Rotational bands in {sup 101{endash}103}Nb and {sup 98,100}Y nuclei and identification of yrast bands in {sup 146}La and {sup 149}Pr

Several {gamma} transitions in {sup 101{endash}103}Nb, {sup 98,100}Y, {sup 146}La, and {sup 149}Pr are identified from spontaneous fission studies employing a {sup 252}Cf source and the Gammasphere detector array. In particular, the pairing-free bands in {sup 100}Y and {sup 102}Nb are extended, two rather highly deformed negative-parity bands feeding the 4.3-s {beta}-decaying isomer of {sup 102}Nb are identified, and their possible bandhead configurations are discussed. In the case of {sup 101,103}Nb, we have extended previously reported level schemes by over 20 transitions in each nuclide. For the fission partners {sup 146}La and {sup 149}Pr we have elucidated their previously unreported yrast level schemes. {copyright} {ital 1998} {ital The American Physical Society}