QuiXML
The QuiXML is the central file of QuiXoT. It is a relatively simple text file with XML format, and defines the information presented in QuiXoT's DataGrid.
This file includes at least the peptide-spectrum matches (the identifications) for all the analysed spectra. Additionally, it can contain quantitative information, as well as statistical data, depending on the stage of the analysis.
A QuiXML file can be generated in two ways:
- Performing a pRatio analysis, using as input files the Proteome Discoverer files for the direct and inverse searches (also SRF files are allowed, but their use is not maintained).
- Importing data from a tab-separated text file (which can be generated by an external program), using the CSVToQuiXML program.
It is important to note that, in order to manage spectral information (such as graphically represent spectral data, or performing the quantification analysis), the QuiXML must be accompanied at all times by the binStack folder containing those spectra. However, for the use of statistical data (such as for performing the statistical analysis, or to represent statistical information), the binStack folder is not needed; this is especially important from a technical viewpoint, as spectral information tends to occupy a great amount of memory (so, for example, when sharing files over the internet, in most cases only the QuiXML is needed).