PowerLook 1100, SilverFast (USM off)	PowerLook 1100, SilverFast (USM 100/5x5 on)
Highlight/Shadow Cast Mode yields noticeable better result	USM (unsharp mask) is the last necessary step, it may be adjusted manually using preview in order to get desirable result. Output looks a little bit rough, but please take into account that output shown above is a small enlarged fragment of an image displayed above left, captured on relatively cheap midrange scanner..
Conclusion: These steps (properly selecting scanning frame/resolution; turning on auto-density, color cast removal for negatives and sometimes for slides or descreen for prints; selecting best scanning mode using preview; applying USM) are quite easy even to inexperienced users.