Critical Period Research Articles

Model for motivating learners with personalized learning objects in a hypermedia adaptive learning system

<span lang="EN-US">A number of weaknesses were demonstrated in the E-learning platforms during the Covid-19 pandemic despite the efforts invested. This has negatively influenced learners' motivation and consequently their performance. With the proliferation of technology and the revolution of information and communication technologies (ICT), learning objects have become new epitomes widely used, accessible, and implemented with educational resources and technological support. The integration of learning objects into E-learning has enhanced educational progress, but during critical periods, it is crucial to ensure pedagogical continuity and learner motivation. Based on this observation, we will propose architecture of a personalized learning object model in the context of an adaptive hypermedia learning system (AHS). The objective of our model is to increase the motivation factor which is a determining element in the success of E-learning, our model aims to improve the performance of the learners in order to avoid the abounding of learning and to promote the attendance of the learners. This will be useful later for any design or development of learning objects in hypermedia learning systems that are adaptive to the needs of the learners and in line with their preferences and profiles throughout the learning process offered by the system. </span>

Does the effect of adolescent health behaviours on adult cardiometabolic health differ by socioeconomic background? Protocol for a population-based cohort study

IntroductionAdolescence is a sensitive period for cardiometabolic health. Yet, it remains unknown if adolescent health behaviours, such as alcohol use, smoking, diet and physical activity, have differential effects across socioeconomic...

Sensitive periods of flexibility development at school age

The objective is to identify sensitive periods for the accentuated development of flexibility of schoolchildren. Methods: the scientific research was conducted on the basis of 60 schools in the city of Kirov, in Russia from September 14, 2022 to May 22, 2023. The pedagogical experiment involved 1,217 children (579 boys and 638 girls) from grades 1 to 11 of secondary school number 60 Kirov, Russia. Each lesson in the discipline "Physical education" lasted 40 minutes and took place 3 times a week. All students were engaged in the usual physical education program at school. All students took the tests at the beginning and at the end of the school year. The level of flexibility development was determined by the test "Leaning forward from a standing position on a gymnastic bench." Excel was used to process the results of the study, the Biostatistics-2022 program determined the reliability of the results of the T-Student study. Results: After the end of the study, the average indicators in each age group increased during the academic year. In the indicators of boys from the beginning to the end of the study, there was a significant and significant increase in flexibility indicators in the second grade (+15%), in the third grade (+17%) and in the fourth grade (+15%). In girls, a significant increase in the value is noted in the third grade (+16%), fifth grade (+14%) and sixth grade (+15%). In other age periods, there is not a significant increase in flexibility indicators (p>0.05). Conclusion: As a result of this large-scale study, it can be argued that the targeted development of flexibility should be in boys aged 8 to 11 years, and in girls aged 9-10 years, 11-12 years and 12-13 years. Keywords: Physical exercises, Joint mobility, Muscle stretching, Physical education.

Predictors of suicidal behaviors among school-going adolescents: a cross sectional study in Indonesia

BackgroundAdolescents are a high-risk age group for committing suicide, and the risk substantially increases from early to late adolescence. Adolescence also serves as critical time period for early detection and intervention to prevent suicidal behaviors. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of suicidality and identify significant predictors of suicidality among adolescents.MethodsA cross-sectional observational study was conducted between January-December 2023. Adolescents aged 14–18 years old (n = 2317) were consecutively recruited from 15 high schools across four provinces on Java Island in Indonesia. Self-reported validated instruments in Indonesian were used to assess sociodemographic profiles, self-esteem (RSES), hopelessness (BHS), loneliness (ULS-3), perceived social support (MSPSS), depression (PHQ-9), resilience (CD-RISC-10), suicidality (SBQ-R). With adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence interval (CI), binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine significant predictors of suicidality.ResultsThe prevalence of lifetime suicide ideation was 26.5%, lifetime suicide plans were 18.2%, lifetime suicide threat was 14.1%, and lifetime suicide attempt was 4.4%. The prevalence of 12-month suicide ideation was 43.1%. The following variables were identified and significantly associated with suicidality (p < 0.05): female students (AOR = 1.912; 95%CI:1.507–2.425), chronic illness (AOR = 2.886; 95%CI:1.545–5.389), low resilience (AOR = 1.347; 95%CI:1.036–1.750), low self-esteem (AOR = 2.020; 95%CI:1.578–2.585), low family support (AOR = 3.532; 95%CI:2.486–5.017), loneliness (AOR = 1.611; 95%CI:1.211–2.143), depression (AOR = 4.882; 95%CI = 3.861–6.175), and hopelessness (AOR = 1.602; 95%CI:1.154–2.224). Nagelkerke R square was 0.364 indicating the regression model explained 36.4% of variance in suicidality.ConclusionsOur study revealed several significant predictors of suicidality among adolescents which can be targeted to develop suicide prevention strategies.

Impact of a philosophical intervention on the reduction of depression in high school students.

Adolescence is a critical and challenging period in development; therefore, it is of utmost importance to address and prevent disorders such as depression or anxiety. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of a philosophical intervention on depression rates in high school students. The method consisted of the evaluation of depression before and after the intervention with the BDI-Y test. Of the cases of the young people attended in the intervention workshops, on average, their depressive classification decreased by 67%. The implementation of the workshops with content in ethical values can be a model of early mental health intervention to reduce the levels of depression in high school students, which created a multiplier effect in the class groups, as well as in the increase of coexistence and teamwork.

The Effect of Childhood Nutritional Status Changes with Pre-Diabetes And Diabetes Risk among Adolescents: A Retrospective Cohort Study

The first 1000 days of life and before the age of five years is a critical period of nutritional opportunity and vulnerabilitya. Only few have studies that trace individuals from childhood to adolescence examined the influence of childhood undernutrition on diabetes risk. This research was a retrospective cohort study using secondary data from IFLS (Indonesian Family Life Survey) involving 373 adolescents at IFLS-5 (2014) that folllowed at IFLS-3 (2000) and at IFLS-2 (1997). The effect of childhood undernutrition on the risk of pre-diabetes and diabetes in adolescents was analyzed using multinomial logistic regression. The results of this study showed that the prevalence of pre-diabetes was 12.6% and diabetes was 15.0%. The risk factor for pre-diabetes is frequent consumption of fast food (aOR=4.38). Meanwhile, recovering from stunting was a protective factor in adolescents (aOR=0.05). Risk factors for diabetes were stunting (aOR=2.71), deteriorated nutritional status during childhood (aOR=3.85), experienced wasting during childhood (aOR=3.55), and frequent fast food consumption (aOR=3.11). Meanwhile, vegetable consumption was a protective factor of diabetes (aOR=0.37). In conclusion, this study showed that childhood undernutrition on the risk of diabetes. Improvement point is through nutrition programs in childhood and adolescence.

Children born very or extremely preterm transitioning to school: a cross-sectional study examining predictors of school readiness, school adjustment, and support needs

ABSTRACT The transition to school is a sensitive developmental period for young children. Although children born very/extremely preterm have increased risk of health and developmental concerns, predictors of their school readiness and adjustment remain largely unexamined. Parents of very/extremely preterm-born children (aged 3–7 years; pre-transition n = 114, post-transition n = 112) completed an online survey assessing their perceptions of children’s school readiness (pre-transition) or adjustment (post-transition), support needs, child behaviour, parent distress, and parent confidence. Poorer school readiness and adjustment and greater needs for support correlated with child health/developmental condition/s; hyperactivity, peer problems, conduct problems, emotional symptoms, and less prosocial behaviour; and lower parent confidence. Using hierarchical linear regression, parent confidence emerged as the strongest common predictor of school readiness (pre-transition) and school adjustment (post-transition), followed by low hyperactivity, high parent education (tertiary), and no diagnosed child health/developmental condition/s. Results will be used to identify families needing support and develop tailored support strategies.

Revisiting perceptual sensitivity to non-native speech in a diverse sample of bilinguals

Werker and Tees (1984) prompted decades of research attempting to detail the paths infants take towards specialisation for the sounds of their native language(s). Most of this research has examined the trajectories of monolingual children. However, it has also been proposed that bilinguals, who are exposed to greater phonetic variability than monolinguals and must learn the rules of two languages, may remain perceptually open to non-native language sounds later into life than monolinguals. Using a visual habituation paradigm, the current study tests this question by comparing 15- to 18-month-old monolingual and bilingual children’s developmental trajectories for non-native phonetic consonant contrast discrimination. A novel approach to the integration of stimulus presentation software with eye-tracking software was validated for objective measurement of infant looking time. The results did not support the hypothesis of a protracted period of sensitivity to non-native phonetic contrasts in bilingual compared to monolingual infants. Implications for diversification of perceptual narrowing research and implementation of increasingly sensitive measures are discussed.

Neuronal coupling modes show differential development in the early cortical activity networks of human newborns.

The third trimester is a critical period for the development of functional networks that support the lifelong neurocognitive performance; yet the emergence of neuronal coupling in these networks is poorly understood. Here, we used longitudinal high-density electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings from preterm infants during the period from 33 to 45 weeks of conceptional age to characterize early spatiotemporal patterns in the development of local cortical function and the intrinsic coupling modes (phase-phase, amplitude-amplitude, and phase-amplitude correlations). Absolute local power showed a robust increase with conceptional age across the full frequency spectrum, while local phase-amplitude correlations showed sleep state -specific, biphasic development that peaked a few weeks before normal birth. Amplitude-amplitude and distant phase-amplitude correlations decreased globally at nearly all frequencies. In contrast, the phase-phase correlations showed frequency- and region-selective development, with an increase of coupling strength with conceptional age between frontal, central, and occipital regions at low-delta and alpha frequencies together with a wider-spread decrease at other frequencies. Our findings together present the spectrally and spatially differential development of the distinct intrinsic coupling modes during the neonatal period and provide their developmental templates for future basic and clinical research.Significance statement Neuronal activity coupling in cortical networks is a fundamental mechanism underlying higher brain functions. However, emergence of these functional networks within the structural connectome at early maturation is poorly understood. Here, we study the human development of cortical function and distinct neuronal coupling modes (amplitude-amplitude, phase-phase, and phase-amplitude coupling) by investigating longitudinal high-density electroencephalographic recordings in preterm-born infants and discussing their potential links to established neurophysiological processes. Our findings disclose robust, spatially and spectrally specific developmental trajectories for all coupling modes to be used as developmental baselines for future research. The findings together indicate that neuronal coupling modes develop independently during the early neonatal period, supporting the notion that these modes reflect different coupling mechanisms and should be considered separately.

Global Inversion of Lunar Surface Oxides by Adding Chang’e-5 Samples

The chemical distribution on the lunar surface results from the combined effects of both endogenic and exogenic geological processes. Exploring global maps of chemical composition helps to gain insights into the compositional variation among three major geological units, unraveling the geological evolution of the Moon. The existing oxide abundance maps were obtained from spectral images of remote sensing and geochemical data from samples returned by Apollo and Luna, missing the chemical characteristics of the Moon’s late critical period. In this study, by adding geochemical data from Chang’e (CE)-5 lunar samples, we construct inversion models between the Christiansen feature (CF) and oxide abundance of lunar samples using the particle swarm optimization–extreme gradient boosting (PSO-XGBoost) algorithm. Then, new global oxide maps (Al2O3, CaO, FeO, and MgO) and Mg# with the resolution of 32 pixels/degree (ppd) were produced, which reduced the space weathering effect to some extent. The PSO-XGBoost models were compared with partial least square regression (PLSR) models and four previous results, indicating that PSO-XGBoost models possess the capability to effectively describe nonlinear relationships between CF and oxide abundance. Furthermore, the average contents of our results and the Diviner results for 21 major maria demonstrate high correlations, with R2 of 0.95, 0.82, 0.95, and 0.86, respectively. In addition, a new Mg# map was generated, which reveals different magmatic evolutionary processes in the three geologic units.

The Influence of Milk Leakage, Udder Pressure and Further Risk Factors on the Development of New Intramammary Infections during the Dry Period of Dairy Cows.

Prevention of new intramammary infection (NIMI) during the dry period (DP) is essential to prevent the development of mastitis in dairy cows. To investigate risk factors for NIMI, 212 cows, comprising a total of 848 udder quarters, were examined in this study. Quarter milk samples were taken on the day of drying off and 7 ± 3 days after calving. Cow- and quarter-level associated risk factors were assessed at the beginning of the DP and after calving. In total, 7.1% of the udder quarters developed an NIMI between the samplings. Non-aureus staphylococci (40.4%) and Gram-negative pathogens (22.8%) were most frequently the cause of NIMI. The observed milk leakage prevalence was 16.7%, with a peak 24 h after drying off. Simultaneously, the udder pressure peaked 24 h after drying off. A significant correlation between milk yield on the day before drying off and milk leakage could be proven. Cows with quarters leaking milk produced an average milk yield of 28.32 kg on the day before drying off. Generalised linear mixed models and odds ratios were calculated to determine the significant risk factors for NIMI during the DP and early lactation. Quarters leaking milk had 3.4 higher odds for NIMI between the samplings compared to quarters without milk leakage. Quarters from cows with dirty udders had 3.1 higher odds of developing an NIMI between the samplings compared to quarters from cows with clean udders. The results of this study demonstrate the importance of dry cow management before drying off and during the critical period of active involution of the udder tissue.

Rapid Restratification Processes Control Mixed Layer Turbulence and Phytoplankton Growth in a Deep Convection Region

AbstractThe Gulf of Lion, Northwestern Mediterranean Sea, is one of few oceanic regions where deep convection occurs. We investigate the restratification following a convection event using measurements from an ocean glider equipped with turbulence microstructure sensors. This unique combination of instruments provides a high‐resolution description of the mixed layer with regard to turbulence, stratification and chlorophyll. We observe a rapid restratification process that proceeds over a timescale of days to one week. We find that restratification exerts a leading order control on surface mixed layer turbulence variability, as abrupt changes in turbulence dissipation rates are associated with the formation of near‐surface stratification. The near‐surface formation of stratification occurs through both the diurnal variability in surface buoyancy fluxes and through lateral advective processes. We conclude that daily near‐surface processes that influence stratification control mixed layer turbulence levels, and thus the phytoplankton response in the critical transition period to spring bloom.

Динамика развития управляющих функций у детей 5–6 лет в условиях Севера России

The age of 5–6 years is an important stage in the development of the child’s executive functions. It is traditionally considered a sensitive period, which is complicated by the transition from the pre-school to the primary school educational system. A child’s future academic success depends on the degree of development of executive functions (EF). Identifying specific EF components that are closely related to school readiness can help devise optimal educational approaches to pre-schoolers. Early diagnosis of certain signs of control function immaturity can help correct them in order to develop all the components of voluntary attention. The purpose of this paper is to assess the development of executive functions in children aged 5–6 years. Materials and methods. The longitudinal study was conducted between 2020 and 2022 and involved 15 children (9 boys and 6 girls) aged 5 to 6 years without a history of neurological and mental diseases, attending the same preschool (in the city of Arkhangelsk) that conforms to modern educational standards. The testing was carried out at the beginning and at the end of each academic year. Results. Having compared the parameters under study in children aged 5–6 years, we found uneven development of the EF components. Progressive changes at this age concern the functions of selective regulation, control, and following certain programmes of activities. The integral indicator of the total EF deficit follows a noticeable downward trend. This can also be evidenced by significant direct correlations between the EF components and academic success.

Associations between the social environment and early childhood developmental outcomes of Puerto Rican children with prenatal Zika virus exposure: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundPrenatal exposure to the Zika virus can lead to microcephaly and adverse developmental outcomes, even in children without evident birth defects. The social environment plays a crucial role in infant health and developmental trajectories, especially during periods of heightened brain plasticity. The study aimed to assess socioenvironmental factors as predictors of developmental outcomes of 36-month-old children exposed to Zika virus prenatally.Study designThis cross-sectional study included 53 mothers and 55 children enrolled in the Pediatric Outcomes of Prenatal Zika Exposure cohort study in Puerto Rico. The study performs follow-up developmental assessments of children born to mothers with confirmed and probable Zika virus infection during pregnancy. Mothers completed socioenvironmental questionnaires (e.g., Perceived Neighborhood Scale and US Household Food Insecurity Survey). Children’s developmental outcomes were assessed with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development: Third Edition, the Ages and Stages Questionnaires: Third Edition, the Ages and Stages Questionnaire-Socioemotional: Second Edition, and the Child Adjustment and Parent Efficacy Scale.ResultsLinear regression models, adjusting for a child’s sex and age and maternal education, revealed that early life exposure to food insecurity and maternal pregnancy stressors were significantly associated with poorer developmental outcomes in Zika virus-exposed children at 36 months of age. Maternal resilience representation of adaptive ability was associated with the preservation of adequate developmental outcomes in children.ConclusionsPregnancy and early childhood are critical life periods for ensuring optimal brain development in children. While the mechanisms in the interaction of children with their environment are complex, the risk and protective factors identified in the study are modifiable through public policy and preventive initiatives. Implementation of comprehensive strategies that improve access to social support programs, educational and nutritional interventions, and mental health services during pregnancy and early childhood can enhance the developmental potential of vulnerable children.

Determination of Critical Periods of Soybean cv. Dema 2 Against Weeds in The Dry Season

Weed control by weeding is the safest alternative but requires a lot of labor and costs. Therefore, knowledge about the critical period for soybean plants against weeds is necessary so that weeding can be done timely and efficiently. This study aimed to determine the effect of weeding time on the growth and yield of soybean and critical period to weeds. The study was conducted in Mekarjaya Village, Gantar District, Indramayu Regency, from September to December 2023. The experimental design was Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The treatments tested were the time of weeding which consisted of nine levels: weeds free, weeding at 3 weeks after planting (WAP), weeding at 4 WAP, weeding at 5 WAP, weeding at 6 WAP, weeding at 7 WAP, weeding at 8 WAP, B9 = not weeded. All treatments were repeated three time. The results showed that the time of weeding treatment had no significant effect on growth component but had a significant effect to yield components and yield of soybean. The time of weeding treatment showed that the critical period for soybean cultivar Dena 2 occurred at 0-9 WAP with a yield loss due to weed competition of 8.87% to 27%.

Association between preterm infant body composition in the first 3months of life and preschool age: a cohort study.

Compared with full-term infants, preterm infants have fat-free mass deficit in the first months of life, which increases the risk of metabolic diseases in the future. In this cohort of children born under 32-week gestational age or less than 1500g, we aimed to evaluate the associations of body composition at term equivalent age and in the first 3months of life with fat-free mass and fat mass percentage at 4 to 7years of life. Body composition assessments by air displacement plethysmography and anthropometry were performed at term, at 3months of corrected age, and at 4 to 7years of age. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to observe the associations between body composition at these ages. At term, fat mass percentage showed a negative association and fat-free mass a positive association with fat-free mass at 4 to 7years. The fat-free mass at 3months and the gain in fat-free mass between term and 3months showed positive associations with fat-free mass at 4 to 7years. Conclusion: Body composition at preschool age is associated with fat-free mass in the first 3months of life, a sensitive period for the risk of metabolic diseases. What is Known: • Preterm infants have a deficit in fat-free mass and high adiposity at term equivalent age compared to full-term infants. • Fat-free mass reflects metabolic capacity throughout life and therefore is considered a protective factor against the risk of metabolic syndrome. What is New: •Fat-free mass gain in the first 3months of corrected age is associated with fat-free mass at preschool and school ages. •The first 3months of life is a sensitive period to the risk of metabolic diseases.

Water deficit differentially modulates leaf photosynthesis and transpiration of fungus-tolerant Muscadinia x Vitis hybrids

Screening for drought performance among novel fungi-tolerant grapevine genotypes is a key point to consider in semiarid regions where water scarcity is a common problem during fruit ripening period. It is therefore important to evaluate the genotypes’ responses at the level of carbon metabolism and water demand, under water deficit conditions. This study aimed to characterize leaf and plant water use efficiency (respectively named WUEi and WUEpl) of novel INRAE fungi-tolerant genotypes (including LowSugarBerry (LSB) genotypes), under mild and high-water deficit (WD) and to decipher the photosynthetic parameters leading to higher WUEi. For this purpose, experiments were conducted on potted plants during one season using a phenotyping platform. Two stabilized soil moisture capacity (SMC) conditions, corresponding to mild (SMC 0.6) and high (SMC 0.3) WD, were imposed from the onset of berry ripening until the physiological ripeness stage, which was defined as the point at which fruits reach their maximum solutes and water content. At the whole plant level, all genotypes increased WUEpl under high WD. The highest WUEpl was reached for 3176N, which displayed both a high rate of non-structural carbon accumulation in fruits due to high fruit-to-leaf ratio and low plant transpiration because of low total leaf area. However, when normalizing the fruit-to-leaf ratio among the genotypes, G14 reached the highest normalized WUEpl_n under high WD. At the leaf level, WUEi also increased under high WD, with the highest value attained for G14 and 3176N and the lowest value for Syrah. The higher WUEi values for all genotypes compared to Syrah were associated to higher levels of photosynthesis and changes in light-harvesting efficiency parameters (ΦCO2, qP and qN), while no clear trend was apparent when considering the photosynthetic biochemical parameters (Vcmax, Jmax). Finally, a positive correlation between leaf and plant WUE was observed regardless of genotypes. This study allowed us to classify grapevine genotypes based on their grapes primary metabolite accumulation and water consumption during the critical sugar-loading period. Additionally, the study highlighted the potential drought adaptation mechanism of the LSB genotypes.

Advancements in Fatigue Detection: Integrating fNIRS and Non-Voluntary Attention Brain Function Experiments.

Driving fatigue is a significant concern in contemporary society, contributing to a considerable number of traffic accidents annually. This study explores novel methods for fatigue detection, aiming to enhance driving safety. This study utilizes electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to monitor driver fatigue during simulated driving experiments lasting up to 7 h. Analysis reveals a significant correlation between behavioral data and hemodynamic changes in the prefrontal lobe, particularly around the 4 h mark, indicating a critical period for driver performance decline. Despite a small participant cohort, the study's outcomes align closely with established fatigue standards for drivers. By integrating fNIRS into non-voluntary attention brain function experiments, this research demonstrates promising efficacy in accurately detecting driving fatigue. These findings offer insights into fatigue dynamics and have implications for shaping effective safety measures and policies in various industrial settings.

Modelling a foreland fold-and-thrust petroleum system: a Permian example in the NW Sichuan Basin, Southwest China

ABSTRACT Foreland thrust belts are globally significant areas for oil and gas exploration. These belts undergo unique tectonic activity, resulting in distinct variations in the accumulation of oil and gas. Studying the genetic evolution of deep oil and gas in these thrust belts is a crucial means of revealing the patterns of deep oil and gas accumulation. This study utilized a novel approach that combines reservoir geochemistry and basin simulation to determine the migration process of oil and gas in the foreland thrust fault belt of northwestern Sichuan Province. To achieve this goal, we established a thermal evolution model of lower Palaeozoic source rocks through organic chemical analysis. The balanced profile technique was used to determine the paleotectonic evolution pattern of the critical period in this area. Additionally, the mixed flow migration algorithm was employed to simulate the evolution of the Palaeozoic petroleum system. Through basin petroleum system modelling (BPSM), it was discovered that the bitumen found in the thrust nappe belt originated from the lower Cambrian strata. Furthermore, the gas reservoir in the hidden fault belt primarily migrated from the lower Cambrian strata and was also partially mixed with thermogenic gas from Permian source rocks. After establishing the genetic models of various tectonic belts in the study area, it became clear that there are notable differences in hydrocarbon accumulation within these belts. The BPSM results revealed that the oil present in the thrust nappe belt was generated in Lower Cambrian source rocks through early Indosinian hydrocarbon expulsion and continuous charging. The gas found in the thrust nappe belt was produced through the process of oil cracking in the deep reservoir located in the hidden front belt during the late Indosinian. The depth of the thrust nappe belt has helped to preserve hydrocarbon reservoirs. The natural gas present in the hidden fault belt primarily originates from lower Cambrian source rocks, which are combined with gas generated by oil cracking in lower Permian source rocks after the Yanshanian. Therefore, hydrocarbons accumulate deeply in the footwall of the thrust fault belt. The BPSM offers a fresh approach to hydrocarbon genetic models of thrust fault zones in the western Sichuan Basin, and it is beneficial for accurately evaluating the potential for deep hydrocarbon resources in comparable geological settings.

Hypothalamic vasopressin sex differentiation is observed by embryonic day 15 in mice and is disrupted by the xenoestrogen bisphenol A

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) neurons of the hypothalamic paraventricular region (AVPPVN) mediate sex-biased social behaviors across most species, including mammals. In mice, neural sex differences are thought to be established during a critical window around birth ( embryonic (E) day 18 to postnatal (P) day 2) whereby circulating testosterone from the fetal testis is converted to estrogen in sex-dimorphic brain regions. Here, we found that AVPPVN neurons are sexually dimorphic by E15.5, prior to this critical window, and that gestational bisphenol A (BPA) exposure permanently masculinized female AVPPVN neuronal numbers, projections, and electrophysiological properties, causing them to display male-like phenotypes into adulthood. Moreover, we showed that nearly twice as many neurons that became AVP+ by P0 were born at E11 in males and BPA-exposed females compared to control females, suggesting that AVPPVN neuronal masculinization occurs between E11 and P0. We further narrowed this sensitive period to around the timing of neurogenesis by demonstrating that exogenous estrogen exposure from E14.5 to E15.5 masculinized female AVPPVN neuronal numbers, whereas a pan-estrogen receptor antagonist exposed from E13.5 to E15.5 blocked masculinization of males. Finally, we showed that restricting BPA exposure to E7.5-E15.5 caused adult females to display increased social dominance over control females, consistent with an acquisition of male-like behaviors. Our study reveals an E11.5 to E15.5 window of estrogen sensitivity impacting AVPPVN sex differentiation, which is impacted by prenatal BPA exposure.