On p. 76 of the ACS style guide ab initio is specifically mentioned as an
example of a common latin phrase or abbreviation that is _not_ italicized.
Me, I'm just delighted that the ACS thinks "ab initio" is as common
as "in
situ" and "status quo"!
CJC
--
Christopher J. Cramer
University of Minnesota
Department of Chemistry
207 Pleasant St. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455-0431
(612) 624-0859