2.8. Data processing

The calibration standards, QC, and test samples were processed using TargetLynx®, an application of MassLynx 4.1. The QC and test samples were quantified against the CS. The peak area of the analyte at various concentrations was divided by the peak area of the IS; and the resulting ratio plotted against nominal concentrations of the samples. The 1/x weighing was used to achieve best fit of CS. The equation of the line was used to quantify study samples. The linearity was assessed for the range of 1 to 500 ng/mL.

Following the quantification of the samples in TargetLynx, a plasma concentration vs. time curve was constructed in SigmaPlot® 12.0. The data were further subjected to a non-compartmental analysis using linear trapezoidal method in Phoenix®. The key PK parameters were calculated.

Data analysis was performed using Compass DataAnalysis 5.0 (Bruker Daltonics, Billerica, MA) and ion images were visualized using FlexImaging 5.0 (Bruker Daltonics, Billerica, MA). Ion images are displayed without normalization and with interpolation. Following image acquisition, tissue sections were stained using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and scanned using Aperio Scanscope CS (Leica Biosystems, Buffalo Grove, IL) bright field whole slide scanner. The images were visualized with ImageScope.