code: function _getAttribute(obj, options) {
    if(typeof options === 'string') {
      options = {shortName: options};
    }
  
    var rval = null;
    var attr;
    for(var i = 0; rval === null && i < obj.attributes.length; ++i) {
      attr = obj.attributes[i];
      if(options.type && options.type === attr.type) {
        rval = attr;
      } else if(options.name && options.name === attr.name) {
        rval = attr;
      } else if(options.shortName && options.shortName === attr.shortName) {
        rval = attr;
      }
    }
    return rval;
  }
docs: Gets an issuer or subject attribute from its name, type, or short name.
  
  @param obj the issuer or subject object.
  @param options a short name string or an object with:
  shortName the short name for the attribute.
  name the name for the attribute.
  type the type for the attribute.
  
  @return the attribute.