This is a good statement. Yes, I do get a sense this wording means the results are probably positive. If the results were negative, I suppose they would say something like: "although our initial results were positive, we could not confirm them."
Why say that now? Because it would get them off the hook with the radio broadcaster. It would end the controversy, and it would put the broadcaster in a bad light. How could she complain about scientists correcting their mistake? How could she say they were hoodwinked in that scenario? Another reason to think the results are positive is that it is taking all this time. The researchers would have cut short the tests long ago and published. I do not think they would hesitate to announce a negative result when it comes time to publish. I doubt they would hesitate to hint at one now, just as they have hinted the results are positive. I do not get the impression these people are close friends of Rossi, or that they would go out on a limb for him. I have had enough contact with them to say that with confidence. To change the subject, I must say, Google does a fabulous job translating from Swedish to English. - Jed
