The features of the superdeformed band in Gd-144 have been studied. An
i(13/2) proton crossing has been observed in Gd-144 which is absent i
n the isotope Gd-146. This has been explained as a deformation effect.
The absence of this crossing in the superdeformed bands of the neighb
ouring N = 80 isotones of Gd-144 can be understood in terms of a block
ing effect.