January 20, 2004

Quark Matter 2004 conference becomes forum for Brookhaven National Laboratory scientists to present and critique own data on quest to create quark-gluon plasma; elusive state of matter is believed to have existed last immediately after big bang; CERN, Europe's leading particle physics laboratory, recently announced creation of deconfined quarks, state directly before quark-gluon plasma, and Brookhaven has been critical of that announcement, holding data is inconclusive; possible reasons for conflict between research groups and for Brookhaven's reluctance to announce discovery discussed; photo; drawing (L)

Thousands of Carolina Panthers fans gather to welcome Panthers home after NFC title game victory over Philadelphia Eagles; photo (M)

New York City Mayor Michael R Bloomberg administration says it will not go through with Finance Commissioner Martha E Stark's proposed overhaul of city's tax assessment laws until it examines how such changes will affect system, though some officials involved say city wants to avoid possibly embarrassing opposition from Albany (M)

Connecticut University defeats Pittsburgh University, 68-65; photos (M)

Martha Stewart has used focus groups and retinue of advisers in million-dollar campaign to arrange her defense and improve image prior to going to trial on charges of misleading investigators and investors about her trade of 4,000 shares of Imclone Systems shortly before company announced disappointing news; will appear in court on Jan 20 to watch selection of jury; her legal team has carefully tested government's case--and her own reputation--before sampling of kind of people who will be deciding her fate; she also has Web site which presents her side of case; lingering question is whether or not campaign has reached potential jurors (M)