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We discuss the minimum value of the zero-bias differential conductance in a normal-metal/unconventional-superconductor junction. A numerical simulation demonstrates that the zero-bias conductance is quantized at $$(4e^2/h) N_\mathrm {ZES}$$ in the limit of strong impurity scatterings in the normal-metal. The integer $$N_\mathrm {ZES}$$ represents the number of perfect transmission channels through the junction. By focusing on the chiral symmetry of Hamiltonian, we prove the existence of $$N_\mathrm {ZES}$$ -fold degenerate resonant states in the dirty normal segment.

A 69-year-old man with relapsed acute lymphoid leukemia was treated with adriamycin, vincristine, and prednisolone. During this chemotherapy, the patient developed sepsis and meningitis. Although many kinds of antimicrobial drugs, including imipenem, meropenem, amphotericin-B, and gamma-globulin were administered, the patient died of respiratory failure. A positive result for Enterococcus faecalis was obtained in both blood and cerebrospinal fluid culture. Autopsy revealed multiple small erosions in the lower esophagus. Histopathological examination showed multiple nuclear inclusion bodies of herpes simplex virus in the squamous epithelial cells at the edge of the erosions. Moreover, proliferation of micrococci was observed at the base of the erosions and in the lumina of the submucosal small vessels. These findings suggested that E faecalis entered the blood circulation from this lesion. In many patients with febrile neutropenia, the pathogenesis of infection remains unclear. Our case seems significant for clarifying the focus and pathogenesis of febrile neutropenia.