The coefficients of certain operators on V x V can be constructed using gen
erating functions. Necessary and sufficient conditions are given for some s
uch operators to satisfy the Yang-Baxter equation. As a corollary we obtain
a simple, direct proof that the Cremmer-Gervais R-matrices satisfy the Yan
g-Baxter equation. This approach also clarifies Cremmer and Gervais's origi
nal proof via the dynamical Yang-Baxter equation. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science
B.V. All rights reserved. MSC: Primary 81R50; secondary 17B37; 20G42; 16W3
5.