I would like a comprehensive white paper on how to calculate the odds
of improving a 7 card stud poker hand to known poker hands (flush,
straight, etc)at any given point during the game?

There is a great book on 7CS entitled "Seven Card Stud" by Konstantin
Othmer.  It breaks down the hand by street (3rd card, 4th card, etc.)
and the odds of making a flush, straight, full house, etc. by the end
of the game.

A great resource to practice poker is to play for free online.  Click
on or go to the following link for great FREE online poker software:

http://www.partypoker.com/index025.htm?wm=2003570

If you ever decide to play for real money online, you can use the
secret code: "FULLHOUSE" and get 20% extra when you make your 1st
deposit.

Hope this helps...and good luck!