Effect of musical training on auditory memory

Background Musical practice leads to cognitive development, requiring the activation of several processing mechanisms that are based on encoding and storing sounds through memory. The objective was to evaluate the auditory memory (ability to recognize tonal patterns) in musicians and non-musicians, comparing their performance. Methods Two groups with normal hearing and aged between 17 and 18 years old were compared, one of musicians (N = 14, with average of 8 years of musical training) and a control group (N = 14). Pure tone audiogram and an auditory working memory/pattern recognition test of non-verbal sounds (tonal) were performed. The participant heard 2 consecutive sequences of 6 tonal sounds each and had to say whether they were the same or different from each other. In total 30 pairs of sequences are presented (binaurally). Results The mean of percentage of correct responses in the memory/pattern recognition test was higher in musician’s group than in control group with statistically significant differences between groups (P = 0.002). The difference between the mean of percentage of correct responses in each group was 11.44%. Conclusions The musicians present better auditory memory/recognition of non-verbal (tonal) sounds in relation to the non-musicians, which points to the effectiveness of musical practice in the cognitive development of working memory and recognition of sound patterns. This study, according to others in the field, shows that musical training improves memory and auditory skills, which are known to be fundamental to the academic success of young people in this age group.

Quantitative investigation of memory recall performance of a computational microcircuit model of the hippocampus

Memory, the process of encoding, storing, and maintaining information over time to influence future actions, is very important in our lives. Losing it, it comes with a great cost. Deciphering the biophysical mechanisms leading to recall improvement should thus be of outmost importance. In this study, we embarked on the quest to improve computationally the recall performance of a bio-inspired microcircuit model of the mammalian hippocampus, a brain region responsible for the storage and recall of short-term declarative memories. The model consisted of excitatory and inhibitory cells. The cell properties followed closely what is currently known from the experimental neurosciences. Cells’ firing was timed to a theta oscillation paced by two distinct neuronal populations exhibiting highly regular bursting activity, one tightly coupled to the trough and the other to the peak of theta. An excitatory input provided to excitatory cells context and timing information for retrieval of previously stored memory patterns. Inhibition to excitatory cells acted as a non-specific global threshold machine that removed spurious activity during recall. To systematically evaluate the model’s recall performance against stored patterns, pattern overlap, network size, and active cells per pattern, we selectively modulated feedforward and feedback excitatory and inhibitory pathways targeting specific excitatory and inhibitory cells. Of the different model variations (modulated pathways) tested, ‘model 1’ recall quality was excellent across all conditions. ‘Model 2’ recall was the worst. The number of ‘active cells’ representing a memory pattern was the determining factor in improving the model’s recall performance regardless of the number of stored patterns and overlap between them. As ‘active cells per pattern’ decreased, the model’s memory capacity increased, interference effects between stored patterns decreased, and recall quality improved.

Time Trends and Persistence in the Snowpack Percentages by Watershed in Colorado

In this paper we investigate the time trend coefficients in snowpack percentages by watershed in Colorado, US, allowing for the possibility of long range dependence or long memory processes. Nine series corresponding to the following watersheds are examined: Arkansas, Colorado, Gunnison, North Platte, Rio Grande, South Platte, San Juan-Animas-Dolores-San Miguel, Yampa & White and Colorado Statewide, based on annual data over the last eighty years. The longest series start in 1937 and all end in 2019. The results indicate that most of the series display a significant decline over time, showing negative time trend coefficients, and thus supporting the hypothesis of climate change and global warming. Nevertheless, there is no evidence of a long memory pattern in the data.

Neural Circuitry–Neurogenesis Coupling Model of Depression

Depression is characterized by the disruption of both neural circuitry and neurogenesis. Defects in hippocampal activity and volume, indicative of reduced neurogenesis, are associated with depression-related behaviors in both humans and animals. Neurogenesis in adulthood is considered an activity-dependent process; therefore, hippocampal neurogenesis defects in depression can be a result of defective neural circuitry activity. However, the mechanistic understanding of how defective neural circuitry can induce neurogenesis defects in depression remains unclear. This review highlights the current findings supporting the neural circuitry-regulated neurogenesis, especially focusing on hippocampal neurogenesis regulated by the entorhinal cortex, with regard to memory, pattern separation, and mood. Taken together, these findings may pave the way for future progress in neural circuitry–neurogenesis coupling studies of depression.

Antyamerykańska trauma i nostalgia za komunizmem we włoskiej wojnie o pamięć na przykładzie twórczości Giorgia Gabera

Anti-American Trauma and Nostalgia for Communism in the Italian Memory War as Presented in Giorgio Gaber’s Work Although the contemporary Italian memory war originally stems from a debate around the trauma of the 1943-1945 civil war between Italian Fascists and the Resistance, it’s almost equally crucial aspect remains that of the two conflicting narratives of the early Cold War period (1945-1948). One of those is the dominant memory pattern, imposed by the ruling Christian Democratic Party (pro-American and anti-Communist), opposed by the alternative and marginalized view promoted by the Communists (anti-American and pro-Communist). Giorgio Gaber (1939-2003), a famous Italian cantautore (singer-songwriter), is one the exponents of anti-American trauma and nostalgia for communism within the latter narrative. In his two famous texts, America and Some used to be Communists, he offers precious insights into these aspects of his generation’s own memory and their ancestors’ post-memory of the post-war period.

Quantitative Investigation Of Memory Recall Performance Of A Computational Microcircuit Model Of The Hippocampus

Memory, the process of encoding, storing, and maintaining information over time in order to influence future actions, is very important in our lives. Losing it, it comes with a great cost. Deciphering the biophysical mechanisms leading to recall improvement should thus be of outmost importance. In this study we embarked on the quest to improve computationally the recall performance of a bio-inspired microcircuit model of the mammalian hippocampus, a brain region responsible for the storage and recall of short-term declarative memories. The model consisted of excitatory and inhibitory cells. The cell properties followed closely what is currently known from the experimental neurosciences. Cells’ firing was timed to a theta oscillation paced by two distinct neuronal populations exhibiting highly regular bursting activity, one tightly coupled to the trough and the other to the peak of theta. An excitatory input provided to excitatory cells context and timing information for retrieval of previously stored memory patterns. Inhibition to excitatory cells acted as a non-specific global threshold machine that removed spurious activity during recall. To systematically evaluate the model’s recall performance against stored patterns, pattern overlap, network size and active cells per pattern, we selectively modulated feedforward and feedback excitatory and inhibitory pathways targeting specific excitatory and inhibitory cells. Of the different model variations (modulated pathways) tested, ‘model 1’ recall quality was excellent across all conditions. ‘Model 2’ recall was the worst. The number of ‘active cells’ representing a memory pattern was the determining factor in improving the model’s recall performance regardless of the number of stored patterns and overlap between them. As ‘active cells per pattern’ decreased, the model’s memory capacity increased, interference effects between stored patterns decreased, and recall quality improved.