fix list initialization and redundant parentheses

[PandasPirate]

Description of the change

Please check commit messages for details

Motivation

better readability.

Type of change

Choose one: (Bug fix | Feature request | Documentation | Other) Other

Checklist

• [x] I have performed a self-review of my code.
• [x] I have added detailed comments to my code where applicable.
• [x] I have verified that my change does not break existing code.
• [x] My PR is based on the latest changes of the main branch (if unsure, please run git pull --rebase upstream main).
• [x] I am familiar with the Google Style Guide for the language I have coded in.
• [x] I have read through the Contributing Guide and signed the Contributor License Agreement.