Superscript symbols-sequence

Hello Julie—

I tried to find an answer in the previous long list of questions but couldn't locate one. When a word is followed unspaced by a series of superscript numbers, each enclosed in brackets, is the superscript indicator repeated for the second number? An example would be something found frequently in Wikipedia, such as California,[5][6] where the [5][6] are in the superscript position. Are both bracketed numbers assumed to be in superscript if the indicator (dots 35) is only placed before the [5]? Or should the indicator be repeated for the [6]? What is the extent of "superscript mode"?

In UEB §11.4.1 Definition of an item, it reads "The scope of a level change indicator, that is, the symbol(s) affected by it, is the next "item". An item is defined as any of the following groupings: ..."

The last two bullets on the list apply to this question:

• Any expression enclosed in matching pairs of round parentheses, square brackets or curly braces.
• Any expression enclosed in the braille grouping indicators.

That definition seems to suggest the scope extends to a single grouped number —just the first number [5] —and doesn't indicate it would apply to the remaining symbols-sequence. Considering the braille reader's perspective, it may be assumed, but not certain the [6] would also be read as a superscript since it's unspaced from [5] and followed by a space in print. But I still have doubt and believe the superscript indicator should be repeated for the [6].

Thank you.