1. National Centre for Upgrading Technology, 1 Oil Patch Drive, Suite A202, Devon, Alberta, T9G 1A8 Canada, Syncrude Canada Ltd. Edmonton Research Centre, 9421-17 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, T6N 1H4 Canada, and Eniricerche S.P.A., Via F. Maritano 26, 20097 San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy