Abbreviations

[danger_chick]

My field of research is an abbreviation magnet. Since it covers two fields and both fields like to use abbreviations, some times my papers look like cleverly strung together abbreviations with plots. I know you aren't supposed to start sentences with an abbreviation technically. But! My two topics are usually only encountered as abbreviations

Comments

[jss1113]

In this case, absolutely. Abbreviation Definition (AD) on first use, then AD is allowable as a subject thereafter.

[spwebdesign]

I think, given your constraints, abbreviations are acceptable and expected. You're not writing the great American novel but a science paper.