The present invention provides techniques for controlling the functionality of a network processor and for facilitating integration of the network processor with a host system. The sealing arrangement seals a suction side of the impeller with respect to a pressure side of the impeller. The invention further relates to methods of reducing or avoiding adverse side effects associated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy or immunotherapy which comprise the administration of an immunomodulatory compound. Loose transaction ordering provided for while maintaining corresponding transaction priority to memory locations to ensure data integrity and efficient memory access.