Configuration assignments are derived for the observed energy levels in the odd-odd deformed nucleus¹⁷⁰Lu₉₉ based on the calculations of the two-particle band head energies for a zero range residual interaction, the beta-feeding characteristics, and the observed features for similar bands in the neighbouring nuclei. In particular, specific assignments are given for theJ^π=1⁺ levels at 198.4 keV, 349.0 keV and 785.5 keV. The ambiguities with respect to the assignments for theK^π=3⁻ bands are discussed. A new isomer withJ^π=7⁺ and half-life of several seconds is predicted around (225±25) keV and experiments are suggested to identify it.

A data set of 29 experimentally determined Newby shifts in rare-earth nuclei is examined for the reliability of each values. Using this data set, Newby shifts are obtained which are free from the Coriolis and the particle-particle coupling effects. These new empirical values help resolve the failure of a recently proposed rule for the sign of the Newby shift in the {5/2[413]p − 5/2[642]n} configuration of¹⁶⁰Tb and the {5/2[402]p − 5/2[512]n} configuration of¹⁷⁴Lu. Also the Newby shifts are significantly modified in two other cases namely the {1/2[411]p − 1/2[521]n} configuration in¹⁶⁸Tm and the {1/2[541]p − 1/2[521]n} configuration in¹⁷²Lu. Only marginal changes are seen in the rest of the cases in the rare-earth nuclei.