Oracle Systems was another casualty of the failed merger.

Others said they were particularly concerned yesterday about what they called disappointing earnings by Oracle Systems, a high-flying computer company.

The shorts ganged up on Oracle Systems just as it was poised to tumble.

Sybase, which plunged by 6, to 60, and Oracle Systems, down 4 3/8, to 50 3/8, were both lowered to hold from buy.

Oracle Systems, up 2 1/8, to 13 5/8, was the most actively traded over-the-counter issue, with 10.2 million shares changing hands.

And Oracle Systems, plagued by concern over its earnings outlook, declined for the fourth consecutive day by falling 7/8, to 29.

Wall Street hates a surprise, and it is unhappy with Oracle Systems, which said its earnings would be flat.

On the strength of another quarterly profit, Oracle Systems a computer software company, rose 1 3/4, to 17 1/8.

Oracle Systems, a leading developer of software, rose 3 points, to 42 3/8, after reporting better-than-expected second-quarter profits Tuesday.

Oracle Systems' shares rose after the software supplier reported record quarterly revenues and earnings higher than estimated.