Pace

Pace is the ablative singular form of the Latin noun pax ("peace"), employed as a borrowed adverb in English formal and scholarly writing to convey "with peace to," "by leave of," or "with due deference to" a named authority, typically when politely diverging from or contradicting their view.^[1]^[2] The term entered English usage in the 19th century, reflecting a tradition of courteous intellectual disagreement rooted in classical rhetoric, where it signals respect for the cited opinion while prioritizing alternative evidence or reasoning.^[2] Commonly formatted as pace [proper name], it underscores a commitment to civil discourse amid substantive dispute, distinguishing it from outright dismissal and aligning with principles of evidence-based argumentation in academic contexts.^[1]

Linguistic and conceptual meanings

Definition and primary usage

Pace, as a noun, denotes a single step or stride taken in walking, running, or marching, historically serving as a rudimentary unit of linear measurement estimated at 30 to 40 inches (76 to 102 centimeters) depending on the individual and context.^[1]^[3] This literal sense originates from the physical act of locomotion, where one pace typically spans the distance from one foot's placement to the next of the same foot, distinguishing it from a shorter "step" between opposite feet.^[1] In contemporary primary usage, pace more commonly refers to the rate or speed of movement, progress, or activity, encompassing both literal motion (e.g., a horse's pace) and figurative applications such as the tempo of events or development.^[4]^[5] For instance, phrases like "keep pace" or "change of pace" illustrate its extension to denote consistency or variation in velocity, whether physical, economic, or temporal.^[6] This metaphorical dominance reflects everyday discourse, where pace signifies velocity or rhythm over the discrete step, though the foundational stepping connotation persists in military drill or measurement contexts.^[7]

Etymology and historical context

The English noun "pace," denoting a step, stride, or rate of movement, derives from the Old French "pas" (step), which traces back to the Latin "passus," meaning a stretch of the leg or a single step in walking. This etymological root entered Middle English around 1300, initially referring to the act of stepping or the space covered by one step, as evidenced in early texts like the Childhood of Jesus.^[8]^[9] A secondary, unrelated usage of "pace" as a preposition—meaning "with all due respect to" or "by the permission of"—originates from the Latin ablative "pāce," a form of "pāx" (peace), implying a courteous concession despite disagreement; this sense appeared in English scholarly writing by the 19th century but lacks direct connection to the measurement or motion meanings.^[1]^[10] Historically, the pace as a unit of distance emerged in ancient Rome, where the "passus" denoted a double step—from the heel rise of one foot to the next of the same foot—standardized at five Roman feet (pedes), equivalent to about 1.48 meters, and used by legions for pacing marches and surveys. The Roman mile, or mille passus (thousand paces), measured roughly 1,480 meters, influencing medieval European systems like the English mile, which retained the pacing concept despite later standardization to 5,280 feet in 1593.^[11]^[12]

Units of measurement

Ancient and historical paces

In ancient Rome, the passus (plural passūs), or pace, was a fundamental unit of length defined as a double step—specifically, the distance from one footfall of the left foot to the next footfall of the same foot—equaling five Roman feet (pedēs), or approximately 1.48 meters. This measurement was employed extensively in military contexts for pacing distances during marches, in surveying for road construction such as the viae publicae, and in establishing the mille passus (thousand paces), which formed the basis of the Roman mile at roughly 1,480 meters.^[13] Legionaries were trained to maintain a consistent stride, with quick marching paces covering about 1,000 passūs per Roman mile, enabling precise logistical planning across the empire's infrastructure.^[11] The Roman passus influenced subsequent historical systems, persisting into the Byzantine era where it adapted into the bēma diploun (double pace), retaining a similar length of about 1.48 meters for administrative and military measurements.^[11] In medieval Europe, particularly in Anglo-Saxon and later English contexts, the pace continued as a double step of roughly five feet (about 1.52 meters), informing land surveying and the evolution of the statute mile from 5,000 feet—derived from the Roman model's 1,000 double steps.^[14] This unit saw practical use in feudal estate delineation and military formations, though variability arose due to regional stride differences, often calibrated against fixed landmarks like church distances or royal standards.^[15] In ancient Greece, the equivalent unit was the bēma (βῆμα), denoting a single step or pace of approximately 0.77 meters, with the double pace (bēma diploun) extending to about 1.54 meters; professional bematistae (pace-counters) specialized in tallying these for long-distance surveys, such as during Alexander the Great's campaigns, achieving accuracies within 1% over hundreds of kilometers by synchronizing group strides.^[16] Greek systems varied by city-state—Attic measures differed slightly from those in Ionia—but the bēma underpinned stadia and hippodromes, integrating empirical footfall counts with astronomical alignments for territorial mapping.^[11] Unlike the more standardized Roman adoption, Greek paces emphasized trained human measurement over rigid tools, reflecting a reliance on skilled practitioners for causal accuracy in navigation and engineering.^[16]

Modern and specialized units

In modern contexts, the pace functions primarily as an approximate unit of length in fields such as military training, land surveying, and navigation, rather than a formally standardized metric or imperial measure. It typically denotes the distance covered by a single walking step, averaging 30 inches (0.762 meters) for an adult male under normal conditions, though individual variations necessitate calibration for precision.^[17]^[9] The geometric pace, a contemporary equivalent to the ancient Roman passus, is defined as 5 feet (1.524 meters), representing a full stride from one foot's heel to the other's. This unit persists in some technical references for rough distance estimation, particularly where historical surveying practices influence modern approximations.^[18]^[19] In military applications, pace length is standardized to facilitate disciplined movement; for example, the U.S. Army employs a 30-inch pace for quick-time marching at 120 steps per minute, enabling consistent speed and formation over varied terrain.^[20] Specialized variants include route march paces of up to 33 inches for endurance, adjusted for load and fatigue to support operational distances of 20-30 miles per day.^[21] Surveying employs pacing for rapid, low-precision measurements, often using a "double pace"—two consecutive steps, equaling about 5 feet—to mitigate discrepancies between left and right strides. Practitioners calibrate by traversing a known distance, such as 100 feet or one chain (66 feet), yielding 20-25 double paces on average, with applications in forestry and preliminary site assessments where instruments are unavailable.^[22]^[23] This method's accuracy, typically within 1-5% error, depends on terrain, fitness, and prior empirical adjustment rather than fixed universality.

Applications in sports and physical activity

Pace in running and athletics

In running and athletics, pace refers to the time required to cover a unit distance, such as one mile or kilometer, representing the inverse of speed and allowing runners to quantify effort precisely.^[24] This metric differs from speed, which measures distance per unit time, by emphasizing duration over velocity, facilitating comparisons across varying terrains and conditions.^[25] Common units include minutes per mile (min/mi) in the United States and minutes per kilometer (min/km) elsewhere, with conversions achieved by dividing min/mi by 1.60934 to obtain min/km.^[26] Pace is computed by dividing total elapsed time by distance, as in a 30-minute 5 km run yielding 6:00 min/km.^[27] Wearable devices with GPS and apps provide real-time pace data, adjusting for factors like elevation and wind.^[28] Pace guides training by defining zones tied to physiological demands: easy paces (e.g., 60-80% of weekly volume) build aerobic base, tempo paces near lactate threshold enhance endurance, and faster intervals develop anaerobic capacity and economy.^[29] Adhering to prescribed paces prevents overexertion, optimizes energy distribution, and correlates with improved race outcomes, as inconsistent efforts increase fatigue and injury likelihood.^[30] In competition, pacing strategies dictate energy allocation to counter accumulating fatigue; even pacing sustains optimal velocity in marathons, while surges or end-spurts suit tactical middle-distance races.^[31] Elite performers exemplify extreme paces: Kelvin Kiptum's 2023 men's marathon world record of 2:00:35 equates to 2:51 min/km over 42.195 km, while road 5 km records hover near 2:34 min/km for men (12:51 in 2020).^[32] ^[33] These benchmarks, verified under World Athletics rules, highlight physiological limits and the role of precise pacing in record pursuits.^[34]

Pace in equestrian and other sports

In equestrianism, the pace is a two-beat lateral gait in which a horse simultaneously moves its fore and hind legs on the same side of the body forward, followed by the opposite side, with a moment of suspension between beats.^[35] This gait contrasts with the trot, a diagonal two-beat gait where opposite legs move together, and is generally faster but often rougher for riders due to the side-to-side rocking motion.^[36] Naturally occurring in breeds like Icelandics or Standardbreds, the pace can be trained or bred selectively, though it is less common for under-saddle riding outside specialized gaited disciplines because of its bouncy quality.^[37] In harness racing, particularly with Standardbred horses, the pace is a prescribed racing gait distinguishing pacers from trotters; pacers maintain the lateral leg movement while pulling a sulky, often achieving higher speeds—up to 1:48 miles per minute in elite events like the Meadowlands Pace.^[38] Pacers dominate North American tracks, comprising about 80% of races, due to their inherent stability at high velocities compared to trotters, who risk breaking gait and disqualification if they pace.^[39] Hobbles are typically used on pacers to restrict stride and enforce the gait, preventing interference breaks.^[40] Beyond equestrian contexts, pace denotes the controlled rate of speed or rhythm in various sports, such as rowing, where it refers to strokes per minute to sustain optimal boat velocity, often targeted at 28-36 for competitive crews.^[1] In cycling, pace strategy involves maintaining consistent power output, measured in watts or time per distance, to optimize endurance in events like time trials.^[4] Similarly, in team sports like soccer, player "pace" describes explosive sprint speed, a key attribute for wingers, enabling breakthroughs against defenses, as evidenced by metrics in leagues where top pacers exceed 35 km/h bursts.^[41]

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a capitated managed care benefit under Medicare and Medicaid that delivers comprehensive medical, social, and long-term services to eligible frail adults aged 55 and older who reside in the community but require a nursing home level of care.^[42] ^[43] Participants receive coordinated care through an interdisciplinary team (IDT) comprising physicians, nurses, social workers, therapists, and other professionals, who develop individualized plans emphasizing preventive services, adult day health care, and home-based support to avoid institutionalization.^[44] ^[45] PACE organizations operate physical centers for day services and manage a full spectrum of needs, including primary care, hospitalization when necessary, prescription drugs, transportation, and personal care aides, with all care furnished exclusively by the PACE provider once enrolled.^[42] ^[46] Originating from the On Lok Senior Health Services model in San Francisco, which began providing community-based care in the 1970s, PACE evolved through federal demonstrations in the 1980s under the Health Care Financing Administration to test its viability for dually eligible individuals.^[47] The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 established PACE as a permanent Medicare program, expanding eligibility to Medicare-only beneficiaries and authorizing states to include it under Medicaid waivers.^[48] ^[49] Early evaluations of demonstration sites, such as those in California, New York, and Oregon, documented lower rates of nursing home admissions compared to traditional fee-for-service models, though with higher per-enrollee costs due to intensive community services.^[47] Eligibility requires individuals to be at least 55 years old, reside in a PACE service area, meet state-defined criteria for nursing home-level care (often assessed via tools like the Minimum Data Set), and demonstrate ability to live safely in the community at the time of enrollment with PACE support.^[43] ^[44] Most participants—over 90%—are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, though the program accepts Medicare-only or private pay enrollees where states permit.^[50] Enrollment is voluntary and involves a comprehensive IDT assessment; disenrollment occurs if participants move out of the area or enter long-term nursing homes, but not for health deterioration alone.^[42] Financing operates on a capitated basis, with monthly payments from Medicare (based on county rates adjusted for frailty) and Medicaid (covering long-term services), enabling PACE organizations to manage risks and allocate resources without per-service billing.^[44] ^[45] This model incentivizes preventive care but has faced scrutiny for potential overutilization in non-medical services, with capitation rates calibrated via CMS actuarial data to approximate fee-for-service equivalents.^[51] Studies indicate PACE reduces hospitalizations by approximately 24% and nursing home placements relative to traditional Medicaid long-term care, attributing outcomes to IDT coordination and proactive interventions, though randomized trials are limited and selection effects may inflate benefits for healthier community-dwellers.^[52] ^[44] A 2013 literature review found mixed cost-effectiveness, with savings in institutional care offset by higher community spending, and better quality-of-life metrics like functional stability.^[51] ^[47] As of October 2025, 188 PACE organizations operate across 33 states and the District of Columbia, serving over 86,000 participants through more than 300 centers, reflecting 50% enrollment growth since 2019 amid expanding state participation.^[53] ^[54]

Pace Center for Girls and similar initiatives

The Pace Center for Girls is a nonprofit organization founded in 1985 in Jacksonville, Florida, initially as a community response to the inadequate placement of at-risk girls in juvenile justice programs designed for boys or lacking gender-specific support.^[55] It operates nonresidential centers providing integrated academic education, counseling, vocational training, and life skills instruction to girls aged 11 to 18 exhibiting multiple risk factors, such as academic failure, family instability, trauma, or early justice system involvement.^[56] The program's model emphasizes a preventive approach, aiming to promote school retention, emotional resilience, and avoidance of deeper juvenile justice entanglement through small class sizes, individualized attention, and curricula like SPIRITED GIRLS® for gender-specific life management.^[57] By 2023, Pace had expanded to 22 locations across Florida and Georgia, serving over 3,000 girls annually and cumulatively impacting more than 40,000 since inception, with recent growth into South Carolina.^[58] ^[59] Pace employs a framework rooted in gender-responsive, strength-based, and trauma-informed principles, delivering services via three pillars: holistic education tailored to girls' developmental needs, therapeutic interventions addressing trauma's disproportionate effects on females, and community partnerships for post-program support.^[60] An independent evaluation by MDRC, using a randomized controlled trial with over 1,100 participants from 2012 to 2016, found that Pace participation increased academic engagement—such as attendance and credits earned—by approximately 10-15% in the short term and improved social-emotional competencies, including self-efficacy and supportive relationships, compared to control groups receiving standard services.^[61] ^[62] However, the study detected no statistically significant reductions in juvenile arrests, school dropout rates, or family functioning over 30 months, attributing mixed long-term outcomes to implementation variations and external factors like community poverty levels, though qualitative data highlighted perceived benefits in girls' confidence and goal-setting from professional counseling sources.^[61] Pace has been certified by Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development as an evidence-based intervention for preventing justice involvement among high-risk girls.^[63] Similar initiatives include other state-funded gender-specific prevention programs under frameworks like Florida's Department of Juvenile Justice, such as the Children in Need of Services (CINS) and Families in Need of Services (FINS) tracks, which integrate trauma-informed education and counseling for at-risk youth but often lack Pace's exclusive focus on girls or integrated academic-vocational model.^[64] Programs like Outward Bound Discovery offer experiential, strength-based interventions for delinquent girls, emphasizing wilderness challenges to build resilience, though evaluations show variable impacts on recidivism without the school-embedded structure of Pace.^[65] Broader trauma-informed models, such as those piloted in Massachusetts juvenile facilities, target justice-involved girls with relational therapy but prioritize post-adjudication reentry over prevention, differing from Pace's early-intervention emphasis.^[66] These efforts collectively underscore a shift toward recognizing gendered trauma responses in youth services, yet rigorous comparative studies remain limited, with effectiveness often hinging on consistent fidelity to core principles amid resource constraints.^[67]

Educational institutions

Pace University

Pace University is a private institution with campuses in Manhattan (New York City), Pleasantville and Briarcliff Manor (Westchester County), and White Plains, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs primarily in business, law, health professions, and liberal arts. Founded on December 14, 1906, by brothers Homer St. Clair Pace and Charles A. Pace, it began as the Pace Institute, a one-room business school in Lower Manhattan focused on accounting and commerce education to prepare students for CPA exams and practical careers; the founders borrowed $600 to start operations and enrolled 13 students in rented space at the Tribune Building.^[68] The institute expanded amid economic shifts, relocating multiple times—including to the Hudson Terminal in 1908 and surviving the 1929 stock market crash—before incorporating as a nonprofit in 1935 and gaining college status in 1948 as Pace College, which enabled it to award BBA degrees and introduced innovations like a combined BBA/MBA program in 1960. It achieved university status in 1973, broadening to include law, computer science, and performing arts, while acquiring its first permanent Manhattan building at 41 Park Row in 1951 and opening the Westchester campus in 1963; the Elisabeth Haub School of Law consolidated in White Plains in 1975 following a merger with the former College of White Plains.^[68]^[69] As of fall 2024, Pace enrolls 8,038 undergraduates and over 13,000 students total, with a student-faculty ratio of 15:1, drawing on its New York locations for experiential learning tied to industry opportunities. The university holds accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, ensuring compliance with regional standards for academic quality and institutional effectiveness, while specific schools like the Lubin School of Business maintain AACSB accreditation for business and accounting programs—a distinction held by fewer than 2% of global business schools.^[70]^[71]^[72]

Other educational entities

Pace Academy is a private, co-educational, college-preparatory day school located in Atlanta, Georgia, serving approximately 1,150 students from Pre-First through 12th grade with a student-teacher ratio of 9:1.^[73] Incorporated on June 30, 1958, it opened in September of that year with 150 students in kindergarten through seventh grade, expanding over time to its current K-12 structure emphasizing rigorous academics, global leadership, and character education.^[74] Pace Brantley Preparatory School, founded in 1972, operates as a private institution in Longwood, Florida, on a nine-acre campus north of Orlando, specializing in students diagnosed with learning disabilities such as ADHD, dyslexia, OCD, and autism spectrum disorders across grades 1 through 12.^[75] The school focuses on preparing these students for college or career success through individualized, hands-on learning in a nurturing environment.^[76] Pace High School is a public high school in Manhattan, New York City, at 100 Hester Street, functioning as an Educational Option program open to all applicants, including those with Individualized Education Programs, to foster a college-oriented, student-centered atmosphere with high expectations.^[77]^[78] It maintains partnerships allowing students to take free college courses at nearby Pace University.^[79]

Transportation and infrastructure

Pace Suburban Bus

Pace Suburban Bus operates as the primary provider of suburban bus transit in the Chicago metropolitan area, functioning as the Suburban Bus Division of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). It delivers fixed-route bus services, paratransit for individuals with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), vanpool programs, and specialized rapid transit options across a six-county region encompassing Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties.^[80] This service area spans approximately 3,677 square miles, equivalent to about 15 times the size of the City of Chicago proper, and supports connectivity to major employment centers, schools, and regional destinations outside the urban core served by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA).^[80] ^[81] The agency was established through the 1983 RTA Act, which aimed to consolidate fragmented suburban bus operations previously managed by multiple independent entities into a unified system under RTA oversight. Independent operations began on July 1, 1984, marking the transition from ad hoc local services—many originating as streetcar replacements in the 1920s through 1950s—to a coordinated network.^[80] ^[82] ^[83] Governed by a board appointed through RTA processes, Pace maintains financial accountability via state audits and federal reporting, with operations funded through fares, sales taxes allocated by the RTA, and grants from bodies like the Federal Transit Administration.^[82] ^[84] Core services include over 200 fixed routes, with express buses utilizing interstate highways for faster commutes and local feeders linking residential areas to rail connections like Metra. The Pulse network, introduced as bus rapid transit elements, features dedicated lanes, signal priority, and enhanced stations; the Milwaukee Line launched in 2023 as the system's first such corridor.^[80] Paratransit and Dial-a-Ride options complement fixed routes for non-ADA and community-specific needs, while vanpools target employer-sponsored commuting. Pace also pioneered on-demand microtransit pilots in select suburbs to address first- and last-mile gaps.^[80] The fleet comprises over 700 buses for fixed-route operations, supplemented by paratransit vehicles, with ongoing investments in electric and zero-emission models, including a planned all-electric facility.^[80] ^[85] Ridership reached 19,088,000 passenger trips in 2023, reflecting recovery to about 70% of pre-pandemic 2019 levels by late that year, with weekday averages around 70,000-80,000 trips amid post-COVID shifts toward hybrid work.^[86] ^[80] Early 2024 data indicated double-digit monthly growth, attributed to service expansions and fare integrations with CTA and Metra.^[87] As one of North America's larger suburban bus operators, Pace emphasizes safety, with tools like real-time tracking, and infrastructure upgrades to sustain efficiency across its expansive, low-density terrain.^[80]

Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing

Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing is a mechanism that enables property owners to fund eligible improvements, such as energy efficiency upgrades, renewable energy installations, water conservation measures, and resiliency enhancements, by attaching a voluntary assessment to the property tax bill. The assessment is repaid over an extended period, typically 15 to 30 years, with payments collected alongside property taxes, and the lien transfers to subsequent owners upon sale, facilitating financing without requiring personal credit checks or upfront capital from the initial owner. In many programs, the PACE lien holds priority over existing mortgages, a feature intended to lower borrowing costs by reducing lender risk but which has sparked significant opposition from housing finance entities.^[88]^[89] The model originated in California, where the Berkeley City Council approved the concept in 2007, leading to operational residential programs by 2008, followed by commercial expansions modeled after special assessment districts for infrastructure. Early adoption focused on residential properties amid federal incentives like the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, but growth accelerated for commercial properties after residential programs faced federal pushback. As of 2023, PACE-enabling legislation exists in 40 states plus the District of Columbia, with active programs operating in 32 states plus D.C., predominantly for commercial properties (C-PACE) in over 38 jurisdictions. Residential PACE remains limited, available in fewer than 20 states plus D.C., due to persistent mortgage-related barriers.^[90]^[91]^[92] Proponents argue PACE lowers barriers to investment by aligning repayment with property value increases and potential energy savings, which can exceed annual assessments in verified cases, while stimulating local economies through job creation in installation and manufacturing. Empirical analyses indicate direct reductions in property-level energy and water use, alongside environmental gains like lower emissions, though broader economic activity spurred by financed projects may offset some net savings. PACE default rates on assessments themselves remain low, often below 2%, as payments are enforced via tax collection mechanisms akin to delinquent taxes. However, evidence suggests indirect costs, including elevated mortgage delinquency rates—up by approximately 2.5 percentage points for PACE recipients compared to non-recipients—and heightened housing market frictions from lien priorities that deter buyers and lenders.^[93]^[94]^[95] Challenges arose prominently in 2010 when the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), overseeing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, directed them to cease purchasing or guaranteeing mortgages on properties with senior PACE liens, citing risks of unmitigated loss severity in defaults where PACE claims precede mortgage recoveries. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) initially permitted such financing under strict underwriting in 2016 but reversed course in 2017 via Mortgagee Letter 2017-18, prohibiting insurance on new FHA loans for PACE-encumbered homes to safeguard taxpayer-backed programs. Critics, including the Mortgage Bankers Association, highlight moral hazard from subordinated mortgage risks, potential for unverified improvement efficacy leading to over-indebtedness, and consumer protection gaps such as opaque fees and sales practices, prompting some states like Ohio (2023) and Minnesota (2018) to legislate subordination of residential PACE liens to mortgages. Commercial PACE has faced fewer hurdles, as it typically avoids government-backed residential lending, though overall program efficacy depends on rigorous project verification to ensure savings materialize and avoid burdening future owners.^[96]^[88]^[97]

Scientific and environmental programs

NASA PACE mission

The Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission is a NASA Earth-observing satellite program designed to advance understanding of interactions between the ocean, atmosphere, and ecosystems through hyperspectral measurements of ocean color, aerosols, and clouds.^[98] Launched on February 8, 2024, at 06:33 UTC from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the spacecraft entered a sun-synchronous orbit at approximately 676 kilometers altitude to enable consistent daily global observations.^[99] The mission extends NASA's multi-decadal records of ocean biology and atmospheric properties, providing data on phytoplankton distribution, aerosol composition, and cloud formation processes critical for climate modeling and biogeochemical cycle analysis.^[100] PACE carries three primary instruments: the Ocean Color Instrument (OCI), a hyperspectral imager scanning from ultraviolet to shortwave infrared wavelengths (350-885 nm at 1 nm resolution) to detect phytoplankton types, suspended particles, and dissolved organic matter with unprecedented spectral detail; the Hyper-Angular Rainbow Polarimeter 2 (HARP2), which measures light polarization across 280-865 nm in 95 spectral bands from multiple angles to characterize aerosol size, shape, and refractive index; and the SPEXone, a spectrometer-polarimeter providing high-accuracy aerosol and cloud property retrievals via hyperspectral polarimetry in the 385-770 nm range.^[101] ^[99] These instruments collectively enable differentiation of phytoplankton species, quantification of aerosol impacts on ocean productivity, and improved assessments of cloud-aerosol interactions, addressing limitations in prior missions like MODIS by offering finer spectral and polarization data.^[102] Scientifically, PACE aims to quantify ocean biogeochemistry, including carbon cycling via phytoplankton blooms influenced by aerosols such as iron-rich dust, and to refine aerosol radiative forcing estimates for climate projections by reducing uncertainties in particle microphysics and vertical distribution.^[103] The mission's minimum three-year primary phase, with potential extension to 10 years through orbit adjustments, supports global data products like chlorophyll concentration maps, aerosol optical depth, and cloud droplet effective radius, disseminated via NASA's Earthdata systems starting from April 2024 operational datasets.^[104] ^[105] Early observations have begun revealing aerosol-ocean carbon exchange dynamics, though full validation against in situ measurements continues to ensure accuracy amid challenges like atmospheric correction in turbid coastal waters.^[103]

Other scientific uses

In molecular biology, phage-assisted continuous evolution (PACE) is a technique for the automated, continuous directed evolution of proteins and other biomolecules. Developed by David R. Liu and colleagues at Harvard University, PACE links the replication of a bacteriophage (such as M13) to the function of an evolving gene product, enabling hundreds of generations of evolution within days by continuously diluting and infecting Escherichia coli host cells in a chemostat-like "lagoon" system.^[106] First described in a 2011 Nature paper, the method has been applied to evolve enzymes with altered specificities, such as proteases recognizing new substrates, and to engineer protein-DNA interactions, outperforming traditional directed evolution by accelerating selection rates up to 1 billion-fold compared to natural evolutionary timescales. Extensions include variants for negative selection and integration with high-throughput sequencing for tracking evolved populations.^[107] In genomics, PCR-assisted contig extension (PACE) refers to a stepwise protocol for closing gaps in shotgun-assembled bacterial genome sequences. Introduced in 2003, PACE uses biotinylated primers and streptavidin beads to capture and extend contig ends via nested PCR amplifications from total genomic DNA, iteratively bridging gaps without requiring large-insert libraries or transposon insertions.^[108] The method was notably employed in finishing the Chromobacterium violaceum genome, where it resolved 15 of 28 rRNA-related gaps through targeted extensions and confirmatory PCR, reducing sequencing costs for a 5-Mb genome by emphasizing efficient gap closure over exhaustive shotgun coverage.^[109] PACE's reliance on sequence-specific capture minimizes off-target amplification, making it suitable for repetitive regions, though it demands high-quality reference contigs for primer design.^[110]

Businesses and commercial brands

Pace Foods and consumer products

Pace Foods specializes in the production of picante sauces and salsas, with its origins tracing back to 1947 when David Pace, a native of Louisiana with experience in his family's syrup business, developed the original recipe for Pace Picante Sauce in San Antonio, Texas.^[111]^[112] Initially manufactured in a modest setup within a liquor store alongside other items like syrups, jams, and dressings, the sauce featured a blend of tomatoes, onions, and hand-picked jalapeños, emphasizing a smooth, chunky-free texture that distinguished it from chunkier competitors.^[113]^[114] David Pace, who died in 1993 at age 79, received recognition for his creation, including a gold medal at the Monde Selection in Brussels.^[115] The company's product portfolio expanded to include a range of heat levels and varieties, such as mild, medium, and hot Picante Sauce; Chunky Mild, Medium, and Hot Salsas; Classic Taco Sauce; and specialty offerings like Cilantro Jalapeño Lime Sauce and Trailblazer Series Ghost Pepper Salsa.^[116] These items are formulated to deliver Southwest-inspired flavors, with core ingredients typically including tomatoes, onions, green peppers, vinegar, salt, and spices, while avoiding artificial preservatives in many formulations.^[116] Pace products are marketed for uses in dips, tacos, nachos, and as condiments, positioning the brand as a staple in American households for Mexican-inspired cuisine.^[117] In 1995, Campbell Soup Company acquired Pace Foods for $1.12 billion, integrating it into its portfolio of sauces and salsas.^[111]^[118] Manufacturing shifted to a facility in Paris, Texas, where production adheres to recipes established by David Pace, maintaining the brand's emphasis on quality control and fresh ingredients.^[111]^[119] Prior to the acquisition, ownership had passed to Kit Goldsbury, Pace's former son-in-law, in 1989.^[120] The brand remains a leading seller in the U.S. salsa and picante category, with ongoing campaigns highlighting its craftsmanship heritage.^[119]^[121] Pace Gallery is a contemporary art gallery founded in 1960 by Arne Glimcher and his wife Milly while they were students, initially opening on Newbury Street in Boston, Massachusetts.^[122] The gallery expanded to New York City in 1963 with its first space on East 57th Street, establishing a presence in the city's art scene by championing movements such as Light and Space.^[123] Under Glimcher's leadership as founder and chairman, Pace developed a reputation for representing influential 20th- and 21st-century artists and estates, including early advocacy for sculptor Louise Nevelson, whose friendship with Glimcher spanned decades and shaped the gallery's historical focus.^[124] By 2025, the gallery operated nine locations worldwide, including primary spaces in New York, London, and Los Angeles, with additional outposts in Geneva, Hong Kong, Seoul, and a Berlin office established in 2023 via a partnership with Judin Gallery.^[125]^[126] Pace Prints, established in 1968 as Pace Editions, Inc., functions as a specialized publisher of original, limited-edition contemporary artist prints, operating from a gallery and workshops in Manhattan and a paper workshop in Brooklyn, New York.^[127] It collaborates with artists to produce works using techniques such as silkscreen, lithography, and monoprints, featuring creators like Jean Dubuffet, Robert Mangold, and Nina Chanel Abney.^[128]^[129] The entity maintains an exhibition program for prints and editions, with recent shows highlighting monoprints and paper works from 2021 to 2025.^[130] Pace Prints also handled aspects of Pace African & Oceanic Art prior to its rebranding and integration.^[127] Pace Publishing supports the gallery's archival efforts through titles, posters, and editions documenting exhibitions and artists, with collections spanning the gallery's 65-year history as showcased in 2025 retrospectives.^[131] Pace London, one of the international branches opened to extend the gallery's artist-first model, hosts seminal historical and contemporary shows in alignment with the New York flagship.^[132] These entities collectively emphasize printmaking, publishing, and global exhibition strategies, though Pace Prints was sold as a standalone operation in 2024.^[127]

Notable people

Individuals with the surname Pace

Peter Pace (born November 5, 1945) is a retired four-star general in the United States Marine Corps who served as the 16th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from September 30, 2005, to October 1, 2007.^[133] Born in Brooklyn, New York, to an Italian immigrant father who worked as an electrician, Pace graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1967 and commissioned into the Marine Corps.^[133] His tenure as Chairman made him the first Marine to hold the position.^[134] Lee Pace (born March 25, 1979) is an American actor recognized for portraying Thranduil the Elvenking in Peter Jackson's The Hobbit trilogy (2012–2014) and Ronan the Accuser in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014).^[135] Born in Chickasha, Oklahoma, Pace trained at the Juilliard School and gained early acclaim for his role in the HBO miniseries Wonderland (2003) before breaking out in The Good Doctor (2011).^[135] He also starred as tech entrepreneur Joe MacMillan in the AMC series Halt and Catch Fire (2014–2017).^[135] Orlando Pace (born November 4, 1975) is a former American football offensive tackle who played 13 seasons in the NFL, primarily with the St. Louis Rams (1997–2006) and Chicago Bears (2007–2009).^[136] Selected first overall in the 1997 NFL Draft out of Ohio State University, where he earned two-time All-American honors, Pace was a key member of the Rams' "Greatest Show on Turf" offense, contributing to their Super Bowl XXXIV victory in 2000.^[136] He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016 after earning seven Pro Bowl selections and three first-team All-Pro honors.^[136] Judy Pace (born June 15, 1942) is an American actress noted for her work in blaxploitation films and television during the 1960s and 1970s.^[137] Born in Los Angeles, California, she attended Los Angeles City College and began her career with guest roles on shows like The Man from U.N.C.L.E. before starring as Vickie Fletcher on the soap opera Peyton Place (1968–1969).^[137] Pace appeared in films such as Cotton Comes to Harlem (1970) and The Mack (1973), often portraying strong, multifaceted Black female characters amid limited opportunities for actors of color at the time.^[138]

Fictional characters named Pace

Charlie Pace is a prominent character in the ABC television series Lost (2004–2010), portrayed by actor Dominic Monaghan.^[139] As the bassist and songwriter for the fictional rock band Drive Shaft, whose hit single "You All Everybody" achieved brief fame, Charlie boards Oceanic Flight 815 while struggling with heroin addiction following the band's decline.^[140] His storyline on the island emphasizes themes of redemption, faith, and sacrifice; he forms key alliances, battles personal demons, and ultimately drowns in season 3's finale "Through the Looking Glass" to enable communication with rescuers, an act that redeems his earlier flaws as perceived by the show's creators.^[139]^[140] Madame Pace appears in Luigi Pirandello's 1921 play Six Characters in Search of an Author, functioning as a minor yet pivotal figure who embodies exploitation and illusion.^[141] She operates a dressmaking atelier in Naples that covertly serves as a brothel, employing the Stepdaughter as a prostitute and the Mother as a seamstress to ensnare vulnerable women from respectable backgrounds.^[142] Described as an elderly, rotund woman with rouged features, a carrot-colored wig, and ostentatious attire, Madame Pace speaks in a mix of Italian and English, highlighting the play's metatheatrical disruption when she materializes onstage during the characters' unfinished drama.^[141] Her role underscores Pirandello's critique of reality versus representation, as she is "created" spontaneously by the Father's improvisation to advance the narrative.^[143] Jennifer Pace Phillips is a character in the CBS daytime soap opera Search for Tomorrow (1951–1982), originated by actress Robin Eisenman in 1973 and later portrayed by Morgan Fairchild until 1977.^[144] Fairchild's tenure depicted Jennifer as a complex, often volatile figure entangled in dramatic personal conflicts, including a notorious 1976 episode where she fatally shoots Eunice during an argument.^[145] This role marked Fairchild's breakthrough in daytime television, establishing her as a leading soap actress before transitioning to primetime.^[144]

Geographical places

Locations named Pace

Pace, Florida, is an unincorporated community in Santa Rosa County, positioned as the western gateway to the county and functioning as a suburb within the Pensacola metropolitan area.^[146] With a population of 25,630, it ranks among the best places to live in Florida due to its family-friendly environment, low crime rates, and access to amenities.^[147] The community has experienced rapid growth from its rural origins, now featuring parks like Benny Russell Park and commercial developments along major routes such as U.S. Highway 90.^[148] Pace, Mississippi, is a small town in Bolivar County, characterized by its rural setting in the Mississippi Delta region. Internationally, Pace designates villages and settlements in at least seven countries, including Poland's Podlaskie Voivodeship, where it appears as a locale in Bielsk County, and other sites in Indonesia and Italy, contributing to a total of 16 documented places worldwide bearing the name.^[149] These lesser-known locations often stem from local historical or linguistic origins, though specific etymologies vary by region.

Other uses

Miscellaneous terms and acronyms

In scholarly and legal writing, pace (Latin for "in peace" or "with permission") is employed to preface a respectful disagreement or qualification regarding a cited authority or viewpoint, signaling deference while advancing a contrary position.^[10] PACE serves as an acronym for the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, a U.S. Medicare and Medicaid initiative established under the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 to deliver comprehensive medical, social, and long-term care services to frail individuals aged 55 and older who are eligible for nursing home care but prefer community-based living; as of January 2025, it operates through approved organizations providing capitation-funded, interdisciplinary care teams.^[42] In military and emergency communications planning, PACE denotes Primary, Alternate, Contingency, and Emergency, a structured methodology for ensuring redundant communication channels during operations; for instance, it mandates fallback options if the primary method fails, as outlined in tactical doctrines to maintain operational continuity.^[150] PACE also acronymizes the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, a foundational UK statute codified in 1984 that regulates police powers of arrest, search, detention, and interrogation while safeguarding suspects' rights through codes of practice on issues like audio recording of interviews and handling of vulnerable persons.^[151]