A tubular guide suitable for use as an operating channel for the passage of surgical instruments in an inch-worm-type locomoted endoscopic instrument is described. This unified NVM can be used in advanced smart card applications. Also disclosed is the use of DPAn-6, DPAn-3, DTAn-6, andor the oxylipins derived therefrom, andor novel docosanoids derived from the structures of C22 fatty acids, in therapeutic and nutritional or cosmetic applications, and particularly as anti-inflammatory or anti-neurodegenerative compounds. Thus, all the barrels and contact elements of a plurality of probes can be held at a specified potential only by a wiring for the signal common conductor. The first passageway is in fluid communication with the third passageway.