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Skeletal dysplasia is mainly caused by genetic mutations or endocrine abnormality. In this study, a case of disproportionate dwarfism from the Iron Age Beishenjiaqiao cemetery in Xi'an, China is analyzed from the perspective of bioarchaeology. The individual shows disproportionately short stature, with reduced long-bone diaphyseal length especially of both humeri, unfused proximal humerus epiphyses, abnormal development of the shoulder and hip joints, left femoral head necrosis, and unusually gracile left femur and tibia shaft, demonstrating limited mobility and labor capacity. Hypothyroidism, pseudoachondroplasia, and multiple epiphyseal dysplasia are the most likely possible diagnoses although there are other possibilities. By combining the archaeological evidences and historical records, it is speculated that this individual lived a normal life and was well treated during her lifetime. Overall, this rare case concerning dwarfism not only enriches our knowledge of skeletal dysplasia among ancient Chinese in northern China but also demonstrates the humanitarian attitude of ancient society toward the disability. Nanyang Technological University This research is supported by the NAP Start-Up Grant from Nanyang Technological University; the sub-project of the Major Project of the National Social Science Fund of China (Grant No. 19ZDA227); China's national key R & D program (Grant No. 2020YFC1521607); Youth talent innovation team of Zhengzhou University (Grant No.2021-QNTD-05); the sub-project of the Central Plains Civilization Exploration Project in Henan Province (Grant No. 24220078); the research on the roots of Chinese Civilization of Zhengzhou University (Grant No. XKZDJC202006); the open research project of the Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education of Cultural Heritage Research and Protection Technology of Northwestern University (Grant No. xbdx2019–5–18).

Methyl radicals substituted by one ester or nitrile group are on the borderline between nucleophilic and electrophilic behavior. In addition reactions of these borderline radicals to styrenes, polar effects of both, electron-withdrawing and electron-donating substituents at the alkene, increase the rates. But these polar effects are smaller compared to those of nucleophilic or electrophilic radicals. In consequence, the stability of the radicals formed during the addition of the borderline radicals to styrenes are of major importance for the rate of the reaction.

Photolysis of the alkylcobaloxime (I) in CCl4 yields the products (III) and (IV) (yields not given).

Methyl radicals substituted by one ester or nitrile group are on the borderline between nucleophilic and electrophilic behavior. In addition reactions of these borderline radicals to styrenes, polar effects of both, electron-withdrawing and electron-donating substituents at the alkene, increase the rates. But these polar effects are smaller compared to those of nucleophilic or electrophilic radicals. In consequence, the stability of the radicals formed during the addition of the borderline radicals to styrenes are of major importance for the rate of the reaction.