for long term vs for a long term

Some examples from the web:

• These discussions related to the potential for long term adverse effects mainly of cardiovascular and neurological nature.
• The majority of LVEF decreases (greater than 60%) were observed during the first nine weeks of treatment, however limited data was available for long term exposure.
• We were just... Examining balance sheets for long term versus short term debts.
• The EC believes that food aid in kind is no substitute for long term poverty reduction development programmes aimed at tackling the root causes of food insecurity.
• Space research and development for long term needs including space transportation; research activities to increase the competitiveness and cost-effectiveness of the European space technology sector.
• Other short term efficacy studies with animals may be proposed as appropriate, and these may substitute for long term efficacy studies with animals, provided that this is fully justified.
• For long term studies, an ophthalmologic examination should also be carried out at 13 weeks.
• For long term studies, all animals should be weighed at least once at week for the first 13 weeks and at least once every four weeks thereafter.
• Patients were followed beyond week 24 for long term endpoints, including radiographic assessment at 56 weeks.
• The Commission proposal provides increased protection for long term residents against expulsion.
• Indeed it is an important factor for long term growth.
• Facility for long term storage or disposal
• This has deprived that industry of the necessary predictability in particular for long term decisions.
• Traffic information needed for long term lock planning is:
• As for long term aid, it will also be necessary to make this dependent upon real improvements within the country.
• Respect for subsidiarity can go hand in hand with EU support for long term solutions.
• Due to the nature of this disease process, EVISTA is intended for long term use.
• The submitted documents indicated remedial actions taken or envisaged to be taken after the ramp inspections as well as root cause analysis, providing for long term solutions.
• Payments for long term rental and operational leasing of goods may not be isolated in company accounts.
• The EU strongly supports democracy, rooted in respect for fundamental human rights, as the basis for long term prosperity and stability in Pakistan.

Some examples from the web:

• that appointments to the supervisory board are for a long term and of fixed duration;
• (d) that appointments to the supervisory board are for a long term and of fixed duration;
• Then our conclusions will lead to proposals for a long term programme of action within the framework of an integrated approach to the policy on commerce.
• It covers so many indicators that we can be led to hope for a long term economic recovery.
• I also welcome what Mr Spencer himself has said that there is a need for a long term strategy to tackle global problems including poverty, the environment and ethnic and social conflicts.
• The European Commission announced yesterday, in a letter to EP president Jerzy Buzek, that it is to adopt draft negotiation guidelines for a long term agreement "in the coming weeks".
• This would be an open door for a two-tier system of social security and for a long term swing towards capitalization, a system which is more unjust.
• 'L' for a long term rating, or
• If you want to conserve seed for a long term and you want to make it available to plant breeders and researchers, you dry it and then you freeze it.
• Funds that are committed for a long term are typically remunerated at a higher rate than funds that are committed only for a short period.
• A substantial investment in renewable energy sources is essential for a long term sustainable society.
• Prime Minister Blair recalled that in June, he had called for a budget deal, but also called for a long term reform of the entire EU budget.