January 27, 2004

Jury of eight woman and four men is seated in federal court in Manhattan to hear government's case alleging obstruction of justice and securities fraud by Martha Stewart in her sale of Imclone stock; panel is weighted toward working women, including foreign-born pharmacist whose command of English was questioned by defense lawyers; trial watchers say composition of jury bodes well for Stewart; photo; not considered accidental is fact that Judge Miriam Goldman Cedarbaum and chief prosecutor Karen Patton Seymour are also women; prosecution wins ruling that defense may not question government's motives in bringing case or suggest that she is not guilty of insider trading because that charge was not brought or suggest Stewart is being prosecuted for asserting her innocence or point out unusual charge of trying to pump up her own company's stock (M)

Dr David Hellerstein discusses events that took place while he was clinical director of New York psychiatric institute; describes practice of allowing patients in general research unit to use cell phones and computers and how communication with people outside of institute effects patient recovery and treatment; suggests that although technology can provide positive links with family and friends, it can also cause disruptions in recovery process; holds that technology concerns will be ongoing issue for medical institutions; drawing (M)

Polar Bears, which are largest of bears and are found only in Arctic regions, have many unique qualities and abilities; Dr Ian Stirling, Canadian Wildlife Service research scientist and author of book Polar Bears, explains bear's ability to switch rapidly between normal physiological state and hibernation based on environment and ability to find food; all other bears adhere to strict seasonal schedule and take weeks to adapt; genetic research shows that polar bears are one of most recently evolved mammals on earth; debate about why they have white fur is presented; adult playing behaviors, disparate size between mother and offspring and extreme patience while hunting are some unique qualities of Polar Bears that are mentioned; map; photos, drawing (L)

New York Knicks president Isiah Thomas's complex and often contradictory personality is reflection of years living on Chicago's West Side, where dodging gangs, learning basketball and being youngest of nine children motivated him to lift his family out of hardship; photos (L)

Japan's merchandise trade surplus grew 41 percent in December, to 1.1 trillion yen ($10.6 billion), as strong exports to China and elsewhere offset effect of yen's appreciation; Japan's surplus with US fell for 12th consecutive month; exports from Japan to US fell 7.8 percent (S)