+/** @{ */
+/**
+ * Thread context serialization helpers
+ *
+ * These helper functions provide a way to the data in a
+ * ThreadContext. They are provided as separate helper function since
+ * implementing them as members of the ThreadContext interface would
+ * be confusing when the ThreadContext is exported via a proxy.
+ */
+
+void serialize(ThreadContext &tc, std::ostream &os);
+void unserialize(ThreadContext &tc, Checkpoint *cp, const std::string §ion);
+
+/** @} */
+
+
+/**
+ * Copy state between thread contexts in preparation for CPU handover.
+ *
+ * @note This method modifies the old thread contexts as well as the
+ * new thread context. The old thread context will have its quiesce
+ * event descheduled if it is scheduled and its status set to halted.
+ *
+ * @param new_tc Destination ThreadContext.
+ * @param old_tc Source ThreadContext.
+ */
+void takeOverFrom(ThreadContext &new_tc, ThreadContext &old_tc);
+