Abstract: An improved collapsible sectional rod for cleaning firearms is provided. The cleaning rod includes a plurality of hollow tubular elongated sections which are preferably metallic and of substantially equal lengths. Each section includes a tapered end and a socket end configured so as to selectively receive a corresponding tapered end of an adjacently disposed elongated section. The collapsible rod further includes an elongated tubular handle having an internal volume and a plurality of internal threads. Preferably, the handle has a knurled outer surface. The collapsible rod further includes an elongated tubular tensioner having a substantially hollow internal volume. The tensioner includes an end that is substantially slidably disposed within the internal volume of the tubular handle. This slidably disposed end includes a threaded portion that is capable of selectively engaging the internal threads of the tubular handle.

Abstract: A method of detecting activated T-cells in a population of cells, the method involving determining intracellular calcium ion concentration or intracellular pH in the cells, a calcium ion concentration two-fold or greater above that of resting T-cells, or a pH increase of over 0.2 pH units, indicating activation.