AT 0602 HOURS ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2005 Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service Control Center received the first of more than 60 calls to an incident at the Buncefield Oil Depot. Other surrounding control centers received another 150 calls. The officer-in-charge declared a "major incident" after just eight minutes of being on the scene.

The massive explosion at the oil depot was heard some 200 miles (322 kilometers) away. The blast blew windows out of homes 2 miles (3 kilometers) away and devastated the surrounding industrial area including the total or partial collapse of numerous commercial buildings, which during the working week would have been occupied by several thousand workers. Although 43 people were hurt in the explosion, no one was seriously injured or lost their life. The most seriously injured individual spent just over two days in the hospital recovering.

The initial crews were confronted with a scene of unprecedented destruction covering several square kilometers, which has been described as the largest incident of its kind in peacetime Europe. Aside from setting fire to the oil storage tanks and causing the devastation, the blast destroyed the oil depot control center, the emergency water supply pump houses, and completely obstructed perimeter roads. The intensity of the fires meant that two of the three emergency open-water supplies were inaccessible.

The pre-planning for this site followed national guidelines and focused on the largest single tank involved in fire, with foam concentrate, emergency water supplies, and foam making equipment stored on site for immediate use by local crews. Hertfordshire crews had trained at the site using this equipment on six occasions in the last six months. On arrival, fire fighters found 20 tanks ablaze and flames were leaping 200 feet (60 meters) into the air. The thick black plume of smoke created a gigantic cloud that was easily visible on satellite pictures. The plume initially moved in a southeasterly direction from the site.

At 0720, Deputy Chief Fire Officer Mark Yates went to the scene and following a briefing took command at 0747. Over the next five days, the five Hertfordshire Principal Officers rotated the command to ensure there was always one of them at both Gold Command and the incident.Hertfordshire Resilience, which was first established as Hertfordshire Emergency Services Major Incident Committee (HESMIC) 30 years ago to facilitate multi-agency emergency planning, set up Gold Command at Hertfordshire Police's headquarters.

I attended Gold Command within the first hour of the incident. The UK emergency services and partner agencies operate a Gold, Silver, and Bronze command structure. This equates to strategic or Gold (usually away from the incident), tactical of Silver (usually command units at the scene) and operational or Bronze (frontline fire fighting or rescue). The first Police Gold meeting was held at 0800 and the first multi-agency meeting was at 0900. Gold continued to meet until the night of Thursday, December 14.

Fight the fire

The incident had to be dealt within a number of phases. First, the Incident Commander called for search-and-rescue operations in the numerous collapsed and damaged buildings in the surrounding district. A three-story office complex adjacent to the oil depot was on fire because of the blast. This necessitated eight fire engines and one aerial appliance to stay on site while the search-and-rescue operations were being conducted. At this early stage, the oil depot was considered as one sector with numerous ancillary buildings having to be searched for casualties and then water-cooling curtains being set up to protect the tanks that were not involved in fire. It was not until four days later that all persons could be finally accounted for.

Gold Command immediately started discussing the health and environmental issues surrounding the fire, including smoke-plume modeling. At one stage, this computer-based technology suggested that the smoke plume would have reached the European mainland, including France, Belgium and Luxembourg, within 24 hours.

The amount of smoke contributed to the Gold Command discussing whether to attempt to extinguish the fire or allow burning down. Health advice to residents was to "go indoors, stay in and tune in to local radio and TV announcements." The possible pollution health effects also led to the closure of 250 schools for 2 days.

This effect, the possibility that the fires could burn for up to 9 days, the effect on northern Europe and the image of the fire service not tackling a fire of this size led to the decision to actively fight the fire. Following this decision, Gold Command identified and ordered bulk foam concentrate supplies and high-volume pumps, as it was apparent that a fire of this nature was well beyond even the regional resources available. The high-volume pumps have been provided to Fire and Rescue Services via central government as part of the national resilience program.

Cholera toxin (CTx) is an AB^sub 5^ cytotonic protein that has medical relevance in cholera and as a novel mucosal adjuvant. Here, we report an analysis of the noncovalent homopentameric complex of CTx B chain (CTx B^sub 5^) using electrospray ionization triple quadrupole mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry and the analysis of the noncovalent hexameric holotoxin usingelectrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry over a range of pH values that correlate with those encountered by this toxin after cellular uptake. We show that noncovalent interactions within the toxin assemblies were maintained under both acidic and neutral conditions in the gas phase. However, unlike the related Escherichia coli Shiga-like toxin B^sub 5^ pentamer (SLTx B), the CTx B^sub 5^ pentamer was stable at low pH, indicating that additional interactions must be present within the latter. Structural comparison of the CTx B monomer interface reveals an additional α-helix that is absent in the SLTx B monomer. In silico energy calculations support interactions between this helix and the adjacent monomer. These data provide insight into the apparent stabilization of CTx B relative to SLTx B.

Cholera toxin (CTx), produced by toxinogenic strains of Vibrio cholerae, is a heterohexameric AB^sub 5^ protein belonging to the family of related toxins that are associated with human disease. Infection with V. cholerae can lead to an acute gastrointestinal disease resulting in toxemia and chronic diarrhea causing the loss of over 10-20 liters of body fluids per day in some cases (1) and frequently resulting in a mortality of 20-50% in untreated cases (2,3)- Indeed, there are over 200,000 reported new cases of cholera each year (4). CTx, the main toxic product produced during infection, has been characterized, along with the producing bacterium, as a potential 'biowarfare' agent by the US and UK defense agencies (5). The structure of CTx holotoxin and the CTx B pentameric subunits have been determined by means of x-ray crystallography (6-8). These studies revealed that the five B subunits (~11.6 kDa/subunit) form a doughnut-shaped ring and that the A subunit (~27.5 kDa) is composed of two distinct domains, A1 and A2. The A1-domain is responsible for the enzymatic activity of the toxin, whereas the A2-domain assists in the tethering of the A1-domian to the B subunit pentamer by inserting noncovalently into and through the central pore of the B5 complex (Fig. 1). The CTx A1 subunit is an ADP-ribosyltransferase and NAD-glycohydroIase that can modify G proteins by ADP ribosylation (9). The main intracellular target of CTx directly associated with the induction of fluid secretion is Gs, a G protein involved in the activation of the adenylate cyclase complex (10-12), although the toxin can affect numerous metabolic processes through the modification of other G proteins. Modification of Gs by CTx leads to constitutive activation of the adenylate cyclase complex and elevated intracellular cAMP levels (13-15), which in turn stimulates active chloride secretion (16-18) resulting in a severe form of secretory diarrhea.

To accomplish these intracellular changes, CTx must reach the cytosol of its target cells. CTx binds, via its B pentamer, to the glycosphingolipid GM1 ganglioside (19-21), which is present in the plasma membrane of virtually all cell types, including those cells that line the intestinal tract and certain cells associated with the control and function of the immune system (22). Binding of CTx to GM1 at the plasma membrane triggers toxin uptake and subsequent retrograde delivery of the toxin to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) (23-28) where the A1-domain is reduced from the A2-B5 complex and then retrotranslocated across the ER membrane into the target cell cytosol where it can modify its targets (27,29-32).

In addition to the well-characterized cytotonic properties of CTx, interaction between the CTx holotoxin or the isolated BS pentamer and specific target cells can also promote signaling pathways not linked to cAMP induction or indeed to other second messenger molecules. This can lead to different immunomodulatory functions, such as mucosal adjuvant effects, depending on the target cell type (22). A key element in the diverse signaling activities of this toxin is the initial oligomerization of GM1 receptors upon binding the B-chain pentamer. This is believed to promote the recruitment of both signaling and accessory molecules into cholesterol-enriched membrane microdomains (lipid rafts) to establish and enhance signaling cascades (22,33). As such, analysis of the noncovalent interactions that promote and maintain the quaternary structure of this toxin is of fundamental importance since such interactions have significant biochemical and medical implications.

There have been relatively few reports of the analysis of CTx by mass spectrometry (MS) (34,35). An in-depth study by liquid chromatography MS (LC-MS) and LC tandem MS (LC-MS/MS) provided sequence information derived from tryptic digestion and showed that the toxin was well suited to mass spectrometric detection (35). During this previous investigation, the AB^sub 5^ holotoxin was not detected. Here, we demonstrate that the complete noncovalent assembled AB^sub 5^ holotoxin remains intact during the electrospray ionization (ESI) process and can be observed in the mass spectrum.

Unfortunately every year thousands of young girls are exploited unwittingly by unscrupulous modeling agencies that are only out to make a fast buck. To avoid the pitfalls of these agencies make sure that the one you choose has a good reputation in the industry and amongst fellow models. One pointer in determining the reputability of an agency is to remember that agencies are not allowed to advertise to the public under the industry’s code of ethics, therefore if the agency you are considering is advertising for models this is not a very good sign. Agencies instead recruit their models largely through open calls, where once a week models have the opportunity to go and meet with agents.

A model may then be asked to join the agency at this meeting, but no money should be required from you at this time. When entering into a contract with the modeling agency, make sure you have a lawyer look through it before signing, and that the contract includes termination clauses for both parties. If you are chosen to work, modeling agencies should not ask for money from you upfront but rather take 20% commission off all jobs you receive. If you are asked for money before this, alarm bells should ring.

Other characteristics to look out for when choosing representation is that reputable companies will not intimidate you in any way, or pressure you to accept certain types of work. They will also not engage in sycophancy or promise that you will get work through them. These are all things that exploitative agencies are renowned for doing. If you are offered a contract by an agency, always go and discuss it with an impartial third party first before accepting anything.

Once you have found a reputable agency and have been signed, you must then make sure you are not exploited whilst out on jobs. This can be done by being vigilant at all times and being wary when asked to do things that you are not comfortable with. Make sure you protect yourself as a priority, even if it means you may lose the job. Report any suspicious clients back to the agency who may investigate them and choose not to work with them in future.

Unscrupulous agencies are very skilled at being underhand, and sometimes being exploited is unavoidable even when you think you have signed with a reputable agency. If you feel you may have been exploited contact the police immediately if you have been promised work that hasn’t materialised, or if unauthorised charges are being made to your credit card. You should also contact your credit card company to cancel the card. Other actions you should take are; contact the newspaper you saw the advertisement for the modelling agency in, and report their behaviour; record the names of the people you spoke to at the agency and what they promised you; report the business to industry services that look after the interests of models, and to the Department of Trade and Industry, to catalogue your complaint about this particular company.

There are thousands of agencies in the US alone not to mention foreign countries. So, where do you start?

This first depends upon your look and physical charateristics. If you meet the physical requirements discussed in Chapter One, then I would suggest that you start at the top of the modeling market and work your way down.

The Major Modeling Markets

Most of the major modeling agencies are based in large cities such as New York, Miami, Los Angeles. You can sometimes find branches of these model reps in other medium to large cities throughout the USA.

Below, you'll find links to more information on some of the top model agencies in the country and you may want to contact several of them. Just click on the link and read about each one ...

IMG
DNA
Women / Supreme
1 Management
Marilyn
Ford
Next
Elite
Trump
Vision
Major
NY Models
MC2
Wilhelmina

Any of these agencies will be able to let you know if you are modeling material but don't just accept the first "No" you hear.

A couple of examples:

Elvis Presley was turned down and told that he would never make it as a singer.

A music group was turned down by a record company because "groups using guitars were on their way out". This group was The Beatles!!

Tyra Banks was turned down by 4 out of 5 agencies and barely squeaked through the fifth door. Also turned down at one time or another were Cindy Crawford and most of the other superstars.

But, they all had one thing in common, dedication and persistence. They didn't take the first no as an insult. If you are turned down by an agency, go on to the next, and the next. Remember, it's always too soon to quit!

The biggest question I can think to ask is; "How committed are you to doing the really tough work involved to become a model?"

It's a very competitive world and only those willing to put in the hours of practice and the other time it takes to make contact after contact with model agencies will be able to work in the modeling industry.

Local Model Agencies

If you don't have the physical requirements as mentioned above or if you are more interested in pursuing modeling in your local area, don't give up. There's still hope to work as a model in a local agency.

Here are a few tips if you plan to promote yourself locally...

If you plan to promote yourself locally put together a professional portfolio and keep contacting model agencies & photographers who may need your services.

1. Set goals for what you want and keep at it.

2. Steer clear of agencies who ask for large sums of money for so-called "training" unless you feel that you just want that particular experience. There are plenty of legitimate agencies out there. You may want to try checking this page for local model agency listings in your state.

I don't have detailed information or endorse any of these agencies so you just have to pick and choose until you find the answers you are looking for.

3. Advice from consumer advocates, former (modeling) customers and ex-agency employees for avoiding modeling scams:

Avoid paying fees in advance. Legitimate agencies make their money from commissions. If you're asked to pay for extra composite cards, check out the company with the Better Business Bureau and state consumer officials.

If you are asked to sign a contract, take it home first. If they refuse, walk away.

Ask for reference lists of clients and ask what kinds of jobs the agency books.

4. Talk to other working models whenever possible. They can give you valuable insight and maybe steer you to a good agency or clients.

5. Always take someone with you when going to interviews or photo shoots. - SAFETY FIRST! I can't stress this enough!

The ideas listed above are just the beginning in your modeling career! Take your time to learn everything you can about modeling before "jumping in" and you'll have an easier time than those who don't.

There are thousands of agencies in the US alone not to mention foreign countries. So, where do you start?

This first depends upon your look and physical charateristics. If you meet the physical requirements discussed in Chapter One, then I would suggest that you start at the top of the modeling market and work your way down.

The Major Modeling Markets

Most of the major modeling agencies are based in large cities such as New York, Miami, Los Angeles. You can sometimes find branches of these model reps in other medium to large cities throughout the USA.

Below, you'll find links to more information on some of the top model agencies in the country and you may want to contact several of them. Just click on the link and read about each one ...

IMG
DNA
Women / Supreme
1 Management
Marilyn
Ford
Next
Elite
Trump
Vision
Major
NY Models
MC2
Wilhelmina

Any of these agencies will be able to let you know if you are modeling material but don't just accept the first "No" you hear.

A couple of examples:

Elvis Presley was turned down and told that he would never make it as a singer.

A music group was turned down by a record company because "groups using guitars were on their way out". This group was The Beatles!!

Tyra Banks was turned down by 4 out of 5 agencies and barely squeaked through the fifth door. Also turned down at one time or another were Cindy Crawford and most of the other superstars.

But, they all had one thing in common, dedication and persistence. They didn't take the first no as an insult. If you are turned down by an agency, go on to the next, and the next. Remember, it's always too soon to quit!

The biggest question I can think to ask is; "How committed are you to doing the really tough work involved to become a model?"

It's a very competitive world and only those willing to put in the hours of practice and the other time it takes to make contact after contact with model agencies will be able to work in the modeling industry.

Local Model Agencies

If you don't have the physical requirements as mentioned above or if you are more interested in pursuing modeling in your local area, don't give up. There's still hope to work as a model in a local agency.

Here are a few tips if you plan to promote yourself locally...

If you plan to promote yourself locally put together a professional portfolio and keep contacting model agencies & photographers who may need your services.

1. Set goals for what you want and keep at it.

2. Steer clear of agencies who ask for large sums of money for so-called "training" unless you feel that you just want that particular experience. There are plenty of legitimate agencies out there. You may want to try checking this page for local model agency listings in your state.

I don't have detailed information or endorse any of these agencies so you just have to pick and choose until you find the answers you are looking for.

3. Advice from consumer advocates, former (modeling) customers and ex-agency employees for avoiding modeling scams:

Avoid paying fees in advance. Legitimate agencies make their money from commissions. If you're asked to pay for extra composite cards, check out the company with the Better Business Bureau and state consumer officials.

If you are asked to sign a contract, take it home first. If they refuse, walk away.

Ask for reference lists of clients and ask what kinds of jobs the agency books.

4. Talk to other working models whenever possible. They can give you valuable insight and maybe steer you to a good agency or clients.

5. Always take someone with you when going to interviews or photo shoots. - SAFETY FIRST! I can't stress this enough!

The ideas listed above are just the beginning in your modeling career! Take your time to learn everything you can about modeling before "jumping in" and you'll have an easier time than those who don't.