Abstract
A new definition of the nuclear zone of a Bradford or Leimkuhler curve is proposed. A p‐nucleus is defined within which the gradient of the curve is less than the proportion p of its maximum value. This definition is invariant of scale and so is widely applicable. Using Egghe's fitting method it is shown how one can find a p‐nucleus for data which may deviate from a strict Bradford‐Leimkuhler curve (e.g. having a Groos droop or being heavily truncated). A p‐nucleus is proposed for practical applications.

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