[xsl] Generic Element to Attribute String Conversion

[John <john-xsl-list@xxxxxxxx>]

I imagine this is a common question and I am sure I could solve it; I am 
hoping someone can point me at something tested against similar 
requirements.

If I have a variable containing a string such as:

/a/b/c

What is the most efficient way to create a new variable with with the 
string:

/item[@name='a']/item[@name='b']/item[@name='c']

?  Thanks and regards,

   -John