flow( n.) of bad news, flow of opinion. Over a 10-year period, 78% of 1498 patients were "discharged by death."

Discharged by Death: Inside a Japanese Mental Hospital

Exclusive video, sound recordings, and patient records from a psychiatric hospital reveal rampant abuse and illegal restraints. Over a 10-year period, 78% of 1498 patients were "discharged by death."

Japan’s Confidence Slips in Nuclear Crisis

By KEN BELSON and HIROKO TABUCHI

The flow of bad news has undermined optimistic statements by officials.

flow
n.

1. 1. The act of flowing.
   2. The smooth motion characteristic of fluids.
2. 1. A stream or current.
   2. A flood or overflow.
   3. A residual mass that has stopped flowing: a hardened lava flow.
3. 1. A continuous output or outpouring: a flow of ideas; produced a steady flow of stories.
   2. A continuous movement or circulation: the flow of traffic; a flow of paperwork across his desk.
4. The amount that flows in a given period of time.
5. The rising of the tide.
6. Continuity and smoothness of appearance.
7. A general movement or tendency: a dissenter who went against the flow of opinion.
8. The sequence in which operations are performed.
9. An apparent ease or effortlessness of performance: "An athlete must learn to forget the details of his or her training to achieve the instinctive sense of flow that characterizes a champion" (Frederick Turner).
10. Menstrual discharge.

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