efficiencies than males [9]. Thus, we speculated that the functional brain networks in the boys showed a more optimal configuration for globally distributed processing, whereas those in the girls took an advantage of locally specialized processing. Integrated processes (e.g., the executive functions) would benefit from the global efficiency of information transfer across the network as a whole, whereas segregated processes (e.g., aspects of visual-input analysis) would benefit from highly clustered connections between topological neighbors [68]. Moreover, a high global efficiency assures effective integrity or rapid transfers of information between and across remote regions that are believed to constitute the basis of cognitive process [54]. Sex differences in the cognitive functions are well-known to become more pronounced during childhood and adolescence [73]. Therefore, our findings of a sex difference in the functional brain networks possibly underlied the sex-related cognitive differences in children.
