Infrared photometry and evolution of mass-losing AGB stars - I. Carbon stars revisited R. Guandalini, M. Busso, S. Ciprini, G. Silvestro and P. Persi A&A, 445 3 (2006) 1069-1080 Published online: 03 January 2006 DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361:20053208