Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

DP

Displaced persons (DPs) were civilians uprooted from their homes during owing to forced deportation for labor, persecution, military advances, or ethnic policies, resulting in approximately 11 million such individuals registered across by May 1945, the majority of whom—around 8 million—were located within occupied . These included survivors of , conscripted foreign workers from , and refugees fleeing combat zones, many of whom could not or would not return home due to destroyed infrastructure, ongoing civil strife, or fear of reprisals under emerging communist governments. Administered initially by Allied military authorities and later by organizations such as the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA) and the (IRO), DP camps provided temporary shelter, food rations, medical care, and tracing services for separated families, though conditions often remained dire with , inadequate , and reliance on former military or even repurposed concentration camps. Resettlement efforts marked significant postwar achievements, including the U.S. of 1948, which facilitated the immigration of over 400,000 DPs, contributing to labor shortages and cultural integration in host nations while enabling the preservation of displaced communities' languages, religions, and political exiles. Notable controversies arose from repatriation policies, which compelled hundreds of thousands—particularly Soviet citizens—back to regimes that executed or imprisoned many as traitors, sparking protests and suicides in s; the presence of alleged collaborators and criminals among necessitated vetting processes that delayed ; and internal dynamics, including black-market economies, nationalist factionalism, and strikes against perceived favoritism toward specific ethnic groups like Jewish survivors amid a broader Eastern European majority. The "last million" , mostly anti-communist Eastern Europeans who resisted return until 1950, prolonged the crisis and highlighted tensions between humanitarian imperatives and geopolitical realignments, with historical accounts sometimes reflecting selective emphases influenced by institutional priorities on certain victim narratives over comprehensive causal analyses of drivers.

Arts and media

Director of photography

The director of photography (DP), also known as the , heads the camera and departments in , , and other visual media productions, bearing primary responsibility for translating the director's creative vision into the final photographic image. This involves controlling elements such as , framing, camera movement, and overall visual composition to establish mood, tone, and narrative emphasis. In , the DP collaborates closely with the and to scout locations, select camera equipment, and shots, often developing a that dictates color palettes, lens choices, and exposure techniques tailored to the story's requirements. During , they oversee the camera crew's setup of rigs, dollies, and cranes; direct gaffers and electricians in lighting arrangements to achieve specific contrasts, shadows, and highlights; and may personally operate the camera on key sequences, particularly in or documentary-style projects. The DP also reviews daily ( or rushes) to ensure consistency and quality, advising on adjustments before moving to phases like color timing and integration. The role demands technical expertise in , stocks or digital sensors, and such as LED lighting and virtual production tools, alongside artistic judgment to manipulate , aspect ratios, and for dramatic effect. For instance, DPs must calculate values to balance natural and artificial light sources, preventing issues like or underexposure in dynamic scenes, while adhering to budget constraints on and crew size. In , the position adapts to faster-paced schedules, often prioritizing multi-camera setups for live-action formats over the deliberate framing common in feature films. Historically, the DP evolved from early 20th-century cameramen who manually cranked film reels and experimented with rudimentary lighting in the silent era, where pioneers like advanced techniques such as iris fades and soft-focus diffusion for D.W. Griffith's epics. The title "director of photography" emerged in the 1920s to signify oversight of expanding departments in studios, distinguishing it from mere operation amid growing specialization. Recognition of the role's impact grew with formal awards, including the , first presented in 1928 for films like Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans, underscoring contributions to visual storytelling that have influenced global cinema standards.

Film and television series

D.P. is a South Korean military drama television series created for , focusing on the Deserter Pursuit (D.P.) unit of the , which tracks down soldiers who have gone absent without leave (AWOL) or deserted during mandatory . The series highlights the psychological and physical toll of , including , , and systemic failures within the military, drawing from real-world issues in 's armed forces where desertion rates have historically exceeded 10,000 cases annually prior to reforms. Adapted from the Lezhin D.P.: Gaeui Nal by Kim Bo-tong, it premiered its six-episode first season on August 27, 2021, directed by with a screenplay co-written by Han and Kim. Season 2, consisting of six episodes, was released on October 28, 2023, continuing the narrative amid ongoing military scandals in South Korea, such as the 2014 Sewol ferry disaster's aftermath and persistent abuse reports. The main cast includes as Private An Jun-ho, a principled new recruit assigned to the D.P. team; as Corporal Han Ho-yeol, a tracker with a troubled past; and as Sergeant Park Beom-gu, the team's leader navigating bureaucratic pressures. Supporting roles feature actors like and , portraying the harsh interpersonal dynamics and ethical dilemmas faced by enlistees, many of whom serve 18-21 months compulsorily under South Korea's constitution amid North Korean threats. Production emphasized authenticity, filming on military bases with cooperation from the South Korean Ministry of National Defense, though dramatized for narrative impact, as confirmed by creators who consulted deserter testimonies and military insiders. Critically acclaimed for its unflinching portrayal of conscription's human cost—contrasting with South Korea's cultural emphasis on dutiful —the series holds an 8.2/10 rating on from over 11,000 user reviews and 100% on for season 1 based on critic consensus praising its disturbing realism over sensationalism. It sparked public discourse on reform, aligning with data from the South Korean showing a drop in desertions from 17,000 in 2014 to under 5,000 by 2023 following anti-bullying measures, though critics note persistent underreporting due to stigma. The show's success led to international viewership, topping charts in multiple Asian markets, and influenced policy debates without endorsing evasion, instead critiquing institutional failures through evidence-based storytelling.

Music and performing arts

Daft Punk was a French electronic music duo formed by Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, who met as teenagers in Paris and began collaborating around 1993. Their debut album Homework, released on January 20, 1997, featured the hit single "Da Funk" and sold millions worldwide, establishing their signature house and funk-influenced sound. The duo's second album Discovery (2001) included tracks like "One More Time" and "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger," achieving triple platinum certification in France and contributing to over 10 million total album sales across their catalog. Known for robotic personas and helmets that preserved anonymity, Daft Punk won six Grammy Awards and influenced electronic music production techniques, before announcing their disbandment on February 22, 2021. Deep Purple is an English hard rock band formed in 1968 in by guitarist , alongside original members (vocals), (bass), (keyboards), and (drums). The band's Mark II lineup, featuring vocalist and bassist from 1969, produced seminal albums like In Rock (1970) and (1972), the latter containing the riff-driven track "," which became a staple of rock radio. Deep Purple pioneered elements of with high-volume performances and organ-guitar interplay, selling over 100 million records globally and earning induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. Lesser-known musical acts abbreviated as DP include , a band from , formed in 1997 with vocalist Brandon Rike, known for albums like New Medicines (2006) blending aggressive riffs and melodic vocals; and , a nu-metal band from formed in 1996, recognized for their 2001 hit "" from the self-titled album . No major uses of "DP" appear in broader contexts beyond these musical references.

Businesses and organizations

Technology and computing companies

DP Technology (深势科技) is a Beijing-based company founded in 2019, focusing on "AI for Science" applications, including molecular simulations for and . The firm develops large-scale AI models trained on scientific data to predict molecular properties and accelerate R&D in pharmaceuticals and chemicals, having raised over $100 million in funding by 2023 from investors including and Sinovation Ventures. A separate entity, also named DP Technology and headquartered in , specializes in computer-aided manufacturing () software, notably the ESPRIT system for programming computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools in industries like and automotive. Established with a focus on high-speed and , it was acquired by in 2021 but retains its foundational emphasis on reliable, efficient toolpath generation. DP Solutions, founded in 1973 and based in Hunt Valley, , operates as a managed IT services provider () serving businesses in the Mid-Atlantic U.S. with cybersecurity, cloud migration, and network management solutions, earning recognition as a top MSP by Cloudtango in multiple years. Dataprise, often abbreviated in branding as DP, is a Maryland-headquartered IT firm established in 1996, providing managed services, cybersecurity, and compliance support to over 1,000 clients, including companies, with a focus on hybrid cloud environments and .

Political and advocacy groups

The Democratic Party (DP) in was established on April 8, 1989, via the merger of the Progressive Federal Party, Independent Party, and National Democratic Movement, positioning itself as a liberal opposition force against policies. It emphasized , individual rights, and non-racial democracy, later evolving into the Democratic Alliance in 2000. Democracy Partners (DP) operates as a for-profit firm in the United States, founded in 2011 by Robert Creamer, a veteran Democratic strategist married to U.S. Representative . The firm provides services including grassroots organizing, media strategy, and voter mobilization for progressive causes and Democratic candidates, with clients such as labor unions and advocacy groups; it has been linked to operations like those during the 2016 election cycle. The Demokratesch Partei (DP), or Democratic Party in English, functions as Luxembourg's primary social-liberal , aligning centre to centre-right on the spectrum and serving as one of the nation's three major parties. Led by president Carole Hartmann and secretary general Eric Thill, it represents approximately 6,000 members advocating for liberal values, , and . In Kenya, the Democratic Party (DP) exists as a conservative , participating in national elections such as those on December 27, 2002, where it allied within broader coalitions but secured limited seats independently. It focuses on traditional values and rural constituencies amid Kenya's multiparty system. The Democratic Party of the San Fernando Valley (DPSFV) serves as a local affiliate organization of the U.S. Democratic Party, based in California and powered by volunteers for progressive activism, voter engagement, and endorsement of Democratic candidates in regional elections.

Other commercial entities

DP World is a Dubai-based multinational logistics company specializing in port operations, maritime services, and supply chain solutions, established in 1972 as a subsidiary of Dubai's Port Rashid and later expanded with the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority. The company manages terminals across 69 countries on six continents, handling cargo logistics for global trade, and employs more than 100,000 workers from over 150 nationalities. D.P. Dough operates as a U.S.-based chain of fast-casual restaurants focused on calzones and late-night delivery, founded in by Dan and Penny Ponder in , with initial locations targeting college students. By the , it had expanded to multiple outlets near university campuses nationwide, emphasizing customizable, dough-based menu items for quick service.

Politics, law, and history

Displaced persons

Displaced persons (DPs) are individuals forced to flee their homes or places of due to armed , generalized violence, violations, or , but who do not cross international borders, distinguishing them from s under the 1951 Refugee Convention. This category encompasses both internally displaced persons (IDPs) within their own countries and, historically, those displaced across borders without formal status, such as wartime laborers or camp survivors unable or unwilling to repatriate. The term gained prominence following , when an estimated 11 million Europeans remained uprooted after Nazi Germany's surrender on May 8, 1945, including , forced laborers from , and ethnic Germans expelled from Soviet-occupied territories. Approximately 1.2 million Eastern European DPs, primarily from , , and the , refused due to Soviet reconquest and fears of communist purges or collaborationist reprisals, leading to prolonged stays in Allied-administered camps in , , and . By mid-1947, around 700,000 to 1 million DPs lingered in these facilities, with Jewish survivors numbering about 250,000, as initial efforts by the Relief and Rehabilitation Administration (UNRRA) and military governments processed millions but faltered amid ideological divisions and economic collapse in origin countries. Camps like those in the American Zone of provided temporary shelter, education, and , but conditions often mirrored pre-war ghettos, exacerbating health issues from malnutrition and trauma. Legally, the (IRO), established by UN agreement on December 15, 1946, assumed responsibility from UNRRA in 1947, resettling over 1 million by 1952 through emigration to countries like the , , and , prioritizing those unfit for due to risks. In the U.S., the of June 25, 1948 ( 80-774), authorized visas for up to 202,000 European over two years, mandating 40% from annexed Soviet zones, agricultural skills for half the quota, and U.S. citizen sponsorship with medical clearance to exclude security risks. President signed the Act despite veto threats, criticizing its religious and national origin preferences—favoring Catholics and agrarians over Jewish urbanites—as discriminatory and insufficient, though it ultimately admitted about 85,000 by 1950 before amendments raised the cap to 415,000. The legislation reflected tensions, balancing humanitarian imperatives against domestic labor concerns and anti-communist vetting via the Displaced Persons Commission. Post-1948, DP resettlement waned as the IRO dissolved in 1952, but the framework influenced later policies, with unresolved cases—such as "" DPs with disabilities—persisting into the amid debates over costs. By 1951, Europe's DP population had dwindled to under 150,000, marking a shift to modern crises in conflicts like those in and the , where numbers exceeded 65 million globally by 2023 per UN estimates, underscoring persistent causal links between state failure, ethnic strife, and mass flight.

Democratic Party variants

The Democratic Party in the United States has encompassed diverse ideological factions since its origins in the early , often divided along regional, economic, and social lines, with occasional formal splinter parties emerging from irreconcilable internal conflicts. These variants have reflected tensions between agrarian Southern interests, urban labor movements, and more centrist or reformist elements, leading to shifts in party dominance over time. While the core party has endured as the nation's oldest major political organization, founded in from the Democratic-Republican tradition, its factions have influenced platform evolution, particularly on civil rights and economic policy. A prominent historical splinter occurred in 1948 with the formation of the States' Rights Democratic Party, known as the , by opposing President Harry Truman's civil rights initiatives. Led by of , the group nominated Thurmond for and secured 39 electoral votes from four states, advocating and segregationist policies amid fears of federal intervention in racial matters. The represented a conservative, pro-segregation wing that viewed the national party's pivot toward civil rights as a betrayal of Southern traditions, though the faction reintegrated into the Democratic fold after the election without lasting independent success. This highlighted the party's pre-1960s reliance on a coalition of Northern liberals and Southern conservatives, which began fracturing as civil rights gained prominence. In the mid-20th century, further divisions surfaced during the over civil rights legislation and the , eroding Southern support and prompting some conservative s to defect toward the in a process known as the Southern realignment. Figures like , initially a , ran in under the banner, capturing 13.5% of the popular vote and 46 electoral votes by appealing to segregationist sentiments, though this was not a formal Democratic splinter but an outgrowth of regional discontent. By the 1970s and 1980s, remaining conservative variants coalesced into groups like the Boll Weevils—Southern s who supported Ronald Reagan's policies on defense and fiscal restraint—illustrating persistent ideological heterogeneity before the party's national shift leftward. Contemporary Democratic Party variants are primarily organized into ideological caucuses within , reflecting a spectrum from progressive reformers to fiscal conservatives, though the party has trended more uniformly since the 1990s. The Progressive wing, exemplified by the with over 100 members as of 2023, advocates expansive government intervention in healthcare, climate policy, and wealth redistribution, often pushing measures like for All and the . This faction, influential in the through figures like and , emphasizes critiques and identity-focused social policies but has faced resistance from centrists over electoral viability. Centrist variants include the , formed in 1997, which promotes market-oriented reforms, , and balanced budgets, drawing from the Third Way philosophy of the era and representing about 180 members in recent sessions. prioritize pragmatic governance and have backed policies like and , positioning themselves as a bridge between progressive demands and broader voter appeal. In contrast, the , a smaller conservative-leaning group of roughly 10-20 members focused on fiscal responsibility and rural interests, often breaks with party leadership on spending and gun rights, echoing remnants of the pre-realignment Southern Democratic tradition. These internal dynamics have shaped primaries and legislation, with moderates frequently mediating progressive ambitions to maintain party unity amid declining conservative representation.

Legal and governmental terms

In criminal law, particularly in the United States, "DP" commonly denotes deferred prosecution, a pretrial diversion mechanism where a prosecutor agrees to postpone or suspend formal charges against a defendant in exchange for fulfilling specified conditions, such as completing probation, paying restitution, undergoing treatment, or performing community service; successful completion typically results in dismissal of the case, avoiding a criminal conviction. This approach is authorized by statute in multiple jurisdictions for eligible offenses like misdemeanors or certain felonies, often targeting first-time or low-risk offenders to reduce court burdens while promoting rehabilitation. For instance, in Washington state, defendants charged with misdemeanors or gross misdemeanors may petition for such programs, which may include alcohol or drug evaluation and monitoring. Deferred prosecution agreements differ from pleas, as they do not constitute an admission of guilt and cannot be used as evidence in subsequent trials if the program is completed. In legislative procedures across various assemblies, "DP" signifies do pass, a 's affirmative recommendation to advance a or to the full chamber or next without amendments, signaling endorsement of the measure in its current form. This motion, if adopted, propels the forward in the lawmaking process, contrasting with "do pass as amended" or "do not pass" alternatives. For example, in , a "do pass" recommendation by a moves the to the or appropriations, facilitating and . Similar usage appears in , where "DP" explicitly means "do pass" in reports. In labor law, "DP" abbreviates délégué du personnel, referring to elected employee representatives responsible for advocating worker interests, with regulations, and mediating disputes within enterprises employing at least 11 staff members. These delegates, governed by the Labor , participate in consultations on policies, and , and economic matters, serving as a foundational element of .

Science, technology, and mathematics

Computing and algorithms

Dynamic programming is a method for solving optimization problems by breaking them down into simpler subproblems, solving each subproblem once, and storing the solutions to avoid redundant computations. This approach relies on two key properties: , where the same subproblems recur multiple times in the recursive structure, and , where the optimal solution to the overall problem can be constructed from optimal solutions to its subproblems. The technique was developed by Richard Bellman in the late 1940s while working at the , with the term "dynamic programming" coined around 1950 to describe multistage decision processes amenable to . Bellman introduced the concept in his 1957 book Dynamic Programming, framing it as a way to handle sequential decision-making under uncertainty, drawing from applications like and . The name combined "dynamic" to evoke time-dependent processes and "programming" in the sense of mathematical planning, partly to secure military funding by masking its mathematical nature from skeptical administrators. Dynamic programming algorithms typically employ either a top-down approach with , where recursive solutions cache results in a like an or , or a bottom-up approach via tabulation, filling a table iteratively from base cases to the target problem. For instance, computing the nth number, defined recursively as F(n) = F(n-1) + F(n-2) with F(0)=0 and F(1)=1, exhibits exponential in naive due to repeated subproblem evaluations; dynamic programming reduces this to linear time by storing prior values. Similarly, the 0/1 —maximizing value within a weight capacity without fractional items—uses a two-dimensional table to track maximum values for subsets of items and capacities, achieving O(nW) time where n is the number of items and W the capacity. Applications extend to shortest paths in directed acyclic graphs, in bioinformatics, and , where the method's efficiency stems from exploiting problem structure rather than exhaustive search. While powerful for problems with verifiable subproblem independence, dynamic programming requires careful subproblem definition to ensure correctness, as violations of can lead to suboptimal or incorrect results.

Linguistics and formal systems

In linguistic theory, particularly within generative , refers to the , a posited as the maximal projection of a head, embedding a () as its complement. This structure treats determiners—such as articles (the, a), (this, that), possessives (my, John's), and quantifiers (every, some)—as the syntactic heads of nominal expressions, rather than specifiers or adjuncts within an . The hypothesis, formalized by Steven Abney in his dissertation, extends to nominal domains, proposing a uniform phrasal architecture where D (determiner) projects to , analogous to how V projects to VP or I to IP. Proponents argue that the DP analysis accounts for empirical patterns in determiner-noun interactions, such as possessor recursion (e.g., [[John's dog's] bone] behaving as a single nominal unit with layered possession) and the uniform distribution of determiners across languages with articles. For instance, possessives exhibit head-like properties, including government of and resistance to extraction, supporting their status as D-heads rather than specifiers. This framework also facilitates cross-linguistic comparisons, as seen in where the DP domain encompasses lexical nouns, determiners, and modifiers, enabling analyses of marking and . Critics, however, contend that the DP hypothesis overgeneralizes, particularly in article-less languages like or , where nominal expressions lack overt determiners yet function referentially without invoking null D-heads, favoring a pure structure instead. Empirical tests, such as headedness criteria (e.g., selectional restrictions and coordination facts), yield inconclusive results, with some data supporting NP-headedness in bare nominals. In formal systems of syntax, the debate influences analyses, where DP layers may reduce to functional projections (e.g., for case), but alternatives like direct NP merging with Tense persist in languages without systems. Within formal semantics and logical syntax, DP structures interface with type-theoretic interpretations, where determiners denote generalized quantifiers (e.g., every as λPλQ.∀x(Px→Qx)), composing with NP predicates to yield truth-conditional meanings. This integration supports compositional derivations in frameworks like , extended to handle scope ambiguities (e.g., quantifier raising from DP to higher clausal positions). Despite its prevalence in Chomskyan models since the , the DP's universality remains contested, with typological evidence from numeral classifier languages suggesting variant projections like (quantifier phrase) over full DPs.

Physical sciences and engineering

In , DP denotes the , which is the number of monomeric units comprising a , , block, or chain. This value, often denoted as \overline{DP} for average chains in polydisperse samples, directly influences polymer molecular weight, with higher DP correlating to increased , mechanical strength, and thermal stability due to longer chain entanglements./04%3A_Polymer_Properties/4.01%3A_Molecular_Weight) In , particularly gear design, DP refers to , calculated as the number of divided by the pitch in inches (DP = z / d). This standardizes size, where a higher DP yields finer teeth suitable for precision applications like , while lower values apply to coarser gears for heavy machinery; it ensures compatibility in meshing pairs, with systems favoring DP over modules. In and offshore , DP stands for , a computer-controlled system that maintains a 's and heading using onboard thrusters and propellers, eliminating reliance on anchors or lines. Introduced commercially in the mid-1960s for drillships, it integrates (e.g., GPS, hydroacoustics), mathematical models of , and algorithms to counter forces from wind, waves, and currents, enabling precise operations in deep water or hazardous areas. Systems are classified by levels (e.g., DP 2 for ), with failures historically linked to errors or software glitches, as in the 2018 incident.

Mathematics and statistics

In statistics, the (DP) denotes a whose realizations are probability measures, serving as a over distributions in Bayesian nonparametric models. Parameterized by a concentration α > 0 and a base measure G₀, it is expressed as DP(α, G₀) and exhibits the stick-breaking construction, where samples approximate discrete distributions with an infinite number of atoms whose weights follow a Poisson-Dirichlet process. This framework enables flexible modeling of unknown distributions, as in Dirichlet process mixture models for density estimation and clustering, with applications in topics modeling and species sampling. Introduced by Thomas Ferguson in 1973, the DP satisfies the exchangeability property for finite partitions and converges to G₀ as α approaches infinity. Differential privacy (DP) refers to a rigorous mathematical for quantifying guarantees in statistical analyses of datasets, ensuring that the presence or absence of any individual's does not significantly affect query outputs. Formally, an algorithm is ε-differentially private if, for any two neighboring datasets differing in one record and any measurable output set S, the probability of S occurring is bounded by e^ε times the probability under the other dataset, with ε controlling the budget; smaller ε yields stronger at the cost of utility. Extended variants include (ε, δ)-DP, allowing small δ-probability failures for practical implementations. Originating from work by and colleagues in 2006, DP underpins mechanisms like Laplace and addition for numeric queries, with adoption in release and , as evidenced by its integration into standards by bodies like the U.S. Bureau since 2020. In , dynamic programming (DP) describes a technique for solving complex problems by breaking them into , storing solutions to avoid recomputation via the principle of optimality. Applicable to both discrete and continuous cases, it relies on Bellman's equation, where the value function V satisfies V(x) = max/min {reward(x,a) + γ V(next(x,a))}, with γ as a discount factor; solutions proceed backward from states. Developed by Richard Bellman in the 1950s for multistage decision processes, DP has foundational ties to and variational principles, underpinning exact solutions for problems like shortest paths and knapsack, though often limits it to polynomial-time tractable instances.

Medicine and biology

Medical degrees and conditions

In medicine, "DP" serves as an abbreviation for select professional degrees and clinical terms, including physiological assessments and pathological states. These uses are context-specific, with degrees typically denoting advanced training in specialized healthcare roles, while conditions or parameters often relate to diagnostics, ventilation mechanics, or psychiatric phenomena. Degrees. The Doctor of Pharmacy (DP), also known as Pharm.D. in most jurisdictions, is a doctoral-level degree conferring eligibility for licensure as a pharmacist; it encompasses coursework in pharmacotherapy, pharmacokinetics, and clinical practice, typically requiring four years of postgraduate study following a bachelor's degree. In certain contexts, DP abbreviates Doctor of Podiatry, a qualification for podiatric physicians specializing in lower extremity disorders, though DPM (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) is more prevalent in the United States. Additionally, in some academic settings, such as Canadian universities, DP designates Doctor of Paediatrics, focusing on pediatric medicine. Conditions and parameters. , a core symptom in (DPDR), involves persistent feelings of detachment from one's body, thoughts, or surroundings, classified in the as a often triggered by trauma, anxiety, or substance use; it affects approximately 1-2% of the population with chronic cases and is linked to altered neural activity in prefrontal and insular regions. , defined as the change in airway pressure from end-expiratory to end-inspiratory plateau (ΔP = Pplat - PEEP), quantifies ventilator-induced lung stress in mechanically ventilated patients, particularly those with ARDS; meta-analyses indicate that DP exceeding 15 cmH₂O predicts higher mortality, independent of or PEEP settings. The dorsalis pedis (DP) refers to the arterial pulsation at the dorsum of the foot, assessed via to gauge lower limb ; its absence, noted in up to 10-12% of healthy individuals but higher in , signals potential ischemia requiring further vascular evaluation.

Biological processes

In T-cell development within the thymus, immature thymocytes progress through a double-negative (DN) stage, lacking expression of CD4 and CD8 coreceptors, before transitioning to the double-positive (DP) stage where they co-express both CD4 and CD8. This DP stage, comprising approximately 80-85% of thymocytes, occurs primarily in the thymic cortex and is marked by rapid proliferation and rearrangement of T-cell receptor (TCR) genes. During this phase, DP thymocytes test their TCR specificity against self-major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules presented by thymic epithelial cells and dendritic cells. Positive selection at the DP stage ensures survival of thymocytes whose TCR can weakly bind self-MHC, signaling via the pre-TCR or mature αβ-TCR to prevent apoptosis and promote differentiation toward either CD4+ or CD8+ single-positive (SP) lineages based on MHC class II or I restriction, respectively. This process, driven by low-avidity interactions, rescues roughly 1-5% of DP cells from programmed cell death by neglect, with the majority (over 95%) undergoing apoptosis due to failure to receive survival signals. Negative selection follows, eliminating DP thymocytes with high-avidity TCR-self-MHC interactions to establish central tolerance, further reducing the pool to mature SP T cells that egress to peripheral lymphoid organs. The DP stage is regulated by transcription factors such as Notch1, which maintains DP identity, and cytokines like IL-7, supporting proliferation. Dysregulation, as seen in certain autoimmune models or thymic pathologies, can lead to altered DP populations with implications for . In peripheral tissues, rare mature ++ DP T cells may emerge independently of thymic development, potentially contributing to responses in chronic infections or tumors, though their functional role remains under investigation.

Sports and games

Baseball terminology

In baseball, DP is the standard abbreviation for , a defensive play in which two offensive players are put out during the same continuous action, provided no occurs between the putouts. This play typically arises from a ground ball to an with runners on base, enabling force outs at multiple positions. The is recorded as a in box scores, reflecting the number of such plays successfully executed by the defense during a game or season. The most common double play configuration is the 6-4-3 sequence, where the (position 6) fields the ball and throws to the (4) to force out a runner advancing from first base, followed by a throw to the (3) to retire the batter. Variations include the 4-6-3 (second baseman to to first) and less frequent unassisted or around-the-horn plays, such as a 3-6-1 involving the , , and . These plays require precise timing, quick throws, and infield coordination to navigate potential or runner slides, with umpires ruling on the continuity of action to validate the double out. Double plays are valued for their efficiency in neutralizing base runners and advancing game momentum for the , often described as a pitcher's due to their ability to convert potential singles into dual outs. Offensively, players are tracked for ground balls into double plays (GIDP), a statistic highlighting vulnerability with runners on base, particularly for ground-ball hitters. In , teams average around 0.5 to 1 double play per game, with historical peaks influenced by era-specific strategies like small-ball tactics emphasizing bunting and base stealing, which increase double-play opportunities.

Video games and gaming

In fighting games, "DP" is shorthand for "dragon punch," a term referring to a rising uppercut attack characterized by an upward-angled strike, often executed with a specific input motion of forward, down, down-forward (commonly notated as 623 in numpad notation). These moves typically feature invincibility frames during startup, allowing them to serve as reversals against opponent pressure or anti-air defenses to counter jumping attacks, but they carry high risk due to poor recovery on block, whiff, or guard crush potential. The archetype draws from the Street Fighter series, where characters like Ryu and Ken perform the Shoryuken (translating to "rising dragon fist"), a seminal example introduced in Street Fighter II (1991), which popularized the mechanic across the genre. The DP motion and its properties have influenced countless titles beyond Capcom's ecosystem, becoming a staple in games such as , , , and , where analogous moves (e.g., uppercuts with armored or invincible properties) are colloquially labeled "DPs" by players. For instance, in (2013 reboot), characters employ DP-like anti-airs with rapid startup to punish airborne foes, emphasizing the term's broad applicability to any invincible reversal uppercut regardless of exact . Community discussions on platforms like Reddit's r/Fighters highlight how "DP" evolved as for these high-reward, high-risk tools, often criticized for "DP mashing" (spamming the move indiscriminately), which can frustrate defensive playstyles but is balanced by punishable recoveries. While primarily associated with 2D fighters, the concept persists in 3D and modern hybrids, as seen in Super Dragon Punch Force 3 (2024), a title explicitly nodding to the with fast-paced mechanics in 1v1 battles. Strategically, effective DP usage demands precise timing, as mistimed inputs leave players vulnerable to punishes exceeding 150-200 damage in many titles, underscoring the emphasis on reads and adaptation over rote execution. This terminology remains entrenched in commentary and tutorials, with like Infil.net documenting its role in fostering aggressive, reversal-based central to competitive dynamics.

Slang, internet, and informal uses

Sexual slang

In sexual contexts, "DP" is an initialism for double penetration, referring to a practice involving the simultaneous penetration of two bodily orifices, typically the vagina and anus, by penises, sex toys, or other objects. This configuration most commonly involves multiple partners but can occur with a single partner using toys or manual stimulation. The term is widely recognized in adult entertainment and informal discussions of sexual acts, where it often denotes vaginal-anal combinations as a specific variant. Variations of double penetration extend beyond vaginal-anal pairings to include combinations such as vaginal-oral or anal-oral penetration, or even multiple insertions into the same orifice, though the latter is less standardly abbreviated as DP. Health resources emphasize preparation, lubrication, and communication to mitigate risks like tissue tearing or , given the anatomical stresses involved. The acronym's usage surged in popularity through since at least the late , influencing its adoption in broader .

Social media and online culture

In social media and online platforms, "DP" is an commonly denoting "display picture," referring to a user's profile image or that represents them visually on networks such as , , , and services. This usage emerged in early social networking contexts, where users select images to personalize their accounts, often updating them to reflect personal milestones, aesthetics, or branding. The term gained traction particularly in regions with high adoption of platforms like , where phrases like "nice DP" or "change your DP" are routine in conversations about profile updates. The prevalence of "DP" as underscores the evolution of curation, where pictures serve as digital first impressions, influencing perceptions in interactions. Users frequently employ DPs for self-expression, selecting photos that convey , hobbies, or filtered ideals, with platforms enforcing guidelines on content to prevent or harm. In messaging apps, DP visibility aids quick recognition among contacts, and its abbreviation reflects the concise vernacular of digital communication, distinct from formal terms like "profile photo." While less ubiquitous in Western English-dominant spaces compared to "PFP" (profile picture), DP persists globally, especially in multilingual or mobile-first user bases as of 2025. Critics note that over-reliance on curated DPs can foster superficial engagements or contribute to phenomena like "," where misleading images deceive others, highlighting tensions between authenticity and online presentation in . Empirical data from platform analytics, such as Instagram's reported billions of daily views, illustrate the centrality of DPs in retention and , though no peer-reviewed studies quantify slang-specific impacts. This abbreviation's endurance amid evolving platforms demonstrates linguistic adaptation in digital spaces, prioritizing brevity over descriptiveness.

Street and subcultural terms

In gang subcultures, particularly among street gangs in Los Angeles such as the and affiliates, "DP" denotes a disciplinary beating administered to a member by multiple peers as punishment for infractions like violating codes of conduct, failing to fulfill obligations, or cooperating with . The recipient is expected not to resist or fight back, distinguishing it from or expulsion rituals; this non-resistance underscores the punitive intent to reinforce and . Gang members like S-Bone of the Rollin 40s have described DP as a structured form of internal correction on , often involving a set number of participants to ensure severity without lethality. The term gained visibility in and media portrayals of urban life, such as in the series , where characters reference "getting DP'd" to signify undergoing this group as discipline rather than full removal from the group. Explanations from interviewees like Crip Mac highlight triggers including relocation without permission, snitching, or operational failures, positioning DP as a tool for maintaining order amid external pressures like rivalries or scrutiny. While user-generated sources like capture the 's prevalence, firsthand accounts from participants affirm its role in subcultural enforcement, though its practice carries risks of injury and legal consequences under statutes. This usage contrasts with less violent or non-gang interpretations of "DP" in broader , emphasizing its ties to territorial and fraternal dynamics in high-crime environments.

Other uses

Environmental and measurement terms

(DP) is a chlorinated developed in the as a replacement for , consisting of a of syn- and anti-isomers used primarily in electrical wires and plastics for fire resistance. It has been detected globally in air, , , sediments, and , including remote regions like the , indicating long-range atmospheric transport and as a potential organic pollutant. Studies show DP bioaccumulates in terrestrial and aquatic organisms, with distributions influenced by factors such as content and trophic levels; for instance, higher concentrations occur in sheep organs like liver and muscle compared to blood. Temporal patterns in plant uptake follow a two-compartment model, reflecting between air and phases. In water quality monitoring, DP denotes dissolved phosphorus, a bioavailable form of measured alongside total phosphorus (TP) to assess and potential in surface waters. Concentrations of DP are determined through filtration and , with elevated levels (typically above 0.01–0.03 mg/L) signaling risks to aquatic ecosystems by promoting algal blooms. Differential pressure (DP) refers to a measurement principle exploiting the pressure difference across a restriction or elevation in fluids to quantify variables like level, flow, or density. In level measurement, DP transmitters calculate height from hydrostatic pressure and specific gravity, applicable in open or pressurized tanks since the 20th century. For flow, DP flowmeters, based on Bernoulli's equation, use orifices, venturis, or nozzles to generate a pressure drop proportional to flow rate squared, with accuracy typically ±1–2% after calibration. Common terms in DP transmitter calibration include lower range value (LRV) as the minimum measurable pressure and span as the difference between upper and lower range values. Diametral (DP), a gear , measures the number of teeth per inch of , calculated as DP = z / d where z is teeth count and d is in inches. Standard values range from coarse (DP 1–4 for heavy machinery) to fine (DP 20+ for precision instruments), influencing gear strength and mesh compatibility.

Miscellaneous acronyms

Data processing (DP) refers to the collection, manipulation, and distribution of using computers or other automated systems, a term prominent since the with the rise of electronic equipment. This usage underpinned early business computing applications, such as payroll systems and inventory management, before evolving into broader practices. In filmmaking, DP denotes director of photography, the crew member responsible for visual style through camera operation, lighting, and composition, a role formalized in the early with the advent of motion pictures. Notable DPs, such as , have influenced cinematographic techniques across genres, earning for films like in 2018. Displaced person (DP) historically describes individuals forced from their homes by war or persecution, particularly the approximately 11 million refugees in following , many of whom were processed through international camps under Allied administration. The term gained legal significance with the U.S. of 1948, which admitted over 200,000 DPs by 1952 despite initial quotas and vetting delays..html) In pharmacy, DP stands for , a professional doctorate degree (Pharm.D.) required for licensure in the United States since the late , emphasizing clinical training over traditional bachelor's programs..html) Programs typically span four years post-baccalaureate, focusing on and patient care, with over 140 accredited schools as of 2023.