A temperature compensation system for minimizing sensor offset variations includes an engine controller having stored therein a model of sensor operating behavior over temperature. The assemblies include a plurality of mating housing sections which are releasably interconnected and in surrounding relationship to the conduit sections on opposite sides of the conduit joint to form an overall housing defining anon-sealed enclosure. A magnetic resistor is disposed over the pair of sub-digit lines. Slipping of a stepper motor indicates that a home position has been reached. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a tissue implant comprising a human muscle tissue matrix. Also disclosed are methods promoting the formation of alveolar septa and increasing the gas-exchange surface area of a mammalian lung, and for the prevention andor treatment of alveolar destruction.