The Two-Engine Hypothesis of Memory Consolidation: A Macro-Circuit Model of Passive and Active Trace Preservation

The Two-Engine Hypothesis of Memory Consolidation: A Macro-Circuit Model of Passive and Active Trace Preservation Author: Vyankatesh Gobare Resource Type: Preprint / Working Paper Keywords: Memory Consolidation, Sharp-Wave Ripples (SWR), Interloop Connecting Elements (ILCE), Recurrent Neural Loops, Long-Term Potentiation (LTP), Déjà Vu, Jamais Vu, Neuro-Phenomenology Abstract / Summary This paper introduces the Two-Engine Hypothesis of Memory Consolidation, a neuro-biophysical and macro-circuit model that reconciles autonomous, offline trace preservation with volitional, cue-driven retrieval. Traditional models often treat memory consolidation as a unified process; here, we establish that memory integrity relies on two structurally and functionally distinct mechanisms: The Passive Consolidation Engine: Operating primarily during offline states (NREM and REM sleep), this engine is driven by hippocampal Sharp-Wave Ripples (SWRs) and stochastic firings across Interloop Connecting Elements (ILCEs)—including synaptic and axonal bridges across hippocampal subfields (CA4, CA3, CA1). This system preferentially consolidates threat-based, high-bandwidth visual memories for survival, while providing background electrical micro-sweeps to maintain network architecture and prevent trace decay. The Active Consolidation Engine: Driven by real-time sensory cues, this engine initiates cue-mediated retrieval to trigger engram reconsolidation and circuit reinforcement via Long-Term Potentiation (LTP). Complete cues facilitate cross-modal loop derivation, while partial or degraded cues drive investigative retrieval, risking memory manipulation or trace distortion if misaligned. Furthermore, this hypothesis provides a novel mechanistic explanation for neuro-phenomenological anomalies: framing déjà vu as a temporal phase-mismatch error between routine ILCE background sweeps and real-time sensory processing, and jamais vu as an acute surface alarm indicating interrupted SWR consolidation or missing index traces. Technical & Structural Highlights Theoretical Framework: Expands upon Teyler and DiScenna's Hippocampal Indexing Theory, integrating macro-circuit dynamics with cellular-level plasticity. Conceptual Diagrams: Includes two standardized system flowcharts outlining: Figure 1: The neurohumoral and NREM/REM sleep pathway for threat memory consolidation. Figure 2: The sensory cue registration, neuronal decision logic, and reconsolidation/manipulation pathways of the active engine. Terminology Grounding: Provides dedicated definitions for Recurrent Loops (closed cortico-hippocampal neural ensembles) and ILCEs (structural bridging elements such as mossy fibers and Schaffer collaterals). Contents of this Deposit Two_Engine_Hypothesis_Manuscript.pdf: The full working manuscript formatted according to APA 7th edition standards. Figure1_Passive_Engine_Flowchart.png: High-resolution flowchart schematic for threat memory consolidation. Figure2_Active_Engine_Flowchart.png: High-resolution flowchart schematic for active cue-mediated retrieval. How to Cite If you use or reference this framework, please cite it as follows: Gobare, V. (2026). The Two-Engine Hypothesis of Memory Consolidation: A Macro-Circuit Model of Passive and Active Trace Preservation. Zenodo. https://doi.org/[10.5281/zenodo.23943618]