Poly-Cauchy polynomials (Q2249146)

The poly-Cauchy numbers were firstly defined by \textit{T. Komatsu} [Kyushu J. Math. 67, No. 1, 143--153 (2013; Zbl 1295.11024)]. As the classical Cauchy numbers can be extended to polynomials, it is natural to ask for the polynomial extension of the poly-Cauchy numbers. The paper deals with this problem. The poly-Cauchy numbers \(c_n^{(k)}\) of Komatsu [loc. cit.] are defined by the multiple integral \[ c_n^{(k)}=n!\underbrace{\int_0^1\cdots\int_0^1}_{k}\binom{x_1\cdots x_k}{n}dx_1\cdots dx_k. \] Then the poly-Cauchy polynomials \(c_n^{(k)}(z)\) have the definition \[ c_n^{(k)}(z)=n!\underbrace{\int_0^1\cdots\int_0^1}_{k}\binom{x_1\cdots x_k+z}{n}dx_1\cdots dx_k. \] In terms of generating functions, \[ \sum_{n=0}^\infty c_n^{(k)}(z)\frac{x^n}{n!}=(1+x)^z\mathrm{Lif}_k(\ln(1+x)). \] Here \[ \mathrm{Lif}_k(x)=\sum_{m=0}^\infty\frac{x^m}{m!(m+1)^k} \] is the polylogarithm factorial function. The authors prove many combinatorial, analytical, and number theoretical properties of these polynomials and they also present the double generating function. It turns out that \(c_n^{(k)}(z)\) is strongly connected to the first kind Stirling numbers (as the classical Cauchy numbers do). Poly-Cauchy polynomials of the second kind are also defined and their relation to the first kind numbers is studied. At the end of the paper, the authors define an analogue of the Hurwitz zeta function which at negative integer values takes the poly-Cauchy polynomials as special values.