagnostic utility to separate each species.

Clinical Profile and Outcome of Hemodialysis Patients with SARS COV2 Infection in a Tertiary Care Centre in Mumbai, India.

Introduction:CKD5D is a high risk subgroup with high comorbidity burden, need for frequent visits to dialysis centre and a compromised immune system. The effect of SARS COV2 virus on this population is not well known.Methods:This prospective study enrolled, all CKD5D with COVID 19 infection, admitted to our hospital, from 23rd April to 30th June 2020 & whose outcome as discharge/mortality was known. Their clinical profile, investigations, treatment and outcome in terms of mortality or discharge after clearing infection was noted and analysed.Results:Total 203 dialysis patients with COVID 19 were referred to our institute. Of these total, 131 were analysed. Median age was 50 years (19-80 years) with 57% were males. Hypertension (76%) was the commonest comorbidity followed by diabetes (29%) and coronary artery disease (22%). Dyspnoea, fever and cough were present in 50%, 40%, and 33% patients respectively. 26% were asymptomatic. None had dialyser clotting. Mortality was 20.6%. Time to turn RT PCR negative was 14 days (3-40 days). Comparing deceased vs survivors: Age [56 vs 49 yrs], diabetes [56% vs 22%], duration of symptoms at admission [5 vs 4 days], dyspnea [85% vs 40%] and encephalopathy [30% vs 1%] at admission, bilateral opacities on Chest X ray [93% vs 20%] and high leucocyte count [11,059 ± 5,929 vs 7,022 ± 2,935/cmm] were statistically significant variables associated with mortality.Conclusion:Asymptomatic group was 26% of the total CKD5D with COVID 19 infection population analysed. Mortality was 20.61%. Higher age, later presentation to hospital, diabetes, dyspnoea, & encephalopathy at presentation, bilateral opacities on Chest X- Ray & higher leukocyte counts were significantly associated with mortality.